Program Specialist

Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Program Specialist (PS) provides overall support for the Conflict Management Training for Peacekeepers Program (CMTP). The PS will contribute to, support, and lead where applicable day-to-day administrative and logistical support, program/project management, budgeting and contract management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), research, writing, and analysis for CMTP Projects. The position is based in Washington, DC, will work closely with other Curriculum, Training and Design (CTD) staff (stateside and abroad), reports to the CMTP Program Manager (PM) and is a member of the Ghandi-King Global Academy Center. This is a full-time term position with some travel required.   

The CTD team creates and implements rigorous and sustainable transformative learning processes that strengthen the capacity of individual and institutional partners to build peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.  

This position will be on a full-time term basis and is expected to expire on September 30, 2025.

TARGET SALARY

Grade 10 - $75,000 - $77,000

The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Planning Support: 

• Provides project management support to the CMTP Program Manager and Training Lead (TL).  
• Develops and manages bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly report submissions, in collaboration with PM and TL.  
• Supports the design and implementation of program assessments/research, curriculum, and training design efforts.  
• Conducts research and writing for the CMTP program assessments.  
• Coordinates CMTP’s M&E efforts with database input and analysis.  
• Develops, edits, and updates CMTP program documents for internal USIP staff members and external partners (e.g., web content, project pages, special reports, fact sheets, after action reports, quarterly reports, etc.). 
• Responds to questions regarding general programmatic procedures and standards. 
• Facilitates the delegation of work assignments to Program Assistant and the Senior Administrative Assistant.  
• Manages the programs’ project management software and ensures timely pre-, during and post project tracking and reporting. 
• Supports the development of concept notes and/or proposals for potential inter-agency agreements to support the project.  
• Coordinates with key external stakeholders regarding the day-to-day planning and coordination of the program to support program goals and objectives. 
• Completes special tasks as needed. 

Procurement, Finance and Budget Management: 

• Generates routine budget and financial reports, and analyzes the program budget (e.g., monitors expenditures, schedules payments, and reviews budget reports) to develop recommendations for the PM/TL on budget-related matters. 
• Overseas reconciliation program budget through input transactions correctly, obligate funds, process travel vouchers and reimbursements, and track the budget using financial software, training and delegating to junior staff when applicable. 
• Manages contracting activities, including drafting contract proposal language, completing the USIP contract template, processing invoices, and monitoring payment of contractor services. Provides technical advice to program staff on project and contract related requirements.  
• Tracks and updates the spending to provide up-to-date information to support proper accountability within USIP and with partners and funders. Develops recommendations on any actions that may be required to ensure the program has the resources necessary to meet its goals and objectives. 
• Liaises with the Grants, Contracts and Awards (GCA) Team and provides