Programs staff provides strategic and programmatic guidance to NED grantees in Eurasia, including assisting them with program development and design, offering creative solutions to political and technical challenges, providing administrative advice, and facilitating contact with like-minded organizations throughout the region. The Program Officer/Assistant Program Officer (PO/APO) will assist with the management, administration, development, and evaluation of grant programs in Eurasia, and Central Asia in particular.

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 in media, human rights, rule of law, conflict resolution, civic education, and other areas.
• Monitor political developments in Central Asia to inform NED strategies and programming, including reading various US- and regional-based publications, meeting with regional political analysts and other partners, keeping abreast of the changing political environment, and actively coordinating with other Eurasia team members on their country portfolios.
• Oversee the implementation of NED-approved projects, including analysis of quarterly reports, providing feedback on implemented activities, maintaining continuous communication over the grant cycle, and conducting regular field visits.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and the institutional growth of NED grantees and the regional portfolio and provide funding recommendations.
• Build and maintain relationships with like-minded organizations, including other donors, NED partners and regional organizations.
• Travel to monitor existing grantees, identify new funding opportunities, and gain an on‑the-ground perspective on the political situation. The visits 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, improving grantee-reporting guidelines, communicating with other teams at NED, etc.
• Liaise with other NED teams; participate in various working groups, and other efforts to improve NED’s overall functioning and effectiveness.
• The level of responsibility and independence in assigned tasks will increase with experience.
• Other responsibilities and projects as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development, or a related discipline; Master’s level education or equivalent knowledge is desired.
• Experience in nonprofit work, democracy-related projects and programs required for:
• Level 4 (APO) 2+ years of experience, and 1+ years of living and working in the region & Level 5 (PO) 4+ years of experience, and 2+ years of living and working in the region is required.
• Experience in financial monitoring and reporting.
• Knowledge of program evaluation techniques.
• Full professional fluency in Russian language is required.
• Regional knowledge of Eurasia or specific countries in Central Asia.
• In-depth understanding of political issues and trends in Central Asia.
• Exceptional analytical 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.
• Ability to travel to countries within the region, as needed.
• Authorized to work in the United States. 

This position is part of the NED Bargaining Unit.

To Apply:

The NED is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of 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 need. The NED believes that diversity and inclusion among our team members are critical to our success as an organization operating globally and seek 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 careers@ned.org.