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 International Republican Institute's Center for Global Impact (CGI) is designed to help IRI learn, innovate, and lead in global democratic development programming. Comprised of experts specializing in a range of technical areas and program staff who oversee global and cross-cutting initiatives, the Center leads the Institute's efforts to contribute to thought leadership, respond to emerging global challenges and trends, facilitate global initiatives, and serve as an incubator for new ideas and cutting-edge approaches.

The Governance Specialist serves as part of a Center for Global Impact, serving a multi-faceted role as program developer and implementer. S/he develops program ideas and drafts proposals on a range of governance themes, subsequently supporting program implementation through a range of activities. S/he consults with regional program teams based in Washington D.C. and in field offices on governance programs. S/he manages a governance program and works closely with the Senior Governance Specialist in program management and business development, under the supervision of the Senior Governance Manager.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, public administration, international relations or related field.
• 3-5 years professional experience in democratic governance, politics, government or international development.
• Demonstrated experience working with U.S. Government funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Experience with program management, project implementation and budgetary oversight.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program goals.
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational and detail-oriented skills.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal, research, and written/oral communications skills.
• Demonstrated exceptional ability to operate under strict deadlines and ability to easily shift priorities.
• Knowledge and interest in thematic topics related to governance: Anti-Corruption, Social Accountability, Political Transitions, and Environmental Governance.
• Willingness and ability to travel to challenging environments, up to 20% of the time.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Oversees implementation of specific governance grant(s).
• Understands assigned grant's substantive, financial and compliance requirements.
• Supports efforts to ensure that grants are in compliance with grant agreements and completed on time.
• Monitors and ensures proper tracking of budgets and program expenditures to ensure that IRI projects remain within budget allocations and leads regular team budget analysis discussions.
• Oversees and participates in all monitoring and evaluation efforts for grants assigned.
• Works closely with the Senior Governance Specialist in the management governance programming related to environmental governance, anti-corruption and open government, decentralization, political transition, and other related governance topics. S/he will also be responsible for managing the budget, report writing and assisting in the creation of tools.
• Works closely with Senior Manager for Governance and the Senior Governance Specialist in supporting Regional Division consultations such as business development opportunities, proposal writing and brainstorming around governance related topics.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Represents IRI at external events.
• Assists in monitoring work plans and workflows related to project implementation, and special projects.
• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant and project implementation and compliance.
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelors of Political Science (required)

3 - 5 years: *Undergraduate degree in political science, public administration, international relations or related field. *3-5 years professional experience in democratic governance, politics, government or international development. *Demonstrated experience working with U.S. Government funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes. (required)