Program Officer to UNITY Program / Фахівець/чиня програми UNITY

Who We Are

At IREX we strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals reach their full potential, governments serve their people and communities thrive.

But around the globe, persistent poverty, repression, and injustice prevent too many people from achieving their full potential.  To address these problems, we focus on people, not on vaccines, roads, or wells. We support individuals and institutions to create change in their own communities—and to create person to person bridges between nations.

IREX works with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

IREX is implementing a USAID-funded UNITY Program in Ukraine and seeking a qualified and responsible professional with strong program management skills and a deep understanding of project implementation processes to join our team as a Program Officer (PO) in the UNITY Program Economic Development team.

Ukraine National Identity through Youth (UNITY) is a six-and-a-half-year, USAID-funded program launched in 2020 that supports youth leadership towards a values-based Ukrainian identity. UNITY supports youth innovation and entrepreneurship, fosters active participation in decision-making processes and facilitates youth engagement in problem solving at the national and local levels.  Through fostering an enabling environment and restoring access to formal and non-formal education, the program empowers young people to realize their dreams, ideas, and visions for Ukraine’s development. UNITY empowers youth to become a driving force for facilitating pluralism and respect for diversity.

As a Program Officer, you will play a vital role in coordinating and supporting programmatic aspects of UNITY economic and workforce development activities, including both directly implemented ones, and those implemented in partnership with subgrantees.

In addition to providing programmatic oversight and support, you will utilize your strong project management skills to ensure the successful implementation of activities outlined in the approved work plan. This will involve collaborating closely with the Economic Development Manager and Subgrants Manager to ensure smooth coordination and execution of project activities.

To excel in this role, you should possess strong management skills, excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, a strong commitment to expanding entrepreneurial opportunities among youth, skills enhancement, knowledge expansion, career growth, and a good understanding of innovative approaches to youth economic resilience in wartime will be highly valued.

If you are passionate about empowering youth, implementing tangible initiatives that bring better work and business opportunities to young people in Ukraine, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Currently, the work under this position can be done in a hybrid mode: the position is preferably based in Kyiv with in-person participation in key activities, however, telework is allowed from time to time as agreed with the supervisor.

The ideal candidate takes pride in his or her work and can work independently as well as work closely and cooperatively with others to problem-solve and find solutions. She or he will handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidentiality, has a strong work ethic, and is committed to IREX and UNITY values.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

• At least a bachelor’s degree in economics, international development, public administration, education and/or another relevant field is preferred.
• 3+years of experience in project implementation and programmatic oversight of grant programs (support in subaward activities, subgrant design, program descriptions, preparation of subgrant documents, monitoring, and evaluation subaward program process).
• 3+ years of experience of work in NGO sector and/or international development projects for socio-economic and/or workforce development or in a relevant one such as capacity building projects.
• Experience with USAID-funded projects is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in institutional capacity building of organizations or supporting business development is an advantage.
• Interest in working with youth and creating enabling environment and opportunities for youth.
• Demonstrated success in maintaining excellent collaborations with partner organizations, and ability to establish productive relationships with NGOs, businesses, local governments, opinion leaders would be an advantage.
• Excellent communications skills, including ability to make public presentations and/or lead training.
• Excellent quantitative and qualitative analytical skills, attention to details, reliability, thoroughness, and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational skills: ability to plan, prioritize, track files, and effectively manage information.
• Ability to write and present information concisely.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work cooperatively with others and demonstrate professional and ethical behavior when interacting with partners and stakeholders.
• Strong command of spoken and written English and Ukrainian.
• Ability to work independently and in a team, and the ability to take initiative, meet deadlines, and be flexible.
• Ability to travel (contingent upon actual security recommendations provided by IREX and Government of Ukraine).
• Ukrainian citizenship or residency with work authorization is required.

Your Daily Tasks

• Support in Programmatic Oversight and Management: Provide support in programmatic oversight and management of selected subgrants and small grants/awards aimed at broadening economic empowerment of youth through innovation, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.
• Support for Youth Empowerment: Provide expertise and programmatic solutions (formats and activities) that would enhance youth economic opportunities in entrepreneurship development, business strengthening, career orientation, and life-long learning.
• Implementation of Project Activities: Implement project activities or support assigned components within the project based on the approved work plan, ensuring timely and effective execution.
• Collaboration and Coordination: Collaborate closely with the Economic Development Manager and Subgrants Manager to ensure the smooth implementation of project activities and maintain effective coordination among team members.
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Monitor and evaluate the progress of subgrants and small grants/awards, ensuring compliance with project goals and objectives. Contribute to the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation plans, including data collection and analysis. Prepare regular reports on project activities, progress, challenges encountered, and outcomes achieved. Draft success stories, lessons learned, and recommendations based on the processes and outcomes of implemented activities.
• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to subgrantees, enhancing their effectiveness in expanding youth economic opportunities. Identify capacity-building needs and support the learning and growth of partner organizations.
• Compliance and Documentation: Ensure compliance with relevant grant rules, regulations, and organizational policies and procedures. Maintain updated subgrant files and coordinate with the Subgrants Manager, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Advisor, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team.
• Knowledge Management and Learning: Stay informed about relevant developments, trends, and best practices in the field of youth economic empowerment through entrepreneurship and career development. Contribute to the development and refinement of program activities and grant implementation through working group meetings, brainstorming sessions, and creative workshops.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Support: Maintain effective relations and coordination with subgrantees, program partners, stakeholders, and participants. Support effective collaboration and communication throughout the program.
• Event Organization and Travel: As needed, support the organization of program events, including trainings, meetings, workshops, and other activities. Travel to regions to attend program events and meetings.
• Administrative Duties: File, organize, and keep track of materials developed for the program. Perform other administrative duties as assigned.
• Please note that the general duties and responsibilities may be further adjusted based on the specific requirements and priorities of the program.

TO APPLY 

Please send your cover letter and resume as an attachment in an email with “UNITY_PO” in the subject line to [email protected]. Only complete applications will be considered. No telephone inquiries will be accepted. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.  

We conduct background checks on all successful candidates.

This position is eligible for remote work.

This position is not eligible for Immigration Sponsorship.

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.

All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. AA/EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled