Program Officer, Europe

Position Title: Program Officer, Europe

Grade Level: 5 - Exempt

Reports to: Deputy Director, Europe

About NED

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) seeks to advance democracy and freedom. NED seeks to empower its partners to inform, organize, and mobilize constituencies for political reforms as a means to build and sustain democracy. At NED, you will join a team of committed individuals who are mission- and values-driven. We are looking for individuals who will deliver their talents in support of our work.

Our values include:

Respect

Empathy

Accountability

Adaptability

Excellence

Position Summary

The Program Officer will be responsible for the strategic management of a grants portfolio in Europe, with a particular focus on Southeast Europe—including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia. The position will also entail broader responsibilities for programming in Eastern Europe, as required.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, and is part of the NED bargaining unit.

Primary Responsibilities

• Work closely and flexibly with a diverse range of regional actors focused on strengthening accountability and transparency, democratic institutions, rule of law and economic security, as well as independent media, civil society and others.
• Review proposals, make recommendations, develop budgets and monitor the implementation of NED-approved projects. Evaluate the effectiveness and the institutional growth of NED grantees by analyzing reports, providing feedback on implemented activities, maintaining continuous communication over the grant cycle, and conducting regular field visits.
• Produce written materials and deliver presentations and/or briefings to inform funding recommendations to NED leadership.
• Monitor political developments in the region relevant to the portfolio to inform NED's strategies and programming, and keeping abreast of the changing political environment. Actively coordinating with other Europe team members on their country portfolios.
• Build and maintain relationships with like-minded organizations, including other donors, NED partners, regional organizations, think tanks and private sector.
• Travel to monitor existing grantees, identify new funding opportunities, and gain a perspective on the political situation.
• Think creatively about how to improve team's effectiveness, grantee-reporting guidelines, communications with other teams at NED; participate in various working groups, and other efforts to improve NED's overall functioning and effectiveness.
• Mentor junior staff, where applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Affairs, Political Science, International Development or a related discipline required; Master's degree preferred.
• Years of experience in democracy-related projects and programs: 4-7 years, including 2+ years of field experience in Europe region.
• Experience in nonprofit work.
• Demonstrated experience in financial monitoring and reporting.
• Knowledge of program evaluation techniques and databases.
• Demonstrated understanding of broader political issues and trends in Europe; experience in Southeast Europe preferred.
• Professional proficiency in a language relevant to Southeast Europe is preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel to countries within the region, as needed.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English.
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to maintain professionalism under pressure.
• High degree of organization and initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team player, including coordination and facilitation skills.
• Authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or transfer sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Talent in Action

Consistent with NED's talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED's efforts to advance democratic change:

Purpose-Driven

Reliable

Expertise

Respectful Collaboration

Curiosity

Results-Oriented

An Optimistic Mindset

NED Total Compensation

The anticipated compensation range for this position is $64,500 - $116,000 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 based on the aforementioned circumstances.

NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.