Program Officer, International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP)

Job Description

World Learning seeks a Program Officer to support the implementation of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), a program funded by the U.S. Department of State. This position provides an opportunity to engage with U.S. and international leaders in a range of fields, learn about key U.S. foreign policy issues, and help forge international partnerships.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced professional with a proven ability to manage multiple projects, work both independently and collaboratively, and communicate clearly and effectively with diverse partners and stakeholders. Excellent judgment, leadership ability, and dedication to international exchange are essential. This position is part of World Learning’s Global Exchange Unit, which implements a diverse professional exchange portfolio. Program Officers primarily will support the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), the flagship professional exchange program of the U.S. Department of State.

The position will run until December 31, 2018, and may be extended based on satisfactory performance and the availability of funding. Only candidates receiving interviews will be contacted.

Responsibilities

The IVLP Program Officer’s responsibilities include the following:

• Lead a team in developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating short-term exchanges, and other exchanges as assigned, for projects ranging in size from one to twenty-five visitors, on a wide range of domestic and foreign policy topics, for visitors from every region of the world;
• Liaise and collaborate with sponsoring agency/client;
• Research and design customized observational study tours that meet the objectives of all stakeholders;
• Write project proposals outlining potential itineraries and recommended resources;
• Plan and arrange Washington, DC program segments;
• Oversee development of program segments in U.S. cities in conjunction with local partner organizations;
• Authorize, monitor, and reconcile the accurate disbursement of project funds in compliance with World Learning and DOS financial management guidelines;
• Supervise the implementation of all project logistics;
• Conduct project briefings with visitors, provide guidance on understanding cultural differences, and accompany visitors to appointments and moderate program sessions, as required;
• Draft and edit program materials and correspondence;
• Participate in project-related social media activity, including posting articles and photos, composing content for various social media platforms, and using social media to communicate with outside partners and participants;
• Write final evaluation reports or other project reports and oversee project follow-up and closeout;
• Travel 3-4 times per year for 2-3 days to various U.S. locations to conduct final group evaluations;
• Supervise Program Associate and interns, promote Program Associate’s professional training and development, and conduct performance reviews; and
• Contribute to the achievement of team goals and the overall management of the Global Exchange unit.

As members of World Learning’s staff, program officers also will have access to various professional development opportunities, including skill-building workshops, shadowing sessions with internal and external entities, and brownbag lunches on various topics relevant to international education and exchange.

Requirements

We seek candidates with excellent attention to detail, who thrive in collaborative settings, and who are committed to international exchange. You should have:

• Eligibility to work in the U.S.;
• Master’s degree with 4+ years of experience, or bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of relevant experience;
• Two years’ supervisory and/or workflow direction experience;
• Broad knowledge of and interest in domestic and foreign policy issues and well-developed research skills;
• Understanding of program design and ability to apply research to the design of exchange programs;
• Strong cross-cultural and communications skills, including strong written and oral communication skills in English;
• Demonstrated skills in leadership, collaboration, sound judgment, and an ability to work effectively with a wide range of people;
• Professional experience with social media tools and platforms preferred;
• Experience with proposal development preferred;
• Experience with living/studying/working abroad preferred;
• Foreign language skills desirable.

Please note this position is funded only through December 31, 2018; further employment is conditional upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

About the Organization

For more than 85 years, World Learning has worked to create a more peaceful, sustainable, and just world. Our education, development, and exchange programs help people find their voices, connect with their communities, and strengthen the institutions that form the backbone of a democratic society. With our support, these emerging leaders tackle critical global issues like poverty, conflict, and inequality.

As a thriving international nonprofit organization with impact in 150 countries, World Learning works across six major program areas. We’re hard at work improving global education to ensure schools and teachers have the tools they need to support students — including English language instruction through our TESOL teacher training. We encourage civic engagement in communities around the world, and we strengthen institutions so that they can best serve their constituencies. Our workforce development programs help people cultivate the hard and soft skills they need to succeed. And we offer people-to-people exchanges for people of all ages who seek professional and academic enrichment.

All World Learning programs are grounded in five key approaches: experiential learning, leadership development, inclusive practices, innovation, and grants management. We believe in partnering with local experts, organizations, and institutions to find solutions that will truly work for each community. Together, we create the foundations for a better tomorrow.

World Learning is a member of the World Learning Inc. family, which also includes The Experiment in International Living and School for International Training.

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