Program Officer, Instructional Design

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that responds to some of the most severe crises around the globe. Established in 1933 at the urging of Albert Einstein, the IRC has grown to become one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGO), operating in over 40 countries and 29 cities across the United States. The organization is dedicated to helping individuals and communities affected by conflict and disaster to regain their health, safety, education, and economic stability. With a mission to restore dignity and hope, the IRC employs a diverse workforce committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of millions worldwide. The IRC's work is characterized by a strong focus on solutions and a passion for change, inviting individuals who share these values to join their efforts in creating a better future for those in need.

Job Overview:
The IRC is currently seeking a Program Officer specializing in Instructional Design to support its initiatives as a subcontractor for the Office of Refugee Resettlement National Call Center and Sexual Abuse Hotline. This role is pivotal in designing and delivering training resources tailored for call center staff, ensuring alignment with contractor requirements and an established training plan. The Program Officer will collaborate closely with subject matter experts to assess learning needs, establish objectives, and develop engaging content. The position requires a proactive approach to facilitate both virtual and in-person training programs, as well as the creation of eLearning modules and multimedia learning tools. The Program Officer will also contribute to the development and ongoing updates of the Call Specialist Handbook, implement educational technologies, maintain training records, and evaluate training efficacy to enhance staff understanding. This role is integral to the IRC's commitment to providing high-quality training and support to its call center staff, ultimately contributing to the program's success and the well-being of the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Officer will be responsible for a variety of key tasks, including: assisting the subcontract team in executing a comprehensive vision for call center staff training and development; collaborating with subject matter experts to conduct thorough learning needs assessments; establishing clear learning objectives; designing and developing relevant training content; ensuring that the training needs of call center staff are met through iterative products that incorporate learner feedback; facilitating both virtual and in-person training sessions; developing eLearning modules, job aids, and other multimedia learning tools; contributing to the ongoing development and updates of the Call Specialist Handbook; identifying and implementing educational technologies to enhance training approaches; maintaining accurate training records for call center staff; evaluating training effectiveness and adjusting methodologies and materials as necessary to improve comprehension; and supporting the program's established training plan to ensure its successful execution.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Program Officer position must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in instructional design, education, or a related field, or have equivalent work experience and/or certification. A graduate degree is highly desired. Additionally, applicants should have a minimum of four years of experience in developing and implementing training, technical assistance, capacity-building, or educational programs. A proven ability to create training curricula, help documentation, and other support materials is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a deep understanding of instructional design principles, including adult learning theory, and possess an instructional design certification, which is preferred. Experience in program monitoring and evaluation, including data collection, management, and reporting, is also required. Proficiency with webinar software, exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills, and proficiency in the MS Office suite are necessary. The ability to work independently and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment is crucial, along with being a fast learner and creative problem solver. Experience in engaging with subject matter experts and building collaborative training programs is highly valued, as are excellent interpersonal and communication skills to effectively liaise with colleagues at all levels in a multicultural environment. Familiarity with the Office of Refugee Resettlement's unaccompanied children programming is a plus, and employment is contingent upon the successful acquisition of a Tier 2 Certificate of Public Trust government background investigation.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Program Officer position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in instructional design, education, or a closely related field. Candidates with equivalent work experience and/or relevant certifications may also be considered. A graduate degree is highly preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field of instructional design and education.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant experience in developing and implementing training programs, technical assistance, capacity-building initiatives, or educational programs. This experience should demonstrate a proven ability to create effective training curricula and support materials, as well as a deep understanding of instructional design principles, particularly those related to adult learning theory. Candidates should also have experience in program monitoring and evaluation, including data collection and reporting, which is essential for assessing the effectiveness of training initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language used in training and communication. Additionally, proficiency in other languages spoken by IRC staff and/or clients is considered a valuable asset and may enhance the candidate's suitability for the role.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for this position is standard office and/or remote, with the possibility of full or part-time remote work. Part-time remote employees may be required to share workspace. The compensation for this role ranges from $70,000 to $85,000, with posted pay ranges applicable to US-based candidates. These ranges are determined by various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. Exact offers will be calibrated based on work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package for US employees, including 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, and 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure. Medical insurance starts at $163 per month, dental at $6.50 per month, and vision at $5 per month. Additional benefits include a flexible spending account (FSA) for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plan with immediate vesting and matching, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program available to staff and their families. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.