Job Summary:

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is seeking a Lead A/V Technician II for a two-year, renewable non-exempt appointment within the Facilities Department of the Finance and Administration Division. The successful candidate will join a dedicated facilities team that provides essential audio-visual (A/V) technical support for conferences, workshops, training events, teleconferencing, and video teleconferencing (VTC) in a demanding environment. The Lead Facilities A/V Technician II will be responsible for coordinating and setting up audio and video services, troubleshooting and maintenance, and liaising with A/V vendors when necessary. We seek a detail-oriented professional committed to excellence, teamwork, and able to work under strict deadlines. The successful candidate will also stay updated on industry trends and hardware. This position is based at IFPRI Headquarters in Washington D.C. and will require to be in person 5 days per week.

Essential Duties:

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

  • Provide innovative solutions for technical A/V challenges, conduct maintenance, troubleshooting, and work with A/V vendors when required.
  • Inspect conference rooms and A/V systems, resolving minor issues and escalating major problems to the Head of Facilities or A/V Service Vendor.
  • Maintain and request AV vendor repairs for IFPRI's A/V equipment and provide troubleshooting support for A/V technologies.
  • Perform pre-conference tests and monitor audio and video quality during the meetings (adjust as needed)
  • Act as the primary contact for high-level meetings requiring VTC coordination, testing, and support.
  • Manage local A/V inventory, perform regular firmware upgrades and schedule periodic equipment maintenance, collaborating with vendors when necessary.
  • Generate regular weekly/monthly equipment and events report and status updates and suggested improvement analysis.
  • Develop and contribute to policy, procedure, and user documentation.
  • Create backup solutions and protocols for critical seminars and communication, ensuring seamless operations for camera feeds, audio/microphones, live-streaming, laptops, AV Control Room, and VTC.
  • Proactively and reactively support all A/V systems and videoconferencing systems in conference rooms.
  • Oversee system upgrades for all AV Equipment.
  • Provide on-site support during meetings in specified conference rooms.
  • Establish contingency plans for \"mission-critical\" seminars or events.
  • Advise the Head of Facilities on equipment specifications, costs, and usage.
  • Be prepared to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
  • Assist with non-A/V related duties as assigned.
  • Deliver outstanding customer service to all staff.

    Required Qualifications:

    • Four years of relevant A/V experience, encompassing sound, camera operation, video switching, performance monitoring, and hardware maintenance and troubleshooting
    • Experience with VTC technology (familiarity with operating Crestron control systems, Shure Microphones, Presonus Mixer Boards, Polycom Equipment, and knowledge of meeting platforms such as Microsoft Teams is a plus)
    • Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
    • Ability to work independently and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
    • Strong customer-oriented focus.
    • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
    • Ability to lift over 50 pounds.
    • Strong organizational skills with great attention to detail.

      Preferred Qualifications:

      • Experience with broadcasting and web streaming using Tricaster Equipment.
      • Knowledge of the technical aspects related to A/V support, including lighting, sound, VTC, camera work, video switching, performance monitoring, and hardware maintenance.

        Physical Demand & Work Environment:

        • Extended periods of seated work.
        • Occasional lifting of 0-50 pounds may be required.

          Optional:

          • Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) or similar A/V certification.

            IFPRI provides research-based policy solutions to sustainably reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition. The Institute conducts research, communicates results, optimizes partnerships, and builds capacity to ensure sustainable food production, promote healthy food systems, improve markets and trade, transform agriculture, build resilience, and strengthen institutions and governance. Gender is considered in all of the Institute’s work. IFPRI collaborates with partners around the world, including development implementers, public institutions, the private sector, and farmers’ organizations. IFPRI is a member of the CGIAR Consortium.

            IFPRI offers a multicultural, collegial research environment with competitive salary and excellent benefits. IFPRI is an international and equal opportunity organization and believes that diversity of its staff contributes to excellence.

            The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is an equal employment opportunity employer - F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

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