Program Officer, UNITY (NEW) at IREX in Washington, Washington DC

Job Description:

IREX


Job Category: Communities & Governance Practice
Requisition Number: PROGR002955

April 22, 2024
Full-Time
Kyiv, 01004, UKR

Job Details

Description

Who We Are

IREX is a global development and education organization. We strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people, and communities thrive. With a projected annual portfolio of more than $150 million and more than. 750 staff worldwide, we work with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

The Program Officer will join UNITY Program. Ukraine National Identity through Youth (UNITY) is a six-and-a-half-year, USAID-funded program started in 2020 that supports youth leadership towards a values-based Ukrainian identity. UNITY supports youth innovation and entrepreneurship, fosters active participation in decision-making processes and facilitates youth engagement in problem solving at the national and local levels. Through fostering an enabling environment and restoring access to formal and non-formal education, the program empowers young people to realize their dreams, ideas, and visions for Ukraine’s development. UNITY empowers youth to become a driving force for facilitating pluralism and respect for diversity.

Under the supervision of the Economic Development Manager, the PO (Program Officer) will play an important role in supporting Objective 1 of the UNITY program: expanding economic opportunities through youth innovation, entrepreneurship, and career preparedness.

The Program Officer is an in person position in Kyiv, Ukraine.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in an economics, international development, public administration, education, or another relevant field is preferred.
• 3+ years of job experience in project implementation and programmatic oversight of grant programs (support in subaward activities, subgrant design, program descriptions, preparation of subgrant documents, monitoring, and evaluation subaward program process).
• 3+ years of work experience in the NGO sector and/or international development projects for socio-economic and/or workforce development or in a relevant one such as community building or organization capacity building projects.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Very good command of English Language is required.
• Strong program management skills with the ability to oversee and manage subgrants and small grants/awards.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding Ukrainian economic and business environment, career guidance and development concepts and approaches.
• Ability to provide programmatic oversight and ensure compliance with program goals and objectives.
• Experience in monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, including data collection, analysis, and preparation of reports.
• Capacity building skills to provide technical assistance and support to subgrantees.
• Knowledge of grant rules, regulations, and organizational policies for compliance and documentation.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Proficiency in spoken and written English and Ukrainian.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and accuracy in quantitative and qualitative analysis.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with partner organizations, stakeholders, and participants.
• Flexibility to travel to regions for program events and meetings (contingent upon actual security recommendations).
• You must have unrestricted authorization to work in Ukraine

Your Daily Tasks

• The Program Officer (PO) contributes to maintaining youth empowerment by actively involving them in economic activities strengthening their entrepreneurial culture and sustaining workforce development in Ukraine.
• PO fulfills activities and initiatives that empower youth through career development, skills, and knowledge enhancement.
• The PO is responsible for implementing project activities or supporting specific components within the program, ensuring their prompt and effective execution while adhering to the approved work plan.
• The PO guides and supports subgrants and small grants/awards aimed at expanding youth opportunities through entrepreneurship and career preparedness in Ukraine, providing programmatic oversight and ensuring effective management of these initiatives.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant grant rules, regulations, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Creating workflow plans to guide the implementation of tasks and ensure completion timely.
• Providing programmatic oversight and management of selected subgrants and small grants/awards.
• Supports in managing external consultants working on career orientation and economic development for youth.
• Collecting and analyzing data and lessons learned to track progress and evaluate the impact of subgrants and small grants/ awards.
• Preparing program reports, workplans, presentations, updates, success stories and other deliverables to program activities.
• Collaborating with team members to gather and draft relevant information for project activities.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with civil society, youth groups, opinion leaders, and other program stakeholders.
• Providing technical expertise and solutions in career guidance, job creation and youth-led entrepreneurship based on international best practices.
• Drafting and sending correspondence to stakeholders, including emails, letters, memos, and other forms of communication.
• Interacting with key stakeholders, partners, and fellow IREX employees to exchange information, provide updates, and address inquiries or concerns.
• Seeking guidance and/or obtaining approval from supervisors or relevant team members before engaging with stakeholders, particularly in sensitive or important matters.
• Assisting in the renewal process of the program, which may involve reviewing and updating program documents, preparing reports, and supporting the overall renewal strategy.
• Gathering market intelligence relevant to the region or country of responsibility, including researching funding opportunities, assessing the competitive landscape, and identifying potential areas for program expansion or adaptation.
• Supporting one or more areas of the proposal development process, such as proposal design, writing, and/or review. This may involve contributing to the development of proposal narratives, conducting research, and ensuring alignment with donor requirements.
• Processing financial transactions, such as check requests, ensuring accuracy and adherence to financial guidelines and procedures.
• Reviewing and approving sub-awards within the defined approval level, ensuring compliance with project requirements and donor regulations.
• Monitoring project budgets and financial reports, identifying any discrepancies or issues that require attention and taking appropriate actions to address them.
• Collaborating with the finance team or relevant stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Assisting in the preparation of financial documents, reports, and budgets as needed.
• Maintaining proper documentation and records related to financial transactions and compliance activities.
• Articulating the alignment of project work with program or practice area goals and objectives to team members.
• Seeking feedback from team members and utilizing it to make informed decisions and improve project outcomes.
• Encouraging and supporting team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Identifying opportunities for process and workflow improvements to enhance program efficiency.
• Taking ownership of decisions and actions, assuming responsibility for project outcomes.
• Other support duties as needed.

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

PI239907057

Apply Now