Country: United States of America
Closing date: 24 Jun 2016
THE ORGANIZATION
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) prevents, mitigates and resolves violent conflicts around the world by engaging directly in conflict zones and providing analysis, education and resources to those working for peace.
SUMMARY
The Program Specialist provides project and/or program management, logistical support, research assistance, and budget and contract management in support of USIP's programming in Nigeria. This position is based in Washington, DC and reports to the Senior Program Officer/Program Officer for Nigeria.
This is a one-year position and availability is contingent upon funding.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Program Planning Support:
- Provides project and/or program management support to USIP's programming in Nigeria;
- Develops, edits or makes substantial contributions to drafts of quarterly reports, memos, program updates, and website material;
- Coordinates logistics and play significant role in organizing program conferences, workshops and meetings; including a high-level Nigeria governor's symposium;
- Regularly monitors political events in Nigeria and throughout the Lake Chad region;
- Reviews bi-weekly field reports to collect monitoring indicator data and track program progress;
- Coordinates with Nigeria-based staff and local partner organization regarding the day-to-day planning and coordination of the program in order to support program goals and objectives;
- Supports and conducts research as directed by the Senior Program Officer/Program Officer for Nigeria;
- Other administrative tasks as assigned.
Budget and Contract Management:
- Creates initial drafts of budgets; monitors program spending (in conjunction with SPO/PO); performs basic analysis and projection of financial status and reports on that status;
- Manages vendor contracts (e.g., writing a wide variety of contracts with external organizations to support special events or program activities).
- Provides technical advice to program staff on contract related requirements.
- Serves as the main point of contact for external contractors or vendors on any contractual or logistical-related items.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals of countries listed in a U.S. Collective Defense Arrangement per the Department of State. To see a list of those countries, go to http://www.state.gov/s/l/treaty/collectivedefense/index.htm.
- Bachelor's degree, preferably in International Relations, Political Science or a related field; Masters Degree preferred;
- Five or more years related experience. Additional years of relevant work experience may be substituted for educational requirement on a one-for-one basis;
- Experience living and working overseas, preferably in Nigeria or countries in the Lake Chad Basin;
- Knowledge of political and conflict dynamics in Nigeria and of the region;
- Interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, US and foreign government personnel and NGO community;
- High level of oral and written communication skills to effectively present information and respond to questions;
- Excellent organizational skills; attention to detail; and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously;
- Working knowledge of PC-based word processing and spreadsheet applications; including basic knowledge of basic budget and accounting procedures;
- Fluent written and spoken English in mandatory; additional knowledge of relevant language in the region also preferred;
All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.
Compensation is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
How to Apply To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of: 1. Cover letter 2. Resume
If a link does not appear on your screen to "Complete your Application", please go to www.usip.org/work-us to submit your cover letter and resume.
If you are having problems submitting your online application, please try another browser (Internet Explorer and Firefox work best). If the “Email your Resume” button does not respond, right click on the button and select 'copy shortcut' or 'copy email address' and send your resume to the copied email address using your personal email account.
For questions about this position, please email recruitment@usip.org. Do not send resumes or attachments to this email address.
Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.
No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.
USIP is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy and practice of USIP to offer equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.
PI94271459
How to apply:
Apply Online