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 BRIEF

The Program Officer (PO) for South Asia will cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders working on issues related to the South Asia region, primarily Pakistan, lead substantive research and analysis, engage with outside audiences and support USIP program design and implement its research agenda and programming work in the region. This is a full-time position based in Washington DC, with international travel required, and will report to the Director for South Asia Programs.

This position will be on a full-time term basis is expected to expire on September 30, 2026. 

TARGET SALARY

Grade 12 - $99,000 - $102,000

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

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Development & Planning:

• Work with the South Asia team, to support or lead the development and implementation of programmatic activities on the ground related to the South Asia region.
• Work with the South Asia team to identify strategic and innovative programming opportunities for USIP that are aligned with USIP’s South Asia program strategy.
• Support efforts and/or assist the Director for South Asia in identifying new funding opportunities, meeting with potential interagency partners, and drafting project concept notes and proposals for work on South Asia.
• Ensure the highest level of communication and cooperation with relevant USIP departments/divisions/teams and external partners.
• Identify and maintain critical stakeholder relationships related to the program.
• Participate in annual and strategic planning sessions with regional and thematic teams.

Research, Analysis, and Thought Leadership:

• Help to cultivate researchers and experts who write on topics relevant to USIP’s work on the South Asia region, with a particular emphasis on Pakistan.
• Provide briefings to governmental or other organizations on topics related to Pakistan and USIP’s programmatic work.
• Support or lead efforts to represent the program in internal and external events and to disseminate information about USIP’s programs and research findings.
• Respond to public queries and media requests regarding South Asia.
• Help to oversee and manage events, convenings, program activities, and research outputs relating to South Asia.
• Liaise closely with key stakeholders in the United States, South Asia, and around the world.

Financial Management:

• Manage the project/program funds, track budget to manage and monitor all contract activities, draft Scopes of Work and/or Memoranda of Understanding.
• Manage the lifecycle of contracts, including tracking deliverable due dates, payments and responding to routine partner inquiries to ensure optimal allocation of resources and compliance with USIP policies and procedures while meeting goals and objectives.
• Ensure all program activities are implemented within program timelines and in a manner that meets program standards and objectives.
• Support the Director in expanding the South Asia programming, outreach, convenings, and publications.
• Keeps up to date on new research and programs as they relate to USIP’s work.

Other:

• Travel in the United States or internationally as required.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, international affairs, law, or related field with six (6) years of experience is required.
• Master’s degree in political science, international affairs, law, with four (4) years of experience in a related field strongly preferred.
• Relevant work experience in South Asia and/or international program design required.
• Knowledge and understanding of South Asia foreign policy and peace and conflict dynamics.
• Strong interest and experience with innovative programming and problem-solving skills.
• Relevant grant management experience, including drafting and negotiating proposals and writing reports for USG agencies such as USAID, INL, DRL, etc., desirable.
• Demonstrated management, research, writing, and editing skills. Ability to effectively write in a variety of formats and for a variety of audiences.
• Experience with budgets and cost management is required.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook), and databases and/or data management tools is required.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with officials in government, international organizations, and national partners.
• Demonstrated experience in project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation is desirable.
• Positive work attitude and teamwork, willing to help colleagues even outside of prescribed responsibilities.
• Strong communication (written and spoken), interpersonal, organizational, administrative and time management skills.
• Fluency in English required, fluency in one of the South Asian languages highly desirable.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 05/13/24. 

All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP. 

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

HOW TO APPLYTo be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.