Program Officer - International Education & Exchange Programs

Position                       Program Officer - International Education & Exchange                                                        Programs

Location                     Washington, DC

About RI:                  Relief International (RI), an international relief and development agency with cross-sectoral programs bridging relief and development, currently seeks a Program Officer (PO) - International Education & Exchange Programs.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Senior Program Officer - Education, the PO assists in the development and administers an excellent portfolio of education work.  The PO plays a key role in program management including planning and implementing all aspects of US teacher and youth short-term educational exchanges overseas and vice versa, reporting, daily operations, and public relations as well as program development including research, proposal writing and institutional linkages.  In addition, the PO maintain online educational sites with RI country programs and schools around the world and serves as the vital coordination link between field offices, RI HQ and DC Offices, US-Government Agencies, and other US and overseas donors and collaborating agencies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Program Development

• Develop an excellent portfolio of education work, including securing new funding streams and developing /refining concepts with the COs for education work in emergency, transition and developing settings.
• Develop and apply integration of the ICT aspects of exchange and education programs with other community development approaches and evaluate cross linkage opportunities for international education and community participatory ICT projects. Maintain educational websites.
• Assist in developing and preparing program related briefings, public relations materials such as brochures, information sheets, newsletters, and annual reports.
• Interact with public and collaborating agencies, responding to varied inquiries.
• Represent the agency and programs at designated meetings and at conferences.

Program Management

• Coordinate Education and Exchange activities necessary to the smooth functioning of both US and overseas exchange programs, including daily communications with overseas field offices and US offices, plan and coordinate inputs from US educational partners, institutions, donors and suppliers. 
• Plan and oversee all logistics, agency coordination and administration of student / teacher/professional exchanges, including travel & visas, US educational partner components, home stays and cultural activities.
• Oversee and support program relevant curriculum development, including beneficiary online collaborative projects and debates, lesson plans, Teacher Professional Development and recruitment/liaison with US program-partner schools.
• Maintain and develop content for educational websites.
• Coordinate timely submission of project reports (narrative and financial) to donors.
• Monitoring of grant budgets and expenditures.
• Liaise on a regular and ongoing basis with all donor institutions and agencies.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

This position demands a dynamic individual with a demonstrated ability to achieve results in a demanding and fast paced environment.

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in international education, social sciences, international relations, public relations or administration. Masters degree a plus.
• Substantial experience in the international education and development field and/or relevant work in developing countries. This includes integrating ICT into education and community-based development approaches. A solid understanding and experience in participatory approaches will underpin this experience. 
• A minimum of 3 years of relevant experience is required. Previous teaching or training experience is highly desirable.
• Ability to maintain and develop content for websites.
• Previous experience in managing international student/teacher/professional exchanges is also highly desirable.
• A flair for planning and a strong eye for detail and follow through is an essential.
• Strong proposal writing skills, including proposal budgets.
• Familiarity with USAID regulations and grants administration is a plus.
• Willingness to take part in program related domestic and international travel.

Salary:  Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Application Procedure: To be considered for this recruitment, please submit a cover letter, resume, salary history, 3 professional supervisory references (whom we may contact after a second interview) with the date of availability to .  The email subject line should include the following: PO – Education.