The International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to advancing democracy worldwide, began working in Korea in 2005, implementing capacity development and civil society strengthening programs, increasing accessibility to information in North Korea, and empowering North Korean defectors to become active citizens and community leaders. Globally, IRI has performed high-impact work in more than 100 countries since 1983—in Africa, Asia, Eurasia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Middle East and North Africa—and currently has offices in 40 countries worldwide. For more information, please visit www.iri.org. 

IRI is currently recruiting a Program Officer (PO) for its office in Seoul, Korea. The PO is responsible for implementing IRI programs. S/he monitors program progress and ensures the achievement of key benchmarks, including funder required indicators. S/he closely monitors and analyzes political and economic developments in Korea; develops program ideas based on analysis; and drafts proposals on a range of democracy and assistance programs. S/he also manages the procurement process with partners, and with oversight from the Program Manager and Washington, D.C. headquarters office, develops and maintains close relationships with them. The PO reports to the Program Manager (PM) and s/he regularly coordinates with monitoring and evaluation, accounting, and procurement counterparts in the Washington, D.C. headquarters office. S/he directly supervises associate-level staff. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Oversees implementation of USG grants and associated activities, with oversight and direction from Program Manager and Washington, D.C. headquarters office 

• Develops detailed workplans to meet program objectives and regularly reviews workplans to anticipate potential problems, troubleshoot, and offers solutions

• Organizes and executes program activities, including but not limited to meetings, workshops, and public events 

• Supervises work of assigned staff, providing continued guidance to ensure high level of performance 

• Contributes to the development of new program ideas, participating in the drafting of new concepts and proposals 

• Represents IRI at external events, traveling outside of Seoul when requested

• Cultivates and maintains relationships with key IRI program stakeholders and political influencers 

• Drafts and/or reviews quarterly, semi-annual, and final funder reports 

• Develops monitoring and evaluation planning and data collection tools for IRI and local partners’ project results, ensuring alignment with funder required indicators 

• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight -- including financial requirements 

• Monitors and ensures proper tracking of budget estimates and program expenditures to ensure IRI projects remain within budget allocations 

• Oversees procurement processing and implementation of resulting contracts and sub-awards 

• Drafts weekly political and programmatic updates relevant to IRI programs for Washington, D.C. headquarters office 

• Assists with written or oral translation, when necessary 

• Other duties as assigned 

Position Requirements: 

• Graduate degree in political science, international relations, Korean studies, global development, or other relevant field of study 

• 3-5 years of experience in a relevant field 

• Strong written and oral communication and presentation skills 

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team to coordinate and lead the efforts of other professionals to effectively meet program goals 

• Experience working with US government (USG) funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes preferred 

• Experience with an international non-profit organization preferred 

• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint required 

• Fluency in English and Korean Interested applicants must send an English-language resume and a dual-language cover letter, with the position title in the subject line to Korea@iri.org by August 12, 2021. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.