Program Manager, Latin America and the Caribbean

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) is responsible for the overall oversight and management of specific grants from start to end and management of the Program team.  The PM leads a team, contributes to the design of new programs and serves as the HQ primary liaison with the donor, partners, and IRI’s Field Office. 

This is a hybrid role based in Washington, DC.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field; graduate degree preferred.
• Professional fluency in Spanish required.
• Five to seven years professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies and officials. Experience working on elections and/or managing elections observation programs.
• Experience working in sensitive environments or closed society programming.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of the region and familiarity with the political context
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, including the ability to analyze political contexts and provide recommendations for program design, implementation, and country strategies.
• 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 work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program goals.
• Possess strong problem-solving skills with ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and working effectively under pressure.
• Willingness to travel to lead program implementation, as needed.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in designated countries.
• Contributes to the substantive design of new programs, in collaboration with the RPD and program staff.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of the regional and assigned country strategy, including engaging and motivating staff members to accomplish goals.
• Oversees and is responsible for complete grant oversight of a program portfolio (which can consist of large/several grants), from fulfillment of substantive programmatic objectives to financial and compliance requirements for the life of the grant(s).
• 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.
• 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.
• Serves as primary interface with Resident Program Director(s) or Manager(s) and local staff to implement projects.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field and DC staff.
• Fosters and manages donor relations in close coordination with the RPD
• Ensures that grants are completed on time, within budget, and in full compliance with Funder and IRI policies and requirements, including approving field expenses.
• Maintains an understanding of Funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Fully understands assigned grant’s substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Leads kick-off and close-out process for assigned projects.
• Ensures compliance with all procurement policies in the implementation of the grant including all contract paperwork.
• Signs off on all approvals requested from Division Leadership, including subaward and contract solicitations, subaward and contract packages, project reports and proposals, and other documents as applicable.
• Monitors program team’s grant budgets, spending (budget trackers), and offers guidance and assistance when needed, with Program Services support.
• Supports IRI’s external relations efforts, in coordination with Division Leadership.
• 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.

IRI Total Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $70,532 to $88,165 USD.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are made based on the aforementioned considerations.

IRI offers a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, sick and personal) medical/dental/vision insurance, 403(b), and other benefits to eligible to US based employees. Please visit our website to learn more about our benefits offerings.

Salary : $70,532 - $88,165