At IREX we strive for a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world—where individuals research their full potential, governments serve their people and communities thrive.

But around the globe, persistent poverty, repression, and injustice prevent too many people form achieving their full potential. To address these problems, we focus on people, not on vaccines, roads, or wells. We support individuals and institutions to create change in their own communities—and to create persons-to person bridges between nations.

IREX works with partners in more than 100 countries in four areas essential to progress: cultivating leaders, empowering youth, strengthening institutions, and increasing access to quality education and information.

IREX seeks a Network, Learning, MEL Program Officer candidates for the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Community Engagement Exchange Program (CEE). The program will support approximately 120 emerging community leaders, ages 20-27, from approximately 100 countries who are starting careers in the civil society sector, to spend three-months in the United States in an immersive civil society exchange that includes a professional practicum and provides opportunities to cultivate leadership skills, develop actionable projects, establish career goals that support engaged and inclusive communities, and builds capacity for civil society.

The Network and Learning Officer will play a critical role in establishing and implementing high standards and practices for alumni engagement and follow-on programming, as well as program monitoring, evaluation and reporting. Under the direction of the Project Director, the Network and Learning Officer will lead monitoring and evaluation activities as well as activities designed to build and maintain the network of CEE Fellows, Global Fellows and US participants, including other USG alumni.

We are doers. Our decades of on-the-ground experience help us create greater impact, practical recommendations, and lasting partnerships.

Are you the next member of our team?

Your Background & Skills

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
• 3-5 years of professional experience in relevant sectors, including experience with exchange or alumni programming and/or professional training/development programs and/or fellowship programs
• Experience studying network development and designing and leading activities to support network growth and development, including in-person and virtual learning and exchange activities; experience working with alumni networks preferred
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and visualization tools; proficiency in network analytics and visualization tools (e.g., Kumu, NodeXL, R Studio, etc.)
• Experience analyzing data to determine trends and visualize results to promote utilization of key findings
• Demonstrated experience managing others toward shared goals
• Proven ability to develop and maintain fruitful relationships with program participants, partners and other project stakeholders
• Experience working with Department of State and/ or USG grants preferred
• Experience working with learning management software required; experience using Canvas preferred

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills including problem solving, conflict resolution, and a demonstrated ability to hold self and assigned staff accountable for quality outputs and results
• Ability to apply program theory-based approach to program design, monitoring, evaluation and learning
• Ability to communicate professionally and provide written reporting; outstanding verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills required
• Outstanding cross-cultural skills and understanding of DEI concepts and how they are applied in both the workplace and in programming
• Program and/or activity design experience and facilitation skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to adhere to strict deadlines
• Excellent computer skills; proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce preferred
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Skilled at handling multiple complex tasks
• English fluency required

Your Daily Tasks

• Establish and maintain productive and collaborative working relationships with partner organizations, host institutions, fellows, and other program stakeholders relevant to portfolio
• Ensure reporting deliverables are submitted to donor in a timely manner and oversee the drafting of content, impact and network highlights, and program data for program reports
• Contribute to internal IREX program reporting, knowledge management and information sharing
• Provide direct support to the Project Director and oversee day-to-day management and implementation of portfolio including alumni activities, follow-on programming, and community engagement projects in Fellows’ home countries
• Under the direction of the Project Director, lead the design and implementation of alumni and networking activities
• Research, propose and test innovative tools and approaches to support the development and strengthening of the global network of fellows and U.S. stakeholders
• Contribute strategic direction and technical leadership to the program, ensuring portfolio deliverables are technically sound and submitted in a timely manner
• Ensure program components in portfolio are meeting program objectives
• Lead program monitoring, learning and evaluation activities using learning to adapt programming as needed
• Support the monitoring of program budgets and compliance
• Contribute to program deliverables including data visualizations to demonstrate growth and development of the program network over time
• Lead and/or contribute to renewal and compete components
• Contribute to positive and productive relationships with donors and partners
• Share lessons learned, business intel and other relevant information internally to support new business opportunities
• Support the monitoring of program budgets and compliance
• Provide financial guidance and oversight to junior team members to ensure compliance and cost effectiveness
• Implement program in compliance with program, IREX and funder regulations
• Manage and mentor assigned staff and support their professional growth and development
• Create a positive team environment adhering to IREX’s organizational values and management principles
• Support ongoing performance management through periodic performance reviews and ongoing conversations about performance and expectations
• Proactively support IREX’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts

IREX will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments of 2008.

Successful candidates are subject to background screenings

This position is eligible for Telework.

This position is NOT eligible for Immigration Sponsorship

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity.

All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. AA/EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled