Creative Associates International Vacancy

Program Officer

Overview

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions, and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.  

 Program Description:  

The USAID-funded Ethiopia Civic Engagement Activity is a four-year activity with the overall goal to strengthen Ethiopia’s civic fabric in support of more inclusive, peaceful, and responsive governance. The project aims to strengthen civic and community-based actors’ ability to engage in policy analysis, advocacy, dialogue, and collective action for peaceful, democratic change; and foster multi-stakeholder civic partnerships in support of inclusive dialogue, respect for human rights, and advancing more effective, citizen-responsive, and accountable governance. 

 Position Summary: 

The program officer supports program implementation including monitoring and analyzing program development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. The Program Officer will be based in Addis Ababa and will work closely with all ECE staff, with the responsibility to support in the implementation of activities across all the programs implementation locations.  

Reporting: This position reports to the Program Director.  

Responsibilities

•  

  • General Program support: 

  • Assist program staff in preparation of work plans. 

  • Review and evaluate incoming proposals from partners, acquire supplementary information on the proposal. 

  • Seek endorsements and communicate with the grant manager on grant proposals. 

  • In conjunction with the Communications and Outreach Manager, review and proof-read draft research and assessment, and survey report and provide feedback to the consultants. 

  • Draft input to reports and analyses of programmatic activities. 

  • Support the Program director in the development of the project strategic framework and work plans for the program implementation to ensure the achievement of the program goals. 

  • Research  

  • Develop terms of reference for research and scope of work for consultants to engage.  

  • Support research and advocacy activity of ECE by consultants, research and academic institutions to promote civic engagement at all levels. 

  • Support the publication of research on civic engagement and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to organize validation and dissemination workshop of the research/survey report. 

  • In consultation with the program director and other program team develop research work plans according to ECE needs. 

  • Supervise research projects and work with team members to ensure that the project remains on schedule as per the agreement and update senior management team regularly 

  • work with other team members to identify research goals, research methods, variables, and other test parameters. 

  • Ensure that research/assessment information on databases remains secure, as well as ensure that all team members complete their tasks and work cooperatively with the team. 

  • Support the Capacity Strengthen Manger, as needed, for the development of capacity strengthening materials, especially as it related to strengthening the capacity of civic actors in research and advocacy skills. 

  • Communications 

  • Collaborate with ECE Communication and outreach manager to gather important information for social media and for newsletter. 

  • Develop and plan range of communication activities consistent with the ECE communication strategy. 

  • In collaboration with the Communication and Outreach manger document successes stories, challenges, and lessons learned and share them with through regular program reports 

  • In conjunction with the Communications and Outreach Manager, Assist program staff in preparing and formatting documents including power point presentations and project publications. 

  • Addis Ababa “regional hub” implementation  

  • Engage different stake holder like CSO, Private sectors, relevant local governments and medias including media council. 

  • Assess the needs of the Addis Ababa “region” and suggest themes for cluster grant solicitations. 

  • Identify potential grantees and build strong relationships with them.  

  • In collaboration with relevant grants and program staff, develop grant solicitations and assist in grant completion and submission processes.  

  • Participate in reviewing and appraisal of proposals and reports from grantee and provide feedback to the internal team and to the grantee 

  • Support Addis Ababa “regional” partners including cluster lead organizations (CLO). 

  • With Cluster lead organizations / partners, facilitate multi-stakeholder cluster meetings. 

  • With support from the Capacity Strengthening Manager, in conjunction with the cluster lead organization determine capacity strengthening needs of the CLO and cluster members. 

  • Other tasks related to supporting implementation in the Addis Ababa “region” of ECE.  

  • Other duties as assigned by the management team. 

Qualifications

• • Minimum of 4 years of professional experience on a donor-funded project or organization.  

  • Willingness and ability to travel in Ethiopia.  

  • Experience defining specification, planning, revising, implementing, and evaluating within medium-large and/or high-risk projects.  

  • Experience working with civil society organizations and/or diverse communities. 

  • Experience with USAID or donor-funded projects desired.  

  • Good problem solving, stress management and time management skills.  

  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Word and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of other Microsoft suite applications. 

  • Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills. 

  • Exhibits ability to multitask on a regular basis. 

  • Pays close attention to detail. 

  • Proficiency in written and spoken Amharic required. Proficiency in other local languages is preferred. 

  • Proficiency in written and spoken English required.  

  • Ability to work under pressure and effectively manage multiple tasks.  

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

  • Exhibits strong organizational skills. 

  • Communicates clearly, politely, and effectively. 

  • Demonstrates excellent time-management skills.

Only finalists will be contacted.  No phone calls, please.

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

CLICK HERE to apply

Email this job to a friend

Need help finding the right job?

We can recommend jobs specifically for you! Click here to get started.

Creative Associates International is an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. EOE/AA. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.