About InterAction:
InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with nearly 190 members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a growing fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination.
About the Project:
In its sixth year, the Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG) Initiative is a unique group within InterAction’s broader workstreams. The Initiative involves nine key NGOs working to promote democracy and protect human rights internationally. Alongside InterAction, members of the DRG Initiative are: American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative, Center for International Private Enterprise, Freedom House, International Center for Not for Profit Law, International Foundation for Electoral Systems, International Republican Institute, Internews, National Democratic Institute, and Solidarity Center. This role manages the initiative by collaborating with members and with InterAction’s internal policy team. The Initiative strives to build support within the US Government for funding and policies which promote democracy as a an integral priority within U.S. foreign assistance and global development investments.
Position Description:
The manager coordinates the working group and facilitates the inclusion of the initiative within InterAction’s broader advocacy work. The manager sits within the policy team and represents the interests of the initiative to the policy team and broader membership. The manager implements efforts to strengthen partnerships between nonprofit implementers and USAID and Department of State for more effective and efficient assistance programming and contributes to organizational activity aimed at strengthening and preserving civil society space. **
Essential Functions:
· Jointly with Initiative members, represent the DRG Initiative to Members of Congress and their staff, and to key Administration officials on a range of issues, including budget and appropriations, procurement, and protecting civil society space;
· Strengthen the Initiative’s ability to engage Members of Congress on DRG by developing advocacy strategies, overseeing outreach, and building relationships with Members of Congress and their staff;
· Serve as an information resource and connector for Initiative members through regular meetings and communication, particularly on budget and appropriations processes and significant policy efforts affecting the DRG sector as a whole;
· Facilitate and build consensus among Initiative members on an advocacy strategy for the Initiative’s budget and appropriations work, including writing and editing policy documents, organizing, and/or conducting briefings for Initiative members, and drafting and coordinating sign-on letters;
· Coordinate with technical and legal staff of initiative members and other InterAction members and staff to advance joint approaches on thematic priorities, such as procurement reform, data policies, and partner vetting;
· Track and analyze legislation, other Congressional activities, and administration budget justifications related to DRG;
· Establish and maintain relationships with InterAction’s members’ staff, InterAction’s Public Policy Committee and other InterAction working groups to include and elevate DRG within broader development discussions; and
· Additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Skills:
The candidate must have:
· At least 3-5 years of experience working on Capitol Hill or advocating to Members of Congress;
· Understanding of the legislative and appropriations processes and ability to work constructively on a bipartisan basis;
· Understanding of how democracy programming fits within the national security and development sector;
· Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage relationships with InterAction members, partners and other external stakeholders;
· Facilitation and coalition-building skills, as well as demonstrated experience managing or working with multi-partner initiatives;
· Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with an ability to effectively communicate on technical or complex topics to non-experts as well as to experts;
· Demonstrated experience with project management and budget management involving prioritization while meeting deadlines;
· Excellent organizational skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and abilities to effectively manage data, communications and work products while keeping track of varied information with ease and efficiency.
· Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion;
· Ability to work well and contribute effectively under pressure and in response to rapidly changing needs.;
· Highly motivated team player;
· Demonstrated commitment to InterAction’s core values and mission;
Highly Valued Qualifications:
· Experience working within or advocating to the executive branch;
· Demonstrated experience in development and humanitarian advocacy;
· Experience working with international non-governmental organizations;
· An advanced degree and demonstrated focus on public policy and international development; and
· A sense of humor.
Compensation: 70,000 – 80,000**
Expected Start Date: December 2020
Reports to: Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs
Travel: None
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
How to apply:
Please e-mail your resume, cover letter, salary expectations and writing sample to jobs@interaction.org with subject line containing title Manager, DRG – FIRST AND LAST NAME. Position will remain open until filled, but applications received before 11/13/2020 are preferred. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States for an extended period. Due to the volume of applications, only finalists will be notified. No phone calls please!