Senior Program Officer | Prague

at  International Foundation for Electoral Systems

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 that 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies.
Over the last decade, the IFES Regional Europe Office (REO) in Prague, Czech Republic, has brought together over 800 persons from public institutions, civil society, and private companies through 44 events. REO brings stakeholders together to convene on critical democratic issues, learn form each other’s challenges and successes, and adapt and design innovative approaches which they can then deploy to create change back home. IFES’ regional network of election administrators, women leaders, technology and cybersecurity firms, civil society (CSO) leaders, election disability rights advocates, and representatives from political finance institutions as well as anti-corruption actors have convened and advanced the capacity of their country institutions on topics ranging from gender equality, to electoral justice, to advancing cybersecurity in elections.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in the field of international relations, political science, international development, public policy, or related field required, Master’s degree is a plus.

EXPERIENCE:

• Proven track records of strategic planning and project management is a must, preferably in the field of international development, democratic support, or elections.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience working in international development or related field.
• Experience working with the United States government and other bilateral donors, international organizations, foundations, and philanthropists, a plus.
• Experience with management and implementation of large single project or multiple small projects. Experience with managing and providing guidance and supervision to employees.

RELATED KNOWLEDGE OR SKILLS:

• Ability to prioritize, take direction, and handle varied tasks within deadlines. Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing. Collaborative, team-oriented individual.
• Experienced with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required. Introductory experience in proposal and donor report writing is a plus. Familiarity with USAID regulations helpful.
• Detail-oriented and organized.
• Ability to show initiative, good judgment, and resourcefulness; has the knowledge and skills to identify solutions to unexpected and routine problems.
• Strong interpersonal, presentation, and communications skills to meet the diverse technical and managerial requirements of the program and to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders.
  LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English required, proficiency in Czech/Slovak language a plus.
  Travel: Travel in the region may be required.
  SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervise entry-level positions.
  TRAVEL: Up to 15%.
  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

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

The Senior Program Officer is an advanced professional position at IFES providing tactical, administrative and programmatic support to the IFES Regional Europe field office (REO) in Prague, Czech Republic. The Senior Program Officer will report directly to the IFES REO Country Director.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a primary interface with Country Director and HQ team in planning and implementation of REO activities. Achieve project requirements within budget, established time frame, standards of quality, and funder satisfaction.
• Establish, maintain, and develop productive working relationship with local staff, subordinates, consultants at large, and other departments within IFES HQ.
• Provide lead input into annual workplans, quarterlies, PMPs, and other programmatic reports.
• Develop supporting documents for each IFES REO event such as invitation, agenda, contact list for sending invites, PPT and other documents
• Liaise with logistical personnel for event’s dates, conference room needs, number of people attending, needs for interpretation, catering, A/V equipment and other requirements
• Oversee smooth event implementation involving logistics and marketing and troubleshoot if necessary
• Develop reports from IFES REO events (for both internal and external use)
• Be responsible for IFES REO MEL data collection and reporting, including development of indicators and progress markers to track success and effectiveness of IFES REO activities, and in cooperation with IFES REO HQ team and MEL team
• Develop of 2, 6, and 12 month surveys on a rolling bases based on the PMP indicators and progress markers
• Liaise with logistical personnel and overseeing timely execution of IFES REO logistical preparation as needed
• Liaise with marketing and social media personnel and overseeing timely execution of IFES REO marketing and social media strategy
• Lead yearly updates of IFES REO databases (ElectionBase and FORT)
• Liaise with HQ staff on various tasks
• Troubleshoot project problems. Identify and implement creative solutions.
• Provide additional organizational and administrative support as may be required by the project and as requested by the IFES Regional Europe Office Country Director in Prague and HQ Program Team.
• Develop a sound understanding of IFES technical areas on the relevant region/country.
• Other duties as assigned.