Project Director - United States

Washington, DC, United States

Position:  Project Director - United States

Location:   Washington D.C, WA

Job Id:  839

# of Openings:  1

Project Director Democracy International (DI) is seeking to hire a  Project Director  for the anticipated five-year Advancing Digital Democracy (ADD) Mechanism funded by USAID. The goal of the Program is to foster and strengthen "digital democracies" by promoting open, secure, safe and inclusive digital ecosystems in which data-driven technologies advance, rather than undermine, democratic values and respect for human rights, including the rights of women, LGBTQI+ and other marginalized populations. The Program will support USAID partners in addressing and/or building resilience to digital repression and supporting rights-respecting digital transformation and growth of the digital economy. For more information on the scope of work please refer to this link . This will be a full-time position based in Washington, DC and will be contingent on award and funding . This position is open to both United States nationals and expatriates.

The Project Director will provide strategic direction and leadership for the activity. The COP will create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to support and promote USAID’s digital strategy. They will coordinate work across a broad consortium of partners, staff, and consultants. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in supporting digital technology initiatives to improve democratic practices and accountability worldwide. They will have experience working with local stakeholders such as local civil society organizations, private sector, watchdogs and when possible, with local government ministries to improve access to information and democratic transparency. The COP will be the main point of contact for USAID staff and will liaise directly with the activity COR on technical issues. They will serve as the primary point of contact between USAID and the DI program.

This is a full-time, key personnel senior position based in Washington, DC and is contingent upon award.

Essential Job Duties:

The position’s responsibilitieswill include:

Create and manage a dynamic team of technical experts to implement USAID’s Digital Strategy;

Manage the project budget, including expenditures and allocation and/or reallocation of funds as necessary for the accomplishment of project goals;

Ensure timely delivery of program inputs, deliverables and reports;

Work with local stakeholders to build relationships and push democratic practices through digital technology and tools;

Provide technical and strategic leadership on all program activities, including budget, compliance, and reporting;

Develop regular reports and ongoing activity monitoring consistent with the requirements of the award with USAID and with internal reporting requirements;

Manage the preparation and presentation of all work plans, MEL plans, and reports;

Serve as technical lead in designing, implementing, and overseeing the aspects of the activity;

Represent DI externally at meetings, workshops, and other events;

Act as a key liaison with USAID;

Manage a diverse team of project staff; and

Provide technical assistance, as needed, to program partners, grantees, and beneficiaries.

Administrative Continue to build and lead DI’s dynamic local team;

Approve expenditures and other financial transactions in accordance with DI and USAID policies and practices;

Liaise regularly with USAID, local staff and partners, STTAs, and DI’s home office to ensure that deadlines are met and high-quality deliverables are completed and submitted in a timely manner; and

Manage relationships with local partners and government, civil society representatives and international donor representatives.

Secondary Job Duties: Contribute to ongoing Democracy International business development efforts around the world.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree with minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor funded grants and contracts or have a Master’s degree and/or a Ph.D. and twelve (12) years of experience managing development activities (USAID-funded activities preferred), including donor funded grants and contracts;

Proven experience building and managing dynamic, flexible teams, preferably on global projects;

Demonstrated ability to build relationships across technical sectors including technology, cybersecurity and digitalization, in both the public and private sectors, to improve democratic practices worldwide;

Experience in and knowledge of one or more technology industries, including telecommunications, cybersecurity, digital governance/democracy, digital finance, data ecosystems, and emerging technologies, in a public or private sector capacity; and

Ability to travel globally.

Reporting: This position reports to Director of Program Management.

Application Process:

Interested applicants  MUST submit a cover letter and CV.  Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and the position will be filled as soon as a qualified candidate is identified. DI will only contact candidates of interest.

All interested applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. at the time of application.  DI will not sponsor applicants for work Visa.

About the Organization:

DI provides technical assistance, analytical services and project implementation for democracy, human rights, governance and conflict mitigation programs worldwide for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. State Department and other development partners. Since its founding in 2003, Democracy International has worked with civil society organizations, political parties, election-management bodies, government agencies, legislatures, justice-sector institutions, and others in 80+ countries.

DI welcomes and supports a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to equal employment opportunities (EEO) for all applicants seeking employment and for DI employees. DI makes employment decisions based on organizational needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, personal appearance, military status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation, educational status, unemployment status, place of residence or business, source of income, or reproductive health decision making. Additionally, harassment or discrimination based on these characteristics will not be tolerated at DI. To perform the essential functions of this position, reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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