International Program Officer

Job Description

Position Summary

The Program Officer provides programmatic and administrative support for up to three ISC international programs addressing the causes and effects of climate change in Asia. Working under the direction of the Vice President for International Programs, the Program Officer assists ISC programs in the areas of business development, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, communications and financial management. A successful Program Officer is self-motivated with high personal standards and a passion for ISC’s mission.

Position Scope

The Program Officer may be located in Washington, D.C. or Montpelier, VT.

Some travel required.

Key Responsibilities - Program Support

• Support VT- and field-based program managers by assisting with program design and execution, work plan development, partner agreements, and technical assistance.
• Coordinate logistical planning for program initiatives and program-related events such as workshops, meetings, retreats, and study exchanges (participant travel, hotel planning, food, visas, venue setup and planning, agenda development, speaker logistics, etc.)
• Participate in development of quarterly reports to donors, annual work plans, and other required project documents, as needed.
• Track project implementation and monitor key project activities, milestones, key indicators. Consult regularly (quarterly at a minimum) with the Regional Director to ensure monitoring and evaluation activities meet ISC’s standards.
• Facilitate the collection and dissemination of best practices and lessons learned for assigned programs.
• Coordinate or provide home office approval for donor submissions and other key project documents.
• Assist with the development and tracking of project budgets as assigned. Update the Donor Summary Tracking Sheet monthly.
• Assist with the development and implementation of communications materials and strategies for assigned programs.
• Regularly (quarterly at a minimum) inform all staff of project activities, challenges and accomplishments for assigned programs.
• Coordinate the consultant management process including the preparation of contracts, work orders, amendments; obtaining necessary signatures; communication of payment policy; review and submission for payment of expense reports and invoices
• Serve as liaison between Vermont office and international office(s). Transmit and direct requests related to administration, human resources, finance, etc. and ensure that these tasks/requests are completed in a timely and professional manner
• Enter contacts, meetings and other interactions into enterprise-wide relationship management database.
• Conduct research as assigned to support program implementation and new program development.
• Support the program development team in the design and development of new proposals, including logistical and administrative support for international assessment and prospecting trips.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related area. Master’s in relevant field preferred.
• International experience in one or more of the following preferred: urban development, climate change, energy efficiency, supply chain management, civil society/governance.
• Demonstrated strong writing and analytical skills.

• Two to five years of relevant professional experience.
• Language and cultural experience in Asia a plus.
• Commitment to the ISC mission and goals.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to proficiently manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• High attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Strong work ethic, personal integrity
• Ability to work effectively with diverse people from different communities and cultures
• Ability to work effectively both independently, and collaboratively as a positive and contributing team member
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing program priorities
• Ability to prioritize work assignments appropriately and manage pressure of conflicting demands
• Good skills in Microsoft Office suite, Google platforms, and data systems.

About the Organization

The Institute for Sustainable Communities (ISC) is an independent, nonprofit organization with 18 years of experience in international development. We strive to give passionate, committed people around the world the tools, skills, and resources they need to make their communities a better place to live. With the aim of ensuring that action emerges from within the community—rather than being imposed from the outside—we combine technical expertise and leadership training with strategic investments in local organizations. Our approach is to cultivate local talent—enabling people to become strong advocates and effective leaders in their communities. Since our founding in 1991 by former Vermont Governor Madeleine M. Kunin, ISC has led transformative community-driven projects across the globe. We garnered early recognition for connecting civic participation with environmental problem solving, and over the years we have developed an approach that accelerates a community's ability to meet challenges head on. Whether the challenge at hand is halting air and water pollution or training new civic leaders, our work gets people involved in shaping their future. To date, we have successfully managed 72 projects in 20 countries, leaving a legacy of strong community leaders, organizations and networks with the capacity to keep building on our work.