Program Associate - Syria

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 Associate is the entry-level position for program work at IRI and provides administrative, finance/procurement, and programmatic support for IRI’s current and developing programs that work on Syria. This position focuses primarily on providing administrative support to the program team but allows for growth in-country expertise, nonprofit programming management, and other areas.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations or related field.
• 0-1 years of experience in international development or related field, including experience providing administrative support on donor-funded programs preferred.
• Working knowledge of politics, economics, history and culture of Syria.
• Arabic strongly speaking and writing skills preferred.
• Experience tracking budgets and program expenses preferred.
• Familiarity with USG budget and procurement regulations preferred.
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required. Experience with online accounting or procurement systems preferred.
• Excellent writing, research and communication skills.
• International experience preferred, particularly in Middle East and North Africa or Arabian Gulf.
• Demonstrated organization skills and ownership over the work.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Tracks and follows-up on pending procurement requests, approvals and monitoring once approved, including processing payments
• Assist in monitoring project spending and projecting costs. Updates budget tracker; cross-reference with PSR on monthly basis and interacts with appropriate accounting staff.
• Drafts quarterly, semi-annual, final and other relevant reports for funders
• Drafts and edits weekly reports on current events and provides analysis for internal and funder audiences.
• Serves as point of contact for solicitations and compiles submitted materials for the evaluation process.
• Compiles and facilitates submission of contract packages
  • Updates program databases, contract trackers, etc.
• Compiles briefing books for trainers
• Maintains project SharePoint sites and documents
• Provides logistical support for DC meetings and events for the MENA Division
• Supports IRI’s communication strategy including IRI’s branding and outreach plans on projects assigned, including drafts and updates program summaries and other outreach materials, drafts web stories, tweets, etc.
• Assists with program monitoring and evaluation (M&E), including participating in regular M&E calls, tracking compliance with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan, and identifying where adjustments need to be made
• Participates in program design and strategy brainstorming sessions
• Participates in business development, such as in writing proposal portions and drafting budgets
• Participates in cross-functional teams and initiatives (optional)
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Travels as needed for program implementation.

Required

Required