Senior Program Manager, Africa

International Republican Institute • Washington, DC

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Program Manager (SPM) for the assigned region is responsible for overall oversight and management of grants managed by the regional team. The role involves proactive engagement with Project Specialists supporting implementation and with field-based implementers delivering programming. The SPM also supports regional leadership in business development, external engagement, and management and support of field-based implementers.

The SPM plays a key role in proposal development, ensuring proposals align with Institute and regional strategies, advance goals relevant to the context, and reflect IRI’s comparative and competitive advantages. The position is based in Washington, DC, and is expected to work in the office at least three days per week. Travel within the region is required as needed for program oversight and implementation.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, or a related field.
• At least six years of professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations or INGOs, and/or legislative bodies and officials.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history, and culture of the assigned region, and familiarity with its political context.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated management experience, including the ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Extensive experience with U.S. government-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Demonstrated financial management experience developing and administering multiple simultaneous program budgets.
• Ability to prepare, present, and negotiate complex and sensitive agreements and/or project proposals with bilateral and multilateral agencies and other funders.
• Ability to communicate skills and experience as a trainer, advisor, or technical consultant, with sensitivity to advising local organizations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to coordinate and lead other professionals in meeting program goals.
• Willingness to travel within the region.

Nice To Haves

• Graduate degree.
• Experience with economic governance, political economy, trade and investment, or private-sector development programs, with exposure to areas such as regional trade corridors, critical minerals, or extractive-sector governance.
• French language skills.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, analyze, and report on political and related developments in the assigned region.
• Lead and contribute to the substantive design of new programs.
• Contribute to the development of comprehensive country strategies and program objectives.
• Oversee the complete grant management of a program portfolio, including substantive objectives, financial requirements, and compliance throughout the life of the grants.
• Anticipate and troubleshoot programmatic and financial project problems, offer solutions, and help lead their resolution.
• Establish, maintain, and develop productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field staff, and headquarters staff.
• Ensure grants are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with funder and IRI policies and requirements, including approving field expenses.
• Maintain an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures concerning grant compliance, procurement, and oversight, and advise field and DC staff to support compliance.
• Understand assigned grants’ substantive, financial, and compliance requirements.
• Monitor project kick-off and close-out processes to ensure regional priorities and planning are considered.
• Monitor program team grant budgets and spending, including budget trackers, and provide guidance and assistance with Program Services support.
• Support IRI’s external relations efforts in coordination with Division Leadership.
• Travel as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Significant coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance costs.
• Employee Assistance Plan and access to mental health experts through Rula.
• Retirement plan with a generous employer contribution, vested after 12 months.
• Hybrid work, typically three days in-office and two days teleworking per week.
• Company-paid holidays, parental leave, and generous vacation, sick, and personal leave days.
• Dependent Care FSA.
• Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars, plus access to eCornell e-learning.
• Regular review of internal and external compensation equity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior