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 (PA) is the entry level position for program work at IRI and provides administrative and programmatic support for current and developing programs in the Africa division. IRI Africa is recruiting for Program Associate covering the East and Horn of Africa portfolio.

This is a hybrid role based in Washington, DC.

Position Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, international development, business administration, African affairs, or related field
• Minimum one year of experience in international development, African affairs, in grants or contracts administration preferred; can be substituted by internships/work study, or related professional skills
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required
• Interest in (learning about) program administration, including procurement/contracts and grants compliance and procedures, and finance;
• Knowledge of applicable federal government circulars 2 CFR 200 a plus, but not required;
• Attention to detail and able to prioritize while working in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to quickly adapt to and manage changing priorities, as well as balance multiple ongoing projects and meet deadlines. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well with other team members;
• Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
• International experience preferred, but not required
• Knowledge of/experience working on issues in Africa, especially East and/or Horn of Africa.

Primary Functions & Responsibilities:

• Tracks and follows-up on pending procurement requests, approvals and monitoring once approved, including processing payments
• 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 and subaward packages
• Monitors the fulfillment of the contract and/or subaward throughout its lifecycle, including communicating with relevant vendors, tracking milestone deliverables, reviewing deliverable compliance, and supporting invoice processing.
• Updates program databases, contract trackers, etc.

• Compiles briefing books for trainers
• Maintains project site and documents
• 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.
• Follows political developments in countries assigned and contributes toward summarizing/analyzing content in quarterly reports and proposals
• 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 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.