Program Manager: Apricot Project

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Program Manager will oversee logistical support and implementation of project activities in two countries, and will manage the overall communication on the project in the country where they are located. The Program Manager will be responsible for ensuring the project meets its objectives in their country outlined in the project design, as well as for collaboration between the project team and partner organizations and beneficiaries in their country.

LOGISTICS

Internews has  field offices in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Ultimately, this role will be based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan or Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

Wherever possible, we work to try to find solutions for international hiring that work for both the company and the candidate. This means that some of the particulars around the offer for a role will be dependent on several factors, and that the benefits and salary structure that apply to a position will ultimately be based upon the candidate’s location and where the role is hired

Note: Hiring is contingent upon receipt of funding. 

This is a limited term position with an anticipated end date in March 2024. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates should apply soon.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

DAY-TO-DAY TASKS will include:

• Provide programmatic, administrative, and logistical management for all project-supported activities that take place in country, as well as oversight of project coordination in the other target country. Potential duties may include identifying and maintaining contact with local media outlets, editors, journalists, bloggers, active citizens, and other relevant stakeholders potentially including relevant government agencies; liaising with beneficiaries, event speakers, trainers, and participants; collaborating with project staff in other countries on joint events or content production/promotion, including review and finalization of any research produced under the project; and other responsibilities.
• Manage project communication and coordination between the Tajikistan country team and the Kyrgyzstan team.
• Coordinate hiring and travel logistics for trainers, consultants, and event participants in conjunction with the Project Coordinator. Duties may include assisting with travel and accommodations arrangements, collecting and drafting hiring materials, etc.
• Work creatively with the project team and participants/beneficiaries to develop content ideas and ensure participants remain active and engaged in the project.
• Develop and maintain relationships with civil society, the IT sector, and the internet freedom community in country to ensure their understanding of, input into, and participation in the project.
• Provide internal monthly project progress reports on all project activities conducted in country and review internal reports on activities conducted in the other target country.
• Draft quarterly program reports with inputs from the team; review and edit all program reports for the project, working with team members and partners based both in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to include the most relevant impact data and illustrative examples; solicit, draft, and edit success stories for publication on Internews and partners’ websites.
• Lead communication with Internews’ Headquarters offices and the Donor.
• Lead on all visibility actions of the project activities in country.
• Lead weekly project coordination calls and ad-hoc calls as needed with the Country Directors on progress of project implementation.
• Lead monitoring of project activities and results in country, including collaborating with grant recipients, with support from the Regional M&E Specialist and HQ.
• Support the Country Director in relationship management with donors as required through reporting, liaison and communications and maintain an accurate record of donor correspondence.
• Contribute as necessary to strengthening the skills of Internews staff, media partners and journalist trainees through mentoring activities.
• Organize and attend stakeholder meetings when required to represent the project, preparing necessary presentation materials.    
• Document and follow up on important actions and decisions from meetings with project managers and stakeholders.
• Ensure that all documentation is maintained appropriately for each coordinated project activity.
• Keep abreast of the media situation, conflicts, and disinformation/hate speech issues in the country (and region). 
• Determine and report on any changes or challenges related to scheduled project activities.
• Assess project risks and issues and provide solutions where applicable.
• Act in accordance with Internews policies adhering to Internews mission and core values.
• Assist in other responsibilities/activities to facilitate the smooth operation of Internews in country and implementation of the “Accountable Practices for Reporting Information on Conflicts to Offset Tensions” (APRICOT) project.
• In all duties, an understanding of and demonstrated commitment to upholding Internews' Core Values.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• 3+ years of progressively senior experience working with media or development projects, preferably in the media field
• Relevant university degree
• Deep understanding of media concerns and issues in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, including conflict-sensitive journalism, and the disinformation and hate speech environment
• Superior analytical and writing ability
• Superior communication and presentation skills
• Experience preparing expense reports and budgets
• Willingness to learn and adopt secure communication tools
• Proven organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail
• Professional-level fluency in Russian, English, and Kyrgyz or Tajik
• Experience and familiarity with USG rules and regulations preferred.