Program Assistant, Afghanistan – PROGR002240-00001

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 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 Program Assistant (PA) will provide overall support for the day-to-day operations for the Afghanistan Program including programmatic, administrative and logistical functions. The PA will assist the Afghanistan Team with research and writing, collaborate in maintaining program records and organizing of meetings/public events, develop and update informational material, and provide budget and contract management support, as needed. The position is based in Washington, DC, reports to the Afghanistan and Central Asia Director, and is a member of the Asia Center.

TARGET SALARY

Grade 07 – $53,000 – $54,000

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

Program Support:

* Assist the Afghanistan team in identifying new programming and support existing program activities (e.g., plans, develops, coordinates and implements the program’s support services).

* Develop, update and edit various program documents and website material.

* Assist with the coordination and implementation of the day-to-day operations of the Afghanistan program.

* Assist with public outreach regarding Afghanistan products particularly web and social media outreach.

Budget and Contract Management Support:

* Develop recommendations on any actions that may be required to ensure the program has the resources necessary to meet its goals and objectives.

* Manage vendor contracts and payment receipts (e.g., writing a wide variety of contracts with external organizations to support special events or program activities).

* Provide technical advice on contract-related requirements.

* Support the Afghanistan Team in developing funding concept notes and proposals as requested.

* Serve as the main point of contact for external contractors or vendors on any contractual or logistical-related items.

Research Support & Writing Support:

* Support the Afghanistan Team in drafting and compiling reports.

* Build and maintain substantive expertise on a range of issues related to Afghanistan.

* Conduct substantive research as needed by members of the Afghanistan team.

Meeting and Event Support:

* Support all aspects of meeting and event organization and management including public events and private working group discussions and consultations.

* Maintain and expand contact lists related to Afghanistan events.

Performs Other Duties as Assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor’s degree in international relations or related field required.

* One (1) year of related business or administrative experience, familiarity with Afghanistan, and general personnel practices, administrative/finance procedures and/or the coordination of major office activities, required.

* Academic or practical experience with Afghanistan, South and Central Asia, peacebuilding, or post-conflict development preferred.

* Excellent writing skills.

* Spoken and written Dari and Pashto language familiarity is preferred.

* Competence in program administration and financial management.

* Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Excel are required. Previous experience with SalesForce and strong computer skills in database usage is preferred.

* Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.

* Experience organizing conferences, meetings, and events preferred.

* Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication.

* Dari or Pashto language skills preferred.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 10/17/23.

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.