Project Director, DoS/Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI)

About IREX:
IREX is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to building a more just, prosperous, and inclusive world by empowering youth, cultivating leaders, strengthening institutions, and extending access to quality education and information. Founded in 1968, IREX has an annual portfolio of over $100 million, offices in 20 countries, and a global staff of 600. We work in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Position Summary:
IREX seeks qualified Project Director candidates to lead the U.S. Department of State-funded Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) Academic Fellowship supporting approximately 500 undergraduates or recent graduates from across Southeast Asia to participate in an annual intensive academic institute at a U.S. college or university that strengthens participants’ leadership skills, deepens engagement with young leaders on key regional and global challenges, and builds mutual understanding. In close partnership with the U.S. Department of State, the Project Director will lead efforts to recruit and select participants from participating countries, co-develop 20 five-week institutes and study tours that offer dynamic learning experiences at campuses across the United States focused on one of four themes (Civic Engagement; Sustainability and Environment; Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Empowerment; and Society and Governance), implement a closing forum in Washington, DC, and facilitate a suite of follow-on programming for alumni including reciprocal exchanges for American professionals to collaborate with alumni on projects across Southeast Asia.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Direct all aspects of program implementation to ensure timely, accurate, and thoughtful delivery of high-quality programming.
• Monitor project budget and analyze project pipeline to inform project implementation.
• Develop and monitor project workplan for activity portfolio.
• Develop and manage monitoring and evaluation plan; analyze results to inform project design and implementation.
• Oversee and provide guidance to the design and delivery of program curriculum, and to development and delivery of program institutes, alumni activities, events, trainings, and workshops.
• Lead the team in developing health and safety protocols and emergency contingencies that ensure participant safety and security in all program activities.
• Oversee robust online systems that manage applicant and participant data, providing stakeholders with access to information while protecting PII.
• Communicate vision and activity progress with donor, U.S. Embassy representatives, partners, and internal IREX stakeholders.
• Coordinate activities with the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Embassies, including alumni and curriculum activities.
• Contribute technical inputs to complex documents, program reports, and evaluations.
• Contribute to attachments, budget, and technical proposals for YSEALI project proposals, as needed.
• Guide team decision-making and learning on program strategy and direction.
• Supervise and coach a team to successfully implement the program.
• Proactively support IREX’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.
• Represent IREX and Leadership Practice interests both within and outside of IREX.
• Other support duties as needed.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in international education, political science, or related field required; Master’s preferred
• At least ten years of progressive program management and leadership experience implementing international education programs with a focus on exchange or alumni programming and/or professional training/development programs.
• Experience with startup processes for USG-funded projects required.
• Experience with U.S. Department of State or other USG grants and contracts. Experience with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) preferred.
• Minimum of five years leading teams and managing staff at varying levels or similar experience.
• Experience with procurement procedures and sub-award management and developing and monitoring program budgets. Understanding of, and experience with A-133 and/or CFR 200 requirements is an asset.
• Experience with visa regulations and/or U.S. government SEVIS system, preferred.
• Experience in coaching, advising, or other relevant leadership development work with young professionals.
• Experience designing and implementing large-scale program events and interactive activities, including both virtual and in-person, preferred.
• Experience with leading the start-up of new awards or projects preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of Southeast Asia and recent developments in the region. Field experience in the region preferred. This may include Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and/or Vietnam.