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Program Officer (Regional Alumni Coordinator) with Security Clearance

Employer
The Maasai Group
Location
Washington, DC
Closing date
Feb 24, 2021
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC (Telework at customers discretion). SCOPE: The Program Officer covers a regional portfolio and performs a wide variety of duties necessary to develop and implement exchange alumni programs in coordination with regional bureaus, ECA offices, program agencies, and diplomatic posts. They work with relevant stakeholders to design and carry out in-person and virtual programming for alumni from the assigned region or regions. They serve as a resource and point person for US government programs and resources. They work on projects and deliverables as agreed upon by the ECA COR and office supervisor. The Program Officer is ECA's main alumni engagement policy advisor for overseas Missions and regional bureaus, as well as a program practitioner, working closely with implementing partners, community-based organizations, alumni associations, and individual alumni, in the region or regions assigned. Regions assigned can be one or more of the following: Sub-Saharan Africa (AE); East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Europe and Eurasia (EUR); South and Central Asia (SCA), Western Hemisphere (WHA), Near East (NEA), and the United States (US). The requirements of the position include assisting the Office of Alumni Affairs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA/P/A) provides resources to sustain engagement through support to U .S. Missions worldwide and outreach to over 1 million exchange alumni in the US and abroad. Our work strengthens USG alumni identity, expands networks that benefit both Americans and international participants, and supports US foreign policy objectives by maintaining relationships with this large and diverse group of influential people with firsthand knowledge of the United States. The office also manages the International Exchange Alumni website ( a global online community for alumni of US government-sponsored exchanges programs. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: * A Bachelor's degree, with a focus in international affairs, regional studies public relations, or a related field. * Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level. * At least three full years of specialized experience which provided the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the responsibilities of the position outlined above. Experience with international educational and cultural exchanges to develop program initiatives and provide information to targeted audiences. * Experience developing and implementing alumni engagement initiatives, programs and outreach. * Experience reviewing and analyzing project proposals and budgets to ensure cost effectiveness. * Experience designing and developing trainings for diverse stakeholders. * Experience collecting and analyzing trends, reports, and stories to show success of program activities. * Experience gathering, interpreting, and synthesizing data to inform pertinent issues to management and other stakeholders * Strong written and oral communication skills to provide guidance, make recommendations, and resolve problems. * Experience studying or working outside the US * Excellent computer skills, with proven experience in or the ability to learn the following applications: * Website content management systems MS Office (Access, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word) SharePoint * Excellent spoken and written English, with proven experience: * Communicating with Department of State personnel in Washington and at US embassies and consulates abroad; drafting for the Interagency. Communicating with diverse audiences * Must have a flexible, team-oriented approach to work. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: * Advises overseas Missions on strategic alumni engagement, serving as subject matter expert on alumni programming design and implementation, and ensuring clear links to foreign policy goals and objectives. * Conduct briefings with outbound Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) on alumni engagement best practices and opportunities in the assigned region or regions. * Provides training and guidance to field-based FSOs and Locally Engaged Staff on alumni engagement techniques. * Creates, implements, and oversees alumni programming in cooperation with Embassies, Consulates, ECA program offices, and the interagency. * Ensures proper expenditure of taxpayer funds by monitor alumni engagement programs, in projects, and budgets, including responsible oversight of institutional grants and cooperative agreements. * Collates, analyzes, and publicizes qualitative and quantitative data to document the impact and outcomes of USG-funded and USG-facilitated international exchange. * Works with US embassies and consulates, State Department colleagues, other USG agencies, and NGOs, to build and maintain the regional exchange alumni network, including maintaining up-to-date contact lists. * Serve as a point of contact for US embassies in the region and provide guidance and expertise as they work with alumni to stand up new programs. * Assist in developing and administering programs that engage exchange alumni, to include close collaboration with ECA program offices, diplomatic posts, and alumni organizations. Administer resource opportunities for posts and alumni, oversee the review, approval, and reporting process for embassy-devised proposals and plans. * Promote membership to the International Exchange Alumni network ( through presentations to current exchange participants, alumni, partner NGOs, and State Department staff as necessary. * Collaborate with the regional bureau within the Department of State as appropriate, obtaining necessary clearances, and representing the Office of Alumni Affairs at relevant meetings. Initiate and coordinate alumni thematic seminars in collaboration the regional bureau, posts, and implementing partners. Carry out special projects and other duties as required. COMMUNICATION SKILLS: These positions may require handling confidential information in an appropriate manner. Customer interactions must be handled with diplomacy and tact. Individual must be able to gauge the customer's technical ability and communicate with them in appropriate technical or non-technical language in a non-condescending manner. DECISION MAKING/JUDGEMENT: This position involves projects and/or assignments requiring considerable decision-making authority regarding procedures, plans, and schedules. Although there are sometimes problem-solving guidelines for problems, there are no existing procedures or instructions for those problems. Ability to work independently or in a team setting is necessary. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. * Needs the ability to use a keyboard to enter and retrieve data. * Must have good eyesight to view computer monitor and phone. * Must be able to lift 5-20 pounds. * Remaining in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods. * Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. * Local travel and possibly CONUS/OCONUS travel may be required. To apply, please visit

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