Senior Program Specialist, Learning Evaluation and Research – SENIO001963-00001

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 a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

The Senior Program Specialist will facilitate the Learning, Evaluation and Research (LER) team’s implementation of projects and strategic and tactical activities. Contribute to, support, and lead where applicable, projects, the collection of monitoring data at the team level, and day-to-day programmatic and tactical activities of LER. Provide logistical and administrative support for the team and assist with processes and practices of LER program review and development. Develops and updates informational material, maintains critical program databases, and coordinates budget and contract management activities. This position reports to the Director of LER.

TARGET SALARY RANGE

Grade 11 – $74,000 – $77,000

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 * Coordinate and contribute to the implementation of the Progress Tracking and Learning Strategy (PTLS) for USIP’s Strategic Plan (FY20-22). This includes coordinating and supporting the overall remit of the Steering Group and any related mechanisms, the collection of data with focal points in each of the centers at the institute, and supporting processes of data synthesis and analysis, presentation and dissemination. * Coordinate and contribute to the mechanism/s and processes of project design (currently the Program Design Specialists group). * Coordinate data collection using the monitoring framework for the PTLS and collect data on the LER team. * Support the development of program instructional and training guides and other related materials. * Assist with the design and introduction of new projects and activities.

LER program review and development * Support the team in its continuous efforts to build greater links between the key dimensions of its work: project design, monitoring and evaluation, research and learning. * Contribute to processes and practices within the team for reviewing and further developing its projects, activities, processes and practices (e.g., getting involved in the design and delivery of team and center-level retreats and other more regular meetings).

Administrative * Generates routine budget and financial reports, and analyzes the program budget (e.g., monitors expenditures, schedules payments, and reviews budget reports) in order to develop recommendations for the program leadership on budget-related matters. * Manages contracting efforts, including drafting contract proposal language, completing the USIP contract template, processing invoices, and monitoring payment of contractor services. Provides technical advice to program staff on contract related requirements. * Schedules program meetings and activities; follows up on action items to ensure their completion. * Manage logistical arrangements for program events, including serving as the main point-of-contact for attendees. * Oversee travel requests for program staff; and completes all-necessary documents to approve and issue travel. * Help maintain an orderly and fit-for-purpose shared online folder for the LER program * Develop, edit, and update LER program informational items for internal USIP staff and external guests (e.g., web content, project pages, fact sheets, etc.).

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor’s degree with five (5) years of experience in Political Science, Governmental Affairs, International Studies or related field is required. * Master’s degree with three (3) years of related experience is preferred. * Excellent project planning and management, reporting, analytical and writing skills are required. * Experience in program support and administration, budget and contract management are required. * Ability to anticipate program needs and challenges and, more importantly, develop options for addressing those needs and challenges is required. * Experience in or knowledge of project monitoring and evaluation is essential. * Experience in or knowledge of project design, research support, and organizational learning is preferred. A willingness to develop knowledge and build capacity in the aforementioned areas is required. * Strong communication and collaboration skills at the inter-team and at inter-center levels. * Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines. * Experience organizing conferences and meetings, making domestic and international travel arrangements is required. * Strong skills in the Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Excel is required. Strong computer skills in database usage is preferred.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

As with many organizations, USIP follows specific guidelines related to COVID vaccinations. These guidelines align with the latest findings from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The overall intent is to ensure the safest possible workplace for USIP employees and contractors. In accordance with the guidelines, all USIP employees and contractors with building access are required to be fully vaccinated regardless of telework or remote status.

Upon acceptance of the position, you are required to submit proof of vaccination along with your signed offer letter to HR. If you require an exemption, either medical or religious, we will provide you with the exemption form for you to complete prior to your start date.

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.