United States of America: Senior Program Associate, Humanitarian Policy & Practice

Organization: InterAction
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 03 Oct 2014

ABOUT INTERACTION

InterAction is the largest alliance of U.S.-based international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), with nearly 190 members working in every developing country. Members are large and small, faith-based and secular, with a focus on the world’s most poor and vulnerable populations. Using its collective voice, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions as wide range of foreign assistance, relief, development, environmental and other issues that advance human dignity.

POSITION SUMMARY

Position Title: Senior Program Associate Position Type: Full-time, Long-term Location: Washington, DC Travel: 0%-10% (Domestic) Reporting to: Director, Humanitarian Practice

InterAction seeks a Senior Program Associate for the Humanitarian Policy and Practice (HPP) Team. This individual works to ensure the effective and efficient performance of key functions and activities of HPP Team and its Humanitarian Practice sub-unit. In particular, the Senior Program Associate will support thematic and context-specific working groups, take responsibility for the coordination of some work streams and events, facilitate information flow and advocacy activities relevant to InterAction’s membership, and liaise with external counterparts in the US government, UN agencies and other NGO consortia.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitate the work of InterAction working groups by ensuring effective support for specific work streams and activities: organize annual work planning cycles and meetings; prepare materials in support of working group activities and meeting agendas; arrange room space and refreshments, maintain participant lists, and track and disseminate action points.
• Organize events, such as workshops, roundtable discussions, and other events and meetings in close collaboration with other HPP staff and members domestically and internationally.
• Maintain the HPP components of InterAction’s website, including selecting and posting documents, reports, press releases and other information of interest to InterAction membership and the general public.
• Maintain up-to-date HPP email lists for relevant thematic issues and countries. Write, edit, vet, and disseminate email communications for the lists from the HPP email accounts.
• Liaise with external counterparts in US government, UN agencies and other NGO consortia regarding the HPP Team and its work, and facilitate inter-agency liaison, coordination and collaboration.
• Ensure timely support to InterAction NGO member staff, including responding to member inquiries regarding InterAction’s working groups, key issues and contexts of concern.
• Assist and support all the members of the HPP Team, including the Vice President, on an as-needed basis.
• Be an active member of InterAction’s HPP Team and promote collaboration with other InterAction teams.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants should hold at least a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and have knowledge of international issues, particularly those related to the field of humanitarian action in armed conflict and natural disasters. Serious candidates will have some experience working as part of a team, and facilitating cross team collaboration, ideally in humanitarian operations and affairs. Cross-cultural experience (work, study, travel) in developing countries is preferred. Strong written and oral communication skills, as well as experience planning and organizing workshops and meetings, are required. Familiarity with USAID/OFDA and US Department of State/PRM reporting requirements is highly desirable. Applicants must be proficient with Microsoft Office software and have some experience working with websites and content management systems. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to InterAction mission and values.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

There are no extraordinary physical requirements for the performance of the essential functions of this position. InterAction will make reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

SALARY & BENEFITS

InterAction provides competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

How to apply:

Visit our website and submit your application through our online portal, at www.interaction.org/careers. Applicants should upload a resume and cover letter when prompted (the prompt may only ask for a Resume, but candidates should upload both documents). The application submission deadline is October 3. If you have any technical issues while applying contact jobs@interaction.org for assistance.

Due to the expected volume of applications, only finalists will be notified.All applicants must be able to provide documentation that they are legally eligible to work in the United States for an extended period of time. No phone calls please.