About Us

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness, and accountability in government. Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team!

About the Role

The Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the Central and West Africa (CEWA) teams are looking for a Program Associate to assist in the Institute’s work in North Macedonia and in Cote d’Ivoire and regional programming on preventing information manipulation, with other assignments possible in both regions. The Program Associate will work closely with staff in-country and colleagues in our D.C. office to ensure timely reporting, accurate financial recording, administrative support and other tasks to support the Institute’s programming.

Your Purpose and Impact: 

• Coordinate and/or participate in internal meetings to develop and maintain a knowledge of team and program objectives and work progress and demonstrate this understanding in the execution and completion of assigned work. 
• Assist with the execution of program, and/or team plans by performing administrative (e.g. invoice processing, data entry, travel and meeting coordination, etc.) and programmatic assignments in accordance with established expectations and timelines.
• Support the evaluation of programmatic outcomes based upon specific measures/metrics defined in the established plan through the provision of data and other relevant information.
• Complete basic research and analysis assignments and provide summarized findings in a clear, concise and understandable manner, with objectives, relevant facts, data, and conclusions presented as required.
• Prepare and/or support the preparation of selected materials (proposals, work plans, presentations, etc.) and communications. Complete initial drafts of assigned reports and updates for dissemination to internal and external audiences, including donors and other key program partners, ensuring proper and accurate formatting, spelling, and grammar usage as well as inclusion of required content.
• Participate in strategy and work plan formulation discussions and create initial budget and plan-related document drafts for review/approval.
• Develop and/or implement processes and/or methodologies to assist in the tracking and monitoring of program and/or team work progress, data, and other relevant information (e.g. budget, travel), ensuring specific information required is captured and maintained to meet established record-keeping and documentation requirements. 
• Serve as the point of contact for general requests for information or questions concerning team and/or programmatic activities/work and provide responses, directing those which are more complex or require more specific detailed responses to appropriate higher-level team members.
• Support the planning and execution of team events with external parties, attending as required to provide onsite support or as a development opportunity.
• Adhere to NDI’s organizational values, standards of conduct, policies and processes, and any other established expectations for NDI employees, including those related to performance, i.e. goals and position description accountabilities/responsibilities such as those presented herein.
• Participate in cross-functional 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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in International Relations, Political Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• This is an entry level program position requiring no previous work experience. Previous internships in international development, political campaigning, legislative affairs or a related subject are desired.
• Prior relevant international field work experience in-country and/or completion of one or more semesters of education abroad is highly desired.
• Strong interest in one or more of NDI’s international development disciplines, e.g. political campaigns, elections, community organizing, technology/innovation, etc.
• Math skills and the ability to perform accurate calculations and understand quantitative information.
• Basic research and analysis skills to allow for gathering, summarizing and presenting findings.
• Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively and diplomatically with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as externally both domestically and internationally with NDI partners, funders, and other stakeholders. 
• Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and through various communication media.
• An attention-to-detail, with a propensity to complete work accurately and with a focus on quality.
• Initiative and a basic level of proficiency in the ability to multitask and prioritize; manage time, perform project management, problem-solving, and organizational skills; and flexibility to adapt and respond to shifting priorities.
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
• Ability to apply discretion and maintain confidential information.
• Ability to travel internationally, as needed.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office to include Word, Excel and PowerPoint; knowledge of Google Suite tools preferred. Basic database skills are desired.
• Fluency in French is required.

What We Offer:

We offer an environment committed to promoting diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging as a core part of our culture. We strive to foster empowerment and belonging as these values are central to our mission and to our impact. We believe that diversity in thought helps us solve the complex problems we face around the globe. 

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, a generous PTO policy, flexible schedules, and a 10% employer contribution to the retirement pension.

This position offers an anticipated hourly range of approximately $25.39 – $30.49. 

Additional Information: 

While there may be flexibility for remote/hybrid work environment and to comply with tax and legal obligations, successful candidates must be residents of MD, DC, or VA, or relocate prior to the start of employment at NDI. 

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 (EEO). 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. As an equal opportunity employer, NDI encourages individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans or veterans with service-connected disabilities, to apply. 

If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department at Human_Resources_team@ndi.org. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.