Program Officer / Program Manager, China

Company Overview

The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, anti-corruption & ethics, and trade. 

Position: Program Officer or Program Manager, China
Reports to: Deputy Director, Asia Pacific
Location: Washington, D.C.

Scope: CIPE is recruiting for either a Program Officer or Program Manager for country-specific programs in the Asia Pacific region. The selected candidate will be responsible for developing and implementing CIPE’s strategic focus on democratic governance through private sector collective action initiatives to improve business participation, economic freedom, and opportunity across the region.

The role will involve strategy development, project and grant management, stakeholder engagement, and external representation of CIPE. Candidates with more extensive professional experience will be considered for the Program Manager role, while candidates with solid foundational experience will be considered for the Program Officer role.

Note: Experience requirements, supervisory responsibilities, and management expectations vary depending on whether the position is filled at the Program Officer or Program Manager level (details below).

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategy to accomplish CIPE’s objectives on improving democratic governance and advancing market reforms in the region.
• Design, implement, and manage a portfolio of projects and grants for the assigned region, aligned with CIPE’s goals for target countries.
• Develop project concept papers, proposals, reports, correspondence, and public communications.
• Serve as CIPE’s representative to promote democratic, market-oriented reforms through events, training programs, and stakeholder meetings.
• Analyze political and economic developments in the region to inform program strategies and identify opportunities.
• Identify and collaborate with partner organizations to design and implement effective democratic and economic reform programs.
• Manage project activities in collaboration with local partners and CIPE team members.
• Monitor grantees, contractors, and consultants to ensure compliance with objectives, financial requirements, and evaluation plans.
• Conduct project evaluations through on-site visits and coordination with independent evaluators, where appropriate.
• Oversee project finances, including monitoring spending, projecting future expenses, approving expenditures, and developing budgets.
• Establish and maintain relationships with donor organizations and identify joint project or funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with CIPE departments, including Communications, Grants and Finance, Policy and Program Learning, and other regional teams.
• Monitor regional political and economic developments and assess their impact on CIPE projects.
• Contribute to external communications by authoring blogs, op-eds, or participating in podcasts and speaking engagements.
• Supervise, develop, and manage program staff, including Program Associates, Coordinators, field staff, and consultants.

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, International Relations, International Development, Political Economy, or a related field.
• Experience with international development and topics aligned with CIPE’s mission, including economic freedom, democratic governance, business advocacy, and entrepreneurship.
• Excellent communication skills, including strong public speaking, proposal and reporting writing skills with attention to detail.  
• Demonstrated critical thinking, analytical skills, and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High degree of cultural competence.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel for extended periods.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in Mandarin Chinese in a business/professional environment.

• Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience managing and implementing international assistance programs or working with non-profits, chambers of commerce, or associations in the region, with preference given to candidates who have demonstrated leadership in project oversight, partner relations, and staff supervision.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience managing and implementing international assistance programs or working with non-profits, chambers of commerce, or associations in the region, with preference given to candidates who have demonstrated leadership in project oversight, partner relations, and staff supervision.

Benefits and Perks

Competitive Benefits including medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, flexible spending, paid family leave, life insurance, 401(k), commuter benefits, telework, and more! 

CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations and an excellent benefits package. Applicants must be legally able to work in the United States; CIPE is unable to sponsor employees for work visas.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. Our recruitment process is competitive and designed to identify the most qualified candidates for each position