• Outreach and partnerships: Establish and maintain working relationships with external stakeholders, including multi-lateral organizations, donors, the private sector, academia, policymakers, CSOs and international NGOs, foundations, and the legal and scholarly communities. Actively maintain relationships with USAID, the Department of State, and other donor and policy contacts, as relevant to the gender portfolio. Represent IFES as the lead external contact on the subject. Maintain and enhance academic and institutional connections and partnerships.
• Technical advancement and innovation: Work with colleagues across the organization to identify and conduct innovative research and tool development to ensure IFES programming maintains a competitive edge in our community of practice. Develop new tools and resources for programming on gender topics. Conduct trainings for IFES staff on international best practices, emerging trends, IFES tools and good practices in the gender sphere. Lead and/or participate in rigorous assessments related to gender and political participation, violence against women in elections, and other relevant topic areas.
• Technical assistance quality assurance: Provide direct technical assistance to country programs and provide advice on and oversee the work of technical consultants. In consultation with regional experts, provide ongoing advice and recommendations for program activities and conduct program reviews, as necessary.
• Business development and program design: Provide advice and recommendations to business development strategy discussions and execution. Maintain understanding of competitor approaches and donor priorities related to gender and democracy. Contribute to and review IFES’ program design efforts, including proposals, concept notes and options papers, and lead the development of topic-specific proposals, in consultation with regional experts.

Desired Competencies:

• Commitment to Excellence – Continuously strives to improve upon past performance with an orientation towards high quality service delivery and product development that demonstrates creativity/innovation, rigor, and knowledge generation. Understands responsibilities and meets goals for assigned tasks. Strives to eliminate mistakes, and complete work in a timely fashion. Solves problems as requested. Seeks to provide prompt, efficient and courteous service. Demonstrates a desire to contribute to the success of IFES.
• Communicates Effectively – Effectively and appropriately interacts with others to build relationships, influence others, and facilitate the sharing of ideas and information. Uses tact and diplomacy to navigate difficult situations. Relays key messages by creating a compelling story, targeted to specific audiences. Encourages the open expression of diverse ideas and opinions. Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization.
• Decision Quality – Makes timely and sound decisions that keep the organization moving forward, even in the absence of complete information. Relies on a mixture of analysis, planning, experience, and judgment when making decisions. Considers all relevant factors and uses appropriate decision-making criteria and principles. Recognizes when a quick 80% solution will suffice.
• Ensures Accountability – Holds self and others accountable to meet commitments. Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same. Acts with a clear sense of ownership. Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions, and failures. Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results. Designs feedback loops into work.
• Teamwork and Collaboration – Builds partnerships and works collaboratively to meet shared objectives. Works cooperatively with others across the organization. Values diverse perspectives and working with others as a way to achieve the best output possible. Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Credits others for their contributions and accomplishments.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required. Advanced degree is preferred.
• At least 10 years’ relevant experience in international development or related field. At least 8 years of progressive professional experience in the work of gender equality and women’s empowerment across different regional settings.

Language Skills: English required. Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic language is a plus.
Travel: Travel is required up to 30% of the time.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment: Standard office work environment with some field travel. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

What we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Monthly Benefit Allowance paid directly to all employees
• Employer paid life and AD&D insurance at 3x base salary
• 401(k) retirement plan with 1:1 employer match up to 6%
• Employer paid Short and Long Term Disability insurance
• Generous vacation (starting at 3 weeks and increasing with time of service), sick leave, and personal leave
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program