Program Officer

Job Details
Description

The International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide, and has presence in the Pacific Islands, implementing capacity development and civil society strengthening programs. Globally, IRI has performed high-impact work in more than 100 countries since 1983—in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa—and currently has offices in 40 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit.   

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.

IRI is currently recruiting a Program Officer for its office in Suva, Fiji.  

The Program Officer is responsible for implementing elements of IRI’s programs. They monitor program progress and ensure the achievement of key benchmarks, including funder required indicators. They closely monitor and analyze political and economic developments in the Pacific Islands and when requested, develop program ideas and drafts proposals on a range of democracy and assistance programs. They also manage the program implementation progress with partners and consultants and, with oversight from the Resident Program Director (RPD).    

Qualifications and Experience: 

Undergraduate degree and 3-5 years of professional experience in democratic governance and politics or related field; 
Working knowledge of political context within implementation countries including Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu; 
Effective program management and implementation of multiple projects as defined by existing workplans;  
Ability to effectively direct or participate in complex negotiations with bilateral and/or multilateral government agencies, other donors or relevant audiences;  
Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills in English, including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint competency;  
Liaise with staff and partners to monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, identify and track outcomes and produce written reports for donors and Washington, DC-based staff; 
Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program objectives;  
Experience identifying and analyzing complex problems and innovating solutions; 
Proficient understanding of and ability to abide by financial policies and procedures as well as maintain detailed field expense records; 
Willingness to participate in internal procurement, MEL or other training deemed essential by the RPD; 
Organizational and communications skills; 
Ability to handle competing priorities and meeting deadlines; and 
Ability to travel to new and challenging environments. 

Preferred qualifications: 

Strong experience using social media to both increase program effectiveness and promote IRI programs within Fiji, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, regionally and globally;  
Experience working on USG grants and understand USG rules and regulations; and 
Fluency in language(s) spoken in Fiji, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. 

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

Program Management 

Organize and convene program activities with detailed work plans to meet program objectives, including but not limited to meetings, workshops, public events and seminars; 
Liaise with local subawardees and/or consultants to monitor the progress of the agreed upon scope of work and conduct a programmatic review on the deliverables;  
Coordinate and oversee the coordination of domestic and international travel for self, IRI staff and trainers/consultants;   
When requested, travel to IRI activities within Fiji and the Oceania region;   
Closely monitor political and economic developments in the Pacific Islands and proactively report on current events to the RPD; and 
Contribute to the weekly report and newsletter with activity and political updates. 

Monitoring and Evaluation  

Maintain records of program results as per relevant monitoring and evaluation guidance, including but not limited to stakeholder contact information, key issues discussed and decisions made; and
Implement program monitoring and evaluation plans with direction from RPD, DC-based program team and the ELP division.   

Relationship Management and Outreach 

Maintain and cultivate relationships with key IRI program stakeholders and political influencers; and 
Seek new opportunities for IRI’s programs and expand IRI’s network of stakeholders and supporters.

Financial Management 

Monitor programmatic spending in the field and inform IRI-DC program staff of deviations greater than 10% of the approved budget prior to incurring those expenses; 
Assist in submitting programmatic, event and travel projections on a monthly basis;  
Reconcile program and travel expenses per IRI’s internal policies, keeping detailed records of expenditures and submitting the required documentation in a timely manner; and 
Submit accurate timesheets by each pay period’s due date as defined by the Finance division.  

Administration

Solicit, negotiate and manage vendor relations necessary for IRI’s program implementation;   
Arranges travel and meetings by collaborating with program divisions to develop itineraries and agendas; schedule travel and reconciliations through IRI’s travel system and other necessary arrangements as needed; 
Liaise with IRI-DC program and support staff and is available for recurring check-in meetings; 
Assist with written or oral translation when necessary; oversee written or oral translation conducted by other IRI staff or contractors; and 
Any other duties assigned by the RPD in support of IRI’s work in the Pacific Islands. 

Qualifications
Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.
Experience

Required

3-5 years: Undergraduate degree and 3-5 years of professional experience in democratic governance and politics or related field