Program Associate – DC or Asia

The Organization

Search for Common Ground (SFCG) is an international non-profit organization that promotes peaceful resolution of conflict. With headquarters in Washington, DC and a European office in Brussels, Belgium, SFCG’s mission is to transform how individuals, organizations, and governments deal with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and toward cooperative solutions. SFCG seeks to help conflicting parties understand their differences and act on their commonalities. With a total of approximately 600 staff worldwide, SFCG implements projects from 50 offices in 30 countries, including in Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.  The organization is an exciting and rewarding place to work, with a dedicated and enthusiastic staff that is committed to its mission and values.  You will be joining a highly motivated staff with a good team spirit and there will be opportunities to grow in the role.

Asia Programs

SFCG currently has programs in five countries in Asia: Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Timor-Leste with opportunities for continued expansion within the region.  The Asia Support Team is comprised of three members who provide leadership and support to these country programs, led by the Asia Director with assistance from the Asia Program Manager and the Asia DM&E Specialist.

Summary of Position

The Program Associate is a member of the Asia Support Team supporting a portfolio of approximately five country programs as well as new program development. The Program Associate works with the country teams to produce proposals, reports, program literature, and other materials. In this function, the Program Associate supports program design, administration and monitoring, providing input and feedback to the country teams to better target proposals and capture results. The Program Associate will represent SFCG|Asia in external meetings.  He/she will report to the Asia Program Manager and work closely with the Regional Director, Asia support team, and the country directors.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development  and writing of both country-specific and regional project proposals in close coordination with Country Directors, Asia Support Team members, and other relevant HQ and field staff;
• Work with Country Directors, Asia Support Team and other relevant staff to produce donor reports, ensuring results-oriented focus and quality reporting;
• Manage and update relevant internal tracking mechanisms for all Asia programs, including proposals and reports;
• Develop and manage Asia Program Support page on SFCG’s intranet;
• Manage preparation of terms of reference and contracts for international technical assistance and consultants, and manage payments in coordination with country teams;
• Support the coordination between the Asia programs and other Headquarters-based support units, including the Program Quality and Support Team (PQST), Brussels office and relevant departments (i.e. – Finance, Communications and Operations departments);
• Update and maintain content for Asia programs on the SFCG website and other relevant social media platforms;
• Lead the production of quarterly newsletters and other program literature on Asia program activities and events for public distribution;
• Provide general logistical support as required including support for travel, trainings, special events and hospitality for international guests and staff;
• Research, identify, and compile updates of trainings, awards, and fellowship opportunities for Asia programs and staff in order to provide capacity building and recognition opportunities;
• Represent SFCG at events and meetings;
• Maintain relationships with contacts from major donor and partners based in Washington, DC;
• Recruit and manage interns as required;
• Potentially travel to field to provide direct program support;
• Be engaged in the continuing development of the organization, its mission and its staff; and
• Implement special projects as assigned.

As job descriptions cannot be exhaustive, the position holder may be required to undertake other duties that are broadly in line with the above key duties.

Minimum Qualifications

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree in one of the social sciences, conflict resolution, international development, or a related field
• Excellent and demonstrated English writing skills
• Experience writing project proposals and donor reports
• Minimum of three (3) years of work experience in related field
• Knowledge and/or experience in Asia, especially countries in conflict
• Ability to prepare budgets and experience with Microsoft Excel (as well as other Microsoft applications)
• Ability to represent projects professionally to a variety of audiences
• Strong organisational skills with enthusiastic initiative
• Ability to work well under pressure with strong attention to detail
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with minimal supervision
• Ability to travel overseas on short notice
• Flexibility and a sense of humor

Desirable

• Knowledge of relevant languages
• Knowledge and experience with Design, Monitoring and Evaluation (DM&E), including the development of logframes
• Experience living and working in Asia

Please send a cover letter and resume, along with a writing sample in English, to employment@sfcg.org  or fax to +1 (202) 232-6718 with the subject heading:  Program Associate – Asia. Please be sure to include minimum salary requirements (in currency figures) or current salary, projected start date, and to mention where you found this posting. No phone calls please. Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Please see our web site www.sfcg.org for full details of our work.