Senior Program Officer - Policy and Global Affairs

Job Description Summary:

** Cover Letter Required **

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine seeks a Senior Program Officer to manage and coordinate a portfolio of activities related to the Ukraine Program in the Office of Special Projects, Policy and Global Affairs (PGA) Division.

The Ukraine Program assists Ukrainian researchers to continue their work in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion and helps to rebuild the Ukrainian research enterprise while also convening experts to contribute to the long term recovery of Ukraine’s science and innovation community.

UKRAINE PROGRAM
The National Academy of Sciences has a broad portfolio of activities to support Ukrainian researchers and the research enterprise. Current activities include:

- Long-term Research Grants: Three-year awards of up to $200,000 annually to 18 Ukrainian early-career researchers and their teams in neighboring countries, to provide stable conditions for conducting research and for training the next generation.

- IMPRESS-U: NSF and funding agencies in the Baltics and Ukraine are offering collaborative grants for international teams of researchers to advance science and education in Ukraine. Through private funding, NAS provides financial support for the Ukrainian participants.

- RESET Ukraine Action Group: Members of the Roundtable on Global Science Diplomacy and others who explore policy approaches to support the rebuilding of a successful global science and innovation system in Ukraine. To date the group has conducted workshops on rebuilding Ukrainian research and education, human capital, and infrastructure.

- Coordinating Group of Science Academies: A partnership of science academies from around the world that meets regularly to demonstrate their unwavering support for Ukraine and to help ensure coordination across different international efforts. In 2022, the group issued 10 Action Steps For Rebuilding Ukraine’s Science, Research, and Innovation.

The Senior Program Officer is responsible for the development and ongoing management of the Ukraine programs under the direct purview of the PGA Office of Special Projects, as well as coordination of Ukraine programs under the purview of other PGA units. The individual is also responsible organizing public events, and supporting the work of the Roundtable’s RESET Ukraine Action Group.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:

1. Manage specific projects, with staff assistance.

2. Oversee the planning and implementation of international meetings and events.

3. Supervise staff who manage international research grant competitions and programs.

4. Maintain current and develop new relationships with prospective sponsors and other external contacts. Develop funding proposals and negotiate final awards.

5. Work closely and collaboratively with representatives of international partner academies and initiate memoranda of understanding if needed.

6. Collaborate with PGAEO financial staff to oversee the budget and maintain financial projections.

7. Maintain communication and productive working relationships with program volunteers in both the Ukraine Program and advise on future events.

8. Respond to requests and direction from PGAEO and NAS leadership, for whom the Ukraine Program is a high priority.

9. Represent the Ukraine Programs in the National Academies and to outside organizations.

10. Work with the PGA communications staff to promote and disseminate the results of these programs, including to an international audience. Collaborate with counterparts in partner organizations abroad to develop consistent messages and develop joint communications and outreach plans.

NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES
Related duties and special projects as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: A Ability to solve intellectual problems that reflect substantial variety and complexity. Ability to serve as a resource to others in the resolution of complex problems and issues. Ability to operate with substantial latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to negotiate funding. Ability to train and develop staff. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with employees, volunteers, and representatives of outside U.S. and international organizations. Sensitivity to international political, social, cultural, and language differences.
Minimum Education/Training Requirements: Master’s degree in a related field, or equivalent knowledge.
Minimum Experience: Six years of related professional experience. Minimum three years experience in international setting