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 project and administrative support to the program division. Under the supervision of the Deputy Regional Director and in coordination with the broader program team, specific duties will include development, project implementation, administrative, and financial management with a focus on programs in North Macedonia. Experience in managing donor-funded projects is a plus, especially non-USG contracts.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as primary interface with Country Director and local staff to implement the project.
• Achieve project requirements within budget, established time frame, standards of quality, and donor satisfaction.
• Work closely with Finance team by assisting with preparing budgets, reviewing and approving field expense reports, wire requests, vendor and consultant payments.
• Responsible for critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance team.
• Tracking project activities in line with budget, including forecasting and evaluation of burn rate and projections.
• Contribute to program design, tools for project implementation, and impact evaluation.
• Coordinate closely with Monitoring and Evaluation team and Country Office to assist with progress monitoring towards indicators, periodically reviewing data collection, and tracking progress made toward meeting project objectives.
• Guide the design, oversight, and evaluation of subcontractor and subrecipient activities.
• Work with Contracts and Grants office to ensure compliance with contractual agreements.
• Ensure the quality of donor deliverables, including quarter reports, annual operational plans, project logical frameworks, and other programmatic reports.
• Submit contractual payments to IFES online portal and ensure timely approval from Program Leadership.
• Work closely with Program Leadership on timely review and approval all project documents.
• Coordinate closely with broader regional program staff to ensure adequate cooperation and knowledge sharing across relevant projects.
• Conduct other administrative work on a daily basis.

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 requires research and analysis, subject to supervisory guidance.Analyze and interpret issues, propose and implement solutions relying on knowledge of professional standards, principles and sound judgment. Initiate contact with staff in other departments to exchange substantive information and coordinate activities necessary to achieve work goals.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:

Participate in project budget planning, expense tracking, and donor expense reporting.Critical review and reporting of project financials in partnership with Finance team.

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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

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

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 6 years of overall work experience in the international development sector, with 4 years preferably in DRG.Experience with budget management and oversight of large single project or multiple small projects. Experience with USG and other government donors. Prior experience working on projects in Europe and Eurasia a plus.

RELATED SKILLS OR KNOWLEDGE: Experience with program management and design. Knowledgeable and experienced with European donor grant and contract proposals, regulations, and procedures. Familiarity with USG and other international donors and key program personnel. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel required. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Full professional proficiency in English is required and knowledge of one of the regional country languages is a plus.

TRAVEL: Travel up to 10% of the time might be required.

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