Program Assistant / Senior Program Assistant: Central and West Africa

The National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI) seeks a Program Assistant/Senior Program Assistant to support its democracy development programs in Central and West Africa (CEWA) team. This position will work with members of the CEWA team in the planning, design and implementation of democracy support programs with political parties, civic organizations and legislatures. The position will be based in Washington, DC and will require occasional travel overseas.

Responsibilities

• Under close supervision, provides administrative and logistical support to team, including arranging travel and organizing meetings and conferences.
• Under supervision and direction, researches or contributes to drafts of proposals, reports, memos, program updates, work plans and newsletter articles.
• Under supervision, creates initial drafts of budgets and monitors program expenditures.
• Assists in program support and conducts research on programs.
• Provides administrative and logistical support to field offices and DC.
• Monitors and reconciles program budgets/expenditures.
• Monitors political events in assigned countries and provides written and oral updates to senior staff as needed.
• Attends meetings to keep up to date on team, region, or partner-related developments.
• Backs up other team members.
• Compiles briefing material for staff and consultants traveling to the field.

Experience Required

• Bachelor’s degree required in international relations, political science or a related field; graduate degree preferred.
• Demonstrated related course work and/or internships (Program Assistant) or minimum two (2) years relevant experience (Senior Program Assistant) in international development, community organizing, political campaigns, organizational development or legislative affairs preferred.
• English language fluency; working proficiency in French is a plus.
• High level of interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to effectively interact with all levels of staff, U.S. and foreign government personnel and the general public.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively present information, respond to questions and prepare written reports in a professional and timely manner.
• Capacity to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• High degree of organization, initiative and attention to detail.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows environment, email technology and spreadsheets.
• Knowledge of basic budget and accounting procedures.
• Ability and willingness to travel to regional locations which are often remote and often lack modern communications or transportation infrastructure.
• Interest in and knowledge of regional political environment and people.
• Ability to analyze political developments in the region, especially as they relate to program objectives.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Experience living/working/traveling overseas preferred (preferably in Africa).

NDI is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, political affiliation, religion, gender, disability, and/or sexual orientation.

Please apply directly at
http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.dspjob&jobid=217265&company_id=15851&jobboardid=479