Project Specialist

Join Our Team as a Project Specialist at the International Republican Institute (IRI)!

Number of Positions: Multiple

ABOUT IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom. We link people with their governments, support politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivate those citizens to engage in the political process.

At IRI, every employee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission across the globe. We’re looking for passionate individuals who embody our Core Values and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team. Our values include:

• Respect: We lead with trust, empathy, and dignity; empowering colleagues and partners.
• Teamwork: We collaborate across teams; solve problems together; are humble and ready to learn.
• Ownership: We take initiative; champion solutions; deliver results for IRI’s mission.
• Excellence through Execution: We balance thoughtfulness with timeliness; learn from results; prioritize progress over perfection.
• Transparency: We share information openly; give direct feedback; build trust through honest communication.
• Freedom: We are empowered to make decisions, try new approaches, and adapt as needed.

ABOUT THE TEAM & ROLE: PROJECT DELIVERY TEAM – PROJECT SPECIALIST

The International Republican Institute’s Project Delivery Team (PDT) provides critical project management and operational expertise to the Institute. They support project implementation in addition to integrating the input of IRI’s technical and regional experts. The PDT ensures consistency, technical quality, and the overall impact of projects and project operations/workflows. This team also plays a pivotal role in our organizational evolution, piloting new processes and systems for scalable growth. The Project Specialist will be based in the PDT and work closely with regional program teams to provide support to project delivery as assigned.

This is a hybrid position located in Washington, DC. The Project Specialist is expected to work in-office at least three days per week.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supports, and in select cases oversees, implementation of specific projects and associated activities under the supervision of the Project Delivery Team lead and in close collaboration with the relevant Regional teams.
• Under direction of the PDT and Program Managers, leads project kick-off and set up processes.
• Maintains an understanding of funder and IRI policies and procedures related to grant compliance and oversight.
• Understands and ensures alignment with and adherence to grants’ substantive, financial, and compliance requirements.
• In coordination with regional teams, advances the logistical and administrative aspects of project delivery and implementation, including but not limited to travel, logistics, venue selection, participant communication, material preparation and similar.
• In coordination with relevant staff, monitors budget and project expenditures to ensure that IRI projects remain within budget allocations, that expenses are properly projected and proactively flags potential concerns or issues.
• Supports monitoring and evaluation efforts for grants assigned.
• Works with regional teams to support the development of high quality quarterly, semi-annual, final, and other relevant reports for funders.
• Supports proposal package development including drafting or reviewing sections and compiling related documentation, as assigned.
• Helps oversee workloads and tasks of Project Associate, as assigned
• Anticipates potential problems and offers solutions.
• Travels as needed for program oversight and implementation.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Note: This post is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required in this role. Further details of the role will be shared during the recruitment process.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We seek a passionate and experienced individual with:

• Undergraduate degree in public policy, political science, international relations, or related field.
• Minimum three years of professional experience in project implementation or administrative coordination. Experience working on democracy and governance programs is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including ability to track timelines, deliverables and documentation across multiple projects.
• Excellent written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Experience working with U.S. Government-funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and processes.
• Experience with program management, program implementation, and basic accounting necessary to draft and oversee a budget.
• Ability to liaise effectively with internal teams and external partners.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a member of a team across departments or with external partners.
• Comfortable in fast-paced environments and able to prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to travel occasionally, including new and challenging environments.

IRI TOTAL COMPENSATION

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $60,000 to $76,000 USD.

The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are made based on the aforementioned considerations.

WE OFFER

An empathetic and dedicated work environment with generous benefits that demonstrates IRI’s commitment to all dimensions of employee wellness, including:

• Health and Wellness Support: Significant coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance costs. Meaningful assistance programs through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and Rula (access to mental health experts).
• Long-term Financial Health: Retirement plan with generous employer contribution (vested after 12 months).
• Hybrid Work: Employees typically work in-office three days per week and telework two days per week.
• Time Off: Company-paid holidays, parental leave, generous vacation, sick, and personal leave days.
• Family Support: Dependent Care FSA
• Learning and Development Opportunities: Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars along with access to world-class e-learning via eCornell.
• Compensation Equity: Regular competitive review of internal and external equity to ensure fairness in pay for employees working in similar jobs requiring comparable knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits, professional development, and flexibility offerings may vary based on employment classification and location.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – RESUME, COVER LETTER, & REFERENCES

In your application, please include a copy of your most up-to-date resume along with a cover letter that outlines your background and explains why you are interested in this opportunity. Additionally, please include the contact details of at least 2-3 professional references. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact your references before the final interview.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.