Senior Program Officer

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR ELECTORAL SYSTEMS (IFES) in WBG: 

Together we build democracies that deliver for all. Our independent expertise strengthens electoral institutions/systems and builds local capacity to deliver sustainable solutions. As the global leader in democracy promotion, we advance good governance and democratic rights by providing technical assistance; empowering the underrepresented to participate in the political process; and applying field-based research to improve the electoral cycle. We believe that trusted electoral institutions deliver credible elections, effective governing institutions are accountable to the people they serve, all people safely participate in civic and political life on an equal basis and technology, information and data positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in over 145 countries – from developing to mature democracies.  

IFES is currently implementing the project “Democratic Leadership Activity”. This project aims at increasing the capacity of diverse civic stakeholders to meaningfully engage in political reforms and processes. The project will implement a series of activities targeting youth, women and other groups and strengthen their skills and knowledge to constructively engage in politics- it will develop tailored trainings, dialogue and technical research activities together with partners to build space for discussions on technical issues of rights and democracy. 

We are looking for a dynamic and creative colleague to lead the implementation of program activities, together with a team of 5 additional program consultants. 

 PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: 

The Senior Program Officer will support IFES programming in West Bank/Gaza, with a focus on programmatic interventions supporting legal electoral reform, youth activism, women’s empowerment as well as civic education and media literacy. The Senior Program Officer will support the design and implementation of these activities and will, along with other colleagues, represent IFES at relevant public and private events.  

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

Under the direction and supervision of the Country Director, the Senior Program Officer: 

• In partnership with IFES team and civil society partners, leads the implementation of activities, which may include a range of thematic pillars, such as legal reform, youth participation in politics, women’s equal right to participate in politics, digital civic space, and broader civic leadership support.  

•  Supervise sub-grantee activities and coordinate closely with sub-grantee organizations, regularly identifying areas for adaptation, improvement, synergies and/or pivot.  

• Lead efforts to conduct research, plan and organize events, workshops, dialogue events, etc. in support of project activities.  

• Leads coordination of international experts visits and global in-house colleagues that come to West Bank to support program implementation.  

• Establish, maintain, and develop relationships with peers, funder community and consultants at large for the purpose of knowledge sharing and information dissemination.  

• Facilitate the sharing of project insights, lessons learned, and best practices between IFES sub-grantees, and other partner institutions, through regular pause and reflect sessions.   

• Coordinate regularly with local civil society partners.  

• Monitor and evaluate project data on progress and performance including reviewing deliverables and make recommendations where project activities may need to be adjusted based on M&E results.  

• Contribute to and coordinate regular programmatic reports to donors 

• Ensure branding, marking, and reporting expectations are well planned and met according to the award and donor requirements 

• Provide guidance in design, implementation, evaluation, and overall management of project(s) including adherence to approved annual work plans and effectiveness of program activities.  

• Other duties as assigned.  

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:  

Education:  Bachelor’s degree required in relevant field; Master’s degree in international relations, political science, or international development preferred.  

Experience:  

• At least 5 years’ relevant experience in international development or related field.  

• Knowledge of the Palestinian regional political context, civil society, state media narratives and culture required.  

• Experience working with USG-support projects/international NGOs on implementation of international technical assistance programs considered a plus 

• Training/facilitation skills is an advantage 

• Excellent reporting and drafting skills.  

Location: The IFES team is not required to work from the IFES office daily, but at minimum must be able to attend regular meetings in IFES Office in Ramallah 

Related Skills or Knowledge: Experienced with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required. Detail-oriented and organized. Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines. Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing. Collaborative, team-oriented individual.  

LANGUAGE SKILLS:  Fluency in English and Arabic 

Travel within the West Bank, to the Region and the US may be required.  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:  

Standard office work environment, with occasional travel to other cities in the region. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:  Qualified and interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter detailing qualifications for the position (no more than a page in length), and name/contact details of three (3) references. 

[email protected]