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Join to apply for the Vice President, Programs and Strategy role at The International Foundation for Electoral Systems

Join to apply for the Vice President, Programs and Strategy role at The International Foundation for Electoral Systems

The Vice President Programs and Strategy (VPPS) is based in Washington, DC and reports to the IFES Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/President. The VPPS is a senior organizational leader on the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and directly oversee the work of regional program teams and of the IFES Center for Applied Research and Learning. In collaboration with the President/CEO, the ELT and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the VPPS provides programmatic and strategic leadership to regional and thematic programs and drives high-impact, cross-organizational strategies. The VPPS is responsible for ensuring effective delivery of programs in compliance with donor regulations, and for advancing IFES' mission through programmatic leadership, donor engagement, and a commitment to innovation.

The VPPS serves as a strategic business partner to the CEO, ELT and SLT to collaboratively develop and implement IFES's strategic plan, diversify the programming portfolio, and maintain IFES's position as a global leader in electoral and democracy assistance. The VPPS executes organizational program policy and plays a central role in setting IFES' program and strategic priorities that advance strong program and strategic alignment and integration. The VPPS guides and works collaboratively with the leadership of IFES' Center for Applied Research and Learning, which relies on research and innovation to develop and deploy cutting-edge programmatic approaches designed to counter evolving threats to election integrity and to build more resilient democracies. Under the guidance of the VPPS, the Center develops innovative and impactful products and tools that create demand for IFES' services, positioning IFES as a thought leader in its community of practice.

SCOPE

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, comprising the CEO, the CFO, and the General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources, the VPPS helps guide the organization as it evolves and responds to changes in U.S. foreign aid to address mission-related demands and challenges while maintaining IFES' position as a leader in the field of elections, democracy, and governance programs. S/he will promote excellence in a decentralized, worldwide operation that implements activities safely and effectively in numerous countries while ensuring adherence to a range of donor compliance frameworks.

As a leader, the VPPS is expected to maintain collaborative working relationships with staff at all levels of IFES. S/he is also expected to develop strong, productive relations with members of the IFES Board of Directors, external audiences, and other relevant stakeholders.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

One of the most important roles of the VPPS is to develop close and productive relationships with government, private sector and philanthropic donors, and to help lead the organization's efforts to generate a healthy revenue stream to fund its global operations.

Program and Team Management (35%)

• Work with the CEO, ELT, and colleagues across the organization to build program teams and country offices that deliver world-class, impactful programs that enjoy strong donor support.
• Work across the organization to identify areas for IFES to collaborate with a range of partners, especially but not only election commissions, to advance electoral integrity and democracy.
• Lead the development and implementation of multi-year program strategies that align with IFES' five-year strategic plan.
• Ensure that IFES programming maintains a competitive edge in our communities of practice through the innovative and consistent application of applied research, high-quality technical assistance, and adaptive management based on project learning and data.
• Directly supervise Regional Directors, coaching them and holding them accountable to lead strategic initiatives in alignment with established goals.
• Support onboarding and ongoing professional development of staff, and mentor emerging talent within programs teams and the Center.

Strategic Innovation and Thought Leadership (30%)

• Pursue and deepen strategic partnerships and alliances with multilateral organizations, NGOs, academia and research institutions, and the philanthropic and private sectors that support strategic alignment, program innovation, and high-impact initiatives.
• Serve as a strategic thought leader and partner within IFES to help develop new program tools and approaches to counter democratic backsliding and to strengthen electoral integrity and democracy more broadly.
• Represent IFES in international fora to build relationships and strengthen our brand as an innovative thought-leader and high-value, collaborative partner.

Business Development (25%)

• Provide strategic input to shape program priorities that align with current and emerging donor interests and contribute to building long-term funding relationships.
• Collaborate with the Director of Business Development and other internal partners to ensure program designs are grounded in country realities, donor priorities, international best practices, and advance IFES' mission.
• Proactively engage existing and potential new government donors to build and strengthen relationships, enhance donor understanding of IFES' mission and capabilities, and attract new funding.
• Develop high-quality, long-term funding relationships with philanthropic and private sector donors.

Global Security (10%)

• Oversee IFES' global security management services contract, ensuring the Global Security Manager works collaboratively to implement a comprehensive, effective and high-quality safety and security framework for our global operations.
• Actively contribute to the development of security monitoring mechanisms and the establishment of consistent safety and security practices.
• Serve as the lead on field crisis management.
• In partnership with the Vice President of Human Resources and Global Security Manager, contribute to the development and implementation of policy and guidance on IFES' safety and security training system and duty of care approach.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: With primary responsibility for leading IFES' global programs and serving as a strategic thought partner on global strategy, the VPPS will oversee program teams and the Center for Applied Research and Learning (the Center).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Master's or Ph.D. in International Relations or relevant field, or other relevant degree, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:

• Fifteen plus years, with at least five years at the executive level, of progressively responsible leadership experience in the democracy, rights and governance space in program development, project management, business development, and outreach.
• At least 10 years managerial or other related experience.
• Experience with field operations and personnel management in challenging international development environments.
• Strong overall knowledge of international development, democracy, human rights and governance programming, election administration and operations.
• Direct experience working with a wide range of government, philanthropic, and private sector donors.
• Experience working outside the United States highly desirable.

LANGUAGE: Fluency in written and spoken English required. Proficiency in other languages a plus.

PERSONAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

The successful candidate should possess/demonstrate:

• Excellent character, including the highest standards of integrity, ethics, diplomacy, humility, and camaraderie.
• Executive presence with an ability to explain complex information coherently.
• Self-awareness and experience as a leader who cultivates empathy, builds relationships, fosters trust and transparency, and offers direct, honest feedback with compassion.
• Adeptness at multi-tasking; one who thrives in an environment of rapid change but with a methodical, calm, and thoughtful demeanor.
• Flexibility and agility, responsive to feedback, open to changing direction, and with focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Proven record of accomplishment and experience in leading impactful programs, development, implementation, and outreach in a diverse, global enterprise.
• Exceptional organizational and time-management skills.
• Superb business acumen, with the ability to deeply analyze and assess specific tactical business issues while operating at a high strategic level.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and ability to creatively tackle “red tape” challenges.
• Ability to manage remotely and lead a geographically dispersed team successfully.
• Commitment to effectively train, develop, and mentor staff.
• Team player with a collaborative mentality and a consensus builder who works with others to achieve shared goals.
• A self-starter who requires minimal direction from the CEO on specific job-related duties.
• A flexible mindset and work style. Someone who can make timely decisions and work comfortably with ambiguity in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• A dedication to the values and mission of IFES and a genuine interest in international affairs with the specific goal of global democracy building.

TRAVEL EXPECTATION: Travel may be required up to 30% of the time.

OTHER: Standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. This position is subject to mandatory Background Checks. Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. This position is hybrid. Hybrid positions combine regular in-person presence at our Washington, D.C. office on specified days each week.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Strategy/Planning, Project Management, and Management

• Industries

  International Trade and Development, Non-profit Organizations, and Research Services

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