Senior Program Manager - USAID DRG V (Anticipated)

Navanti Group; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm seeks a Senior Program Manager to oversee the anticipated USAID Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance V contract. The candidate will manage program administration, ensure compliance with USAID regulations, and lead analytical teams. Key qualifications include a PhD or Master’s with extensive experience in international development and DRG programs. This role offers the opportunity to significantly impact USAID's mission through effective program management and strategic stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• PhD with 12+ years in DRG research or Master's with 15+ years.
• Experience managing large-scale analytical programs.
• Strong understanding of USAID regulations and policies.
• Strategic thinking with demonstrated problem-solving for complex challenges.
• Excellent communication with partners, colleagues and customers at all levels.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in international development.

Responsibilities

• Act as primary liaison with USAID COR.
• Oversee DRG V contract administration.
• Manage program budget and ensure compliance.
• Provide leadership and direction to project staff.
• Monitor progress and adhere to timelines.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to support program objectives.
• Oversee DRG-related research analysis.
• Develop strategic relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic communication

Program management

Budget management

Research analysis

Education

PhD in Political Science or related field

Master's degree with relevant experience

Job description

Title: Senior Program Manager (Anticipated)

Program: USAID Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance V (DRG V)

Location: Remote

Job Type: 1099/Independent Contractor; Part-Time

Number of Vacancies: 1

POSITION NOT YET FUNDED. SOLICITING RESUMES FROM INTERESTED CANDIDATES FOR ANTICIPATED CONTRACT AWARD.

Background

The Senior Program Manager will serve as the primary point of contact with USAID’s Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and oversee all aspects of day-to-day contract administration under the DRG V IDIQ. This position is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of program activities in compliance with the approved budget, USAID regulations, and the specifications outlined in the Statement of Work (SOW).

The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience in managing worldwide analytical programs, leading complex DRG research and analysis initiatives, and engaging strategically with stakeholders. This individual will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of technical assistance and advancing USAID’s mission in democracy, human rights, and governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary liaison with the USAID COR, ensuring clear and consistent communication.
• Oversee the day-to-day administration of the DRG V contract, ensuring activities are implemented in compliance with USAID rules, regulations, and policies.
• Manage the program budget and ensure all expenditures align with approved funding and contractual obligations.
• Provide leadership and technical direction to project staff, ensuring activities are aligned with the program’s objectives and deliverables.
• Monitor progress across all task orders, ensuring adherence to the SOW and timelines.
• Collaborate with USAID missions, implementing partners, and other stakeholders to support program objectives.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and analysis of DRG-related research and evaluations.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders, fostering effective communication and collaboration.

Required Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy) with at least 12 years of experience in DRG research and analysis, OR Master’s degree with at least 15 years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience managing large-scale, worldwide analytical programs within the DRG sector.
• Strong understanding of USAID regulations, policies, and program management requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with partners, colleagues, and customers at all levels.
• Experience working in international development and managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with USAID DRG programs or similar mechanisms.
• Familiarity with cross-cutting DRG issues such as conflict mitigation, countering authoritarianism, and political transitions.