Program Manager - Francophone Africa

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 worldwide. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

We center the rights of marginalized people in the work we do and strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, and other people of color; racial, ethnic, and religious minorities; women; persons with disabilities; youth; people from working-class backgrounds; and LGBTQ people to apply.

The Program Manager is the first level management position at IFES providing management support to the Francophone Africa portfolio. Specific duties will include development, technical, administrative, and financial management support including briefings, covering when senior management is on travel and mentoring staff. Fluency in French is required.

• Manage execution and tactical delivery in support of project
• Participate in development of division's strategic Seek out business development.

opportunities for the division and manage development process, including proposal writing.

• Provide substantive contribution to knowledge management and thought
• Provide guidance in design, implementation, evaluation, and overall management of project(s), including adherence to approved annual work plans and effectiveness of program
• Lead discussion with Monitoring and Evaluation team to design and determine indicators, monitor to ensure programs are meeting indicators and share experience with regional
• Monitor and evaluate project progress and performance including reviewing deliverables and make recommendations where project activities may need to be adjusted based on M&E
• Alert division management of programmatic concerns, challenges, and
• Ensure contractual compliance for department managed projects, including quality and timeliness of project deliverables.
• Monitor pending grant/contract actions and coordinate timely action and
• Oversee timely procurement actions in consultation with Contracts and
• Oversee budgets preparation in collaboration with C&G and approve country office project expenses as appropriate.
• Oversee financial oversight of projects in collaboration and partnership with the Finance
• Direct staff in the timely drafting of reports and other materials and conduct final review of all projects technical and narrative reports. Contribute to quality and timely submission of programmatic reports, including weekly/monthly/quarterly/annual reports, and other written products or publications as required by the program where needed.
• Oversee recruiting, interviewing, and hiring of domestic, country office staff and consultants as needed, in consultation with Human Resources.
• Travel to country offices to oversee/monitor project activities; meet and strengthen donor and other key stakeholder relationships.
• Establish, maintain, and develop relationships with peers, subordinates, funder community and consultants at large for the purpose of business development and information
• Provide professional developmental opportunities for junior program staff, evaluate performance, and provide feedback.
• Other duties as

POSITION SCOPE: Manage and/or perform technical or complex work, requiring ingenuity and capacity to evaluate and respond to new and changing issues. Contribute to program planning, development, and fiscal management. Provide supervision to junior staff on IFES systems and procedures, quality of work, and skill building. Performance and outcomes are subject to senior management oversight.

DECISION MAKING/PROBLEM SOLVING: Complex decision-making requiring in-depth analysis and consensus-building, subject to management review. Consult with stakeholders within and outside the organization; identify, propose, and build consensus around best solutions. Provide substantive contribution to IFES tools, methodology and best practices. Authority to make decisions on issues of program design, delegations to junior staff and financial oversight for assigned projects.

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY: Develop budget projections in collaboration with C&G and country office- based colleagues and independently manage allocated resources. Authority to investigate, negotiate and recommend purchases of materials, equipment, and logistical arrangements. Strong knowledge of financial systems to ensure compliance.

RELATIONSHIPS: Maintain collaborative working relationships with team members and other staff within the Programs Division. Partnerships require a high degree of diplomacy and judgment, with an ability to address conflicts or difficulties in a constructive manner. Represent IFES with external contacts at professional and government levels.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Supervise, monitor, and coordinate the work of entry level and professional staff to ensure the achievement of program goals.

Education: bachelor's degree required in relevant field; master's degree in international relations, political science, international development preferred.

Experience: At least 8 years' relevant experience in international development or related field. Experience with budget management and oversight of single or multiple projects. Experience with managing teams. Experience in managing a variety of donors, including FCDO, preferred.

Related Skills or Knowledge: Experienced with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required. Experience in proposal development required, with experience in program management and supervisory roles. Thorough familiarity with USAID and other international donor regulations and reporting requirements preferred. Detail-oriented and organized. Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing. Collaborative, team oriented individual.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Full professional proficiency in English and French required.

TRAVEL: Travel up to 15% of the time.

Standard office work environment, with occasional field travel. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.