Project Director, Building Capacity of Civil Society Watchdogs

Denver, CO, United States

About IREX

IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $140 million, work in more than 100 countries worldwide with offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of over 600.

Position Summary

IREX seeks qualified Project Director (PD) candidates to lead the Building Capacity of Civil Society Watchdogs project funded by the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The project will build the capacity of Ukrainian civil society organizations to engage in anti-corruption reforms and accountability efforts, with the goal of implementing anti-corruption reforms and improving transparency and accountability resulting in increased public confidence in Ukraine’s democratic institutions and further integration with the EU. Based in Kyiv, the PD will oversee all aspects of program implementation, providing a vision for the program and ensuring that objectives are met on time and within budget. The PD should have relevant management and oversight experience, including working with donors (INL a plus), as well as existing (or the ability to develop) relationships with anti-corruption stakeholders such as civil society watchdogs, investigative journalists, legislators, government anti-corruption bodies, and courts. This position is contingent on funding.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Direct all aspects of program implementation to ensure timely, accurate, and thoughtful delivery of high-quality programming.

Develop and monitor project workplan for activity portfolio.

Communicate vision and activity progress with donor, partners, and internal IREX stakeholders.

Contribute technical inputs to complex documents, program reports, and evaluations.

Guide team decision-making and learning on program strategy and direction.

Supervise and coach a team to successfully implement the program.

Provide strategic and technical leadership to the program, including a comprehensive vision for transformational outcomes to achieve the project’s objectives.

Serve as principal liaison with INL and develop productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders including civil society, program beneficiaries, government officials, other donors and implementers, and others.

Develop strong collaborative, supportive, and mutually respectful relationships with diverse team members, with other leaders at IREX, and with leaders at key stakeholder and partner organizations.

Oversee program budgeting and forecasting, financial management, compliance and subgrants management.

Oversee monitoring, evaluation, learning, and reporting to ensure the program adapts as needed to meet objectives and learning is acquired and shared broadly to maximize impact and sustainability.

Integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout program implementation.

Supervise, manage, and mentor program staff; lead recruitment of specialized technical staff.

Represent IREX publicly and support its organizational development.

Ensure that IREX’s safety and security policies and procedures are applied to all program and staff operations.

Other duties, as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

Ukrainian citizenship or residency with work authorization to be able to work in Ukraine is required. Bachelor’s degree in related field required. Master’s degree preferred. Minimum 12+ years of progressive experience, or a master’s degree and 11 years of experience. Successful track record of at least 5 years supervising, managing, and implementing donor funded (INL a plus) civil society programs with a focus on anti-corruption, investigative journalism, and other relevant programming in Ukraine. Ability to communicate effectively and establish strong working relationships with anti-corruption stakeholders (civil society watchdogs, investigative journalists, legislators, government anti-corruption bodies, courts, etc.), civil society organizations, government, international donors, and other stakeholders. Existing relationships with anti-corruption stakeholders in Ukraine strongly preferred. Technical expertise on EU accession anti-corruption reforms and/or Ukrainian criminal justice system preferred. Proven leadership qualities and excellent management skills, including a leadership style that is empowering to team members and instills diversity, equity, and inclusion. Demonstrated ability to track and manage budgets and plan both strategically and creatively to meet project objectives. Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills. Strong representational and organizational skills. Commitment to inclusive programming that encourages full participation of individuals regardless of gender, disability status, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other marginalized status. Fluency in written and spoken English and Ukrainian required. To Apply Please click “Apply” to submit your CV and cover letter for consideration.

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