Program Associate (Fulbright Specialist Program)

Reports to: Program Officer, Fulbright Specialist Program

Starting Salary: $49,440

Base of Designation: Washington, DC

Remote Eligible: Hybrid

World Learning seeks a full time Program Associate to support the U.S. Department of State's Fulbright Specialist Program.

World Learning administers the Fulbright Specialist Program (FSP) on behalf of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). Through the FSP approximately 425 U.S. academics and professionals each year engage in short-term collaborative projects (of between two- and six-weeks in length) at host institutions abroad that build capacity and mutual linkages. World Learning recruits Specialists; supports the Specialist application, screening, and selection process; works with key stakeholders (U.S. Embassies, Fulbright Commissions, ECA, Specialists, and host institutions) to match Specialists to projects; and provides significant logistical support to Specialists to ensure project success.

Under the supervision of the Program Officer, the Program Associate will assist the full project cycle including supporting the Specialist application process, assisting with matching Specialists to host institution projects, and providing significant logistical support to Specialists to ensure project success within a portfolio of designated countries. This position requires excellent communication and organization skills, detail-oriented focus, and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks under established deadlines.

ABOUT GLOBAL PROGRAMS

This position will be a part of the Global Programs unit of World Learning which designs, implements, monitors and evaluates global development and exchange programs. We work with various donors, including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development, to achieve immediate impact and sustainable outcomes. Consistent with our organization's status as both a global nonprofit and an accredited institution of higher education, we prioritize experiential programs that are grounded in theory, proven in practice, and lift up diverse voices.

Responsibilities

• Track Specialist applications and answer phone and email inquiries from prospective Specialists and other stakeholders.
• Make timely and accurate project entries into the FSP project management system on Salesforce.
• Support Specialist caseload in assigned regions which includes generating welcome packets, arranging logistics, assisting in the visa process, enrolling participants in a limited health benefits plan, and troubleshooting any issues that arise with Specialists' program logistics.
• Request disbursement of Specialist allowances and track all costs in project management system.
• Contribute to the completion of high-quality program reports (both regular and ad hoc) for funder.
• Assume other program implementation and administrative activities as assigned, including an assigned technical area.

Requirements

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's Degree and one year of related work experience.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the location where this position is offered.
• International experience is preferred.
• Experience working directly with U.S. higher education community is a plus.
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Excellent organizational ability and experience arranging logistics (e.g., international travel, visas, hotels).
• Strong written and oral communications skills and a professional demeanor.
• Effectively copes with change; able to shift comfortably; decides and acts without having the total picture; comfortably handles risk and uncertainty. Demonstrates the ability to function in unstructured work environments and/or uncertain conditions.
• Experience implementing U.S. Department of State-funded exchange programs is preferred.

Required Behaviors/Competencies:

• Energetic and resourceful team player.
• Supports an organizational culture of continuous learning through rigorous program monitoring, data tracking, donor and MERL reporting, research, and reflection to ensure strong outcomes.
• Demonstrates a curiosity about World Learning as a whole, with the aim of being able to effectively represent the organization to external audiences commensurate with the position.
• Demonstrates a commitment to the organization's business development targets through ongoing program implementation, funder relationship building, and through other means as directed.
• Has a commitment to fostering diverse, equitable and inclusive practices in program implementation and monitoring practices and challenging p