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 - Asia-Pacific is an advanced professional position at IFES providing project and administrative support to the program division. Specific duties will include development, technical, administrative and financial management support and oversight.

• Serve as primary interface with Country Director and local staff to implement projects.
• Achieve project requirements within budget, established time frame, standards of quality, and donor satisfaction.
• Prepare budgets, review and approve field expense reports, wire requests, vendor and consultant payments, etc. Responsible for oversight, critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance team.
• Establish, maintain, and develop productive working relationship with field staff, subordinates, consultants at large, and other departments within IFES HQ.
• Represent program management at offsite venues for the purpose of business development and information dissemination as directed.
• Contribute and inform on program design, knowledge of tools towards implementation of projects, contribute to Knowledge Management and thought leadership, collection of resources and KMI.
• Lead discussion with Monitoring and Evaluation team to design and determine indicators, and that the field has the tools they need to monitor progress made towards indicators, 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 make recommendations where project activities may need to be adjusted based on M&E results.
• Troubleshoot project problems. Identify and implement creative solutions.
• Monitor pending IFES grant/contract actions and modifications and coordinate timely action and response.
• Travel to country office to support the implementation of project activities and provide program management support.
• Lead proposal development/new initiative processes from start to finish, including proposal narrative, budget, etc.
• Contribute to regional thought leadership and proposal efforts to support the development of the Asia-Pacific regional portfolio.
• Provide professional developmental opportunities for junior and mid-level program staff. Offer input into performance of Country Directors.
• Work with HR to source and recruit critical talent in HQ and the field.
• Work with Contracts and Grants to ensure timely acquisition and delivery of services.
• Support the process of designing and implementing subawards .
• Ensure the quality of programmatic reports, including weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports, and other written products or publications as required by the program.
• Develop annual workplans, PMPs, and other programmatic reports.
• Develop a sound understanding of IFES technical areas and on the relevant region/country.
• Other duties as assigned.

POSITION SCOPE:Provide varied support functions and perform moderately complex job duties requiring knowledge of program management, donor interface, and research and development initiatives. Contribution to program planning, development, and management. Manage work activities with internal and external partners to help ensure the 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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree in international relations, political science, international development preferred.

EXPERINCE:Minimum of 6 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 United States government grant and contract proposals, regulations, and procedures. Familiarity with other international donors, such as the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, preferred. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel required. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required. Experience in region and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is desirable.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:English required.

TRAVEL: Travel up to 15% of time.

Standard office work environment, with occasional international travel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.