Program Specialist – PROGR002195-00001

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. The PS will be supporting work related to project implementation, researching complex topics, conducting monitoring and evaluation activities, coordinating events, overseeing contracting processes, and providing essential administrative and operational coordination of GJS’s daily Security Sector Governance and Reform (SSG/R) work to the relevant project teams supporting the smooth execution of initiatives and effective collaboration between stakeholders at the Institute and external partners. This position will support 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; as well as providing support to USIP’s field operations and other staff in relevant GJS initiatives. Based in
Washington, DC, the Program Specialist will work primarily with USIP’s Director for Governance, Justice and Security, and the Security Governance and is a member of the Center for Thematic Excellence (CTE).

Grade 10 – $71,000 – $73,000

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

Technical Excellence, Thought Leadership, and Field Support:
* 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 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 the production of web-based technical resources, best practice practitioner guides, toolkits, online courses, and trainings.
* Support the organization and coordination of public and private events and conferences. Such events may include thematic discussions open to the public, private policy roundtables, and tabletop exercises hosted by USIP. These efforts also extend to USIP’s preparations for participating in events organized by national and international platforms such as the Munich Security Conference, the United Nations, the World Bank, the EU, NATO, as well as relevant international security policy groups and think tanks like the Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance (DCAF).
* Coordinate the input and dissemination of relevant research support to programmatic initiatives and research assistants.
* Coordinate the unit’s media engagement work, including think tank and academic communities in support of the GJS Team.
* Support the development of opportunities for this engagement on high-profile research.
* 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
* Provides program staff contract management support, including processing requisitions, receipts, and invoices.
* Serves as COTR for project work when needed.
* Works 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.
* Serves as the main point of contact for external contractors or vendors on any contractual or logistical-related items for Project work.
* Generates routine budget and financial reports to help monitor program budget.
* Helps 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 proposal 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
* Coordinates with team members to hold project workshops and convenings that bring together USIP-supported participants and partners.
* Supports 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.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
* Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of four (4+) years of relevant experience in international security, international relations, or a related field is required. Master’s degree with three (3+) years of experience is preferred.
* 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.
* Working proficiency in either French, Spanish, Russian, or Ukrainian is desirable.

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.