Director, North Africa Programs – DIREC002241-00001

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. 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 worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging 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 Director of North Africa Programs is based in Washington, D.C., and manages and supports programmatic activity throughout the Institute aimed at building a stable peace in North Africa. The Director, North Africa Programs, serves as the leading regional expert for the Institute in Washington, D.C. and in close coordination with the USIP’s field teams based in Tunis, Tunisia. The Director of North Africa Program reports to the Vice President, Middle East North Africa (MENA) Center.

TARGET SALARY

Grade 15 – $155,700

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Planning and Program Development:
* Under the direction of the Vice President and in collaboration with field-based country directors, contributes to the strategic planning of programs and projects (g., program/project design; developing plans, goals, objectives, and approaches; obtaining appropriate resources required to support goals and objectives, etc.).
* Contributes to the development (including securing external funding for), implementation, and expansion of new and existing USIP North Africa programming; collaborates with field-based Tunisia and Libya directors on strategic planning for the North Africa program.
* Builds and manages a support network in the US for all programs and projects relating to North Africa by leveraging contacts across the interagency and Congress.
* Initiates or contributes to the development of new project concept notes and/or proposals for potential projects in Morocco and Algeria; advises in the development of new proposals and concept notes for Libya and Tunisia.
* Manages staff in the review of all documents produced in the field intended for consumption by USG counterparts, including but not limited to quarterly and final project reports.
* Serves as the senior expert on all USIP North Africa Programs (e.g., conducts research; presents at conferences and workshops; provides analysis and counsel to other public and private organizations, including the media; develops publications, training courses, workshops, training and educational programs and materials; conducts training courses and lectures).

Operations:
* Under guidance and direction from VP, MENA provide the day-to-day oversight of Tunisia Office, including all administrative, logistical, financial, and contractual matters; work closely with the VP, MENA and headquarter teams to ensure that all administrative, logistical, and financial matters and procedures in the Tunisia Office are executed in accordance with guidelines from headquarters.
* Ensure full compliance of all in-country programs with USIP contractual management procedures.
* Under the guidance of the Chief Security Officer in USIP headquarters and collaboration with country directors, ensure proper safety and security protocols for the Tunisia Office and regularly review, update, and test security guidelines to ensure that they are understood and followed by all USIP staff.
* In coordination with Country Directors and USIP’s Grants and Contracts Administration, update the assets and dispersion plan for equipment owned by USIP in Tunisia.

Public Outreach/Engagement:
* Builds strategic partnerships and networks with subject matter experts and a wide variety of external organizations including US Government agencies, local embassies and think tanks to leverage resources and combine efforts to promote USIP program initiatives and goals.
* Organizes and leads leading public and private workshops, roundtables, and meetings geared to a broad set of external audiences related to North Africa at the USIP headquarters in coordination with all parts of the Institute.
* Attends and participates in various conferences (domestic and international), events, and other programs to speak on behalf of USIP as a subject matter expert on North Africa.
* When necessary, responds to media requests regarding developments in North Africa.
* Engages USG contacts regularly to keep apprised of MENA Center North Africa programs and to identify future potential partnership opportunities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
* Master’s degree in relevant discipline such as international peace and conflict resolution, political science, international affairs, or related field required.
* At least fifteen (15) years of professional experience in the Executive Branch or equivalent at partner agency performing a related functions or combination of functions such as grants and contract management, program management, strategic planning, budgeting, or program implementation.
* At least four (4) years of professional experience in the Legislative Branch, preferably working directly for a relevant oversight Committee (e.g., House Foreign Affairs or Senate Foreign Relations). Preferably with experience overseeing the expenditure of US foreign assistance programs in the Middle East and North Africa.
* A minimum of four (4) years of professional experience at a think tank, academic institution, or other research organization overseeing a research portfolio related to North Africa.
* Demonstrated expertise on the Middle East and North Africa (preferably with a publications record).
* Ability to leverage deep and well-respected network across the USG interagency and Congress.
* Strong research and analytical skills.
* Possess excellent written and oral communications skills.
* Must have the ability to work independently in a complex environment.

All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP.

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:
1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

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.