Job Description
The Senior Program Associate - WASH will work as a member of the Field Program Support Team and will play a critical role in helping to implement field based programs. The Senior Program Associate -WASH will participate in the management of grants from a range of donors, support research related projects, review program documents, identify project technical needs, provide technical inputs and may be called upon to represent Plan International USA at meetings or other events. The Senior Program Associate - WASH will be asked to contribute to proposal development as needed.
Roles and responsibilities
Program Management and Support
- Supports the WASH Program Technical Director with the implemenation of a portfolio of grants in the field.
- Provides support with workplanning, monitoring and evaluation and other program activities as requested.
- Supports and provides input to donor reporting.
- Maintains central program files for USNO (US National Office) instititional grants.
- Manages small donor grants under the direction and guidance of senior WASH staff.
Technical Advice
- Provides inputs for specific requests of a technical nature to Country Offices, Regional Offices, National Offices or other stakeholders, as requested.
- Works with Country Office staff and other members of USNO team to identify country office capacity needs.
- Supports the development of research projects and assists with documenting key lessons learnt.
US National Office Representation and Dissemination
- Assists in organizing and coordinating Plan’s participation in major US or international conferences and in supporting wider WASH communications at USNO.
- Responds to requests for information from the field.
- Liaises with other staff members to share information regarding projects, to discuss field needs, and to develop strategies.
- Represents Plan to the international community in the U.S. Such representation may include speaking/presenting on behalf of Plan, facilitating the attendance and participation of Plan field personnel, and networking with other attendees and presenters.
Proposal Development
- Provides technical input into institutional, corporate and foundation fundraising proposals based on USNO WASH priorities and strategies.
Skills and Qualifications
- Masters’ degree in a related field (Engineering, Public Health, International Development, International Relations, Business, Public Administration, etc.).
- Comprehensive understanding of current WASH challenges, approaches and trends in the sector.
- Three to five years’ program management experience, preferably in a non-profit organization and working with international field-based projects.
- Prior experience with US government, multilateral, bilateral and private donors desirable. Experience with USAID project management highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to be a problem-solver and manage follow-up as necessary.
- Must possess excellent multi-task capabilities; be well-organized and responsive with ability to set priorities.
- Strong computer literacy required, with ability to work with standard business applications (e.g. MS Office Suite) and databases.
- Excellent multicultural, teamwork, and partnering skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work with diverse staff.
- Fluency in a foreign language highly desired (Spanish or French).
- Able to travel internationally (25%)
About the Organization
Founded over 70 years ago, Plan is a nearly $800 million organization often ranked among the top 10 international development agencies by reputation, size and scope.
We work side-by-side with communities in 50 developing countries to end the cycle of poverty for children, developing solutions to ensure long-term sustainability. Our level of community engagement, long-term outlook and constant focus on the needs and priorities of children is unique among international development organizations.
Our solutions are designed up-front to be owned by communities for generations to come and range from clean water and health care programs, to education projects and child protection initiatives. Community by community, Plan works to promise futures that are worthy of all children’s potential.
