Every employee of IRI is responsible for carrying out the Mission of IRI and demonstrating the Core Values in their day to day operations. The Core Values, which are IRI’s foundational building blocks include:

Excellence- We believe in quality results delivered by investing in people. Freedom- We believe in exploration and experimentation to be agile and responsive. Respect- We believe in trust, empathy and empowering people. Teamwork- We believe in diversity, inclusion and the power of global collaboration. Transparency- We believe in open communication and clear decision-making. Accountability- We believe in personal responsibility as the foundation of success.

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.

This is a hybrid role based in Washington, DC.

Position Requirements:

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
Primary Functions & 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.

Qualifications
Education
Required
Bachelors or better in Political Science or related field.

Experience
Required
Less than 1 year:
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
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)