**Job Description**:
The Program Manager is responsible for the management of an anticipated USAID-funded program that will provide fellowships to human rights defenders (HRDs) in Central America. The HRDs will be provided with fellowships to continue their work safely at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the U.S. The Program Manager will be based in IIE's Latin American and Caribbean Office in Mexico City, working closely with IIE's USAID Programs team based in the U.S. The Program Manager will be a key member of the start-up and design of the program and be responsible for working with USAID and local organizations in the Central America region to conduct outreach to HRDs who may be eligible for the fellowship program, oversight and management of the outreach, selection and pre-departure process, and collaboration with the US-based USAID Programs team on placement and monitoring of fellows during their fellowships in the U.S.
**Essential Functions**:
- Provides program leadership and management throughout the entire program lifecycle, including start-up. Serves as the main regional contact with USAID, building strategic partnerships with USAID/El Salvador and other stakeholders in the region. In collaboration with USAID, sets a clear strategic vision and plan for the program.
- Promotes cross-cutting and collaborative activities with regional partners in Central America.
- Oversees outreach and selection process, including development of selection criteria.
- Manages placement of fellows at partner HEIs in the U.S., including collaboration with U.S. based IIE team members and U.S. HEIs to develop placement process and fellowship pathways.
- Manages visa and pre-departure process for fellows in collaboration with U.S. based team members, including implementation of pre-departure briefing. Works with USAID and US Embassy in home country of fellow to facilitate visa process, including collecting required documentation.
- Develops plans for safely evacuating/arranging travel for fellows and dependents to U.S., including associated risks and mitigation strategies.
- Collaborates with U.S. team members who will be monitoring fellows while they are in the U.S. on emergency management during fellowship.
- Coaches fellows through development of social impact project plan during pre-departure and throughout program. Work with regional stakeholders/beneficiaries/institutions to help fellows in their project implementation.
- Develops alumni activities.
- Develops program deliverables, including work plans and narrative reports.
- Adapts existing IIE procedures for fellowship management to HRDs program and develops new procedures as needed.
- Leads financial management of regional activities and contributes to the management of project budget and IIE budgeting activities as needed.
- Leads Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) efforts along with IIE Research, Evaluation, and Learning (REL) team in the U.S. to collect and report upon program indicators.
**_This position is contingent on funding._**
**_The Institute of International Education ("IIE") has a hybrid work environment that allows team members a combination of in-office work and telework at any of the locations listed above._**
**Education and Work Experience**:
- Requires a bachelor's degree and at least five (5) years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
**Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**:
- Minimum five years of program management experience required.
- Four years of relevant experience in international exchange, international education, and/or fellowship/scholarship management preferred.
- Experience working with public and private sector organizations in Central America required.
- Experience working with human rights defenders and/or vulnerable populations in Central America preferred.
- Prior work experience in advising students and providing guidance in academic and skill building areas preferred.
- Experience managing USAID or USG programs preferred.
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 15% domestically and internationally as needed.
- Strong interest and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Project management, time-management and administrative skills.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office 2010; internet software and database software.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written.
- Ability to interact with all levels of staff and external contacts; sensitivity to cultural differences when working with people from other cultures; and ability to exercise discretion on confidential matters.
- Proficiency in both English and Spanish required.
