Join Our Team as a Program Associate, West Africa at the International Republican Institute (IRI)!

ABOUT IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom. We link people with their governments, support politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivate those citizens to engage in the political process.

At IRI, every employee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission across the globe. We’re looking for passionate individuals who embody our Core Values and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team. Our values include:

Excellence: We deliver quality results by investing in our people.
Freedom: We embrace exploration and experimentation to stay agile and responsive.
Respect: We trust, empathize, and empower each other.
Teamwork: We value diversity, inclusion, and the power of global collaboration.
Transparency: We believe in open communication and clear decision-making.
Accountability: Personal responsibility is the foundation of our success.
The International Republican Institute is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

ABOUT THE TEAM: AFRICA

The International Republicans Institute’s Africa Regional Program team designs, manages, and oversees both country specific and regional programming in Sub-Saharan Africa. Comprised of country/ sub-regional experts specializing in a range of technical areas, the Africa Regional Program team leads the Institute’s efforts to contribute to thought leadership about emerging issues on the continent. The team also designs innovative and effective democracy and governance programming to respond to emerging challenges and trends.

THE ROLE: PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, WEST AFRICA

The Program Associate (PA) is the entry level position for program work at IRI and provides administrative and programmatic support for current and developing programs in West Africa.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Tracks and follows-up on pending procurement requests, approvals and monitoring once approved, including processing payments
Assists in projecting program costs and monitoring project spending
Contributes to quarterly, semi-annual, final, and other relevant reports for funders
Edits and summarizes weekly reports for internal and funder audiences
Coordinates submission of contract packages
Updates program databases, contract trackers, etc.
Compiles briefing books for trainers
Maintains project site and documents
Provides logistical support for DC meetings and events
Supports IRI’s communication strategy including IRI’s branding and outreach plans on projects assigned by drafting and updating program summaries, web stories/blogs, tweets, etc.
Follows political developments in countries assigned and contributes toward summarizing/analyzing content in quarterly reports and proposals
Assists with program monitoring and evaluation (M&E), including participating in regular M&E calls, tracking compliance, and identifying where adjustments need to be made
Participates in program design and strategy brainstorming sessions
Participates in business development, such as in writing portions of proposals and drafting budgets
Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives
Performs other duties as assigned.
Note: This post is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required in this role. Further details of the role will be shared during the recruitment process.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We seek a passionate and experienced individual with:

Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, African affairs, or related field
0-1 year of experience in international development, African affairs, or related field
Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required
Excellent writing, research, and communication skills
International experience preferred
Knowledge of/experience working on issues in West Africa and/or sub-Saharan Africa more broadly
French language proficiency a plus
IRI TOTAL COMPENSATION

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $21.33/hr to $29.86/hr USD.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are made based on the aforementioned considerations.

WE OFFER

An empathetic and dedicated work environment with generous benefits that demonstrates IRI’s commitment to all dimensions of employee wellness, including:

Health and Wellness Support: Significant coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance costs. Meaningful assistance programs through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), and access to Headspace, a mental health support app.
Long-term Financial Health: Retirement plan with generous 10% employer contribution (vested after 6 months)
Hybrid and Flexible Work: Hybrid and telework options, compressed work schedules, monthly meeting-free Tuesdays, and Flex Fridays observed across the Institute. Workplace flexibility stipend of $200/month for DC area employees through payroll.
Time Off: Company-paid holidays, parental leave, generous vacation, sick, and personal leave days.
Family Support: Back-up dependent care through Care.com, Dependent Care FSA
Learning and Development Opportunities: Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars, including language training, and access to world-class E-Learning via eCornell. Graduate Student Loan Repayment Program available to eligible full-time employees after 1 year of employment.
Compensation Equity: Regular competitive review of internal and external equity to ensure fairness in pay for employees working in similar jobs requiring comparable knowledge, skills, and experience.
Benefits, professional development, and flexibility offerings may vary based on employment classification and location. Please visit our website to learn more about our benefits offerings.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – RESUME, COVER LETTER, REFERENCES

In your application, please include a copy of your most up-to-date resume along with a cover letter that outlines your background and explains why you are interested in this opportunity. Additionally, please include the contact details of at least 2-3 professional references. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact your references before the final interview.