Senior Program and Finance Officer

Brief Description

About IFES:

IFES advances democracy for a better future. We collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for all. Our technical assistance and applied research develop trusted electoral bodies capable of conducting credible elections; effective and accountable governing institutions; civic and political processes in which all people can safely and equally participate; and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy. Since 1987, IFES has worked in more than 145 countries, from developing to mature democracies. In accordance with IFES’ approach: A society is able to reach its full potential in a world in which people of all genders are fully engaged as equal partners in their families, workplaces, and communities. Based on international human rights standards and best practices, IFES promotes political participation, justice, and equal rights around the world. IFES reflects these values in its programming and workplace culture.

The greatest assets of IFES are our team members. IFES offers competitive benefits and pay, as well as the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment. Every member of the IFES team is responsible for carrying out the mission of IFES and integrating IFES values into their work every day: Commitment to Excellence, Effective Communication, High-Quality Decision-Making, Accountability, Teamwork, and Collaboration.

Primary Function/Purpose

IFES seeks a Senior Program and Finance Officer (SPFO) to support the El Salvador office with the implementation of activities under the USAID-funded project: “Electoral Integrity and Political Party Strengthening Activity”. The position will be based in San Salvador.

Job Responsibilities

Under the direction and supervision of the Senior Elections Specialist (SES), the SPFO will be responsible for the following tasks and responsibilities, including but not limited to:

Program Administration, Reporting, And Finance

• Work with IFES HQ staff to draft and review internal or donor biweekly reports, quarterly reports, and other programmatic or reporting documents.
• Understand and follow financial, administrative and procurement policies to ensure compliance with IFES, USAID and local policies and regulations.
• Collect and manage data for project progress reporting and assist in data quality assessments, in coordination with IFES Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) HQ staff.
• Serve as the country office liaison on financial matters with HQ-based staff including the Finance and Contracts and Grants (C&G) staff.
• Oversee the implementation of the country office project budget; develop and implement budget management tools and prepare periodic financial reports.
• Prepare monthly financial expenditure reports and country office wire transfer requests for IFES HQ approval.
• Work with IFES HQ staff to coordinate procurement and consultant packages, and other necessary administrative tasks, maintaining a database for tracking.
• Coordinate travel logistics for IFES staff and consultants in El Salvador
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Program Design And Implementation

• Contribute to strategic discussions and provide technical inputs for proposals, concept notes and budgets.
• Draft workplan implementation strategies aligned with budgetary requirements.
• Contribute to the effective implementation of workplan activities, supporting with logistics and technical participation as needed in meetings, workshops, or events.
• Maintain relationships with project partners, including consultants and technical assistance recipients, to ensure program success.
• Support consultants and technical advisors hired for workplan activities, including reviewing deliverables before SES and IFES HQ approval.
• Monitor the local political context as it relates to IFES’ project and prepare updates for the country office and HQ staff.
  
  

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences, political sciences, international development, or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in international program management, especially in democratic development, electoral technical assistance and civic participation.

Related Skills Or Knowledge

• Demonstrated project administration and management skills.
• Experience working in programs financed by USAID preferred.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and consistently meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communicator, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to develop and manage relationships; collaborative, team-oriented individual.
• Proven capacity to work well with minimal supervision.
• Microsoft Office proficiency required
• Experience working in programs financed by USAID preferred.
  
  

Language Skills: Fluency in Spanish required. Strong working knowledge of written and verbal English is highly desirable.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

This job entails a hybrid work format between remote work and work in a standard office work environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

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