The Program Officer (PO) will oversee the development and implementation of IRI programs in Kenya, focusing on political development program that seek to deepen issue based political parties, political participation and electoral representation of women, youth, and people with disabilities. The Program Officer will work as part of IRI’s programming team to develop program strategy, draft program proposals and reports, organize and implement program activities, assist program monitoring and evaluation, and oversee program budgets. The Program Officer will report directly to the Resident Program Director (RPD).

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter on or before October 27 th , 2023.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor budgets and expenditures for assigned program areas, and negotiate and prepare contracts, sub-grants, and other financial and project implementation documents;
• Manage the Senior Program Assistant, providing guidance, mentorship, delegation of responsibility, and adequate oversight of performance;
• Design, develop and manage program areas to ensure that reporting requirements are met, projects remain within budget allocations, and program objectives are completed on schedule;
• Identify and cultivate relationships with relevant Government officials, local partners, and members of the diplomatic and donor community, and represent IRI at various public functions;
• Fulfill reporting requirements of assigned program areas, and manage the drafting and editing of team documents and field reports, and provide guidance for written work of subordinates;
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of IRI and partner organization activities, identifying successes and failures and recommending program adjustments accordingly;
• Develop short and long-term plans for specific programmatic objectives, and design, draft and edit project proposals with the Program Manager;
• Monitor regional political developments, and provide political and programmatic analysis and recommendations as needed;
• Travel from time-to-time, independently and/or as part of a team, to various locations throughout Kenya to support IRI’s programmatic objectives; and
• 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.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops strong working relationships with relevant stakeholders in DC and Kenya.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the RPD or his/her immediate supervisor.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field;
• Three to Five years professional experience in international development programming in the areas of democratic governance and politics;
• Experience working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies, and/or marginalized groups;
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of Kenya
• Strong written, oral communication and presentation skills;
• Demonstrated management experience including ability to motivate and manage staff;
• Demonstrated experience working with USG funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes, especially USAID and U.S Department of State;
• Demonstrated experience leading business development and capture efforts, including collecting intelligence from potential donors and partners and demonstrated success in securing funding in challenging/competitive environments;
• Demonstrated financial management experience in developing and administering program budgets.
• Ability to communicate skills and experience to others as a trainer, advisor, or technical consultant; sensitivity to working in advisory role with local organizations;
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other staff to effectively meet program goals.

Qualifications

Education

Required

• Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.

Experience

Required

• 3-5 years: Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field; Three to Five years professional experience in international development programming in the areas of democratic governance and politics; Experience working directly with political parties, civil society organizations/NGOs and/or legislative bodies, and/or marginalized groups; Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of Kenya