Position Location: Washington, DC
Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 15 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.
Position Summary:
The Program Specialist I will provide day-to-day support and backstopping to Department of State funded high volume activity based projects in an active conflict environment, and to other projects that are managed by S&D Practice Area. The Program Specialist I will work closely with the additional program support staff, in S&D and elsewhere within Creative, as well as with field team members. Additionally, the Program Specialist I will serve as a primary administrative backstop and contribute to technical aspects of program design and implementation. The Program Specialist I will also contribute to the Practice Area’s business development pursuits in support of a Capture Manager.
Reporting & Supervision:
The Program Specialist will report to the Management Associate position within S&D.
Primary Responsibilities:
Provides daily technical, financial and administrative support to the project team in the field;
Reviews and processes project-related documentation including invoices, ensuring transactions are properly documented and files organized;
Supports project Consultants by developing and monitoring agreements, coordinating travel and logistics, and facilitating payment requests;
Creates and maintains well-organized and current electronic and hardcopy project files;
Maintains working knowledge of company administrative, financial systems, and operating procedures, including Creative’s project management systems (i.e. ReQLogic, SharePoint etc.);
Interfaces frequently with various departments within Creative to support field operations;
Acquires intimate familiarity with contract requirements, deliverables and budgets;
Conducts supplementary research in support of project activities; and
Supports communications, meetings, requests and deliverables to the Client.
Additional Responsibilities:
Implements administrative-related activities to support business development efforts, such as creating collaboration tools, preparing consultant agreements and payments, and developing marketing budgets for capture efforts;
Conducts research efforts in support of capture opportunities;
Participates in information gathering trips to provide support to the team, as needed;
Supports additional practice area pursuits as appropriate; and
Supports a variety of routine Divisional activities as requested.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree required, in an area relevant to this employment opportunity such as political science or international relations;
Strong writing and editing skills;
Excellent communication and analytical skills;
Strong organizational and administrative skills;
Ability to work well in a team environment as well as independently
Ability to multi-task under tight deadlines; and
Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft programs (excel, power point, MS project, etc).
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
1-2 years of prior work experience;
Ability to travel internationally;
Arabic language proficiency preferred;
Previous project backstopping experience, for US or other government funded projects;
Prior experience in international development, ideally in a donor-funded project setting; and
Demonstrated ability to develop and monitor program and proposal budgets.
EmoticonEmoticon