Program Specialist – CONTR002252-00001

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 Program Specialist (PS) will provide support for the Governance, Justice, and Security (GJS) Team’s Comprehensive Thematic Support for Security Sector Governance and Reform (CTS-SSG/R) program. The PS will support work related to project implementation, researching complex topics, conducting assessments, monitoring and evaluation activities, coordinating events, overseeing contracting processes, and providing essential administrative and operational coordination for CTS-SSG/R. This support aims to ensure the smooth execution of initiatives and effective collaboration between stakeholders at the Institute and external partners. This position will contribute to USIP’s integrated and cohesive SSG/R strategy and vision, with the overarching goal of shaping U.S. and international policy and practice in this field by generating innovative thought leadership, providing strategic and tactical advice on SSG/R, and offering support to USIP’s field operations and other staff
involved in relevant GJS initiatives.

This is a Personal Services Contractor position, which is based in Washington, DC. The Program Specialist will primarily collaborate with the CTS-SSG/R Program Manager and USIP’s Senior Program Officer for Security Sector Governance and Reform and will serve as a member of the Center for Thematic Excellence (CTE).

Major Duties and Responsibilities
* Support the creation of innovative and cutting-edge ideas in SSG/R through collaborative initiatives led by USIP’s Senior Program Officers and others. Such initiatives may include task forces and working groups aimed at fostering technical advancements in complex matters.
* Provide expert input and guidance in the development of high-quality CTS-SSG/R products, technical documentation, reports, research papers, and publications.
* Conduct thorough analysis and research in collaboration with GJS staff to generate valuable insights and thought-provoking content, including articles, journals, whitepapers, and editorials.
* Support engagement efforts with the relevant network(s) of SSG/R roster experts. Such efforts may include the development and updating of expert email groups and thematic communication.
* Support the generation of knowledge and content on best practices and technical excellence in the relevant fields of SSG/R. Such efforts may include producing web-based technical resources, best practice practitioner guides, toolkits, online courses, and training materials.
* Support the organization and coordination of private events and conferences, assessments, and webinars. Such events may include thematic discussions open to the public, private policy roundtables, and tabletop exercises hosted by USIP and centered on CTS-SSG/R countries of interest.
* Provide critical program implementation support in USIP projects within the holistic approach of achieving technical excellence, coherent project design, and effective oversight.
* Coordinate a platform to facilitate collaboration among various USIP units working on SSG/R, encompassing both thematic and geographic aspects.
* Support the establishment of partnerships and collaborative initiatives with external organizations involved in SSG/R.
* Develop methodologies for the implementation of interrelated projects in a coordinated manner.
* Provide expert advice and expertise to enhance the overall quality and effectiveness of the programs.

Budget and Contract Management
* Provide program staff contract management support, including processing requisitions, receipts, and invoices.
* Serve as COTR for project work when needed.
* Work to ensure that implementing partners and in-country coordinators understand contract-related requirements and in coordination with USIPs Procurement Office and the GJS Administrative Assistant.
* Serve as the main point of contact for external contractors or vendors on any contractual or logistical-related items for Project work.
* Generate routine budget and financial reports to help monitor program budget.
* Assists reconcile the budget of the program by inputting transactions correctly, obligating funds, processing travel vouchers and reimbursements, and tracking the budget using financial software.
* Draft requests for proposals for COTR review and approval and provide administrative assistance for the competition and selection process of vendors, as needed.
* Draft scopes of work for COTR review and approval, including but not limited to the principal investigator, graphic designer, external reviewers.

Event Planning
* Coordinate with team members to hold project workshops and convenings that bring together USIP-supported participants and partners.
* Support the development of private roundtables or public events, liaises and coordinates with USIP relevant teams for this programming (Public Affairs, AV, Meetings, and Events).
* Organize public events, as needed.
* May travel 1-2 times a year if necessary.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of four (4) years of relevant professional work experience in international security, international relations, or a related field is required.
* Substantial knowledge of key principles of human security, with an emphasis on security sector governance and reform.
* Competence in program administration and financial management.
* Demonstrated capacity to work on multiple projects simultaneously, creatively problem-solve, prioritize effectively, and produce results under conditions of uncertainty.
* Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
* Demonstrated project support skills.
* Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including cross-cultural skills, and the ability to engage effectively with partners at all political, social, and economic levels.
* Strong research, writing, and presentation skills.
* Strong partnership-building and coordination skills.
* Proficiency in English required.

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.