Senior Program Specialist, Personal Services Contractor – SENIO002436-00001

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace 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.

SUMMARY:

The Senior Program Specialist, Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Program provides comprehensive support to the YPS Generation Change Fellows community of practice and the Youth Peacebuilding Fund. This includes coordinating events, disseminating resources, and developing a community strategy. The Senior Program Specialist t will also manage the Youth Peacebuilding Fund, which involves monitoring youth-led projects, reviewing reports, managing M&E processes, and implementing the mentorship plan. The Senior Specialist will create informational materials, conducts research, maintain initiatives databases and supporting budget and contract management activities.

This is a part-time Personal Services Contractor position and is expected to work up to 20 hours. The position reports to the Acting Director of the Youth, Peace & Security Program. This is a remote position.

Job Brief:

Program Support:
* Provides strategic planning support for the Generation Change Fellows Program (GCFP) and the Youth Peacebuilding Fund Initiatives (YPF).
* Leads the Generation Change Fellows community of practice, by maintaining constant communication with Fellows, creating communication channels, disseminating resources, among others.
* Manages the Youth Peacebuilding Fund by, monitoring the youth-led projects, reviewing reports, provide feedback, make connections for the projects, and implement the capacity-building and mentorship plan.
* Align activities with strategic priorities and create a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) framework to monitor the impact, ensuring the initiatives remain focused on long-term goals and adapt to changing needs.
* Coordinates with key external stakeholders regarding the day-to-day planning and coordination of the GCFP and YPF initiatives to support program goals and objectives.
* Assists in the development of concept notes and proposals for new areas of expansion.
* Develops, edits and updates initiatives informational documents for internal and external use (e.g., web content, project pages, event pages, etc.).
* Assists the GCFP community of practice with the use of Mighty Networks and other platforms and create groups, update information, and upload relevant resources.
* Maintains and expands internal and external partnerships to further initiatives goals.
* Supports the selection of the Generation Change Fellows, by reviewing applications and participating in interviews, whereas needed.

Budget and Contract Management:
* Assists in Youth Peacebuilding Fund budget-tracking.
* Provides contract management support activities for the Youth Peacebuilding Fund, including supporting COTRs in the completion of the scope of work, submitting requisitions and receipts, monitoring payment of invoices, and assisting in monthly contract reports.
* Supports routine budget reports for the Youth Peacebuilding Fund for internal updates and external reporting.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree required with four (4) years of experience in international relations/ development, peacebuilding and related fields.
* Two (2) or more years of experience supporting programs directly related to youth and peacebuilding. Experience directly in Youth, Peace & Security is required.
* Experience in budgeting principles, program implementation, and coordination of major office activities required.
* Experience in managing a community of practice and engaging with youth leaders in conflict-affected areas.
* Experience in managing funds for youth-led projects and in creating funding support mechanisms for youth.
* Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills and knowledge, especially on youth, peace and security (YPS).
* Proficiency in English required.
* Strong time management skills with ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines independently and collaboratively.
* Detailed oriented with strong organizational skills, and strong work ethic.
* Strong skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly MS Word, MS Outlook, and MS Excel are 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:
* Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
* Cover letter
* Resume

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. 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.