Program Coordinator, Democracy & Governance, Costa Rica

Position Description

About PADF

The Pan American Development Foundation (PADF) believes in creating a hemisphere of opportunity, for all. We work across Latin America and the Caribbean to make our region stronger—more healthy, peaceful, just, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable for current and future generations. For over 60 years, we have served the most vulnerable communities, investing resources throughout the hemisphere. We partner with and enable civil society, governments, and the private sector for the greater good of the region.

Position Overview

Under the guidance of the Program Director, the Program Coordinator, Democracy & Governance, is responsible for day-to-day technical coordination for projects in the region from the Costa Rica office. S/he supports the development and implementation of general project management instruments, including financial tracking mechanisms, monitoring of project activities, and evaluation of project outputs. The Program Coordinator also supports coordination with HQ staff to maintain the projects’ effectiveness. This position is based in PADF’s San Jose, Costa Rica office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The Program Coordinator’s responsibilities include:

• Support general program management efforts, including report writing, budget tracking, drafting of contracts and agreements, and preparing payments for program activities and outputs.
• Collaborate in the review and analysis of documents and information received from partners and/or field teams.
• Assist in the tracking of sub-partners’ performance, provide feedback, guidance, and assistance as needed to ensure successful program implementation.
• Manage internal PADF program administrative procedures, in liaison with other programs, finance and administrative teams within the organization and ensure compliance with PADF policies and procedures.
• Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of key data and indicators for the project together with staff in Washington D.C.
• Work closely with other programmatic staff in the development and monitoring of project activities.
• Support with new business development and proposal drafting processes.
• Ensure that all program documentation is current and complete while maintaining program tracking documentation and databases.
• Ensure all project grants and partner organizations comply with PADF donor regulations.
• Support projects as needed with correspondence, research, and other tasks as assigned.
• Support proposal development processes as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies

• Organization Skills – Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to structure large quantities of information and data. Ability to plan your own work, set priorities, complete it under pressure, or face competing demands.
• Analytical Skills – Analytical, financial management and numerical skills. Ability to think clearly and analytically.
• Communication Skills – Ability to communicate effectively with participants from a range of educational levels and disciplinary backgrounds. Strong interpersonal and communications skills and ability to interact with individuals from diverse cultures. Exceptional writing skills to effectively prepare clear and concise reports, strategies, and/or proposals.
• Time Management Skills – Excellent time management skills, efficiently managing multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to requests.

Personal Characteristics

• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to interact with staff in Washington D.C. and in the field, and with PADF partners.
• Flexible in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Willingness to learn from others.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Commitment to program excellence and confidentiality.
• Ability to maintain and support a positive work environment.

Qualifications

Required

• BA/BS degree in international relations, political science, public policy, economics, or related field.
• At least three (3) years of work experience in international development, democracy and governance, or related field.
• Experience with grant coordination, financial tracking, or monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience within the Latin America and Caribbean region and understanding of local dynamics, especially those related to democracy and democratic actors.
• Written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish.
• Exceptional writing skills to effectively prepare clear and concise reports, strategies, and/or proposals.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Occasional travel to region supported as needed.

Desirable

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with local communities, civil society partners, political actors, and government officials is highly desired.

More About PADF

PADF is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established by the Organization of American States (OAS) in 1962. www.padf.org

PADF’s core values. “H-E-A-R-T” = Honesty, Excellence, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork.

Diversity. PADF is strong because we are diverse. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. PADF does not discriminate based on ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or criminal record. We welcome all kinds of diversity. Our employees include people who are parents and nonparents, the self-taught and university educated, and from a wide span of cultures, languages, socio-economic backgrounds, and perspectives on the world.

PADF is committed to safeguarding employees and those we serve, addressing inappropriate behavior, discrimination, and harassment. We take an intersectional approach, promote gender equality, and follow our Global Code of Conduct emphasizing our H.E.A.R.T. values. The code covers various aspects, including anti-trafficking, PSEAH (Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment), whistleblowing, and online safety.

PADF is an Equal Opportunity Employer