Program Specialist

At the heart of Pact is the promise of a better tomorrow. A nonprofit international development organization founded in 1971, Pact works on the ground in nearly 40 countries to improve the lives of those who are challenged by poverty and marginalization. We serve these communities because we envision a world where everyone owns their future. To do this, we build systemic solutions in partnership with local organizations, businesses, and governments that create sustainable and resilient communities where those we serve are heard, capable, and vibrant. Pact is a recognized global leader in international development. Our staff have a range of expertise in areas including public health, capacity development, governance and civil society, natural resource management, poverty, fragile states, monitoring and evaluation, small-scale and artisanal mining, microfinance and more. This expertise is combined in Pact’s unique integrated approach, which focuses on systemic changes needed to improve people’s lives.

Department

Program Operations (PrOps) – Pact exists to help create a world where those who are poor and marginalized exercise their voice, build their own solutions, and take ownership of their future. The Program Operations teams contribute to realizing this by: ensuring effective project management through supporting project startups, implementation, reporting and financial management as well as closeouts; portfolio coordination: providing a coordinating role across departments in DC that support country offices and programs; working with country teams to develop, refine and pursue their strategies by leveraging technical knowledge (our own and others) and supporting business development as needed; knowledge sharing and learning: enhancing communication between country offices and DC-based teams to ensure better understanding of the diverse operating environments and program approaches.

Position Overview

The Program Specialist plays a significant role in operational and administrative support for the Africa Program Operations team and assigned country offices. This position will backstop in-country projects by coordinating timely and comprehensive responses to country teams’ requests and needs. S/he will also coordinate support and collaboration between colleagues in country offices and DC-based departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a range management, administrative, and operational support services to empower and enable country offices and programs in achieving project objectives
• Maintain strong knowledge of project status, operations and working environment in order to proactively facilitate project implementation
• Support project staff in the development of project reports, work plans, and other project contractual obligations, and ensure timely submission and quality of content
• Productively partner and collaborate with other Pact departments, including technical programs, opportunity development, grants and contracts, financial planning and analysis, accounting, and human resources to ensure that portfolio-wide support is given when and where necessary, and build strong internal professional relationships with members of these support units
• Ensure project compliance with donor and Pact’s operational policies and regulations
• Assist with project start up and close out processes, harmonizing efforts of Pact country and Washington DC offices
• Support the development of quarterly and annual financial and pipeline plans and work plans alongside country office and supervisor, and monitor performance against plans on a monthly basis
• Review and collaborate major project deliverables, in line with donor reporting requirements
• Coordinating meetings, including monthly project calls, quarterly program reviews, portfolio meetings and internal team meetings and organizing timely follow up on action items
• Ensuring project intellectual capital is properly captured, filed and disseminated
• Develop functional technical experience and subject matter expertise in at least one core Pact program advancement area as appropriate in supporting their portfolio
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field related to Pact’s mission, such as in international development, international relations, regional studies, economics, business, environmental studies or public health and 5 years of experience, or a Master’s degree and 3 years of work experience in a related field
• Ability and willingness to travel
• Fluency in English

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience managing or supporting programs funded by major international development organizations, especially USAID
• Prior experience in budget development, budget management, procurement and grant management
• Familiarity with USAID rules and regulations, specifically 2 CRF 200 and cost principles
• Demonstrated interest and/or experience working or living aboard in a developing country context

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, citizenship status, genetic information, matriculation, family responsibilities, personal appearance, credit information, tobacco use (except in the workplace), membership in an employee organization, or other protected classifications or non-merit factors.