Position description
POSITION OVERVIEW
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) has an opening for a Gender Program Officer in the International Programs Department. The department seeks to empower the global community of regulators to drive meaningful change in their energy sectors. Working in partnership with U.S. and international government officials, our projects support real improvements in the quality and effectiveness of regulation in foreign countries through dialogue and collaboration. NARUC utilizes the talents and expertise of state commissioners and staff in our work, sharing the best of what the NARUC community has to offer.
The Gender Program Officer (GPO) position is primarily responsible for planning and implementation of NARUC’s expanded gender activities and also may support other energy regulatory projects. With funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), NARUC supports the Advancing Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative. In 2020, NARUC launched its Advancing Women Leaders in Energy (AWLE) project in Eastern Europe & Eurasia. Through this project, NARUC’s goal is to transform the socio-cultural norms at energy regulatory commissions to ensure women can succeed and advance in their careers. NARUC is collaborating with energy regulatory commissions in support of organizational changes combined with training and mentoring to create a profound impact on the overall effectiveness of the commissions, which can in turn serve as a gender inclusive example for the regional energy sector.
The position works with the program team and foreign partners to develop strategic goals and milestones for the AWLE initiative and coordinates with the Department Director to achieve forward planning to implement the project vision and work plans. The position may also work with other Program Managers and Program Officers on other energy (non-gender) regulatory projects as needed.
The position reports to the Gender Program Manager in the International Department.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES
The Gender Program Officer works closely with assigned Program Managers (PM) and successfully develops and implements all aspects of assigned projects, in accordance with the terms of the cooperative agreements and NARUC policies. The Gender Program Officer (PO) manages the progress of several activities under the AWLE initiative and/or other assigned projects to ensure planning, implementation and reporting meet specified project timelines.
Project Management
- Works closely with GPM/PM to ensure harmonized approach to project design, implementation, and communication for each project.
- Collaboratively develops strategic goals for the AWLE initiative and/or other assigned project work plans in coordination with GPM/PM, Technical Advisors and/or Supervisors.
- In close collaboration with GPM/PM and Technical Advisors, develops technical program agendas for activities, builds knowledge of gender and energy regulatory issues, and incorporates input from GPM/PMs and Technical Advisors.
- Assists GPM/PM and/or Supervisor in identifying results, developments, or constraints, particularly those related to gender in/equity, that impact project implementation and planning, provides updates internally and to clients as appropriate.
- Solicits and prepares NARUC volunteer experts for AWLE activities abroad.
- Works towards increasing regulatory knowledge to serve as a moderator/facilitator during AWLE activities, engaging the international and U.S. regulators in discussions with a goal of identifying concrete deliverables/actions.
- Ensures high-quality activity implementation through strategic planning and coordination/review of project-related materials.
- Works closely with Logistics Team to ensure a coordinated event planning approach.
- Utilizes and/or develops program management tools, such as project charters, work breakdown structures, RACI, etc., to improve planning and workflow.
- Provides support to other programs and/or staff..
Reporting and Coordination with Clients and Partners
- In coordination with GPM/PM, liaises with clients as well as U.S. Embassies and other USG partners on issues related to relevant initiatives to align NARUC and AWLE and/or other energy projects with strategic initiatives.
- Implements NARUC’s Monitoring Evaluation & Learning Plan for AWLE program and gathers timely information from partners for showcase results and progress. Builds and sustains relationships with partners.
- Contributes to AWLE program reports, portfolio reviews and feature stories; updates project descriptions and other marketing materials associated with projects.
- Conducts research on emerging issues and gender-related aspects of programming and provides AWLE project updates/briefings/concept papers internally and to clients.
Collaboration & Training
- Supports the wider program team, shares best practices and lessons learned in planning and implementation.
- Promotes peak performance culture.
- Contributes to the department’s culture of having a supportive work environment, open communication accountability, collaboration, and decision-making.
- Supports improvements in administrative and programmatic performance.
- May serve as a mentor to new program staff.
- Supports program staff in identifying project visions.
Compliance & Financial Management
- Ensures compliance with NARUC and USG policies, coordinates on budget adherence.
- Ensures budget adherence and timely submission of expenses.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- BA/BS from an accredited college or university in international affairs, gender studies, anthropology, international development, sociology, or another related field is required Minimum 3 years of related and/or similar professional experience. Knowledge of gender issues facing emerging and transitioning economies is desired.
- Knowledge of the nonprofit field and/or USG grant/contract requirements is a plus.
- Previous program implementation experience.
- Language proficiency in geographically relevant regions strongly preferred (French, Spanish, or Russian,). In-country living or travel experience beneficial.
- Demonstrated experience in event planning and management, experience coordinating workshops in developing countries is preferred.
- International travel 35-45% of the time is required.
- US citizenship or existing work authorization is required.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggle multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving abilities under tight deadlines are essential.
- Ability to multi-task based on fluctuating priorities and requirements.
- Leadership and management skills, with the ability to develop and manage collaborative business relationships both internally and externally, are a must.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and diplomacy for working with all levels of staff, external entities, and NARUC leadership.
- Excellent proficiency in analytical, verbal presentation, and writing skills.
- Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information and issues.
Application instructions
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The position is grant-funded and continued employment is based on client funding and satisfactory work performance. This is an exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience. NARUC has an excellent benefits package.
This posting is not an attempt to list all essential functions of this position. Job duties may change over time, based on NARUC’s needs.
Residency must be in the continental US contiguous states including the District of Columbia, but not Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and other US territories.
The salary range is $65,000 to $75,000 based on experience.
The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Interested individuals, please submit cover letter and a resume to: [email protected]
