2461 - Senior Program Officer, Asia

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, as well as the NED core institutes: the National Democratic Institute (NDI), the International Republican Institute (IRI), the Solidarity Center, and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). Through nearly $300 million in grants annually to 1,800 partners in over 100 countries, NED supports a global infrastructure for democracy. 

We are seeking a Senior Program Officer who will assess political developments in the country, help to refine the NED’s Pakistan strategy, and monitor the implementation of grants.

Position Summary:

The Senior Program Officer will work with the Asia program leadership to manage grants related to and coordinate NED’s programming in Pakistan. This is an opportunity to join an ambitious institution and team committed to the cause of our time. The ideal candidate will be energized by the idea of being part of an expanding team supporting our brave partners on the frontlines of the fight for freedom and democracy around the world.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely and flexibly with a diverse range of activists and stakeholders focused on democracy-related issues in Pakistan including political participation, governance, independent media, and civil society support.
• Monitor political developments in the country relevant to the portfolio to inform NED strategies and programming, including reading various US- and regional-based publications, and meeting with political analysts and civil society representatives.
• Monitor the implementation of NED-approved projects and evaluate the effectiveness and the institutional growth of NED grantees by analyzing grantee reports, providing feedback on implemented activities, maintaining continuous communication over the grant cycle, and conducting regular field visits.
• Build and maintain relationships with like-minded organizations, including other donors, NED partners, and regional organizations.
• Liaise with other NED teams; participate in various working groups, and other efforts to improve NED’s overall functioning and effectiveness.
• Organize and coordinate meetings and events focused on democracy-related issues in Pakistan.
• Produce written materials and presentations to provide funding recommendations to NED leadership.
• Travel to monitor existing grantees, identify new funding opportunities, and gain an on‑the-ground perspective on the political situation. The visits will include meetings with NED grantees, meetings with core institutes, potential civil society partners, other donors, and political analysts and opinion-makers.
• Think creatively about how to improve team effectiveness, grantee-reporting guidelines, communications with other teams at NED, etc.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred. 
• Significant Pakistan experience.
• 8+ years of experience in democracy-related projects and programs required.
• 2+ years of living and working in the region preferred.
• Exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• High degree of organization and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player, including coordination and facilitation skills.
• Experience in financial monitoring and reporting.
• Experience in analytical reporting writing.
• Knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Full professional proficiency in Urdu is preferred.
• Ability to travel to Pakistan, as needed.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

To Apply:

Applications must include a cover letter, resume, desired salary, and contact information for three professional references, of which one should be a supervisor. Please, no phone call inquiries.

Located in Washington, D.C., the salary range for this role is $ 85,250 -136,125 USD, plus benefits. The final offer for a successful candidate will be determined by a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, skill set, level of experience, education, and market considerations.

At NED, we recognize that our most important asset is our people. We value the diversity of skills and perspectives our team brings to our work. We believe an inclusive and supportive work environment fosters a culture of respect and appreciation for all individuals. NED is committed to creating a workplace that allows everyone to be their authentic selves and make meaningful contributions to our organization, our grantees, and our world.

NED strives to create a work experience that supports the well-being and healthy work-life balance of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package offers health insurance (includes no copay for mental health services), a generous retirement savings plan, paid parental, vacation, and sick leave, a hybrid workplace model, flexible work schedules, and wellness initiatives to ensure a positive work-life balance.

NED is dedicated to creating an environment of respect and collaboration where everyone is encouraged to participate and take ownership of their work. We offer flexible work schedules and, for most positions, the opportunity for weekly telework days. This hybrid approach allows our employees to balance their work and personal lives while still participating in the collaborative process at the heart of our mission.

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 needs. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seeks 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 [email protected].