Associate Program Officer, Kyrgyz Republic

Company Overview

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the world through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and is an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include Enterprise Ecosystems, Democratic Governance, Business Advocacy, Women’s Economic Empowerment, Anti-Corruption & Ethics, and Trade.

Position: Associate Program Officer, Kyrgyzstan
Reports to: Program Manager, Central Asia

Scope: CIPE is seeking a full-time position based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic for an Associate Program Officer, Kyrgyzstan, to work under US Department of State-funded Improving the Business Environment in Central Asia (IBECA) program and Central Asia Migration and Entrepreneurship Program (CAMEP). IBECA supports private sector-led advocacy for business environment reforms with particular focus on building the private sector’s capacity to access finance, identify opportunities for US investment, and facilitate regional networks and international connections to attract the US and international investments. CAMEP aims to identify gaps in Central Asia’s labor markets to accommodate an influx of labor migrants returning from Russia. The Associate Program Officer will assist the Program Manager, Central Asia to achieve programmatic goals under IBECA and CAMEP, including facilitating technical organization (selection of participants, organization of logistics for participants, training venues) of capacity-building programs for private sector actors. The Associate Program Officer will also support field operations, monitoring, and administration. This position is based in Bishkek and will report to the Program Manager, Central Asia.

Responsibilities:

• •Work with the Program Manager and other regional staff to coordinate project management deliverables and activities for the portfolio, which typically includes:
• Support data collection and documentation practices.
• Assist active project partners to ensure high quality deliverables, including financial and narrative reports.
• Monitor grantee, contractors, and consultants’ performance to ensure quality control in full compliance with procurement policies, financial reporting requirements, and evaluation plans.
• Coordinate regular staff meetings, including facilitating discussions, drafting agendas, and tracking action items for domestic and international staff.
• Collaborate with multiple CIPE departments to achieve programmatic goals, including Centers of Excellence, Field Offices, Communications, Grants and Finance, and other regional teams.
• In coordination with supervisor, oversee contract fulfilment internationally which includes maintaining regular communication with contractors, updating narrative and financial reports, vetting final products, and corresponding with contractors to submit the final paperwork.
• As directed, draft, review, and edit periodic reports, proposals, and other documents for submission to donor agencies.
• Edit specialized documents such as consultant contracts, reporting requirements for partners, contract modifications, etc.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements and logistics.
• Develop and maintain programmatic, financial, correspondence, and contract files.
• Adhere to appropriate CIPE and donor policies and procedures.
• As needed, translate partner documents or other programmatic materials.
• Perform legal and subject matter specific research, as needed.
• Manage or contribute to public outreach and communications, which may include
• Managing social media accounts, writing blogs, and drafting promotional materials, in collaboration with the CIPE Communications department.
• In coordination with regional leadership, support planning and executing internal and external events, including writing announcements and invitations, coordinating guests, publicizing on social media, and acting as primary tech support during run of show.
• In coordination with regional team leadership, support new business development opportunities and write concept notes for potential funding opportunities.
• Specific responsibilities under the IBECA and CAMEP program:
• Assist the Program Manager in all project implementation and in country activities.
• Solicit applications from potential businesses for a capacity-building program and
• conduct organizational capacity assessments to select candidates.
• Facilitate technical organization (selection process of participants, logistics for
• participants, training venues, coffee-breaks and other organizational issues) of a  capacity building program for private sector actors and firms.
• The program will focus on investment management, corporate finance, compliance with potential investor requirements, and business plan development.
• Provide administrative and logistic support to the Program Manager to coordinate in country activities for the IBECA and CAMEP programs.
• In coordination with the Program Manager, monitor local political and economic
• developments in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, broadly, as they pertain to the IBECA and CAMEP programs.
• Contribute to reports on these developments for weekly staff meetings, in monthly written reports, and more frequently by email when the situation requires it.
• Draft monthly and quarterly internal reports to CIPE’s Washington, D.C. office  and contribute to funder reporting, translating documents when necessary.
• Draft meeting minutes on key meetings, working group discussions and events.
• Communicate with beneficiaries - business associations, entrepreneurs, training
• participants, think tanks, investment experts, academicians, government representatives and other key stakeholders - and maintain CIPE’s stakeholder database.
• Process invoices, contracts, grant agreements, vouchers, consultant and partner payments, payment requests and other financial documents, monitor project budgets.
• Coordinate travel arrangements including hotel booking, tickets reservation, and transfers booking for CIPE local and DC staff upon request.
• •Provide administrative and logistic support (venue booking, simultaneous translation ordering, materials printing, etc.) in organization of different events including meetings, conferences, trainings, presentations, round table discussions.
• Adhere to appropriate office procedures as dictated by CIPE and its funding
• representatives. Ensure compliance with donor guidelines and procedures in managing programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• •Bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields is required: International Relations, International Business, Economic Development, Political Science, or Public Policy.
• 4-7 years of experience in international assistance programs, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, and/or associations in region, preferably in the assigned countries.
• Minimum four years’ experience with program management and program implementation at the strategic level, preferred.
• Experience with international development and topics consistent with CIPE’s mission, including anti-corruption and business ethics, democratic governance, business association advocacy, entrepreneurship and others.
• Knowledge of political and economic dynamics, and strong familiarity with market and business environment reforms in Central Asia.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, establish, and maintain good relationships with international partners, donors, and colleagues.
• Fluency (written and spoken) in English and Russian required; knowledge of other Central Asian languages preferred.
• Strong public speaking and writing skills with attention to detail.
• Proposal writing skills is required.
• Demonstrated strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team environment, as well as independently with minimum supervision; ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks.
• Ability to supervise, develop and manage young professionals and other staff, when applicable.
• Prior experience with USAID run programs is preferred.
• Prior experience with State Department run programs is preferred
• Demonstrated project management in NGOs.
• Proficiency in MS-Office, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must be able and willing to travel for extended and multiple periods.
• High degree of culture competence.
• Contribute to an organization-wide culture of innovation, integrity, inclusion, and respect.