Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a Project Director for the anticipated five-year Advancing Digital Democracy (ADD) Mechanism funded by USAID. The goal of the Program is to foster and strengthen "digital democracies" by promoting open, secure, safe and inclusive digital ecosystems in which data-driven technologies advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights, including the rights of women, LGBTQI and other marginalized populations. The Program will support USAID partners in addressing and/or building resilience to digital repression and supporting rights-respecting digital transformation and growth of the digital economy. For more information on the scope of work please refer to this link. This will be a full-time position based in Washington, DC and will be contingent on award and funding. This position is open to both United States nationals and expatriates.
The Project Director will provide strategic direction and leadership for the activity. The COP will create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to support and promote USAID’s digital strategy. They will coordinate work across a broad consortium of partners, staff, and consultants. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting digital technology initiatives to improve democratic practices and accountability worldwide. They will have experience working with local stakeholders such as local civil society organizations, private sector, watchdogs and when possible, with local government ministries to improve access to information and democratic transparency. The COP will be the main point of contact for USAID staff and will liaise directly with the activity COR on technical issues. They will serve as the primary point of contact between USAID and the DI program.

This is a full-time, key personnel senior position based in Washington, DC and is contingent upon award.
Essential Job Duties:

• Create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to implement USAID’s Digital Strategy;
• Manage the project budget, including expenditures and allocation and/or reallocation of funds as necessary for the accomplishment of project goals;
• Ensure timely delivery of program inputs, deliverables and reports;
• Work with local stakeholders to build relationships and push democratic practices through digital technology and tools;
• Provide technical and strategic leadership on all program activities, including budget, compliance, and reporting;
• Develop regular reports and ongoing activity monitoring consistent with the requirements of the award with USAID and with internal reporting requirements;
• Manage the preparation and presentation of all work plans, MEL plans, and reports;
• Serve as technical lead in designing, implementing, and overseeing the aspects of the activity;
• Represent DI externally at meetings, workshops, and other events;
• Act as a key liaison with USAID;
• Manage a diverse team of project staff; and
• Provide technical assistance, as needed, to program partners, grantees, and beneficiaries.

• Continue to build and lead DI’s dynamic local team;
• Approve expenditures and other financial transactions in accordance with DI and USAID policies and practices;
• Liaise regularly with USAID, local staff and partners, STTAs, and DI’s home office to ensure that deadlines are met and high-quality deliverables are completed and submitted in a timely manner; and
• Manage relationships with local partners and government, civil society representatives and international donor representatives.

Secondary Job Duties:

• Contribute to ongoing Democracy International business development efforts around the world.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor funded grants and contracts or have a Master’s degree and/or a Ph.D. and twelve (12) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor funded grants and contracts;
• Proven experience building and managing dynamic, flexible teams, preferably on global projects;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships across technical sectors including technology, cybersecurity and digitalization, in both the public and private sectors, to improve democratic practices worldwide;
• Experience in and knowledge of one or more technology industries, including telecommunications, cybersecurity, digital governance/democracy, digital finance, data ecosystems, and emerging technologies, in a public or private sector capacity; and
• Ability to travel globally.

Reporting:

• This position reports to Director of Program Management.

Job Summary