Job Abstract

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.

TARGET SALARY

Grade 15 - $163,000 - $ 169,000

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.

JOB BRIEF

The Director of Program Development and Partnerships is responsible for overseeing the strategic development and overall management of advancing programmatic partnerships with federal agencies and the internal development and coordination of new contracting agreements with those agencies. The Director represents USIP and participates as required in overall USIP management, budgeting and strategic direction. The position is full-time, will be based in USIP’s Headquarters in Washington, DC, and will report to the Vice President of the Africa Center.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Planning, and Program Development and Management:

• Lead and collaborates in the annual planning and strategy development processes, under the direction of the Vice-President. This includes coordination in developing the Center’s strategic plan, goals, objectives, and operating plan in line with the Africa Center and USIP Strategic plans; conducting a needs assessment to identify strategic and innovative programming opportunities; and designating appropriate resources required to support projects.
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation for coordinating and expanding the Africa Center’s programmatic partnerships with federal agencies in line with the Africa Center and USIP’s strategic plans, mission and goals.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships and contacts with federal agencies.
• Identify and cultivate appropriate funding sources and coordinate the development of concept notes, funding proposals, and inter-agency agreements in accordance with the Africa Center strategic plan.
• Provide advice and guidance to Africa programs and lead in the conceptualization, design and negotiation of new Interagency Agreements (IAAs).
• As assigned by the Vice President, manage a program development team at HQ and in the field.

Representation and Communications:

• Contribute to USIP Strategic Communications through representation, publications, media.
• Maintain and strengthen institutional relationships with strategic government and non-government stakeholders and interagency partners.
• Build and sustain networks of professionals in the public and non-profit sectors who seek to develop peacebuilding initiatives in Africa to prevent fragility and mitigate violent conflicts.
• Increase awareness of USIP’s expertise, though leadership, and program capacity with federal partners, managing strategies for better communication and cooperation.
• Participate in the planning and development of initiatives organized by Africa Center divisions, recommending issues and participants for those meetings.
• Synchronize intergovernmental work with the Institute’s Strategic Communications and Legislative Affairs Teams.

Personnel Management and Development:

• Oversee and provide strategic guidance to internal staff and external consultants involved in program development efforts.
• As assigned by the Vice President, provide program development and administrative supervision to program staff and external consultants at HQ and in the field; establish long-range work plans and ensure that appropriate goals and objectives are implemented; conduct performance evaluations for USIP staff members through positive leadership, inspire and motivate team members to achieve their best performance.
• Work closely with the Vice President and other USIP colleagues to ensure policies and procedures are followed, and that all aspects of resource management are preformed at the highest standard.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience in political science, international relations sciences, peacebuilding, or international business required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in international affairs, business development, international business or a related field to include working internationally, managing teams, projects and programs required.

• Significant previous experience and/or demonstrated expertise working with USG agencies, effective track record in program and business development and acquisition of new funding.
• Deep understanding of the political, economic, and social dynamics and of how to operate effectively and efficiently in targeted areas in Africa, and/or foreign affairs and national security communities and broad experience engaging senior-level decision makers.
• Excellent representation and communication skills (oral and written), including cross-cultural, media, interpersonal skills; proven ability to deal with counterparts from the lowest and highest political, social, cultural, and economic levels.
• Relevant grant management experience, including drafting and negotiating proposals and writing reports for USG agencies.
• Strong program management skills and experience overseeing complex projects; and previous experience implementing adaptive programs in highly complex and dynamic environments.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to coordinate the input and priorities of multiple players.
• Excellent leadership skills with proven ability to lead and motivate others, and to work as a team player.
• Ability to think strategically, and to effectively develop, communicate, and execute plans.

• Proficiency in French is a plus.
• Ability to travel domestically and abroad.

CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 06/06/24.

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 APPLY
To 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.