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: Program Officer, Kyrgyz Republic
Reports To: Deputy Director, Europe & Eurasia

Scope: CIPE is seeking a full-time position based in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic for a Program Officer for the Kyrgyz Republic. This position is responsible for the development and implementation of the “Equipping Central Asian Businesses to Navigate Global Economic Security Issues” project in the Kyrgyz Republic, funded by UK International Development. The project is designed to assist local businesses in navigating economic security challenges by offering a comprehensive support framework that includes a public-private dialogue and awareness-raising campaign, training program, and foundations for the establishment of a training hub.
Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and manage a portfolio of projects and subcontracts for the assigned region, supportive of CIPE’s overall goals and strategies for Central Asia. Project responsibilities have the following dimensions:
  • Develop project concept papers, proposals, reports, and correspondence.
  • Act as CIPE’s representative to promote market-oriented institutional reforms in region including developing and implementing training programs, public speaking at events, and facilitating meetings with partners, potential partners, and other stakeholders.
  • Analyze, research, and be familiar with the region’s political and economic landscape, identifying opportunities for CIPE programs and partners.
  • Identify potential partner organizations and beneficiaries in country and collaborate to design effective democratic and economic-reform programs.
  • Implement, monitor, and manage all project activities, in collaboration with local partner organizations and CIPE team members.
  • Establish and maintain regular communication with project partners and other stakeholders.
  • Maintain correspondence and operational records regarding CIPE-funded programs in the assigned portfolio.
  • Monitor contractors and consultants’ performance to ensure full compliance with objectives, financial and reporting requirements, and evaluation plans.
  • Evaluate projects through on-site visits, file reviews, and coordination with independent evaluators, where appropriate.
  • Develop project reports, summaries, and assessments.
• Responsible for the financial management and stewardship of funds, including monitoring project spending, projecting future expenses, approving expenditures, and developing accurate budget for new projects.
• Establish and maintain relationships with other donor organizations to identify linkages with CIPE strategies, monitor trends, and assess new funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with multiple CIPE departments to achieve programmatic goals, including Communications, Grants and Finance, Policy and Program Learning, and other regional teams.
• Monitor current events, including political and economic changes, and US relations in region and assess the impact on ongoing and planned CIPE projects.
• Adhere to appropriate CIPE policies and procedures.
• Contribute to external communications; author blogs and other publications to advance CIPE’s thought leadership.

• Bachelor’s degree in one the following fields is required: International Relations, International Business, Economic Development, Political Science, or Public Policy.
• Master’s degree, or the equivalent experience in International Relations, International Business, Economic Development, Political Science, or Public Policy is preferred.
• Minimum 3-6 years of professional experience with international assistance programs, non-profit organizations, chambers of commerce, and/or associations in region.
• Minimum 3-6 years of experience with program management and program implementation at the strategic level, preferred.
• Experience with international development and topics consistent with CIPE’s mission, including transparency and business ethics, democratic governance, and business association advocacy. Strong familiarity with sanctions compliance and economic security topics required.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, establish, and maintain good relationships with international partners, donors, and colleagues.
• Fluency (written and spoken) in English, Kyrgyz and Russian required
• Strong public speaking and writing skills with attention to detail.
• 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.
• Strong project management skills.
• Prior experience with UK International Development is preferred.
• Demonstrated project management in NGOs.
• Proficiency in MS-Office, specifically Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• High degree of culture competence.
• Contribute to an organization-wide culture of innovation, integrity, inclusion, and respect.