Senior Program Officer- Francophone Africa

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 Senior Program Officer is an advanced professional position at IFES providing tactical support to the Francophone portfolio of the Africa program. Specific duties will include development, technical, administrative and financial management support and oversight to programs across Francophone Africa. Fluency in French is required.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as primary interface with Country Director(s) and country staff to implement projects. Achieve project requirements within budget, established time frame, standards of quality, and donor satisfaction.
• Establish, maintain, and develop productive working relationships with field staff, colleagues at all levels, consultants, and other departments within IFES HQ.
• Maintain effective communications and coordination with consortium and other partners on program management and business development where needed.
• Participate in and inform on program design, contribute to and draw on IFES' collection of resources and Knowledge Management Initiatives.
• Troubleshoot project problems. Identify and implement creative solutions.
• Prepare budgets and pipelines/forecasts; review invoices, field cash advances, vendor and consultant payments, etc. prior to processing. Monitor program spending against budget and annual forecasts, and advise where adjustments might be needed. Responsible for oversight, critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance team.
• Support administrative processes around program start-up and close-out, including registration, Country Director deployment/repatriation, and recruitment/onboarding processes.
• Work with Contracts and Grants to ensure timely acquisition and delivery of services.
• Support the design and implementation of subawards.
• Develop annual workplans, performance monitoring plans, and other program deliverables in close collaboration with the Program Manager and Country Director(s).
• Ensure the quality and timely submission of programmatic reports, including weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports, and other written products or publications as required by the program.
• Lead discussion with Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning team to design and determine program performance indicators; ensure that country teams have the tools they need to track indicators; quality control the MEL dashboard; periodically check in with team on data collection and that progress is being made toward meeting objectives and share experience with regional teams.
• Monitor and evaluate project progress and performance including reviewing deliverables and making recommendations where project activities may need to be adjusted based on M&E results.
• Lead proposal development/new initiative processes from start to finish, including proposal narrative, budget, etc.
• Represent program management at offsite venues for the purpose of representation, information dissemination and business development as directed.
• Contribute to regional thought leadership and proposal efforts to support the development of the Africa regional portfolio.
• Develop a sound understanding of IFES technical areas and the relevant region/country.
• Travel to field office to provide program management support.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION SCOPE: Provide varied support functions and perform moderately complex job duties requiring knowledge of proposal development, program management, donor interface, and research and development initiatives. Lead program planning, development and management. Manage work activities with internal and external partners to help ensure achievement of assigned objectives project(s). Performance and outcomes are subject to management oversight.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Multi-factor decision-making requiring research and analysis, subject to supervisory guidance. Analyze and interpret issues, propose and implement solutions relying on knowledge of professional standards, principles and sound judgement. Initiate contact with staff in other departments to exchange substantive information and coordinates activities necessary to achieve work goals. Authority to make decisions on issues of program design, delegations to junior and mid-level staff, and financial oversight for assigned projects.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Lead project budget planning. Critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance. Authority to research, negotiate, and recommend purchases of materials, equipment and logistical arrangements.

RELATIONSHIPS: Develop and maintain collaborative relationships, which require highly developed interpersonal skills, involving active listening and problem solving, to assure desired outcomes. Seek opportunities to improve working relationships and work outcomes with internal and external partners, including donors.

LEADERSHIP: Provide leadership to entry level and mid-level positions. Provide mentorship for professional growth (soft and hard skills).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS: Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in international relations, political science, and international development preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 6 -8 years of overall work experience in the international development sector. Experience with budget management and oversight of large single project or multiple small projects. Experience with managing and providing guidance and supervision to employees.

RELATED SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE: Experience with program management and design. Knowledgeable and experienced with USAID grant and contract proposals, regulations, and procedures. Familiarity with other international donors such as FCDO preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel required. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Country office experience desirable.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Fluency in English and French required.

TRAVEL: Travel up to 10% of the time

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