Program Manager, MENA Regional Capacity Building (Civil Society, Journalism)

Job Summary:

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day-to-day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The Program Manager (PM) for the MENA Regional Projects is responsible for the overall oversight and management of regional programs focused on CSO and media capacity building. The PM leads and manages a team, contributes to the design of new programs and oversees implementation in this regard.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, Middle East politics, or related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• Five to seven years of professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies and officials.
• Knowledge of the politics, culture and economy of the MENA region, especially the “Open Government” and transparency outlook; familiarity working with and knowledge of the media/social media landscape in the region.

• Capacity building and training experience, particularly targeting civil society activists and media professionals in the MENA region.

• Experience designing and managing projects, including budgeting and financial management.

• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, Arabic language skills a plus.

• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.

• Extensive experience working with USG funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.

• Demonstrated financial management experience in developing and administering program budgets.

• Ability to prepare, present and negotiate complex and sensitive agreements and/or project proposals with bilateral/multi-lateral agencies and other funder communities.

• Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor, mentor or technical consultant.

• 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.

• Willingness to travel within the countries of assignment a significant amount throughout the year.

• Ability to analyze and report on quantitative and qualitative public opinion research

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in the region, as well as media and social media narratives in the MENA region, particularly related to transparency/corruption and freedom of expression/press.
• Contributes to the design of new programs as needed or in response to funder notifications.
• Oversees all grants that are part of the program portfolio from fulfillment of substantive programmatic objectives to financial and compliance requirements for the life of the grant(s): this will also involve strategic engagement with (including identification and networking) plus designing and delivering capacity building programs, plus direct training and mentoring of project partners, as well as close communication and follow-up as related to program implementation.
• Leads the writing and editing of internal and external reporting.
• Anticipates and trouble shoots project problems and offers solutions and actively takes part to lead their resolution.
• Supervises staff assigned to the portfolio, including participating in the hiring, professional development and evaluation process for these staff. Sets specific goals and provides ongoing performance feedback.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationship with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field, and DC staff, especially IRI’s Senior Governance Adviser and Senior Media Manager.
• Maintains an understanding of Funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight; ensures that grant is completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Funder and IRI policies and requirements, including approving field expenses.
• Monitors program team’s grant budgets, spending (budget trackers), and offers guidance and assistance when needed, with Program Services support.
• Participates in business development; leads kick-off and close-out processes.
• Supports IRI’s external relations efforts.
• 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.
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives (optional).
• Performs other duties as assigned.