United States of America: Program Assistant


Counterpart International helps people build better lives and more durable futures, community by community. We equip individuals, organizations and communities-our counterparts- to become solution creators in their own families, communities, regions and countries. We work with them in some of the world’s most challenging places to tackle social, economic, environmental, health and governance issues that threaten their lives and undermine their futures.
For more information on Counterpart, please visit our website at www.Counterpart.org
SUMMARY:
Counterpart International is seeking a Program Assistant (PA) to support the Afghan Civic Education Program (ACEP), a 5-year USAID funded project focused on promoting civil society and media engagement that enables Afghan citizens to influence policy, monitor government accountability, and serve as advocates for political reform.
The position will provide support to the HQ and field team help meet program goals and objectives. The candidate will also provide support to the development of new business in Afghanistan. This is a full time position based in Arlington, VA. The PA will work under direct supervision of the Program Manager and guidance of Program Officer.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Maintain productive working relationship with field staff, headquarters staff, implementing partners and consultants;
• Provide logistical and administrative support to headquarters and field office teams traveling abroad in accordance with USAID and Counterpart travel policies and procedures;
• Prepare and process all financial, contractual and travel requests and reports from field office and HQ;
• Assists with event organization, including logistics planning and identifying venues/trainers;
• Uploading and organizing data, filling, and providing written report(s) on findings;
• Represent Counterpart at external conferences focused on Afghanistan and other relevant issues are report back on findings;
• Providing research support to headquarters and field office teams, including but not limited to identifying growth opportunities for Counterpart in the region and assisting with proposals as necessary;
• Maintain knowledge of issues facing country office including the operational environment and potential risks associated with the implementation of the award;
• Arrange and coordinate conference calls and meetings between HQ, Consultants, field and donor;
• Other tasks as assigned.
RequirementsQUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years of practical experience in implementing international development programs;
• Knowledge of USAID rules and regulations;
• Existing knowledge of Afghanistan current events, civil society networks and donors;
• Demonstrated understanding of political processes, governance and civic participation in the region;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; Fluency in English;
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office Suite program, and web-based research tools;
• Superb organizational skills and an ability to focus on details;
• Ability to work independently as well as proactively seek out information from diverse groups and collaborate to create new processes and resolve issues;
• Ability to think quickly and effectively to solve problems, handle multiple projects, determine priorities in dynamic professional setting;
• Excellent interpersonal skills; commitment to collaboration and strong team player;
Preferred:
• Prior experience working in Afghanistan a plus;
• Knowledge of Dari, Pashtu in preferred but not required.





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