Program Officer I

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions for human development. Established in 1980, FHI 360 operates in more than 60 countries and employs over 4,000 staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on a wide range of areas including health, education, economic development, and research, partnering with governments, funders, and communities to generate evidence that informs programs and policies. FHI 360 is committed to safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.

Job Overview:
The Program Officer I position within the Research and Evidence Group is designed to provide essential support for various research projects. This role involves a combination of administrative and project management tasks aimed at ensuring the successful execution of research initiatives. The Program Officer will collaborate closely with research teams, assist in project management, and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the group’s operations. The position requires a proactive approach to managing project timelines, deliverables, and budgets, while also facilitating communication among team members and external partners. The Program Officer will play a critical role in translating research findings into actionable insights that can inform decision-making processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer I will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including but not limited to: collaborating with the research project management team to ensure that all project deliverables and funder requirements are met; implementing project management best practices and FHI 360-specific processes; managing the vendor lifecycle for subawards and consultants; maintaining a comprehensive understanding of project goals and timelines; serving as a liaison to internal units such as finance and procurement; managing project calendars; setting up and maintaining project files; sending reminders for reporting deadlines; reviewing work plans; providing administrative support for project teams; facilitating communication with partners; collecting relevant information for reports; and fulfilling other administrative duties as assigned. Additionally, the Program Officer will support business development efforts and assist with finance-related tasks, including tracking project budgets and processing invoices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Program Officer I position should possess a basic understanding of research project design concepts, practices, and procedures. Strong oral and written communication skills are essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office suite software. The ability to problem-solve and recommend corrective actions is crucial, as is a strong attention to detail and organizational skills. The candidate must be articulate and professional, capable of communicating effectively with clients and staff. Fluency in English is mandatory, while fluency in a secondary language, particularly French, is considered a plus but not required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree or its international equivalent in fields such as Civil Society, Communication, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Gender, Health, Nutrition, Research, Technology, Youth, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of the projects the Program Officer will support.

Experience:
The position typically requires a minimum of 2+ years of relevant experience in supporting projects or technical practice areas. Candidates should have prior work experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private organization, which will help them navigate the challenges and expectations of the role effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the role involves significant communication and documentation responsibilities. While not required, fluency in a secondary language, especially French, is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The Program Officer I position is based in a typical office environment, with the expectation of spending long hours at a computer and performing repetitive tasks. The role may require occasional travel, estimated at 10% - 25%. The expected salary range for this position in the United States is between USD 53,000 and 63,000 annually, with FHI 360 offering a competitive benefits package that includes a 7% contribution to a pension plan, paid vacation, sick days, and holidays. The organization is committed to equal opportunity and affirmative action, ensuring a non-discriminatory hiring process. All employment offers are subject to screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks.