Back Program Specialist - PROGR001782-00001

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace around the world. 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 around the world. Together we tackle the toughest 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 to the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

Provides analysis, research and administrative support for the “Agents, Actors and Ideas of Conflict in the Middle East and North Africa” program. Writes original articles for two Middle East websites, The Iran Primer and The Islamists, and solicits and edits new articles from outside experts. Conducts research on Iran and Islamist movements and the Middle East. Maintains program database and manages social media accounts. Plans and executes events on both Iran and Islamists. Supports budget and contract management activities. Provides day-to-day administrative support for the program.

**For Consideration applicants must submit two or more writing samples that have not been edited by others.

TARGET SALARY RANGE

Grade 10 - $66,000 - $68,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Contractor offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program and Administrative Support:

• Generate content for two Middle East websites – “The Iran Primer” and “The Islamists” -- including drafting original pieces for publication on a weekly basis.

• Solicit contributions, conduct interviews and edit content for both websites.

• Manage and load content on both websites. Be innovative in updating web design.

• Monitor current events closely in Iran and the Arab World.

  📚 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯! 🌍🤝 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗡 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗡𝗛𝗖𝗥, 𝗪𝗙𝗣, 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗘𝗙, 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗦, 𝗨𝗡𝗙𝗣𝗔, 𝗜𝗢𝗠 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🌐

  ⚠️ 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐍𝐨𝐰: 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐣𝐨𝐛 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐍𝐎𝐖!

• Write newsletters for The Iran Primer and monthly newsletters for The Islamists.

• Publicize the websites, work with other publications to reprint articles from both sites and increase their reach to new audiences.

• Track and analyze website and social media analytics and develop strategies to increase traffic.

• Conduct research on relevant topics for both sites and the senior fellow.

• Provides programmatic and administrative support to the program and the Middle East and North Africa Center.

• Complete special assignments as needed.

Procurement, Finance, Budget and Travel Support:

• Maintain contract management and execution processes (e.g., requisitions, invoice and expense processing, and payment monitoring).
• Generate routine budget and financial reports to help monitor program budget.
• Help reconcile the budget of program by inputting transactions correctly, obligating funds, processing travel vouchers and reimbursements, and tracking the budget using financial software.
• Provide contract management support activities, including drafting the initial contract proposal language, completing the USIP contract template, processing invoices, and monitoring payment of contractor services.
• Complete administrative travel processes for domestic and international travel (e.g., travel authorizations, advances, cash request, vouchers and reimbursements).

Event Planning:

• Coordinate all logistical arrangements for program events, including reserving rooms, developing invitations, monitoring RSVPs, ordering food and supplies, arranging room set-up, and serving as the main point-of-contact for attendees.
• Develop promotional and informative descriptions of events for internal USIP staff members and external guests.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel and overnight accommodations for event participants.

Performs Other Duties as Assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree with four (4) years of experience in international relations, conflict management or related field is required. A major in Middle East studies preferred.
• Master’s degree with two (2) or more years related experience is preferred.
• Two (2) of more years of business or administrative experience to become familiar with general personnel practices, accounting and budgeting principles and coordination of major office activities required.
• Strong working knowledge of the Middle East required, with demonstrated enthusiasm for subject matter. Knowledge of the full cast of characters in the region.
• Excellent writing and editing skills are required. Experience preferred.
• Knowledge of Arabic or Persian is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; excellent organizational skills; flexibility; strong detail orientation.
• Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• Experience organizing conferences and meetings, making domestic and international travel arrangements preferred.
• Familiarity with standard office software, Lexis-Nexis, and online content management programs required; knowledge of HTML preferred. Work with fellow on Microsoft Cloud transfers and knowledge management.

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

For questions about this position please email recruitment@usip.org. 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.