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Brief Description
This position is based in Southeast Asia.
About International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.
The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork and Collaboration.
Primary Function/Purpose
The Program Advisor will support the implementation of programming in Southeast Asia with local and international actors. Under direction from the Country Director, the Program Advisor will be responsible for program implementation of IFES’ Southeast Asia programs, and for coordinating civil society and governance activities. She/he will maintain proactive contacts with regional and local stakeholders and the international community and provide substantive input for effective program implementation of IFES programs. The Program Advisor will oversee the management of local staff and consultants.
Technical Direction And Program Implementation
• Serve as IFES’ Program Advisor for assigned projects, providing technical support and advice to various civil society, government, and non-government stakeholders.
• Support the Country Director in overseeing the management of the country team, ensuring roles and responsibilities align with scopes of work and lines of supervision are clear within the team.
• Work with the Country Director to develop and maintain constructive relationships with key stakeholders, including but not limited to government, civil society and donors.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with international NGOs and the donor community to ensure successful implementation of projects and avoid duplication of efforts.
• Work with the Country Director to contribute to the development and implementation of country- and region-specific strategies aligning organizational goals with local needs and opportunities.
• Provide guidance and technical expertise driving operational efficiency and effectiveness to achieve program goals.
• Contribute to the development of project planning, preparation, and update of project work plans and operational matrixes in consultation with the Country Director.
• Coordinate closely with local and international consultants and technical experts on program components.
• Lead the drafting and timely submission of internal and external program reports to IFES HQ and ensure that they meet all donor and IFES reporting requirements.
• Lead and/or contribute to written technical reports and briefing papers.
• Ensure the highest quality of program monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and communications.
• Serve as an operations and program related point of contact for donors and key stakeholders.
• Oversee specific project activities as directed by the Country Director.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
Management
• Ensure, in conjunction with IFES HQ team, compliance with IFES and donor rules and regulations, particularly with respect to fiscal management.
• In coordination with the Country Director and IFES/HQ, assist in the identification, recruitment, and hiring of in-country staff, as well as local and international technical consultants.
• Provide general supervision when requested and mentoring of country staff, including performance appraisals, staff development and other management issues.
• Provide oversight and management of technical consultants when requested, including review of all relevant consultant reports and deliverables.
• Assist in program development for IFES by identifying additional technical needs in-country, contributing to the development of project proposals and reaching out to the international donor community to diversify IFES funding sources.
POSITION SCOPE: Manage and perform highly technical work requiring ingenuity and capacity to evaluate and respond to new and changing issues. Support Country Director in the technical implementation of IFES programming. Oversee varied activities and processes to support effective project implementation, reporting, and compliance.
DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Identify risk factors with the potential to disrupt the achievement of program/project goals. Analyze issues, problems, or opportunities and propose appropriate courses of action, based on knowledge of professional principles and best practices. Participate in the development and implementation of strategies to track and mitigate risk and its potential impact.
RELATIONSHIP: Maintain a collaborative working relationships with senior-level stakeholders within and outside IFES to ensure timely and successful achievement of project goals and objectives. Represent IFES with external contacts at professional and government levels in the absence of the Country Director.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Provide guidance and mentorship to international and national staff and consultants, and participate in project monitoring and evaluation.
Related Skills Or Knowledge
• Demonstrated leadership and project management skills.
• Knowledge of USAID and non-US financial regulations and compliance requirements.
• Detailed oriented and organized.
• Demonstrated ability to manage staff, prioritize and handle multiple tasks, and consistently meet tight deadlines.
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, coordination, and consensus-building skills.
• Strong consultative, collaborative and participatory way of working.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, oral and written communication skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
Education
• Master’s degree in international politics, international development, public policy, or related field.
Experience
• Minimum of 10 years of experience working with international NGOs, or a combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated professional experience and knowledge in managing components of international development-funded programming.
• Experience living and working overseas, preferably within the assigned region and/or other complex environments.
• Knowledge of local/regional politics and development preferred.
• Experience working on civil society-focused capacity building, democracy, and governance programs.
• Proficiency in Word, PowerPoint, Outlook and Excel.
LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
TRAVEL: Travel may be required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Non-standard office work environment in Southeast Asia. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
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