Counterpart International helps people build better lives and more durable futures, community by community. We equip individuals, organizations and communities-our counterparts- to become solution creators in their own families, communities, regions and countries. We work with them in some of the world’s most challenging places to tackle social, economic, environmental, health and governance issues that threaten their lives and undermine their futures.
For more information on Counterpart, please visit our website at www.Counterpart.org
SUMMARY:
Counterpart International is seeking a Program Officer (PO) to support the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) portfolio, primarily governance and civil society projects. The position will provide comprehensive support and management to current projects to help the field offices meet program goals and objectives. The candidate will also provide support to the development of new business in the MENA region. This is a full time position based in Arlington, VA. This position reports to the Regional Director.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Along with the Regional Director, serve as a primary interface with the Chief of Party (COP) and local staff to support the implementation of projects within budget, established time frames, standards of quality, and donor satisfaction;
• Establish and maintain productive working relationship with field staff, headquarters staff, implementing partners and consultants;
• Assist with the review and monitoring of program work and performance monitoring/evaluations plans with a focus on achieving work plan targets and core results in a timely manner.
• Support, monitor and evaluate program performance through regular tracking of financial and programmatic reports, M&E data, and communication with the field teams;
• Monitor program finances and monthly spending reports, and provide guidance to field teams concerning program expenditures, and budget projections working closely with HQ accountants and field finance managers;
• Review and evaluate program work plans, program performance and evaluation plans, ensuring their timely implementation;
• Assist with regular programmatic reporting, including quarterly and final reports, program evaluations, and program communications;
• Support the field team in establishing programmatic targets and program monitoring and evaluation;
• Troubleshoot project problems, and identify and implement creative solutions where needed;
• Monitor the grant making and management cycle, regularly reviewing the grant tracker;
• Review grant and procurement packages for quality control before they are processed by Grants, Contracts and Compliance for signature;
• Engage in personnel decision-making: screen and interview candidates for key field personnel, HQ positions, and potential new staff for proposals;
• Prepare and process all financial, contractual and travel requests and reports from field office and HQ.
• Represent Counterpart at external conferences, professional forums, workshops, and events related to the MENA portfolio and relevant areas of subject matter expertise;
• Compile, distribute and integrate program best practices, lessons learned, and success stories and impacts for internal purposes; work with program management and communications staff on specific products and events to reach external audiences.
• Support the expansion and diversification of Counterpart’s MENA portfolio by:
o Identifying opportunities for growth of the portfolio;
o Promoting the organization’s ability to meet existing donor and beneficiary needs;
o Maintain knowledge of issues facing relevant country offices including the operational environment and potential risks associated with the implementation of awards.
• Conduct monitoring trips to the region as needed;
• Arrange and coordinate conference calls and meetings between HQ, field and donors.
• Other duties as assigned.
RequirementsRequired:
• Bachelor’s degree with seven (7) years of practical experience in implementing international development programs;
• Experience backstopping USAID funded programs; knowledge of USAID rules and regulations;
• Demonstrated experience in program management; program assessment and design, providing technical input, monitoring and evaluation, proposal writing, and fiscal oversight
• Existing knowledge of the Middle East and North African region; current events, civil society networks and donors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; Fluency in English;
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office Suite program, and web-based research tools;
• Strong inter-personal skills, sound judgment, ability to work with diverse teams;
• Ability to travel internationally (includes remote and difficult locations);
• Demonstrated ability to write under deadline pressure;
Preferred:
• Advanced degree in International Development or related field;
• Prior experience working in the Middle East and North Africa; Sudan, Lebanon, Yemen, Jordan, and Morocco a plus
• Demonstrated understanding of political processes, governance and civic participation in the region.
• Fluency in Arabic is strongly preferred; additional proficiency in French would be a plus.
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