Job Description
Based in DC, the US representative office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is seeking an individual who is self-motivated, flexible and a team player for the position of program officer.
JICA is the Japanese government's bilateral aid agency and offers support to developing countries through social and economic development programs that promote human security. We have offices in over 80 countries overseeing grants, loans and technical assistance to over 150 developing countries. The JICA USA Office functions as a liaison, information gathering and outreach arm for our agency to the international development community.
Primary Responsibility and Main Duties
As a program officer at JICA USA you will be expected to support the office in all of its functions with regards to the Inter American Development Bank (IDB), the World Bank (WB), and those UN organizations with which we work closely.
Your main duties will include, but are not limited to:
- Gathering information from a variety of sources (web, seminars, interviews, congressional hearings) on development and foreign policy topics of interest to JICA, as advised by senior staff
- Tracking policy developments, initiatives or organizational developments at the institutions to which you are assigned
- Compiling and reporting information in a timely manner to brief JICA headquarters, field staff and affiliated organizations. Reporting takes the form of a newswire, e-newsletter, quarterly reports and briefs.
- Assisting senior staff in building and maintaining relationships with the IDB, WB and the UN with the aim of broadening the scope of collaboration or deepening it
Competencies/Abilities
- Fluency in spoken and written English required, Japanese ability preferable
- The ability to write high quality documents to meet tight deadlines
- Strong interpersonal skills demonstrating cultural sensitivity and ability to develop and establish relationships with colleagues, supervisors and counterparts
- The ability to travel domestically and internationally
- Proficiency with MS software applications
- Interest in development and international affairs related issues
Qualifications and Requirements
- Masters degree with an emphasis on international development preferred, but Bachelors with some experience in international development accepted
- Experience working in an international development setting
- Entitlement to work in the US required (work permit, etc)
Salary and Benefits
- Annual salary $32,500 (negotiable)
- Medical insurance and some compensation toward daily commuter expenses
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume with a cover letter headed "Application for PO#4" via email to or fax to 202 293-9200 by February 17th, 12:00 pm (noon). No phone calls.
