Job Summary

Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day-to-day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:  

Excellence– We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom– We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy, and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion, and the power of global collaboration. Transparency– We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

The Program Officer (PO) supports the Resident Program Director (RPD) and DC based Program Manager (PM) in the design and implementation of IRI’s regional “Middle East Regional Civic Initiative (MERCI)” project, a project supporting civil society organizations (CSOs) in several countries across the MENA region. The PO will be responsible for building relationships with partner CSOs; overseeing IRI’s subgrants to partner CSOs; and planning, coordinating, and implementing IRI program activities. The PO will report directly to the Tunis-based RPD with additional management support from the DC-based PM. 

The position will start as soon as possible through January 31, 2024, with the opportunity to extend based on availability of program funds.

Position Requirements

• Graduate degree in political science, international relations, or related field. 
• Minimum of five years professional experience in capacity-building programs, preferably working directly with civil society organizations/NGOs.
• Working knowledge of the politics, economics, history and culture of the MENA region. 
• Demonstrated organizational and management experience including ability to work independently and as a member of a team to effectively meet program goals. 
• Experience working with United State Government (USG) funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes is preferred.
• Demonstrated financial management experience in tracking programmatic expenses.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and fluency in English and Arabic.
• Willingness to travel within the country and the MENA region.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Oversees the implementation of the MERCI grant and associated grant activities as the primary facilitator of all program activities in designated countries across the MENA region.
• In close coordination with IRI’s DC based PM, ensures program activities and deliverables are executed on time and in full compliance with funder requirements and IRI objectives. 
• Assists in the management and oversight of subawards, including frequent communication with and training of subawardees.
• Serves as the main point of contact in Tunis for assigned programs, communicating program results directly with funder representatives. 
• Monitors, analyzes and reports on political and related developments in designated countries.

• Contributes to the substantive design of new programs in coordination with relevant staff. 
• Anticipates potential problems and trouble shoots project problems and offers solutions and actively takes part to lead resolution of them with creative and immediate solutions.
• Establishes, maintains, and develops productive working relationships with relevant stakeholders, consultants, field and DC staff.

• Maintains an understanding of IRI’s and donors’ policies, procedures and procurement related to grant compliance.

• Monitors activities expenditures in line with the assigned programs budgets and guidance from the PM.
• Provide data and information to support IRI’s external affairs efforts.
• Travels as needed locally and internationally for program implementation.
• Initiates and describes project ideas and initiatives in accordance with the IRI’s program objectives, organizational capabilities and purposes of implementing partners and target groups, resource availability and funding source.

• Assists in draft contractual agreement with relevant stakeholders as assigned.
• Assists in drafting weekly, quarterly and final reports, new proposals and work plans, in collaboration with the RPD and the PM, and maintains detailed records of project activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to: Tunisia Resident Program Director (RPD) 

Exercises Supervision over: N/A

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive nor is it intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required of an incumbent.

An employee will perform other reasonably-related job responsibilities as assigned by management when required.  IRI reserves the right to revise or change job functions as the need arises.  Thus, management reserves the right to update and change job descriptions. This job description does not constitute a written contract of employment.