Project Manager – PROGR002253-00001

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 Project Manager will lead the Governance, Justice, and Security (GJS) Team’s Comprehensive Thematic Support for Security Sector Governance and Reform (CTS-SSG/R) program. The CTS-SSG/R program includes developing and coordinating a series of international workshops, webinars, and private roundtables on crucial SSG/R matters in coordination with the U.S. Government partner. Additionally, this program includes overseeing and coordinating the rapid deployment of USIP experts to deliver SSG/R assistance in critical settings. All planned events and expert guidance will center on key themes within SSG/R, such as anti-corruption and good governance in both formal and informal security sectors. The Project Manager will be responsible for developing and coordinating substantive engagements, cultivating and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders within USIP and the U.S. Government’s interagency.

This is a Personal Services Contractor position, which is based in Washington, DC with some travel required. The CTS-SSG/R Program Manager will report to the Senior Program Officer for Security Sector Governance and Reform and work closely with other colleagues across USIP.

Responsibilities

Program Management:

* Serve as the project lead for the CTS-SSG/R effort. This includes managing project staff, maintaining relationships with the U.S. Government partner and implementing partners, overseeing implementation, monitoring and evaluation, and managing the budget and operations.

* Ensure that all project activities are implemented in accordance with USIP best practices and adhere to good practices within the relevant professional fields.

* Stay up to date on developments in SSG/R research and best practices in the relevant fields and integrate these developments to the project team.

* Supervise contractors / vendors in DC and in remote locations as necessary.

* Oversee the recruitment and hiring processes for contractors to support the CTS-SSG/R effort, including advisors, researchers and event support.

* Develop SSG/R-focused Assessments, SSG/R-focused Workshops, SSG/R-focused Webinars, and SSG/R-focused Private Roundtables, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and best practices.

* Rapidly deploy SSG/R-focused experts to address immediate SSG/R needs, utilizing and expanding on USIP’s extensive network of professionals.

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and execute comprehensive SSG/R-focused initiatives that enhance organizational resilience.

* Continuously assess and refine SSG/R-focused programs to stay abreast of emerging trends and points of engagement.

* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of SSG/R-focused initiatives, making data-driven recommendations for improvement for future CTS-SSG/R activities.

* Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including academics, subject matter experts, and U.S. interagency personnel to support the growth of CTS-SSG/R programming.

* Stay current on SSG/R-related developments, regulations, and challenges, and incorporate relevant insights into CTS-SSG/R programming.

Thought Leadership:

* Act as a subject matter expert in Security Sector Governance, providing authorship and support to other staff members for publishing special reports, commentary, analyses, and blogs when the project management workload allows or aligns with CTS-SSG/R efforts.

* Contribute to research and design in Security Sector Governance and Reform programming through the CTS-SSG/R effort.

* Through direct engagement with the U.S. Government partner, craft unique and thoughtful dialogues that promote good security sector governance.

External Engagement:

* Represent GJS and the Institute at external events and USG briefings as an expert on governance, justice, security policy, rule of law, security governance, security sector reform.

* Represent the project and the Center or Institute at internal and external meetings and events related to CTS-SSGR.

* Draft or supervise the drafting of project materials, communications and other documents. Build relevant relationships with stakeholders in DC and partner countries.

* Strengthen and build new relationships and partnerships with USG partners.

Finance Management:

* Manage CTS-SSG/R program funds, including tracking the budget and monitoring all contracted activities, including drafting Scopes of Work.

* Draft quarterly and annual reports for the CTS-SSG/R program.

* Serve as a COTR and oversee finance and procurement matters related to the CTS-SSG/R program.

* Travel domestically and internationally (4-5 times a year) as required.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

* Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (human security, law, security sector reform/governance, conflict resolution, peace studies, etc.) required.

* A minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional work experience in program management, coordination, finance management, business administration, oversight or compliance.

* Proven experience in the field of Security Sector Reform, Security Sector Assistance, or Security Cooperation.

* Experience managing complex projects including remote activities.

* Experience or familiarity with adaptive management of rule of law, security sector governance/reform or other projects.

* Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

* Demonstrated ability to work independently or within a team, to obtain results under pressure, and to simultaneously oversee many substantive and operational initiatives.

* Demonstrated research, analytic and writing skills. Able to write effectively in a variety of formats and for a variety of audiences.

* Demonstrated experience in project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.

* 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

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.