Country: United States of America
Closing date: 31 Dec 2015
The Program Officer will administer short-term visiting (non-U.S.) faculty development programs for Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, and Tunisia on behalf of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. These 10 week programs bring junior scholars in select disciplines from one of the five countries to U.S. host institutions to engage in faculty development, mentoring, and cultural exchange activities to equip them with the knowledge and tools needed to build the capacity of their home institutions.
Work is carried out independently under general supervision.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.
- Manages a portfolio of faculty development programs geared toward junior scholars from five countries (approximately 12 to 25 per country).
- Assists with creation and implementation of U.S. host institution recruitment plan. Uses technology to conduct research and promote program. Delivers informational programs and products electronically, in-person, by phone and in writing to promote program opportunities, policies, and procedures. Communicates with Outreach team on outreach and publicity strategies for assigned programs.
- Organizes and facilitates external review panels and other meetings, and prepares schedules for visitors from internal and external contacts.
- Interacts with selected U.S. institutions of higher education to support and monitor successful execution of junior faculty development programs.
- Coordinates the application process and ensures that participants’ documents are in compliance with ECA requirements. Reviews all documents for accuracy.
- Creates and maintains database and spreadsheet files, and ensures that participants’ data are correctly entered into databases and spreadsheets.
- Closely monitors all participants while on grant. Develops and provides participants with pre-departure materials to ensure successful preparation for grant activities. Coordinates re-entry workshop and return travel.
- Travels to U.S. universities for participant arrival orientation and monitoring activities. Attends professional conferences in support of program outreach and host institution recruitment.
- Evaluates programming and impact. Makes recommendations for following year’s activities; prepares reports, as required.
- Monitors budgets and maintains financial records. Ensures program expenses and participant payments are processed accurately within a timely manner.
- Maintains in depth knowledge of legal requirements related to day-to-day management of grantees, reducing legal risks and ensuring regulatory compliance with J-visa regulations and sponsor program policy.
- Responsible for complying with applicable contract and sponsor requirements and following all IIE policies and procedures.
- Performs other related duties and functions as assigned.
Education/Experience:
- Undergraduate degree in related field, and at least 2 years related experience required.
- Experience working with participants from the Middle East and North Africa and South and Central Asia required (i.e. Afghanistan, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and Tunisia).
- Program management experience including participant monitoring, budgeting and maintaining client relationships in a complex, deadline-oriented environment preferred.
- Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Sensitive to cultural differences when working with people from other cultures; ability to exercise discretion on confidential matters and to demonstrate sound judgment in consulting with and keeping others informed; and ability to interact with all levels of staff and external contacts.
- Experience in projects and tasks involving complex details which require well-developed organizational, time-management and administrative skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to read and interpret documents such as contracts, policy and procedure manuals and write complex reports and correspondence.
- Ability to easily adapt to changing organizational needs and a fast-paced work environment; work independently without close supervision and as part of a team.
- High level of job-focused multi-tasking skills and ability to perform under pressure of deadlines.
- Ability to compare and evaluate possible courses of action and recommend or decide appropriate course of action.
- Knowledge of higher education systems in the United States and abroad.
- Familiarity with the impact of U.S. J-visa requirements and regulations on program operations.
- Proficiency with Kurdish language is required.
- Familiarity with web-based knowledge sharing platforms and social media networks.
- Proficiency with MS Office applications including Word, Excel and Outlook.
- Willingness and availability to travel within the United States with some limited driving required as part of orientations and/or host institution site visits
Work Environment and Physical Demands: Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess a valid driver’s license as driving is required as a part of U.S. host institution orientations and mid-term program site visits.
IIE is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of Females/Minorities/Veterans/ Individuals with Disabilities
How to apply:
Please apply online at https://iie.hua.hrsmart.com/hrsmart/ats/Posting/view/1598