Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY:

Incumbent serves as a Senior Program Officer in the Office of Academic Exchange Programs. The Office consists of six regional Branches (Western Hemisphere, East Asia and Pacific, North Africa/Middle East, South and Central Asia, Africa, and Europe), and two functional Branches (U.S. Studies and Multi-Regional Programs). Specifically, ECA/A/E/NEA is responsible for the Fulbright Program and other academic exchange programs in Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and the Palestinian Territories. This region is a strategic priority for the U.S. Department of State and remains at the forefront of U.S. foreign relations. Incumbent performs a wide variety of duties necessary to proper academic exchange program implementation, management and monitoring, in coordination with regional bureaus, other bureau offices, program agencies, and posts. He/she also provides support to higher level officials and other parties as may be required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs a wide variety of duties necessary to planning and implementing academic exchange programs in coordination with regional bureaus, other bureau offices, program agencies, binational Fulbright commissions, and diplomatic posts.
• Provides programmatic oversight of one or more grants or cooperative agreements in accordance with ECA grants policy and in conjunction with the Grants Officer Representative.
• Devises or modifies programs to meet changing political situations and educational needs.
• Keeps abreast of relevant academic exchange activities within countries of responsibility, especially developments with the potential to adversely impact exchange activities.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders in support of ECA’s strategic goal of promoting international understanding.
• Prepares briefing papers, memoranda, talking points, speeches, and other documents on exchange activities, as well as other support to management.
• Monitors, evaluates, and reports on country programs and budgets.
• Reviews and forwards Fulbright candidates to the J. William Fulbright Scholarship Board (FFSB).
• Represents ECA at workshops, orientations, and meetings with program participants, government representatives, implementing partners, binational Fulbright Commissions, posts, and the public.
• Oversees planning and implementation of various programmatic-related workshops and seminars from inception to end.
• Note: Contractor staff working in this position are expected to have access to the Department’s computer networks, information systems and networks, and databases relevant to their duties.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES: 

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS - EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION AND LICENSURE:

• Significant education and/or work experience related to international cultural or academic exchanges, and/or other types of international study programming.
• Experience with U.S. government and Department of State (DOS) administrative policies and procedures as they pertain to financial and operational management of international exchange programs.
• Ability to interact with all nationalities in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Experience in program administration, operating procedures, oversight, and monitoring.
• Facility with standard software, including the complete Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint), and an ability to work with other software, as well as database applications.
• Excellent, timely, and precise organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities.
• Excellent critical and creative thinking and analytical skills, as well as research abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and ability to maintain effective liaison with other DOS offices, diplomatic posts, Fulbright Commission colleagues, program partners, and other entities involved in academic exchange programs.
• Excellent ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, in a high volume, fast-paced work environment.
• Demonstrates a flexible, team-oriented approach to work with a strong ability to build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues.
• Significant familiarity or direct experience in working with U.S. foreign assistance programs, Department of State, and/or international organizations.
• Knowledge of legislative authorities governing ECA grants administration, as well as U.S. government grants procedures and program monitoring, is highly desirable.
• A Bachelor’s Degree is required for this position; however, a Master’s Degree or other advanced degree is preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of related professional work experience is required for this position.
• Foreign language skills are preferred but not required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for frequently bending, stooping, sitting, walking or standing for prolonged periods of time; most of time is spent sitting in a comfortable position with the opportunity to move about.  Occasionally there may be a need to move or lift moderately light items up to 35 pounds. Near visual acuity to review written documentation; ability to hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone; manual dexterity to operate a telephone and keyboard; lift horizontally and vertically.

_Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. _

Job is performed in an office setting with exposure to computer screens and requires extensive use of a computer, keyboard, mouse and multi-line telephone system.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a secret security clearance.  In addition, a satisfactory background screening, negative drug test, positive references and proof of identity and legal authorization to work in the United States and for TTI are required.

NATIVE PREFERENCE APPLIES

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veterans status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability or any other status protected by law

Required Skills Required Experience