Regional Program Associate for Africa

The Regional Program Associate is responsible for project management and administration for one of three regions: Africa, Asia and the Middle East, or Latin America. S/he has three primary responsibilities: (1) to provide effective and efficient administration of project funding and management; (2) to provide project-related data, documentation, and reports for both internal and external recipients; and (3) to provide administrative support to the regional director. S/he will also have regional and/or cross-regional substantive assignments to undertake and manage.

1. Manage full and timely compliance with LWR policies and procedures for project approval, implementation of partner cooperation agreements, and closing and archiving projects.
2. Create and maintain complete project records (electronic, hard copy, and database) that meet LWR, legal and audit requirements.
3. Create and maintain partner records (electronic, hard copy, and database) that contain required elements for Patriot Act compliance checks (bank accounts, partner staff names).
4. Analyze and critique project proposals and concept papers. Provide recommendations regarding approval to the Regional Director. Coordinate with regional staff to acquire revised proposals. Prepare complete, high quality proposal packages for project approval.
5. Compose and maintain up-to-date project-related documents for the board of directors, constituents, and donors.
6. Ensure timely submission to LWR Headquarters of accurate, high quality progress, financial, audit, and evaluation reports.
7. Review and analyze narrative, financial, audit, and evaluation reports for adherence to approved activities and budgets and progress toward intended outcomes. Coordinate with overseas office staff and/or partners to find solutions when reporting problems arise. Give final program approval/sign-off to financial and audit reports.
8. Monitor projects and provide technical and administrative support to field offices and partners during travel to the region.
9. Monitor project, regional Emergent Development Fund (EDF) and designated fund balances and expenditures.
10. Manage fund transfers and payment requests including analyzing partner fund requirements and eligibility, providing official notification of transfer, and ensuring receipt of confirmation in compliance with audit standards.
11. Translate documents and/or source for translation. Provide and/or source for interpreting.
12. Prepare reports, responses to inquiries, and project descriptions for internal and external use, as requested.

Regional Administration

1. Serve as primary HQ point person for regionally based staff and partners.
2. Prepare and/or assist in preparation of internal reports, proposal drafts, annual regional (EDF) and/or regional office budgets, correspondence, contracts, and terms of reference for contractors and consultants.
3. Arrange travel (visas, itineraries, letters of invitation, and/or accommodations) for visits to and from the region for staff, board, consultants, and other visitors.
4. Support the development of regional meeting agendas and arrangements and provide required meeting materials. Facilitate regional meeting trainings and workshops.
5. Coordinate employee orientation and prepare orientation manuals, as needed.

Teamwork

1. Actively engage in the development and periodic review and revision of LWR's strategy, policies, procedures, manuals, and guidelines.
2. Actively work as part of the regional team to develop the three-year program strategy paper and annual operational plan.
3. Assist and backstop the Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director in ensuring a timely response to disasters and complex emergencies.
4. Backstop the Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director and other Program Associates in their absence.

Fundraising and Constituent Education

1. Lead and/or assist the regional team in writing, preparing, and packaging proposals to submit to foundations and other potential donors. Prepare reports to submit to donors and ensure timely submission.
2. Provide timely and accurate information on programs to the Business Development unit and/or Mission Advancement staff, as requested. Prepare responses to inquiries and project descriptions for donor and/or constituent use.
3. Provide timely and accurate information to External Relations staff to assist in planning and conducting study visits and in producing publications and videos.
4. Represent LWR to constituents, peer NGOs, and church bodies.

1. Deep commitment to LWR's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.
2. At least two years experience working in a program-related, administrative capacity with an international development or humanitarian agency is required.
3. A graduate degree or the equivalent is preferred. Experience living and/or working in a focus region or country is highly desirable.
4. Fluency in English and French is required. Very good writing, public speaking, analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills are required.
5. Knowledge of key development and economic and social justice issues at a practical and policy level. Practical and intellectual familiarity with the specific countries where LWR works in Africa.
6. Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple tasks and complex logistics under pressure. Demonstrated ability to work independently (with little supervision), as part of a team, and to accept supervision. Ability to take initiative, anticipate, see tasks through to completion, and prioritize.
7. Highly proficient in using Word, Excel, Outlook, database, e-mail, and web browser software. Demonstrated ability to learn quickly to use new software applications effectively.
8. Good interpersonal skills, ability to be both a team leader and a team player and to work with people of varied backgrounds.
9. Willingness to travel to the region (up to 20% of time)

 When applying, applicants must upload or copy and paste a cover letter in FRENCH highlighting relevant experience for this position.