Program Assistant, International Partnerships – PROGR002031-00001

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 around the world. 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) broadly supports the activities and workstreams of the Strategic Partnerships team (SP) within USIP’s Executive Office, with a focus on supporting the Senior Program Office for International Partnerships. This position is located in Washington, DC, and reports to the Director for Strategic Partnerships.

The role of the SP team is to forge and sustain partnerships with relevant domestic and international actors to help drive USIP’s priorities under its mission to prevent, mitigate and help resolve violent international conflict. Key external actors include the U.S. Executive Branch, think tanks, the private sector, and international bodies such as IOs and INGOs. The team also seeks to leverage USIP expertise to inform better policy and practice in the conflict prevention and peacebuilding spheres. The SP team operates in close cooperation with Institute leadership, the Congressional Relations team, and the geographic and thematic programs.

TARGET SALARY RANGE

Grade 7- $50,000 – $54,000

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

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning Support:
* Assists with monitoring and tracking Executive Branch and global policy developments related to USIP’s mission and key priorities.
* Supports the Director and SPO in the development and implementation of strategies for USIP engagement and partnership with key international partners.
* Assists with building, mapping and maintaining database of key relationships with partners from the U.S Administration, Inter-agency and international organizations, civil society, think tanks, and the private sector.
* Provides administrative support to the team in communications and coordination with the Institute’s Senior Military Advisory Group.
* Provides administrative and programmatic support for the Interorganizational Global Forum (IGF), an annual high-level forum conducted in partnership with the Department of Defense’s Joint Staff J7.
* Develops, updates, and edits various program documents and website material.
* Creates targeted outreach lists for program use, and tracks schedules of high-level conferences, events, or other relevant policy conversations that present partnership opportunities for the Institute.
* Coordinates and facilitates meetings with internal and external partners.

Budget and Contract Management:
* Assists with project/event budgets to be reviewed and approved by the Director.
* Manages vendor contracts and payment receipts (e.g., writing a wide variety of contracts with external organizations to support special events or program activities).
* Provides technical advice on contract related requirements.
* Supports the SP team in developing funding concept notes and proposals as requested.
* Serves as the main point of contact for external contractors or vendors on any contractual or logistical-related items.

Event Planning:
* Supports all aspects of meeting and event organization and management including public events and private working group discussions and consultations.
* Assists with logistical arrangements for program events, including reserving rooms, developing invitations, monitoring RSVPs, ordering food and supplies, arranging room set-up, and serving as the main point-of-contact for attendees.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor’s degree in public policy, international relations or related field required.
* One or more years of related office experience, demonstrating familiarity with program coordination and administrative support responsibilities required.
* Excellent writing skills.
* Strong attention to detail, including time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Competence in program administration and financial management.
* Strong skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Excel is required. Strong database skills (Salesforce) 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.

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

For questions about this position please email [email protected]. 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.