Program Manager/Program Officer

Company Overview

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the world through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include Enterprise Ecosystems, Democratic Governance, Business Advocacy, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Anti-Corruption & Ethics, and Trade.

Position: Program Officer, Armenia (based in the region)

Reports to: Head of Office, Armenia

Scope: CIPE is seeking a full-time Program Officer based in Yerevan, Armenia, to work under the “Responding to the Threat of Corrosive Capital in Armenia: Phase III” program under the UK Integrated Security Fund (ISF).

Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and manage a portfolio of projects and grants for Armenia, supportive of CIPE’s overall goals and strategies for target countries. Oversee project management for the “Responding to the Threat of Corrosive Capital in Armenia: Phase III” program and implementation and in-country activities, including the implementation of targeted workshops, trainings, and mentorship with oversight by CIPE Head of Office. Project responsibilities have the following dimensions:
• Develop project concept papers, proposals, reports, and correspondence.
• Analyze, research, and be familiar with the country’s political and economic landscape, identifying opportunities for CIPE programs and partners.
• Identify potential partner organizations and beneficiaries in the region and collaborate to design effective democratic and economic-reform programs.
• Collaborate with partners to refine project proposals, monitoring and evaluation plans, and project budgets.
• Implement, monitor, and manage all project activities, in collaboration with local partner organizations and CIPE team members.
• Establish and maintain regular communication with project partners and other stakeholders.
• Maintain correspondence and operational records regarding CIPE-funded programs in the assigned portfolio.
• Monitor grantees, contractors, and consultants’ performance to ensure full compliance with objectives, financial and reporting requirements, and evaluation plans.
• Evaluate projects through on-site visits, file reviews, and coordination with independent evaluators, where appropriate.
• Develop project reports, summaries, and assessments.
• Oversee project financial management and budgeting, including developing monthly budget forecasts and comparing against actual spending. Lead budget realignment processes when necessary, working with CIPE’s Grants Manager.
• Negotiate and draft contract agreements, grant agreements, and vendor agreements with project partners and vendors. Ensure compliance with CIPE’s procurement policies and grants and contracts requirements throughout the procurement process, including collecting and verifying relevant supporting documents.
• Oversee grant and contract management for the project, including monitoring grantees and contractors, including reviewing invoices and supporting documents from partners.
• Establish and maintain relationships with other donor organizations to identify linkages with CIPE strategies, monitor trends, and assess new funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with multiple CIPE departments to achieve programmatic goals, including Communications, Grants and Finance, and other regional teams.
• Monitor local political and economic developments in Armenia and the broader region, as they pertain to the program. Report on these developments in weekly staff meetings, monthly written reports, and more frequently by email when the situation requires it.
• Draft monthly and weekly internal reports to CIPE’s Washington, D.C. office and contribute to funder reporting, translating documents when necessary.
• Adhere to appropriate CIPE, UK FCDO, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

Program Officer Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields is required: International Relations, International Business, Economic Development, Political Science, Regional/Area Studies, or Public Policy.
• Master’s degree, or the equivalent experience in International Relations, International
• Business, Economic Development, Political Science, or Public Policy is preferred.
• Minimum 3-7 years of professional experience with international assistance programs, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, and/or associations in the region.
• Minimum 3-7 years of experience with program management and program implementation at the strategic level, preferred.
• Background in Eastern Europe or international affairs with an emphasis on political and economic issues and/or democracy development programs required.
• Fluency (written and spoken) in Romanian and English is required.
• Experience with international development and topics consistent with CIPE’s mission, including business ethics, democratic governance, business association advocacy, entrepreneurship, and others.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, establish, and maintain good relationships with international partners, donors, and colleagues.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills with attention to detail.
• Proposal writing skills are required.
• Demonstrated thought leadership skills are required.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment, as well as independently with minimum supervision; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to supervise, develop, and manage young professionals and other staff, when applicable.
• Prior experience with USG-run programs is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be able and willing to travel for extended and multiple periods.
• High degree of cultural competence.
• Commitment to free market principles and the democratic ideals of freedom, participation, prosperity, and growth.

Program Manager Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields is required: International Relations, International Business, Economic Development, Political Science, Regional/Area Studies, or Public Policy.
• Master’s degree, or the equivalent experience in International Relations, International
• Business, Economic Development, Political Science, or Public Policy is preferred.
• Minimum 4-7 years of professional experience with international assistance programs, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, and/or associations in the region.
• Minimum 4-7 years of experience with program management and program implementation at the strategic level, preferred.
• Background in Eastern Europe or international affairs with an emphasis on political and economic issues and/or democracy development programs required.
• Fluency (written and spoken) in Romanian and English is required.
• Experience with international development and topics consistent with CIPE’s mission, including business ethics, democratic governance, business association advocacy, entrepreneurship, and others.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, establish, and maintain good relationships with international partners, donors, and colleagues.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills with attention to detail.
• Proposal writing skills are required.
• Demonstrated thought leadership skills are required.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment, as well as independently with minimum supervision; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Strong project management skills.
• Ability to supervise, develop, and manage young professionals and other staff, when applicable.
• Prior experience with USG-run programs is preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Must be able and willing to travel for extended and multiple periods.
• High degree of cultural competence.
• Commitment to free market principles and the democratic ideals of freedom, participation, prosperity, and growth.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check, which will be conducted as part of the hiring process. CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations and an excellent benefits package.

Applications will be accepted and interviews will be conducted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. Our recruitment process is competitive and designed to identify the most qualified candidates for each position.