The National Democratic Institute of International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Resident Program Manager to develop partnerships, design and implement democracy assistance for a new civil society program in Eurasia. In particular, the successful applicant will conduct online programming, including training and consultations, focused on strengthening the civic organizing skills of local activists and partner organizations, particularly those involving women and youth, operating in a restrictive closed environment. Work will be conducted remotely and a successful applicant will have residence and work authorization in a country within the Eurasia region or Europe. The successful applicant will not be asked to relocate from their country of current residence. 

The Resident Program Manager will also represent NDI to the US and other governments, donor agencies, and local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Close coordination with NDI’s Washington headquarters is expected, including regular contact with the Washington-based staff overseeing programs and activities. Some intermittent travel may be required.

This is a field-based position, ideally located in the Eurasia region.

Responsibilities:

• In collaboration with Washington D.C.-based colleagues, design overall country strategy and implement NDI’s programs and activities with civic and political actors in a politically restrictive Eurasian country;
• Design and conduct online (and potentially in-person) trainings for program participants as needed, working with outside consultants, as appropriate; 
• Identify, and maintain relationships with, key partners in civil society and the donor community;
• Develop for submission program-related materials, including regular reports that describe activities, measure and evaluate program results, and provide updates on political developments in the region that may affect program outcomes; and,
• Ensure adherence to NDI-DC and host country policies and procedures, as well as funder/donor regulations, ensuring the integrity of all financial transactions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent;
• Minimum eight (8) years practitioner experience in democracy and governance (D&G) work, with particular emphasis on local organizing, issue-based advocacy, message development and communications, training and leadership development within politically active non-governmental organizations, parties or election campaigns; 
• Experience implementing remote or offshore programming within a constrained political space or illiberal environments highly preferred, including knowledge and practice with cybersecurity protocols and secure communications channels;
• Exceptional political judgment and analytical skills for interpreting complex political environments, as well as identifying and responding to program opportunities. Creativity and flexibility are a must;
• Demonstrated experience as a participatory trainer, facilitator and trusted advisor;
• Experience in results-oriented program design, strategic planning, and program evaluation desired;
• Proven capacity to meet program goals as well as financial, administrative, and security responsibilities;
• Exceptional interpersonal, representational, and negotiation skills as well as cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, members of donor organizations, funders and policy-makers;
• Demonstrated experience working in a cross-cultural environment; experience living and working overseas and an ability to work in a challenging environment is preferred, as is previous experience in former Soviet/Eastern bloc countries;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English required; oral communication skills in Russian and/or Turkic languages required; 
• Familiarity with Google platform, virtual meeting and webinar technology, and Microsoft Office applications required.

Comments:

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department.

Position would begin February 2021 for nine to twelve months contingent on funding approval.