Program Director: Middle East and North Africa
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks two Program Directors to contribute to the strategic vision, management and direction of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) team. The positions would provide senior-level insight and analysis on regional developments, contribute to outreach and fundraising efforts and be responsible for oversight of the headquarters management and some program implementation of specific country and program portfolios. The Program Director position is based in Washington, DC, with some travel to the region and other locations.
Responsibilities
- Provide overall leadership and oversight on assigned portfolios, including managing workflows to support field offices, leading fundraising for programs, and providing technical and political insight to program staff on relevant programming.
- Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with US and regional policymakers, as well as government, academic, political party, civil society, diplomatic and legislative contacts.
- Lead regional staff in the development and execution of outreach and communication strategies with donors, government agencies, legislatures and other stakeholders.
- Undertake fundraising efforts to secure private and governmental funding for programs, including developing and nurturing donor contacts and relations, identifying sources of funding, leading and finalizing proposal processes and negotiating grants and contributions.
- Provide strategic direction and senior-management monitoring of budgets, grants, and expenditures for assigned portfolios.
- Leverage regional knowledge, relationships, and political insights to provide strategic advice and counsel to program staff across portfolios, and identify areas of programmatic growth and expansion, as appropriate.
- Advise country representatives, field teams, lower-level staff, and other team colleagues on NDI and donor policies.
- Leads recruiting processes and onboarding and training as required for lower-level portfolio staff, and actively nurtures and mentors staff in professional development.
- Represent the Institute at international and national venues to contribute substantively to policy discussions on foreign assistance and political developments in the MENA region.
- Undertake special projects as assigned by the Regional Director and/or Deputy Regional Director.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, international relations or a related field
- At least 14 years of substantive political experience, including direct work for political parties, elected officials and/or legislatures
- Experience working in a multi-cultural work environment and promoting staff development
- Knowledge of the MENA region, underlying political contexts and dynamics, policy frameworks and active political players
- Demonstrated experience in successful fundraising from government, foundation and private donors
- Knowledge of and ability to provide oversight and strategic direction for fulfilling donor requirements and regulations in financial management, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting
- Experience in managing complex programs in fluid political environments
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and apply sophisticated political analysis to programmatic activities
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, as well as the ability to develop and maintain professional political relationships
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior political and civic leaders as well as members of the donor and diplomatic community
- Experience in developing and implementing effective communication and outreach strategies for a variety of audiences
- Strong oral and written communication skills; fluency in English required; French and/or Arabic fluency highly desired
- Seasoned project financial management skills
- Working knowledge of Google Apps suite, PC-based word processing, database and spreadsheet applications
ADA Notation
The physical demands and work environment that have been described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Comments
Candidates must be legally eligible and authorized to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.
As a result of COVID19, this position will start in a remote capacity. However, when the office re-opens, this position will be based in our Washington, DC office. NDI does not cover relocation costs for this position.
NDI welcomes and supports a diverse, inclusive work environment. As such, our commitment is to promote equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and NDI employees. NDI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at NDI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities and qualified individuals who have limitations due to pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or medical related condition.
To apply for this position, please visit the NDI website at: www.ndi.org/careers.
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