The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) is a 501(c)3, bipartisan organization that serves as America’s leading foundation for freedom, providing support for democratic activists, civil society organizations, and independent media throughout the world. We seek an experienced, dynamic, and savvy Program Officer/Senior Program Officer, Southeast Europe to help strengthen the impact of our work and mission.

Position Summary:

The Senior Program Officer/Program Officer (SPO/PO) will collaborate with the Regional Director and Program staff to oversee the Endowment’s grant program for the Southeast Europe regional portfolio. The SPO/PO will provide political analysis and lead grant-making for the regional portfolio; participate in the vetting of proposals and the monitoring and evaluation of grants; draft analytical and descriptive materials for both internal and external audiences; monitor and analyze political developments in Southeast Europe, and offer programmatic assistance to senior staff. Candidates must have a firm grasp of political developments and in-country experience working with civil society in Southeast Europe.

The ideal candidate will be able to join an ambitious institution and team committed to the cause of our time. The ideal candidate will collaborate and be inspired by being part of an expanding team supporting our brave partners on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy worldwide.

Responsibilities:

Collaborate closely and adaptably with a diverse group of local activists in media, accountability and governance, transitional justice, the rule of law, civic education, and other related fields.
Oversee the implementation of NED-approved projects and assess the efficacy and institutional development of NED grantees through analysis of grantee reports, feedback on implemented activities, consistent communication over the grant cycle, and regular field visits.
Produce written materials and presentations to provide funding recommendations to NED leadership.
Monitor and analyze political developments in the countries relevant to the portfolio to inform NED strategies and programming, including reading a variety of local, regional, and international news and analysis, meeting with regional political analysts and other partners, keeping abreast of the changing political environment, and actively coordinating with other Europe team members on their country portfolios.
Maintain and build relationships with like-minded organizations, including other donors, NED partners, and regional organizations.
Travel to conduct on-site monitoring of current grantees, identify new funding prospects, and obtain a first-hand understanding of the political environment. The visits involve engaging with NED grantees, NED core institutes, potential civil society partners, other donors, and political analysts and opinion makers.
Think creatively about improving team effectiveness, refining grantee-reporting guidelines, and facilitating communication with other teams at NED and related areas.
Liaise with other NED teams; participate in various working groups and other efforts to improve NED’s overall functioning and effectiveness.
The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.
Other responsibilities and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development, or a related discipline is required; a relevant Master’s degree is preferred.
Substantial experience in the nonprofit sector.
Experience in democracy-related projects and programs is required.
PO 4-7 years and 2+ years of living or working in the region, for SPO 8-10 years, and 4+ years of residence and working within the region.
Experience in financial monitoring and reporting.
Knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
In depth knowledge of Southeast Europe’s civil society issues, organizations, and individual activists as well as political landscape and trends in the region.
Exceptional written and oral communication abilities.
Professional fluency in any of the languages spoken in Southeast Europe is required.
Capable of traveling to countries within the portfolio.
Solid analytical skills.
Maintain professionalism under pressure.
Takes the initiative and has a high degree of organization.
Team player, including coordination and facilitation skills.
Authorized to work in the United States.

This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.

To Apply:

Apply Online. The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics covered by applicable law. The NED is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for all qualified individuals and bases all employment decisions on qualifications, merit, and business need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

For more information, please visit our website at www.ned.org or careers@ned.org.