Program Officer (Temporary)

Partners of the Americas (POA) is seeking a Program Officer(PO) on a temporary assignment to support the Education & Global Citizenship Unit, with a focus on higher education and study abroad. The position may be based in Washington, D.C. or remote/virtual. The PO will support the implementation of the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund, a program that aims to increase student mobility between the United States and Latin America & the Caribbean by providing grant funding to higher education institutions (HEIs), so that they can develop international partnerships and create more opportunities for student exchange and training abroad. The PO will be primarily responsible for the application cycles for grants opportunities and for monitoring the implementation of selected HEI projects, while also supporting the team in special events, as well as in the day-to-day activities to execute the promotion, management, and follow-up phases of the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Competition Management (40%)

• Manage grant competition cycles, from launch to selection of grant recipients.
• Organize and conduct informational webinars, in English and Spanish, to potential applicants.
• Organize and manage the proposal evaluation process, including preparing proposals for review, reading/evaluating proposals, and compiling scores and feedback.
• Organize review committees, including recruitment of volunteer reviewers and delegating assignments.
• Coordinate and set up selection meetings and take detailed notes of discussions.
• Conduct feedback sessions with applicants whose proposals were not selected for funding.

Grantee Management (35%)

• Assist in the administrative setup of selected grant projects, including preparing orientation packets and collecting required documents, coordinating with Partners’ Finance Office to disburse grant awards.
• Lead onboarding of grantees, including conducting orientation webinars to review award responsibilities.
• Monitor the implementation of grant projects, providing guidance or technical support when needed.
• Review grantee reports and budget and note potential issues that may affect project implementation. Work with grantees directly to discuss/resolve issues.
• Track program outcomes and achievements through the administration of evaluation tools, compiling and analyzing data, results, and feedback received from grant projects.

Donor/Stakeholder Engagement (15%)

• Contribute to donor reports, including providing updates on grant competitions, progress of grantee projects, and challenges & lessons learned from program implementation.
• Provide status reports to donors regarding updates on grantee projects, program impact data, and common issues.
• Liaise with U.S. Embassies/U.S. Department of State to support grantees in the visa appointment process.
• Attend meetings with donors and present detailed updates on grantee projects.
• Assist the program team in managing regular and professional relationships with key stakeholders, including embassies, EducationUSA offices, government agencies, private foundations, corporations, colleges and universities, and individuals from across the hemisphere.

Communications & Event Planning (10%)

• Support program team and the Communications Unit to ensure a strong website and online presence.
• Promote grant competitions and events by conducting outreach and supporting publicity efforts to varying audiences, such as HEIs, educational organizations, associations, and consortia throughout the Americas.
• Assist in drafting network messages, social media posts, and donor reports in English & Spanish.
• Manage the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Innovation Network and regularly update email distribution list.
• Work closely with Communications Unit to develop and update promotional and fundraising materials.
• Represent the program and POA in meetings, conferences, and events, and presenting when needed.
• Plan and coordinate logistics for webinars, workshops, regional meetings, conferences, and special events, in close collaboration with donors, HEIs, and event partners.

Key Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required in International Education, International Relations/Affairs, or other related discipline.
• At least two (2) years experience working in an office environment.
• Experience working in a fast-paced administrative role, able to undertake multiple tasks, and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent communication skills and fluency in English, with demonstrated strong writing skills required.
• Proficiency in speaking and writing in Spanish required.
• Advanced computer skills, including MS Word and Excel; experience with data management platforms preferred.
• Experience in higher education/international education and/or in the Western Hemisphere, especially Latin America & the Caribbean preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience in contracts/grants management process preferred.
• Knowledge and/or experience of monitoring and evaluation practices desired.
• Aptitude for visual design and creating visually-appealing presentations/materials desired.
• Candidates with experience in pertinent non-profit, NGO, and implementing organizations are preferred.

In addition, candidates should have strong cross-cultural/interpersonal skills; have demonstrated ability to work independently and be a team player; be able to manage time, set priorities, and meet deadlines; be enthusiastic and energetic; and be willing and flexible to undertake multiple tasks.

Interested candidates must submit a resume/CV and cover letter to 100kstrongamericas@partners.net with subject line: “Application: PO Consultant, 100K Innovation Fund.” The position is open until filled. Only finalists will be contacted. POA is an Equal Opportunity Employee.