Program Manager -- Bulgaria

Job Description

Program Manager (FIXED TERM) – Bulgaria

Position Summary:

The National Democratic Institute (NDI or the Institute) is currently seeking a fixed-term program manager with strong management and analytical skills, as well as demonstrated interest and experience in democratic development in Bulgaria. Bulgarian nationals strongly preferred. This is an unaccompanied post and ineligible for relocation allowances. The Program Manager reports to the NDI Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) Senior Program Director, who oversees party integrity work across the CEE region, and closely coordinates with other NDI Bulgaria in-country staff to implement multiple programs (as described below). This is a fixed-term position with funding forecasted through September 30, 2024 with the possibility to extend. The position is full-time (40 hours/week), based in Sofia (with some in-country and international travel, as required for program implementation, approximately 15% of the time), with an anticipated start date of October 1, 2023.

Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the NDI RPI Senior Program Director, the Program Manager is expected to:

• Lead the coordination and implementation of NDI programming aimed at strengthening political party integrity in Bulgaria in coordination with the NDI RPI Senior Program Director and NDI Bulgaria staff;
• Support the implementation of additional programs in Bulgaria focused on youth advocacy building, social inclusion, and minority political participation by facilitating connections between party representatives and youth program participants, in coordination with NDI Bulgaria staff and, at times, the NDI Romania Country Director;
• Identify and oversee the work of external experts;
• Support the design of program activities in Bulgaria during proposal development, in collaboration with in-country and DC-based staff;
• Ensure the execution of program activities in a high-quality and timely manner, including through technical assistance to program beneficiaries;
• Effectively liaise with external partners from political parties, state institutions, civil society, and the donor community as required;
• Prepare presentations, reports and other written outputs both in English and Bulgarian according to program requirements;
• Forge and maintain collaborative relationships with NDI colleagues and project beneficiaries;
• Oversee program logistics, including monitoring of program budgets and reporting, travel arrangements, event planning, meeting schedules, and briefing books for NDI’s programs as needed in collaboration with NDI Bulgaria staff;
• Support activity adjustments as needed in response to changing geopolitical circumstances and programmatic needs; and
• Perform other tasks in support of program delivery as required.

Required Qualifications

• Citizen of Bulgaria or permanent residence and work permit in Bulgaria;
• At least five (5) years of experience with international development programs in civil society or international organizations, including three (3) years of managerial experience. Previous experience in Bulgaria is essential;
• Completed BA in political science, law, social sciences, statistics, international relations, or in other relevant fields of study is essential. Master’s degree is highly preferred;
• Demonstrated experience in and understanding of the Bulgarian democratic process and governance system;
• Expertise in one or several of the following areas: political party integrity, coalition building, and furthering the political participation of traditionally marginalized communities including women, youth, ethnic minorities, and/or persons with disabilities;
• Discretion with sensitive information;
• Ability to manage multiple simultaneous tasks effectively, including short- and long-term requirements;
• Ability to implement projects in an impartial and financially-responsible manner;
• Experience organizing large events, and high-level conferences, as well as smaller scale trainings, and consultations;
• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Apps (Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive, G+, etc.) strongly desired;
• Strong PowerPoint or presentation skills desired;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Bulgarian is essential;
• Team player with exceptional interpersonal skills, in order to effectively cooperate with NDI colleagues and project beneficiaries;
• Proactive, detail oriented, and organized.

Comments:

This position is based in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Interested candidates should submit their CV and motivation letter in English to NDI on a rolling basis until November 15, 2023 by visiting the NDI website at: www.ndi.org/careers.

NDI is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, NDI makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant’s or employee’s race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state and local laws. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify NDI’s Human Resources department.

NDI works in complex, sometimes hostile and unpredictable environments to strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions and processes. There are risks associated with working for NDI in pursuit of this mission.

About the Organization

The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government