Job Description
Summary/Objectives
The Senior Program Associate will work as a member of the Project Implementation and Management team. S/he will provide support in ensuring grant-funded projects comply with Plan’s project implementation and management policies and procedures. S/he supports Sr. Program Managers and the Director to ensure projects comply with Plan’s project implementation processes and procedures and donor requirements.
Essential Functions
- Monitors projects’ operational and programmatic implementation to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures, in particular compliance with US government rules and regulations.
- Works alongside Finance, Compliance and Country Offices to ensure compliance, timely reporting of non-technical documents to the prime/donor, and coordinates hiring of staff/consultants and all award modifications
- Initiates requests for approvals and coordinates submissions of contracts for Independent Consulting Agreements, subcontract modifications and procurement to Plan Compliance department; identifies and synthesizes potential issues and present possible solutions for project team.
- Draft scopes of work for consultants
- Work with Project Manager in project start- up and closeout.
- Provides technical support with guidance from technical staff
- Creates and/or maintains project budget tool, to include setting up budget trackers, development of project workplan budgets, establishing tracking mechanisms for budgets, and a method for accurately monitoring program expenditures.
- Assist home office and field team with quarterly corporate budget forecast review and approval process.
- Leads the Project Health Check process for selected projects to include; reviews budgets and develops budget projections, work with Project Lead in updating Heat Maps.
- Works alongside Project Lead to review budgets, budget projections, invoices and reports
- Provides inputs for budgets, reports (including editing), and other documentation while responding to requests for information as needed
- Supports Project Lead with grant implementation in the field
- For selected projects, serves as Project Lead, with oversight of the project’s operational and programmatic implementation
- Provides support with work planning and other program activities, in particular tracking of program deliverables
- Maintains central program files for Plan International USA Office (USNO) institutional grants
- Provides project implementation updates to Head of Project Implementation and Management Unit based on monthly project meetings
- May be asked to participate in business development efforts
- Must be able to travel on assignments for Plan.
Competencies
- Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure and meet deadlines
- Maintains the ability to work effectively with multiple senior program and technical staff
- In-depth knowledge of use of spreadsheet (Excel), word processing (Word) and presentation (PowerPoint) software
- Experience with project management
Preferred Education and Experience
- Master’s degree strongly encouraged; BA degree from an accredited college or university
- 3-5 years of experience supporting projects, particularly with USG funded projects
- Strong communications skills in written and spoken English. Spanish language skills required.
Position Type/Hours of Work
- This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other Duties
This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time.
Plan is an equal opportunity employer and follows all laws associated with the EEOC.
About the Organization
Plan International USA (Plan) is part of a global organization that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We strive for a just world, working together with children, young people, our supporters, and partners to:
• Empower children, young people, and communities to make vital changes that tackle the root causes of discrimination against girls, exclusion, and vulnerability.
• Drive change in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels through our reach, experience, and knowledge of the realities children face.
• Work with children and communities to prepare for and respond to crises and to overcome adversity.
• Support the safe and successful progression of children from birth to adulthood.
Founded in 1937, Plan now works in more than 70 countries. Our programs in water and sanitation, health, education, child protection, economic empowerment and disaster response directly impacts those confronted by natural and complex emergencies and our advocacy work addresses girls’ rights by bringing their voices to the forefront in policy discussions on early marriage, sexual and reproductive health, and sexual and gender- based violence.
Plan International USA has two offices, located in Washington, DC and Providence, Rhode Island. It is part of the global Federation, Plan International, which is comprised of collaborative partnerships between 21 national offices and 51 country offices. Plan International USA is registered 501(c)(3) and has an independent Board of Directors.
