Program Officer – El Salvador

Job Details

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IR 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 I 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 Officer (PO) is responsible for implementing IRI’s program strategy in the Northern Triangle—particularly in El Salvador. S/he closely monitors and analyzes political and economic developments in countries of responsibility, develops program ideas, and contributes to proposals designing on a range of democracy and assistance programs. S/he also identifies program partners and develops and maintains close relationships with them and with funders.

Position Requirements:

· Based in El Salvador.

· Undergraduate degree or higher 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 in both English and Spanish.

· 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 work under pressure and/or remotely with effective time management.

· Ability to travel to new and challenging environments.

· Spanish fluency required.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

· Supports the Resident Country Director as well as the Program Manager and Officer based in DC to implement democracy projects.

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in El Salvador 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.

· Supports MEL Specialist in carrying out effective monitoring and evaluation analysis of ongoing programming.

· Supports DC staff with report drafting by providing information on program activities and program progress.

• Contributes to the development of new program ideas and design of new programs.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders in El Salvador, including CEPPS partners, social and political actors, technical teams from El Salvador Legislative branch and cooperation missions.
• 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 inside and outside El Salvador for program oversight and implementation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.