Senior Program Officer, Human Rights & Policy

Join Our Team as a Senior Program Officer, Human Rights & Policy at the International Republican Institute (IRI)!

ABOUT IRI

The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom. We link people with their governments, support politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivate those citizens to engage in the political process.

At IRI, every employee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission across the globe. We’re looking for passionate individuals who embody our Core Values and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team. Our values include:

• Respect: We lead with trust, empathy, and dignity; empowering colleagues and partners.
• Teamwork: We collaborate across teams; solve problems together; are humble and ready to learn.
• Ownership: We take initiative; champion solutions; deliver results for IRI’s mission.
• Excellence through Execution: We balance thoughtfulness with timeliness; learn from results; prioritize progress over perfection.
• Transparency: We share information openly; give direct feedback; build trust through honest communication.
• Freedom: We are empowered to make decisions, try new approaches, and adapt as needed.

ABOUT THE ROLE: SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICER, HUMAN RIGHTS & POLICY

The Senior Program Officer, Human Rights & Policy (SPO) will be responsible for day-to-day program coordination and will support the design and implementation of capacity-building activities, multi-stakeholder working groups, policy research and analysis, and engagement with civil society, government officials, legal practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders. The SPO will also contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), program reporting, activity logistics, and donor and IRI compliance.

The Senior Program Officer, Human Rights & Policy will be based in San José, Costa Rica, and will support the implementation of IRI programming focused on human rights, particularly Freedom of Religious (FOR) and Transnational Repression (TNR). The SPO will work closely with IRI program staff, local partners, stakeholders, and technical experts to ensure effective program implementation, compliance, and achievement of program objectives.

This position is located in San José, Costa Rica and may include periodic travel. Work authorization for Costa Rica is required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the planning, day-to-day coordination, implementation, and monitoring of assigned program activities in Costa Rica, including development of workplans, activity content and materials, participant outreach, logistical arrangements, and regular communication with IRI program staff, partners, participants, consultants, and other relevant government stakeholders.
• Support the organization and facilitation of a multi-stakeholder working group in Costa Rica, including preparing agendas and background materials, coordinating participants, documenting recommendations, and supporting follow-up actions.
• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with civil society organizations, government officials and public institutions, legal practitioners, human rights actors, international organizations, and other stakeholders relevant to program implementation.
• Monitor and analyze relevant political, human rights, policy, legal, and institutional developments to inform program strategy, implementation, and achievement of program objectives.
• Conduct research and comparative analysis of policy and institutional approaches to addressing TNR and contribute to assessments of gaps in existing prevention, protection, coordination, and response mechanisms.
• Engage relevant state entities and government stakeholders to gather input, strengthen coordination, and contribute to the development of policy recommendations, policy briefs, protection protocols, referral pathways, advocacy materials, and other program products.
• Support the design, adaptation, and implementation of capacity-building activities for program partners and stakeholders.
• Identify and coordinate with expert consultants and other technical specialists as needed for program implementation.
• Coordinate with specialized legal experts on activities requiring advanced expertise related to evidence preservation, case building, strategic litigation, and domestic, regional, or international accountability mechanisms.
• Support MEL efforts, including the development and use of data collection tools, collection and analysis of program data, participant feedback, and documentation of program results and lessons learned.
• Draft and contribute to high-quality program reports, activity reports, donor reports, briefing materials, and other program documentation.
• Ensure program activities are implemented in accordance with applicable IRI and donor policies and procedures, including programmatic and financial requirements.
• Represent IRI at meetings, consultations, roundtables, and other relevant events, as appropriate.
• Contribute to the development of new program ideas in line with IRI’s areas of expertise.
• Travel within Costa Rica and regionally, as required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Note: This post is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required in this role. Further details of the role will be shared during the recruitment process.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

We seek a passionate and experienced individual with:

• Undergraduate degree in political science, international relations, law, public policy, human rights, or a related field. Graduate degree preferred.
• Minimum five to seven years of relevant professional experience in program management, human rights, public policy, democratic governance, rule of law, or related areas.
• Demonstrated experience implementing programs and coordinating activities involving civil society organizations, government institutions, policymakers, legal professionals, or other relevant stakeholders.
• Experience conducting research and analysis and developing policy recommendations, reports, briefs, assessments, or other analytical products.
• Demonstrated experience in human rights, including protection mechanisms and the documentation of human rights violations and abuses. Familiarity with FoR and TNR and related policy and legal issues preferred.
• Experience organizing and facilitating trainings, consultations, workshops, or multi-stakeholder processes.
• Experience with program monitoring, evaluation, and learning preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Spanish. Professional proficiency in English strongly preferred.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge and understanding of the political, institutional, and human rights context in Costa Rica and/or Central America preferred.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and regionally as required.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – RESUME, COVER LETTER, & REFERENCES

In your application, please include a copy of your most up-to-date resume along with a cover letter that outlines your background and explains why you are interested in this opportunity. Additionally, please include the contact details of at least 2-3 professional references.