DescriptionAbout the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone. As the global leader in the promotion and protection of democracy, our technical assistance and applied research develops trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration. This position will be assisting the MENA Region.PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: The Program Officer is an intermediate professional position at IFES. Under the supervision of the Senior Program Manager, the Program Officer's duties will include technical, administrative, development, and financial management support and oversight for current and developing programs within the Africa regional division. The PO must exercise sound judgment to resolve problems and move programs forward, fiscal responsibility to ensure full compliance with award terms and IFES policies, and a superior ability to anticipate and respond to field office needs. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Serve as primary interface with Country Directors and local staff to implement projects.
- Achieve project requirements within budget, established time frame, standards of quality, and funder satisfaction.
- Assist with preparing budgets, review and approve field expense reports, wire requests, vendor and consultant payments etc.
- Responsible for critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance team. Track project activities in line with budget, forecasting and evaluation of burn rate.
- Establish, maintain, and develop productive working relationship with field staff, subordinates, consultants at large, and other departments within IFES HQ.
- Assist with program design, knowledge of IFES systems, tools for project implementation and monitoring.
- Work with Monitoring and Evaluation team to design/determine program indicators, assist with monitoring to ensure activities are meeting indicators.
- Contribute to knowledge management and thought leadership.
- Troubleshoot project problems, identify and implement creative solutions.
- Monitor pending IFES grant/contract actions and coordinate timely action and response.
- Travel to field office to assist with project activities as needed.
- Participate in proposal development/new initiative process.
- Work with HR to source and recruit critical talent.
- Support the process of designing and implementing subawards and monitor progress including reviewing deliverables. Work with Contracts and Grants to ensure timely acquisition and delivery of commodities.
- Contribute, coordinate and ensure the quality of monthly/quarterly reports.
- Provide input into annual workplans, PMPs, and other programmatic reports.
- Work with Contracts and Grants to ensure timely acquisition and delivery of services.
- Other duties as assigned.
POSITION SCOPE: Provide varied support functions and perform moderately complex job duties requiring knowledge of proposal development, program management, donor interface, and research and development initiatives. Contribute to program planning, development and management. Familiarity with IFES tools, methodology and best practices. Manage work activities with internal and external partners to assure achievement of assigned objectives. Performance and outcomes are subject to management oversight. DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Multi-factor decision-making requiring research and analysis, subject to supervisory guidance. Verify and analyze facts, consult with other departments as needed, then implement solutions based on knowledge of procedures, logic, and sound judgement. Initiate contact with staff in other departments to exchange detailed, substantive information and coordinate activities necessary to achieve work goals. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Participate in project budget planning and perform processing, recording and reporting of financial transactions, including field expenses etc., in compliance with IFES policies and procedures. Critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance. RELATIONSHIPS: Develop and maintain collaborative relationships, which require highly developed interpersonal skills, involving active listening, creativity and problem solving, to assure desired outcomes.Develop opportunities to improve working relationships and work outcomes with internal and external partners. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Participate in planning and implementing work activities with internal and external partners. POSITION REQUIREMENTS:Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in international relations, political science, international development or similar field preferred. ? Experience: Minimum of 4 years of overall work experience in the international development sector with NGO experience a plus. Experience with budget management and oversight of a large single project or multiple small projects. ? Related Skills or Knowledge: ??Experience with program design and project management. Knowledgeable on USAID and non-US based grant and contract proposals, regulations, and procedures. Familiarity with USAID and non-US structure and personnel as well as other international donors. Able (through studies and work experience) to demonstrate passion for IFES mission. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel required. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Collaborative, team oriented individual. Self-starter with high attention to detail and ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. ?LANGUAGE SKILLS: English required. Arabic language skills a plus. ? TRAVEL: Travel may be required, up to 10% of time. ? PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office work environment, with occasional field travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.