Job Summary

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 across the Middle East.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.

Position Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, Middle Eastern and North African studies, or related field
• 0-1 year of experience in politics, international development, Middle Eastern and North African studies, 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 Middle Eastern and North African politics and society, especially pertaining to the Gulf
• Arabic language proficiency strongly desired, but not required

Primary Functions & Responsibilities

• Tracks and follows-up on pending procurement requests, approvals and monitoring once approved, including processing payments
• Participates in program design and strategy development sessions
• Reviews payment requests from partners
• Assists in projecting program costs and monitoring project spending
• Updates program databases, contract trackers, etc.
• 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
• Occasional travel in support of programming activities
• 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.
• 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 business development, such as in writing proposal portions and drafting budgets
• Follows political developments in countries assigned and contributes toward summarizing/analyzing content in quarterly reports and proposals
• Participates in cross functional teams and initiatives (optional)
• Performs other duties as assigned

Bachelors of Political Science (required)

0 - 1 years: * Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required * Excellent writing, research, and communication skills * International experience preferred * Knowledge of/experience working on issues in Middle East and North Africa * Arabic language proficiency preferred but not required. (required)