Project Description: PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: 

The MENA Program Advisor is a high-level business development and management position providing support to the program division at IFES. Specific duties will include research, development, technical input, capture management, administrative and financial management including briefings, covering when senior management is on travel, mentoring staff and overseeing special projects or initiatives.

Job Responsibilities: MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:    Responsible for design, implementation, evaluation, quality control, course corrections and overall management of a sub-regional project portfolio.  Serves as technical lead for assigned project, providing technical support and guidance to assigned projects. Working with Regional Director, facilitates the team in the development of the division’s strategic plan. Takes the lead in developing program priorities and initiatives for countries/regions under her/his responsibility. Help consolidate IFES experience and facilitate learning and innovation through technical leadership in KMI groups. Seeks out business development opportunities within overall strategic development plan of the division. Serves as lead writer on proposal teams and concept papers as needed. Mentors and supports mid-level officers and managers in their development roles, especially supporting staff to develop skills as lead writers. Participate as a cross-divisional resource for color team reviews of IFES proposals or research products. Establish and further develop relationship with field offices, peers, subordinates, HQ staff, funder community and consultants at large for the purpose of business development and information dissemination. Travel to field offices on a regular basis to provide technical assistance and/or oversee project activities; and meet and strengthen relationship with donors and local partners representing both government and the non-governmental community. Direct staff in the regular and timely development and final production of reports to funders that directly highlight program impact. Provide professional developmental opportunities and mentorship for junior program staff.  Provide input to the evaluation of performance of Senior Program Managers, Program Managers and Senior Program Officers. Incorporate feedback from DC staff into evaluation of Country Directors. May exercise formal actions pertaining to employee relations. In collaboration with C&G team ensure compliance with contract terms for departments managed projects, including quality and timeliness of project deliverables. Alert division management of programmatic concerns, challenges and difficulties in a timely fashion. Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring staff as needed. Provide technical support for programs as requested. Perform other duties as assigned.   POSITION SCOPE: Manage and/or performs technical or complex work, requiring ingenuity and capacity to evaluate and respond to new and changing issues. Spurs innovation in programming through thought leadership, knowledge management and project design skills. Exercises sound judgement and skill in program planning and fiscal management. Demonstrates leadership in business development strategy, donor engagement and proposal development. Performance and outcomes are subject to senior management oversight.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING:  Complex decision-making requiring in-depth analysis and consensus-building, subject to management review.  Consult with stakeholders within and outside the organization; identify, propose and build consensus around best solutions. Analyzes and proposes solutions based on knowledge of professional principles and best practices. 

 FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Develop and oversee program/project budgets in collaboration with headquarters and field-based colleagues. Advise teams on project budget planning, critical review of project financials and preparation of reports. Authority to approve program or project expenses, contracts and purchases, subject to established controls and procedures. Strong knowledge of financial systems to ensure compliance.

 RELATIONSHIPS:  Maintain collaborative working relationship with team members and all staff within IFES.  Initiate contact with staff in other departments to exchange detailed, substantive information and coordinates activities necessary to achieve work goals. Effectively develops partnerships internally and externally to build and achieve organizations goals. Proactively engages and collaborates with Inclusion and Center teams on the development of thought leadership projects and products. Represent IFES with external contacts at professional and government levels. Effectively engage with partner organizations, donors etc.

 SUPERVISION EXERCISED:  Mentor and contribute input to the supervision, monitoring and coordination of the work of entry level and professional staff. Oversee the work of consultants and occasionally field staff for remotely-managed projects to ensure the achievement of program goals.

Qualifications: POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Education:  Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field; Master’s Degree in international relations, political science, international development preferred.

 Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience in international development or related field including at least five years management and implementation experience working in the field. Experience with budget management, oversight of single or multiple projects, international donors and partners. Experience with managing teams.

 Related Skills or Knowledge:  Highly proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required.  Highly knowledgeable and experienced managing non-US, USAID funding mechanisms with strong knowledge of USAID regulations, and procedures and other international donors. Proven track record with democracy and governance work in developing countries. Strong experience in democracy and governance programming and/or another relevant technical field. Highly experienced with budget management and oversight of large project or multiple projects. Detailed oriented and organized.  Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines, sound judgement, problem solving and decision making.  Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing.  Collaborative, team-oriented individual.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  English required.  Proficiency in Arabic is a plus but not required.

TRAVEL:  Travel up to 30% of time.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Standard office work environment with occasional field travel.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job