Program Manager, Political Development

[Baghdad,Iraq ]

The Program Manager (PM) is responsible for implementing one or more of IRI’s grant funded political development programs. S/he builds and maintains connections with a wide range of political stakeholders and program beneficiaries. S/he closely monitors and analyzes political and economic developments in Iraq, and when requested, develops program ideas and contributes to proposals. S/he develops relevant knowledge management content, serves as a subject-matter trainer and oversees other IRI staff or contractors delivering workshop content. S/he monitors program progress and ensures the achievement of key benchmarks, including funder required indicators.

Program Management

• Develop detailed work plans to meet program objectives, with oversight and direction from the RPD.
• Supervise the implementation of program activities, including but not limited to meetings, workshops, public events and seminars. Serve as a workshop trainer and/or facilitator.
• Make recommendations to the management team on program implementation, including activities and procurement, keeping the management team abreast of program progress, successes, challenges and failures.
• Oversee the coordination of domestic and international travel for IRI staff and trainers/consultants.

Relationship Management and Outreach

• Maintain and cultivate relationships with key IRI program stakeholders and political influencers.
• Seek new opportunities for IRI’s programs and expand IRI’s network of stakeholders and supporters.
• Lead the writing of weekly news and political updates relevant to IRI’s program; stay abreast of political developments within Iraq.
• Submit regular communications content, inclusive of program reporting, analytical writing and social media content.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Ensure proper records of program results are maintained as per relevant monitoring and evaluation guidance.
• Participate and lead regular sessions with program teams on collaborative learning and adaptive management.

 Administration and Management

• Oversee the schedule of assigned staff, provide development opportunities where possible. Contribute to the annual review process.
• At least weekly, provide the management team with a program status update, highlighting issues that need attention. When needed, advise the management team about personnel challenges.
• Forecast monthly spending based on program work plans and accurately budget planned activities in a cost-effective method.
• Propose team travel schedule to meet program needs, and when needed, travel to IRI activities throughout Iraq.
• Contribute to program-related scopes of work and oversee resulting contracts and sub-awards.
• Liaise with IRI-DC program staff and IRI-DC support teams.
• Oversee written or oral translation conducted by other IRI staff or contractors.
• Reconcile all program and travel expenses on time, keep detailed records of IRI expenditures based on IRI regulations and guidance from the operations team.
• Submit accurate timesheets on time.
• Other duties as assigned.

The PM reports to the Resident Program Director and supervises program staff and consultants, serving as a mentor to direct reports. Program teams engage regularly with the M&E team and are responsible to coordinate all accounting, procurement and logistics with the operations team.

Domestic travel, occasionally overnight, outside of Baghdad is expected of the Employee. The Employee confirms that they are amenable to such travel, the specifics of which will be determined by IRI and with the Employee’s consent.

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field required; Graduate degree preferred.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible professional experience in democratic governance and politics, preferably working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs or legislative bodies, or equivalent combination is required. Incumbents of positions at this level are expected to perform complex duties with a minimum of supervision.
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff.
• Knowledge of Iraqi political history and structure required. Existing network of relationships within politics required.
• Demonstrated experience working with US Government funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Experience with program management, implementation and basic accounting required.
• Professional fluency in English and Arabic required; Kurdish proficiency preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically as needed.
• Commitment to non-partisanship and non-sectarianism required.

To be considered, please email the following documents to [email protected] with the job title in the subject line:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Cover letter
• Names and contact information for 2-3 professional references

Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Only finalists will be contacted. Positions are open for Iraqi nationals only.

Established in April 1983, IRI is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to advancing freedom and democracy worldwide by helping political parties to become more issue-based and responsive, assisting citizens to participate in government planning, and working to increase the role of marginalized groups in the political process – including women and youth. We are headquartered in Washington D.C. with 32 field offices and over 385 staff worldwide and have been working in Iraq since 2003.

IRI is a 501(c)(3) and receives funding through grants from the U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Endowment for Democracy, a number of European foundations and aid agencies and other Western countries, and the United Nations. We do not receive any money from the Republican Party or any other U.S. partisan entity.  Read more at www.iri.org.