Вакансія: Program Officer

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Group/Practice/Unit: Communities & Governance 

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 form 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 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 Civic Engagement and Social Cohesion team. As a Program Officer, you will play a vital role in overseeing and managing programmatic aspects of selected subgrants and small grants/awards that aim to foster youth engagement in civic and community problem-solving. IREX is looking for someone who can provide support to grantees in project implementation and effectively manage projects directly within the UNITY team.

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 Civic Engagement and Social Cohesion Lead, Subgrants Manager, and Social Cohesion Specialist to ensure smooth coordination and execution of project activities.

To excel in this role, you should possess excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders. Additionally, a strong commitment to promoting civic participation and social cohesion, along with a good understanding of youth empowerment and civic engagement concepts and approaches, will be highly valued.

If you are passionate about empowering youth, possess strong program management skills, and are dedicated to promoting pluralism and diversity in Ukraine, we encourage you to apply for this position.

Currently, the work under this position can be done remotely. The position will be based in Kyiv once the security situation allows.

The ideal candidate takes pride in his or her work and is able to 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 bachelor’s of degree in international development, public administration, management, political science, communications and/or another relevant field is preferred; 

• Experience in programmatic oversight of grant programs (support in subaward activities, subgrant design, complete program description, preparation of subgrant documents, monitoring and evaluation subaward program process etc.); 

• Experience of work in NGO sector and/or international development projects in similar areas; 

• Experience with USAID-funded projects is preferred; 

• Demonstrated experience in institutional capacity building 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, opinion leaders etc.; 

• Excellent communications skills, including ability to make public presentations and/or lead trainings; 

• 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; 

• Strong presentation skills: 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 handle multiple priorities and complete tasks and projects in accordance with stated deadlines; 

• 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); 

• Ukrainian citizenship or residency with work authorization is required.

Your Daily Tasks

• Programmatic Oversight and Management: Provide programmatic oversight and management of selected subgrants and small grants/awards aimed at broadening youth engagement in civic and community problem solving. 

• Support for Youth Empowerment: Support youth as drivers of Ukraine’s pluralism and respect for diversity through project activities and initiatives. 

• 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 Civic Engagement and Social Cohesion Lead, Subgrants Manager, and Social Cohesion Specialist 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 promoting youth engagement and social cohesion. 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 civic engagement and social cohesion. 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 visit: Program Officer, Ukraine National Identity Through Youth (UNITY) (NEW) | IREX Job Board (ultipro.com) 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