Senior Program Officer
Location: United States
Division: Program Management
Status: VA-Based Full Time
Position Number: 15:236
Project Description:
The SPO position is to support the programs and initiatives in the Africa Department.
Job Responsibilities:
The Senior Program Officer is an advanced professional position at IFES providing support to the program division. Specific duties will include development, technical, administrative and financial management support.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Serves as primary interface with Country Director(s) and local staff to implement projects.Achieves project requirements within budget, established time frame, standards of quality, and funder satisfaction
· Prepares budgets and approves field expense reports.Responsible for financial oversight of projects in partnership with Finance team
· Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationship with field staff, subordinates, and consultants at large
· Represents Program management at offsite venues for the purpose of business development and information dissemination
· Employs resourcefulness in project design, implementation and monitoring
· Trouble shoots project problems.Identifies and implements creative solutions
· Monitors pending grant/contract actions and coordinates timely action and response
· Travels to field office on a regular basis to oversee and monitor project activities
· Participates in proposal development/new initiative process
· Provides professional developmental opportunities for junior Program staff.Offers input into performance of Country Directors
· Works with HR to source and recruit critical talent
· Works with Procurement to ensure timely acquisition and delivery of commodities
· Coordinates assembly of monthly/quarterly reports
· Other duties as assigned
POSITION SCOPE: Manages work activities with internal and external partners to assure achievement of assigned objectives. Performance and outcomes are subject to management oversight
DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Multi-factor decision-making requiring research and analysis, subject to supervisory guidance
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Participates in project budget planning, critical review of project financials and preparation and interpretation of reports. Authority to investigate, review and recommend purchase of materials, equipment and logistical arrangements
RELATIONSHIPS: Collaborative relationships require highly-developed interpersonal skills, involving active listening, creativity and problem solving, to assure desired outcomes
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May supervise entry level or professional positions
Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s Degree in international relations, political science, international development preferred
Experience: Minimum of 6 years of overall work experience in the international development sector with an NGO. Experience with budget management and oversight of large single project or multiple small projects
Related Skills or Knowledge: Experience with program management design and project management. Knowledgeable and experienced with USAID grant and contract proposals, regulations, and procedures. Familiarity with USAID structure and personnel. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel required. Good written and verbal communication skills are required
LANGUAGE SKILLS: English required. Proficiency in another language (Spanish, French, Arabic) strongly desired
TRAVEL: Travel up to 20% of time
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Travel may be required up to 20% of time
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