Program Officer

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position: Program Officer

Team: Research and Development

Contract: Fulltime, from 11/2023 to 11/2024

I. Introduction

Institute for Vietnam Initiatives (IVI) is a not-for-profit research institute registered under Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Association (VUSTA). Since its establishment in 2019, IVI has collaborated with 20+ partners, completed 10+ projects with an accumulated budget of 6.000.000+ USD, driving changes in 4 key sectors: policy and governance, local development, capacity building, and education. Our partners include a diverse range of research institutes, universities, Vietnam’s state agencies, and international development organizations.

II. The opportunity

The Program Officer (PO) is responsible for implementing projects/activities within IVI's operations, which encompass four core areas: public governance, local development, capacity building, and education. The PO will offer technical implementation in project management and development, as well as provide financial and administrative assistance. Furthermore, the PO will assist IVI's leadership in cooperation and networking with partners to guarantee smooth and high-quality project implementation.

The PO directly reports to the Head of Research and Development.

III. Major Responsibilities

1.    Program Management

• The PO will directly be responsible the following projects/activities:

1. Assist Project Manager (PM) to keep track of and ensure project activities are on track within assigned budgets, identify problems and suggests corrective actions;
2. Collaborate with consultant teams to develop management dashboards for government partners (including People’s Committees of Provinces/Cities and Ministries).
3. Assist expert teams in conducting IVI research activities by overseeing consultant contracts assuring timely submission outputs and providing logistical support to the organization and consultants and technical support.
4. Provide administrative and logistical support to the organization of training courses, workshops, conferences, and other events with partners.

• Provide inputs for both routine and ad-hoc reports and communication products.
• Organize and manage project documents and information.
• Other duties as assigned by the line manager.

2.    Program and Project Development                                         

• When relevant and required by the line manager, provide inputs and ideas, including lessons learned, for project concept notes and proposals.

3.    Financial and Administrative Support

• Provide inputs to the Financial Team for budgeting and reporting.
• Work side-by-side with the Financial & Administrative Team to support the implementation of the assigned activities.

4.    Partnership and Networking

• Support the line manager in establishing coordination and maintaining strong relationships with partners, including government agencies, national and international research institutes, experts, and enterprises.
• When relevant and required, joint partner assessment and implement activities to support partners’ capacity.  

IV. QUALIFICATIONS

• Has a passionate interest in researching and addressing public issues (e.g. public governance, economics, public policies, etc.);
• At least Bachelor’s degree in economics, finance, development, public policy or related field.
• Minimum of 1-2 years’ experience working in research institutes, NGOs, government agencies, or businesses; experience with government partners is preferred.
• Strong analytical skills and research abilities are a plus.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism;
• Demonstrated time management and priority-setting skills;
• Excellent organizational, collaboration and team-building skills;
• Instills commitment to organizational goals.
• Relationship building and partnership development skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to respond effectively to challenges, and work effectively in a cross-culture environment.
• Good communication skills both verbally and in written form in English and Vietnamese.

To apply: Please send a cover letter and CV (Email subject: Full name _ Program Officer) to [email protected] before October 15, 2023.