About the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES): IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE: 

The Program Manager will support IFES programming in Eastern Europe and Eurasia based out of Vilnius, Lithuania, with a focus on programmatic interventions supporting legal electoral reform, youth activism, women’s empowerment as well as civic education and media literacy. The Program Manager will support the design and implementation of these activities and will, along with other colleagues, represent IFES at the national and international level at relevant public and private events. The Program Manager must be located in Vilnius, Lithuania and must have residency status in Lithuania.  

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• In partnership with IFES HQ Program Management Team and existing field office staff, help lead the field implementation of activities in the region that may include a range of issues, such as legal and judicial reform, youth activism, civic engagement, women’s rights and political participation, public awareness campaigns on electoral reform, countering-malign influence, information integrity, and civil society support. 
• In partnership with IFES HQ Program Management Team and existing field office team, help supervise sub-grantee activities and coordinate closely with sub-grantee organizations, regularly identifying areas for adaptation, improvement, synergies and/or pivot. 
• In partnership with IFES HQ Program Management Team and existing field office team, lead efforts to plan and organize events, workshops, trainings, etc. in support of project activities. 
• Assist with registration of IFES in Lithuania, including but not limited to legally representing IFES for the purposes of registration in Lithuania. 
• Contribute to preparation of monthly budget projections in cooperation with Headquarters staff. 

• Support financial oversight of projects in collaboration and partnership with HQ Program Management, field office and Finance Teams. 
• Establish, maintain, and develop relationships with peers, funder community and consultants at large for the purpose of business development 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, including those in exile. 
• Support discussion with Monitoring and Evaluation team to design and determine indicators, monitor to ensure programs are meeting indicators, in partnership with HQ Program Management team and existing field office team. 
• Monitor and evaluate project progress and performance including reviewing deliverables and make recommendations where project activities may need to be adjusted based on M&E results. 
• Provide guidance in design, implementation, evaluation, and overall management of project(s) including adherence to approved annual work plans and effectiveness of program activities. 
• Alert Headquarters division management of programmatic concerns, challenges, and difficulties. 
• Contribute to the timely drafting of IFES and donor reports and other materials and conduct final review of all project technical and narrative reports. 
• Monitor pending grant/contract actions and coordinate timely action and response. 
• Assist with hiring additional programmatic support in Vilnius and coordinate the work of consultants and experts. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

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

EXPERIENCE:At least 8 years relevant experience in international development or related field. Experience with budget management and oversight of single or multiple projects, supervising complex, fast-paced, politically dynamic field operations in emerging democracies in the region. Experience with managing teams. 

RELATED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:Experienced with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required. Experience in proposal development required, with experience in program management and supervisory roles. Thorough familiarity with USAID and other international donor regulations and reporting requirements preferred. Experience working on democracy and governance programs, particularly in restrictive and/or politically sensitive environments required. Knowledge of the Belarusian and Eurasian regional political context, civil society, state media narratives and culture 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 Russian languages required, Belarusian strongly preferred. 

TRAVEL: Travel may be required. 

PHYSICALREQUIREMENTS/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.