DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Who We Are
Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace around the world. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.
We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts around the world. Together we tackle the toughest problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. (To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.
If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.
JOB BRIEF
The Program Officer (PO) will lead, design, and operationalize the Latin America Program’s ongoing commitments in Colombia, Venezuela, and Bolivia and will develop new initiatives in Central America. The Program Officer will also oversee the Latin America base operations and payroll budget, will assist in the management of individual project budgets, and will develop and maintain internal and external relationships to raise USIP’s public profile on peacebuilding and conflict in the hemisphere. The PO will support the annual planning process and advise on the strategic opportunities to expand beyond the four priority countries.
The Program Officer position is based in Washington, DC, and will report to the Director of the Latin America Program. The PO will support and coordinate with the Regional Deputy Director. The PO will supervise the LAP Research Assistants.
TARGET SALARY RANGE
Grade 12 - $87,000 - $90,000
The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers of employment are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Latin America Program Development:
* Applies theory, policy, and knowledge of the Western Hemisphere and the peacebuilding field to develop and implement USIP’s Latin America Program Strategy.
* Operationalizes programming and projects in Colombia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Bolivia, particularly related to training or research.
* In coordination with the Director and Deputy, will assists with scoping of new programs on Rule of Law in Central America.
* Represents USIP as a content expert on panels, forums, or at speaking engagements, as well as publishing articles, blogs, and special reports.
* Develops and pursues new funding opportunities where USIP adds value within Latin America, serving as a critical substantive lead as the Institute seeks to increase its expertise and involvement in the region.
* Manages and oversees the program and new project development from scoping trips, strategic planning and development, implementation, monitoring and evaluating, and reporting for future Latin America projects.
* Maintains and manages close relationships with USG, pursues external funding for project initiatives, and builds strategic partnerships with the international and regional community.
Budget and Contract Management:
* Manages program network communications bilingually externally and in the field;
* Manages program funds tracks program budget and serves as Contracting Technical Representative (COTR) on LAP contracts to manage and monitor all contract activities. Including drafting Scopes of Work, Memorandum of Understanding, or Personal Service Contracts. Manages the invoices and disbursements of open contracts.
* Develops scope of works and supports the Latin America Program in managing partner contract life cycles including tracking deliverable due dates, payments, and responding to routine partner inquiries.
* Supports the development of funding concept notes and proposals as requested.
Program Management:
* Supervises and manages the LAP Research Assistant(s) and coordinates with the senior administrative assistant.
* Collaborates with Senior Administrative Assistant and Program Specialist, assists in the planning and substantive preparation of in-house and in-the-field events.
Special Projects:
* Manages the Monthly Latin America Working Group.
* Translates English<>Spanish on internal and external documents as necessary.
Other:
* Travels internationally as required.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor’s degree in peace and conflict studies or related field required; Master’s degree preferred in international relations, conflict resolution, or related field required.
* Six (6) or more years of related experience required.
* Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills and knowledge in subject areas.
* Fluency in English and Spanish required
* Demonstrated interest in Latin America, particularly in countries of priority: Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, and Central America.
* Two years or more of relevant experience in the field within the region of focus.
* Program and financial management proficiency
* Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication.
All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire, and salary requirements.
Cover letter
Resume
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, gender identity, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, political affiliations or belief, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.
How to apply:
To apply for this position, please use the following URL:
https://ars2.equest.com/?response_id=dccf63492af9910206492bea4d46cdee