The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Francophone Program Officer with political and organizational expertise to support NDI’s democratic development programs in Central and West Africa. The Program Officer will work with members of the CEWA team in the implementation and monitoring of democracy support programs with civic organizations, legislatures, and executive agencies. The position will be based in Washington, DC, and requires occasional travel overseas.
In an effort to assist countries in Central and West Africa develop and sustain democratic forms of governance, NDI conducts programs throughout the region to increase citizen involvement in political processes, strengthen community resilience and build legislative and government oversight capacities. The Institute also conducts activities to promote the political participation of women, youth and other marginalized groups of society.
Primary Responsibilities
- In partnership with field staff, plans and oversees the implementation of program activities in assigned countries.
- Drafts, or oversees drafting and submission of quarterly and other reports with minimal substantive guidance. Contributes substantively to proposals, board memos, and public documents; manages proposal processes and timelines for proposal submissions.
- Contributes to program concepts and strategies, including objectives and evaluation frameworks.
- Leads work plan discussions and manages process for work plan drafting and submission.
- Anticipates program needs and ensures that field offices receive administrative or programmatic support from headquarters in Washington, DC.
- Ensures that program progress is appropriately measured and shares results with donors, NDI counterparts and other stakeholders.
- Serves as the primary point of contact on assigned countries and represents NDI at local conferences and meetings with the NGO community, funders and donors and members of the foreign policy community to assist with NDI’s public outreach.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for country directors in assigned countries.
- In cooperation with NDI’s Accounting department and with the guidance of the Program Director, develops program budgets and takes charge of timely and accurate management of program finances.
- Travels to the region to assess new opportunities, participate in and evaluate current projects, and negotiate with key program contacts, political leaders, donors, and others.
- Provides support for local and regional program conferences, workshops and meetings; organizes major cross-functional workshops; organizes delegations abroad.
- Recruits international trainers, volunteers and staff for numerous positions within the assigned regional department; initiates and coordinates cross-team programming activities; directs collaboration within the team and between teams.
- Ensures that donor regulations and NDI policies are followed by program staff in DC and the field.
- Undertakes additional duties as determined by the Program Director, Deputy Regional Director or Regional Director.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, international relations, law, international development or related subject;
- A minimum of four (4) years of relevant work experience in international development, community organizing, political campaigns, organizational development, legislative affairs, or equivalent experience gained at NDI. Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirements.
- Experience writing project proposals, work plans, donor reports.
- Experience developing and managing concurrent budgets; knowledge of basic budget and accounting procedures.
- Experience in results-oriented program design, strategic planning, and program evaluation techniques preferred.
- High proficiency in French required.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and French to effectively present information, respond to questions and prepare written reports in a professional and timely manner.
- Demonstrated competency in one or more areas of NDI’s functional areas.
- Strong program management and political analytical skills.
- Strong managerial and interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, U.S. and foreign government personnel and members of donor organizations.
- High degree of organization, initiative and attention to detail.
- Interest in and knowledge of regional political environment and people.
- Experience living and working outside the U.S. preferred.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows and Google Suite environment, email technology and spreadsheets.
- Ability and willingness to travel to regional locations, which are often remote or lacking modern communications or transportation infrastructure.
Comments:
This is a union position to be represented by the Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 2.
Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the U.S. NDI does not provide sponsorship.
NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department.
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