Senior Program Officer (Regional Coordination) Western Balkans Region (Remote from region preferred)

Do you care about creating a better world, one in which the poor and marginalized have a voice and are empowered to change the status quo?  If so, we have the perfect position for you:

The International Budget Partnership (IBP) is currently seeking a Senior Program Officer (Regional Coordination) Western Balkans Region to join our team. The Senior Program Officer (Regional Coordination) will work to coordinate the design, review, and implementation of the country budget analysis and advocacy strategies, and associated capacity-development plans, of selected Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the countries covered by this program: Albania, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Kosovo, Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey.

IBP works to ensure that all people, especially underserved communities, have the right and ability to understand and influence how public money – their money – is raised and spent. IBP is a nonprofit organization fiercely dedicated to ensuring governments use public funds to help those that need it most. In more than 120 countries, we pioneer new approaches to enable oversight of government taxation and spending. IBP is a multi-cultural environment with strong camaraderie among mission-driven people.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES of the JOB:

• • Conduct country assessments and develop a budget analysis and advocacy strategy for 2-3 selected CSOs in the listed countries covered by this program (as above).
  • Provide intensive strategic support to the CSOs in managing the implementation of the strategies, and identify ways to effectively address challenges encountered in the implementation.
  • In coordination with the Training, Technical Assistance, and Networking (TTAN) team, conceptualize, develop, implement, and assess initiatives intended to provide learning and capacity development opportunities to support the implementation of those strategies.
  • Manage the grants awarded to the selected CSOs.
  • Represent IBP and its advocacy messages at regional meetings and conferences with key stakeholders, including civil society, donors, governments, and global and regional bodies.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with all other IBP teams as may be required to support, document, and/or review the implementation of the priorities of the program.
  • Take on other related tasks related to supporting the work in the region as requested by the Manager.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• • Participate in IBP all-staff meetings, TTAN Team meetings, Policy Team meetings, program coordination meetings, and any other required meetings organizationally.
  • Contribute to drafting of necessary reports to donors.
  • Contribute to drafting terms of reference for consultants, and support the execution and monitoring of consultant performance.
  • Coordinate closely with the IBP Finance and Operations team for all administrative and logistical needs.
  • Comply with all IBP administrative and financial protocols, policies, and procedures.

EDUCATION:

• • Master’s degree in public finance, economics, public policy, public administration, social science, or a related development field, required.

EXPERIENCE:

• • Minimum of 5 to 7 years experience conceptualizing and implementing projects related to budget work or public finance management, preferably in the region covered.
  • Minimum of 5 to 7 years experience working with civil society or social movements in the region covered, and preferably on a regional basis.
  • Experience with adult/popular education work, specifically in conceptualizing, delivering, facilitating, and monitoring capacity development programs for civil society organizations preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• • Strong interpersonal skills, including sensitivity to building relationships and networks across different organizations and countries, and in challenging contexts.
  • Solid strategic thinking capabilities and the ability to analyze the political contexts within which CSOs work.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; high-level ability to network and communicate effectively with partners and colleagues (as well as consultants, and representatives of government or other multilateral organizations).
  • Proven ability to conceptualize, develop plans for and carry projects through to completion.
  • Ability to work well independently with minimal supervision while maintaining regular communications with colleagues.
  • High level of organization; a strong ability to prioritize tasks to meet multiple deadlines.
  • Language skills – Fluency in local languages is required; English is highly desirable.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office packages is required; proficiency with other specialist software applications is desirable.

ATTRIBUTES:

• • Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a commitment to and passion for IBP’s mission.
  • Highly flexible and adaptable to shifting environments; work well under pressure.
  • Motivated to learn and willing to contribute to learning initiatives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• • Regional travel may be extensive at times; some international travel may be required.
  • The position may require lifting or moving of items that weigh up to 30 lbs.
  • Remote work from the Western Balkans region is preferred.

Although a candidate in the Western Balkans region is preferable, additional locations may be considered for a well qualified candidate with experience in the region.

This position is a full-time, fixed-term position with an expected end date of 30 September 2026.