Project Assistant, Personal Services Contractor – PROJE002474-00001 At US Institute of Peace

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 Summary:

The Project Assistant (PA) will provide overall support for the day-to-day operations of the “Multi-Stakeholder Dialogues to Address Social Conflict in Alta Verapaz” project. The PA provides programmatic, administrative and logistical support, maintains program records, develops and updates informational material, supports budget and contract management activities, organizes meetings and public events, and undertakes other tasks as assigned.

This is a full-time term, Host Country National, Personal Service Contactor position, based in Cobán, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala and will report to the Project Manager.

Job Brief:

Program and Administrative Support:
* Supports the project team in developing concept notes, project pages, fact sheets etc.
* Supports drafting internal and public documents to include team updates, quarterly reports, and track of milestones.
* Supports project tracking and reviews project deliverables.
* Maintains program related files, documents and database records.
* Schedules internal and external meetings and activities with partners.

Procurement, Finance, Budget and Travel Support:
* Supports drafting of contracts, prepares contract information, submits requisitions, processes invoices and expenses and monitors payment monitoring.
* Completes administrative travel processes for domestic and international travel, processes travel authorizations, advances, cash request, vouchers and reimbursements for the project team.

Event Planning:
* Coordinates 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.
* Develops promotional and informative descriptions of events for internal USIP staff members and external guests.
* Coordinates domestic and international travel and overnight accommodations for event participants.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, public policy or related field.
* One (1) or more years of relevant professional work experience is required, preferably related to program/project support, budget, and/or administrative tasks.
* Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
* Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, Work and Excel) and computer skills in database and/or data management tools is required.
* 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.
* Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and develop effective working relationships and strong interpersonal skills, including cross-cultural communication.
* Proficiency in English preferred.
* Proficiency in Spanish required.

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
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

Note: Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.