Position Summary
The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) is seeking a Program Officer to support NDI’s democratic governance programs. The Governance Team’s primary mission is to support the regional teams in the design, implementation and evaluation of democratic governance programs, including legislative strengthening, open government, executive branch transitions, local government, anti-corruption, and engagement with civic tech organizations. The position will be based in Washington, DC and may require occasional travel overseas.
The position contributes to the planning, design and implementation of programs related to open government, countering authoritarian influence operations, political trust, and legislative strengthening.
Essential Accountabilities
- Drafts memos, reports and other materials with some editing, direction and substance guidance; drafts entire or significant portions of quarterly reports, sections of work plans and larger proposals; edits work of Project Assistants
- Develops program concepts for proposals that reflect broader institutional strategies and approaches in tandem with cluster lead or Director
- With respect to assigned programs, works with staff to provide, and ensure quality control over administrative support (e.g., travel arrangements, vendor contracting, event support, meeting preparation, printing, managing tablets for briefing books, etc.)
- Contributes to reporting, and process for proposal drafting and submission
- Supports vision and aspects of transparency, trust, and influence operations programming; anticipates programmatic administrative needs and with some guidance, takes appropriate actions; maintains interaction with field offices, when relevant (or for the purpose of organizing programming) and monitors and measures program performance, timing and results; prepares for assessments
- Serves as POC for regional and field contacts with respect to assigned global programs; meets with funding agency representatives and program partners to describe program progress and to articulate new funding proposals and concepts; maintains frequent contact with NDI partners prepares and assembles briefing materials as needed for relating to assigned programs
- Manage subgrant and contract process, working closely with NDI’s administrative teams and with external partners, consultants, and vendors
- Acts as liaison with members of NGO, funding and Washington policymaking communities on areas of expertise; formulates funding ideas and pursues funding sources
- Monitors budgets, grants and expenditures for larger or complex programs; creates proposal budgets with supporting notes for large programs; applies allowable costs according to restrictions, structures and mechanisms; ensures that they stay within budget limits; anticipates and successfully addresses costs and overages, and implements solutions to budget variances; implements and manages all aspects of subgrants
- Travels to regions to organize and conduct political assessments, or to assess new opportunities, conduct parliamentary strengthening programs, and implement training activities
- Provides support for global and regional program conferences, workshops and meetings; organizes major cross-functional workshops; organizes delegations abroad
- Shortlists international trainers, volunteers and field representatives; develops a network and suggests utilization
Peripheral Accountabilities/Responsibilities (Non-essential)
- Support onboarding and training for Project Assistants and Program Associates as required. Participate in interview processes, as needed.
- Act as a back-up to other team members as needed.
- Participate on cross-functional teams and initiatives as needed.
- Actively seek and engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge in project/program management, and maintain a general working knowledge of relevant program trends and issues occurring external to NDI.
- Perform other duties as required.
Parameters
- Incumbent operates under general direction, works in accordance with established procedures and objectives.
- Incumbent regularly interacts with staff at all levels within NDI.
- Incumbent regularly interacts with NDI partners, funders, and other stakeholders, including international development organizations, civic organizations, NDI’s network of volunteers, trainers, and experts, political leaders, and other key program contacts.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree, preferably in International Relations or a related subject; Additional years of relevant experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a one-for-one basis
Language- Reading, Written, and Oral/Spoken
- Foreign language competency will be evaluated as an asset.
KSAs
- A minimum of three (3) years relevant work experience in international development, community organizing, political campaigns, organizational development or legislative affairs
- Demonstrated knowledge and/or competency in one or more areas of NDI’s functional programs
- High level of interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, U.S. and foreign government personnel, members of donor organizations, funders and policy makers
- Excellent oral communication skills to effectively present information, respond to questions
- Exceptional writing skills to effectively create clear and concise proposals and reports
- Foreign language ability preferred
- Good negotiating skills; able to introduce new concepts
- Capacity to work both independently and as a member of a team
- Ability to analyze political work, define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions, and the ability to think innovatively
- Experience with high-level exchange programs, and/or general event planning
- Familiarity with the open government community
- Familiarity with topics related to authoritarian influence operations
- Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications
- Experience with Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive, G+, etc.) strongly desired
- Working knowledge of budget and accounting procedures
Certifications/Licenses (desired)
- none
Work Environment
This position generally is performed in an office environment and may be suitable for partial telework.
Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, as well as attendance at external events.
Some international travel is required in this role, approximately 20% to NDI field locations. These locations often are in remote locations and may require significant time and varying modes of travel. Designated locations also may at times be considered less secure and with greater risk to NDI employees.
Physical Requirements
- Sitting/mobility—to work at a desk and move around work areas.
- Speaking/hearing—to engage orally in conversation with others and conduct presentations.
- Seeing—to effectively use a computer screen and for reading and interpreting printed materials, memos and other paperwork.
- Reaching/handling—to input information into computer systems and retrieve and work with appropriate paperwork, equipment and supplies.
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. NDI encourages applicants with disabilities to apply.
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.
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 and the expectation is that you would be based locally by September 2021 to fulfill this obligation. 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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