Program Officer, Burma – PROGR001971-00001 At US Institute of Peace

DESCRIPTION/RESPONSIBILITIES:

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 a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

JOB BRIEF

The Program Officer (PO) for Burma will lead substantive research and analysis, cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders related to issues in Burma, engage with outside audiences, and support the design and implementation of the Burma team’s research and programming.

The Program Officer position is based in Washington, DC and will report to the Burma Country Director and work closely with other colleagues across USIP.

TARGET SALARY RANGE

Grade 12 – $89,000 – $92,000

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

Research, Analysis, and Thought Leadership:

• Researches and writes on topics relevant to USIP’s work and peace and conflict dynamics in Burma.

• Provides briefings to governmental or other organizations on USIP’s work on Burma.

• Attend and participate in conferences, events, and other programs to speak on behalf of USIP about the program’s work.

• Supports or leads efforts to represent the program in internal and external events and to disseminate information about USIP’s programs and research findings.

• Supports or leads efforts to represent the program in internal and external events and to disseminate information about USIP’s programs and research findings.

• Responds to public queries and media requests regarding Burma. • Helps to oversee and manage events, convenings, and research outputs relating to Burma.

Development and Planning:

• Supports or leads the development and implementation of activities related to Burma.

• Works with the Burma team to identify strategic and innovative programming opportunities for USIP that are aligned with USIP’s Burma program strategy with potential interagency partners.

• Identifies and maintains critical stakeholder relationships related to the program.

• Supports efforts and/or assists in identifying new funding opportunities, meeting with potential interagency partners, and drafting project concept notes and proposals for work on Burma.

• Ensures the highest level of communication and cooperation with relevant USIP departments/divisions/teams and external partners.

• Participates in annual and strategic planning sessions with regional and thematic teams.

• Keeps up to date on new research and programs as they relate to USIP’s work.

Financial and Project Management:

• Manages implementation of select USIP projects relating to Burma.

• Manages the project/program funds, tracks budget and serves as Contracting Technical Representative (COTR) to manage and monitor all contract activities. Including drafting Scopes of Work, Memorandum of Understanding.

• Manages the lifecycle of contracts, including tracking deliverable due dates, payments and responding to routine partner inquiries to ensure optimal allocation of resources and compliance with USIP policies and procedures while meeting goals and objectives.

• Ensures all program activities are implemented within program timelines and in a manner that meets program standards and objectives.

• Supports efforts in expanding the Burma program’s programming, outreach, convenings, and publications.

• Supports development of funding concept notes and proposals.

• Drafts quarterly and/or annual reports for key program initiatives.

Other:

• Travels in the United States or internationally as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international affairs, law, or related field with six (6) years of experience is required.

• Master’s degree in political science, international affairs, law, with four (4) years of experience in a related field strongly preferred.

• Relevant work experience on Burma and international program design required.

• Strong interest and experience with innovative programming and problem-solving skills.

• Demonstrated management, research, and editing skills. Able to write effectively in a variety of formats and for a variety of audiences.

• Knowledge and understanding of U.S. policy on Burma and peace and conflict dynamics.

• Demonstrated experience coordinating with officials in government, international organizations, and national partners.

• Demonstrated experience in project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.

• Strong interest and experience with innovative programming and problem-solving skills.

• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Burmese is highly desirable.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

As with many organizations, USIP follows specific guidelines related to COVID vaccinations. These guidelines align with the latest findings from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The overall intent is to ensure the safest possible workplace for USIP employees and contractors. In accordance with the guidelines, all USIP employees and contractors with building access are required to be fully vaccinated regardless of telework or remote status.

Upon acceptance of the position, you are required to submit proof of vaccination along with your signed offer letter to HR. If you require an exemption, either medical or religious, we will provide you with the exemption form for you to complete prior to your start date.

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.