Program Associate-Southern & East Africa

About Us

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. Help support democracy worldwide by joining our team!

About the Role

The Southern and East Africa (SEA) team is looking for a Program Associate who will provide administrative and programmatic support for one or more designated programs and/or teams. The Program Associate is expected to support NDI’s programming in Ethiopia and Uganda. The position is based in Washington, DC.

Your Purpose and Impact:

• Coordinate and/or participate in internal meetings to develop and maintain a knowledge of team and program objectives and work progress and demonstrate this understanding in the execution and completion of assigned work. 
• Assist with the execution of program, and/or team plans by performing administrative (e.g. invoice processing, data entry, travel and meeting coordination, etc.) and programmatic assignments in accordance with established expectations and timelines.
• Support the evaluation of programmatic outcomes based upon specific measures/metrics defined in the established plan through the provision of data and other relevant information.
• Complete basic research and analysis assignments and provide summarized findings in a clear, concise and understandable manner, with objectives, relevant facts, data, and conclusions presented as required.
• Prepare and/or support the preparation of selected materials (proposals, work plans, presentations, etc.) and communications. Complete initial drafts of assigned reports and updates for dissemination to internal and external audiences, including donors and other key program partners, ensuring proper and accurate formatting, spelling, and grammar usage as well as inclusion of required content.
• Participate in strategy and work plan formulation discussions and create initial budget and plan-related document drafts for review/approval.
• Develop and/or implement processes and/or methodologies to assist in the tracking and monitoring of program and/or team work progress, data, and other relevant information (e.g. budget, travel), ensuring specific information required is captured and maintained to meet established record-keeping and documentation requirements. 
• Serve as the point of contact for general requests for information or questions concerning team and/or programmatic activities/work and provide responses, directing those which are more complex or require more specific detailed responses to appropriate higher-level team members.
• Support the planning and execution of team events with external parties, attending as required to provide onsite support or as a development opportunity.
• Adhere to NDI’s organizational values, standards of conduct, policies and processes, and any other established expectations for NDI employees, including those related to performance, i.e. goals and position description accountabilities/responsibilities such as those presented herein.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Actively seek and engage in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge in project/program management, and maintain a general working knowledge of relevant program trends and issues occurring external to NDI.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in International Relations, Political Science or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• This is an entry level program position requiring no previous work experience. Previous internships in international development, political campaigning, legislative affairs or a related subject are desired.
• Prior relevant international field work experience in-country and/or completion of one or more semesters of education abroad is highly desired.
• Strong interest in one or more of NDI’s international development disciplines, e.g. political campaigns, elections, community organizing, technology/innovation, etc.
• Math skills and the ability to perform accurate calculations and understand quantitative information.
• Basic research and analysis skills to allow for gathering, summarizing and presenting findings.
• Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively and diplomatically with individuals at all levels of the organization, as well as externally both domestically and internationally with NDI partners, funders, and other stakeholders. 
• Oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively and project a professional image when giving and taking information in writing, in person, and thr