Program Officer, Europe

Join Our Team as a Program Officer, Europe at the International Republican Institute (IRI)!

ABOUT IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom. We link people with their governments, support politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivate those citizens to engage in the political process.

At IRI, every employee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission across the globe. We’re looking for passionate individuals who embody our Core Values and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team. Our values include:

• Excellence: We deliver quality results by investing in our people.
• Freedom: We embrace exploration and experimentation to stay agile and responsive.
• Respect: We trust, empathize, and empower each other.
• Teamwork: We value diversity, inclusion, and the power of global collaboration.
• Transparency: We believe in open communication and clear decision-making.
• Accountability: Personal responsibility is the foundation of our success.

The International Republican Institute is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

ABOUT THE TEAM: EUROPE REGIONAL

IRI’s Europe Regional division operates programs in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe that seek to support Euro-Atlantic integration and strengthen Transatlantic ties; counter foreign authoritarian influence; curb corruption; foster reconciliation among ethnic groups and empower young leaders; and improve political party and government responsiveness to citizen concerns. The Europe Regional division currently consists of 11 field offices throughout Europe and around 15 HQ-based team members, who work together collaboratively to successfully implement these programs and represent the Institute in the region.

THE ROLE: PROGRAM OFFICER, EUROPE

The Program Officer (PO) is responsible for designing and implementing a strategy for IRI’s programs in her/his countries of assignment. The PO closely monitors and analyzes political and economic developments in countries of responsibility, develops program ideas, and drafts proposals on a range of democracy and assistance programs. The PO also identifies program partners and develops and maintains close relationships with them and with funders. The PO is also involved in new business development efforts.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in specific countries to provide regional and country analysis and information.
• Anticipates potential problems and trouble shoots project problems and offers solutions and actively takes part to lead resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions.
• Oversees implementation of specific grant(s) and associated grant activities.
• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Understands assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Supports efforts to ensure that grants are in compliance with grant agreements and completed on time.
• Monitors and ensures proper tracking of budget estimates and program expenditures to ensure that IRI projects remain within budget allocations.
• Oversees updates to budget tracker and leads regular team budget analysis discussions.
• Oversees and participates in all monitoring and evaluation efforts for grants assigned.
• Leads efforts to evaluate and uses information related to the approved grant work plan.
• Reviews and edits/adds information to ensure high quality quarterly, semi-annual, final and other relevant reports for funders [Depending on staffing, may be responsible for drafting funder reports].
• Contributes to the substantive design of new programs and contributes to the development of new program ideas.
• Develops and coordinates new program ideas.
• Assists with assessing new funding opportunities and serves as proposal manager (as assigned) for new bid opportunities.
• Anticipates potential problems and trouble shoots project problems and offers solutions and actively takes part to lead resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders in DC and abroad.
• Actively supports IRI’s communication strategy including IRI’s branding and outreach plans, including drafts and updates program summaries and other outreach materials, drafts web stories, tweets, etc.
• Represents IRI at external events.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation; if an immediate need arises deploys on short-to long-term service in a program in the field to maintain continuity of the program.
• Supervises Program Associates and is involved in hiring and evaluation process. Sets specific goals; provides ongoing performance feedback; and prioritizes professional development for supervisees.
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives (optional).
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Note: This post is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required in this role. Further details of the role will be shared during the recruitment process.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We seek a passionate and experienced individual with:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field.
• Three to five years’ professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs or legislative bodies, or equivalent combination.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of the region.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience working with US Government funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Experience with program management, implementation and basic accounting necessary to draft and oversee a budget.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively direct or participate in complex negotiations with bilateral and/or multilateral government agencies, other funders or relevant audiences.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program goals.
• Ability to travel to new and challenging environments.

IRI TOTAL COMPENSATION

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $58,777 to $88,165 USD.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are made based on the aforementioned considerations.

WE OFFER

An empathetic and dedicated work environment with generous benefits that demonstrates IRI’s commitment to all dimensions of employee wellness, including:

• Health and Wellness Support: Significant coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance costs. Meaningful assistance programs through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and access to Headspace, a mental health support app.
• Long-term Financial Health: Retirement plan with generous 10% employer contribution (vested after 6 months)
• Hybrid and Flexible Work: Hybrid and telework options, compressed work schedules, monthly meeting-free Tuesdays, and Flex Fridays observed across the Institute. Workplace flexibility stipend of $200/month for DC area employees through payroll.
• Time Off: Company-paid holidays, parental leave, generous vacation, sick, and personal leave days.
• Family Support: Back-up dependent care through Care.com, Dependent Care FSA
• Learning and Development Opportunities: Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars, including language training, and access to world-class E-Learning via eCornell. Graduate Student Loan Repayment Program available to eligible full-time employees after 1 year of employment.
• Compensation Equity: Regular competitive review of internal and external equity to ensure fairness in pay for employees working in similar jobs requiring comparable knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits, professional development, and flexibility offerings may vary based on employment classification and location. Please visit our website to learn more about our benefits offerings.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – RESUME, COVER LETTER, REFERENCES

In your application, please include a copy of your most up-to-date resume along with a cover letter that outlines your background and explains why you are interested in this opportunity. Additionally, please include the contact details of at least 2-3 professional references. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact your references before the final interview.