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 Senior Program Associate (SPA) is the entry level position for program work at IRI and provides administrative and programmatic support for current and developing programs across the Middle East.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, Middle Eastern and North African studies, or related field
• 1-3 years of experience in politics, international development, Middle Eastern and North African studies, or related field
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
• International experience preferred
• Knowledge of/experience working on issues in Middle Eastern and North African politics and society
• Arabic language proficiency desired, but not required

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Follows political developments in countries assigned and contributes toward summarizing/analyzing content in quarterly reports and proposals
• Participates in business development, such as in writing proposal portions and drafting budgets
• Occasional travel in support of programming activities
• Tracks and follows-up on pending procurement requests, approvals and monitoring once approved, including processing payments
• Reviews payments requests from partners
• Assists in projecting program costs and monitoring project spending
• Contributes to quarterly, semi-annual, final, and other relevant reports for funders
• Edits and summarizes weekly reports for internal and funder audiences
• Coordinates submission of contract packages
• Updates program databases, contract trackers, etc.
• Provides logistical support for DC meetings and events
• Supports IRI's communication strategy including IRI's branding and outreach plans on projects assigned by drafting and updating program summaries, web stories/blogs, tweets, etc.
• Assists with program monitoring and evaluation (M&E), including participating in regular M&E calls, tracking compliance, and identifying where adjustments need to be made
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives (optional)
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelors of Political Science (required)

1 - 3 years: Undergraduate degree in political science or related field 1-3 years of experience in politics, international development, Middle Eastern and North African studies, or related field Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required Excellent writing, research, and communication skills Knowledge of/experience working on issues in Middle Eastern and North African politics and society. Arabic language proficiency desired, but not required (required)