The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is seeking a Program Associate for the Africa Program. The Wilson Center is the living, national memorial to President Wilson established by an Act of Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center provides an essential link between the policy and academic communities by creating programs and communication opportunities that examine current and emerging challenges confronting the United States and the world. It is a non-partisan/non-advocacy institution supported by both public and private funds. The Center is (along with the National Gallery of Art and the Kennedy Center) one of the three special institutions created by congressional statute to perform a national mission within the Smithsonian Institution. It is governed by its own presidentially appointed Board of Trustees. The Center sponsors basic, original scholarship and dialogue covering both international and domestic issues through its programmatic offices. The Center conducts an active program of publishing and outreach through its various print, electronic and multimedia presentations. All duties and responsibilities are conducted within the framework of the Center’s congressionally mandated mission with a view toward advancing our understanding of a variety of issues and in strengthening the importance between worlds of learning and public policy.
Summary
The Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars is seeking a Program Associate for the Africa Program. The Wilson Center is the living, national memorial to President Wilson established by an Act of Congress in 1968 and headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center provides an essential link between the policy and academic communities by creating programs and communication opportunities that examine current and emerging challenges confronting the United States and the world. It is a non-partisan/non-advocacy institution supported by both public and private funds. The Center is (along with the National Gallery of Art and the Kennedy Center) one of the three special institutions created by congressional statute to perform a national mission within the Smithsonian Institution. It is governed by its own presidentially appointed Board of Trustees. The Center sponsors basic, original scholarship and dialogue covering both international and domestic issues through its programmatic offices. The Center conducts an active program of publishing and outreach through its various print, electronic and multimedia presentations. All duties and responsibilities are conducted within the framework of the Center’s congressionally mandated mission with a view toward advancing our understanding of a variety of issues and in strengthening the importance between worlds of learning and public policy.
The Africa Program’s mission is to analyze and address some of Africa’s most critical, current and over-the-horizon issues; to foster policy-focused dialogue and options for stronger and mutually-beneficial U.S.-Africa relations; and to enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States.
The Africa Program has four programmatic pillars: i) governance and leadership; ii) security, conflict management, and peacebuilding; iii) trade, investment, and sustainable development; and iv) Africa’s evolving role in the global arena. The roles of youth, women, and technology are critical to Africa’s future - to good governance, securing peace, mitigating poverty and assuring sustainable development and human security. As such, these issues are addressed across all four the matic areas.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Associate plays a keyrole in assisting the Africa Program Director in managing the Program’s projects, programs, personnel, and finances. The incumbent:
Provides oversight of the operational, logistical and event planning support for Africa Program.
Plans, develops, and organizes projects, workshops, seminars, conferences and meetings related to Africa and to U.S.-Africa relations in collaboration with and as support to the Director of the Africa Program.
Proposes and develops a wide range of substantive programming as well as conducts research related to the Africa Program’s mandate, mission, and funding, to include determining topics, identifying and contacting speakers, designing the appropriate formats, working in conjunction with other WWICS programs, planning and overseeing the logistical and administrative requirements for all Africa Program events at the Center and elsewhere, and producing event-related summaries and evaluation.
Oversees the Africa Program calendar of events and planning timelines.
Supervises the work of the Africa Program’s Program Assistant, Communications Assistant, and interns.
Oversees and coordinates the writing and editing of Africa Program publications including conference reports, policy briefs, and research papers.
Oversees the monitoring and evaluation of the Africa Program events and activities.
Serves as the principal staff member for monitoring the accounts of the Program with regard to availability and propriety of use. Ensures that any federal appropriation monies received by the Program and its trust funds are properly and accurately allocated and obligated within appropriate categories. Reviews monthly financial reports, reconciles any differences, and/or recommends transfer of funds between line items. Keeps all financial and endowment contribution records for the Program. The specialist calculates the cost of purchasing items; monitors the flow of funds; reviews requests for obligation of funds to assure that they conform to budgetary regulations and that funds are available. Compiles and summarizes budgetary data from a variety of sources for use in preparing budgetary estimates for future years' allocations. Reports on spending trends.
Revises budget estimates to accommodate variations in cost and/or program changes. Responsible for preparing forecasts of annual revenue and expense projections. Accompanies Director to all meetings requiring financial and budgetary expertise. Assures that form and content of budget submissions are consistent with guidelines covering budget preparation and execution.
Assists with fundraising, including identifying potential sources of support and preparing proposals, budgets, and reports related to grants.
Oversees the implementation of the Program’s strategic communications and outreach efforts including in social media, media, as well as the use of other outreach tools. Also supervises the regular updating of content and format of Program website.
Prepares a variety of Program reports for internal and external audiences.
Has primary responsibility for the Program database, and oversees the Program Assistant and interns in updating and adding new contacts.
Assists with building a network of scholars, government officials, and representatives of international organizations, the private sector, foundations, and non-governmental organizations working on African issues who participate in, support, and promote Africa Program activities.
Coordinates the activities of Africa Program Scholars at the Wilson Center.
Represents the Africa Program in meetings and events related to Africa and to U.S.-Africa relations.
Oversees the recruitment, orientation and out-processing of interns.
Experience with program administration and project development, implementation, and evaluation; calendar and timeline management; financial and budget management; grant development, writing, and reporting; desktop and publications management; database management; computer skills and proficiency with the Microsoft Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; understanding of communications strategies and various social media platforms; ability to multi-task, as well as effective oral and written communications skills. French language skills and work or study experience in Africa are highly desirable.
Qualifications
Specialized Experience Statement:
This position requires a master’s degree in the social sciences with a focus on Africa and at least one year of related work experience or a bachelor’s degree with at least three years of related work experience; demonstrated knowledge of domestic and international policy issues related to Africa and U.S.-Africa relations; and experience with: program administration and project development, implementation, and evaluation; calendar and timeline management; financial and budget management; grant development, writing, and reporting; desktop and publications management; database management; computer skills and proficiency with the Microsoft Suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; understanding of communications strategies and various social media platforms; ability to multi-task, as well as effective oral and written communications skills. French language skills and work or study experience in Africa are highly desirable.
Education
To be minimally qualified applicants must possess a master’s degree in the social sciences with a focus on Africa and at least one year of related work experience or a bachelor’s degree with at least three years of related work experience; demonstrated knowledge of domestic and international policy issues related to Africa and U.S.-Africa relations.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, a review of resume and supporting documentation will be made and compared against your responses to the assessment questionnaire to determine if you are qualified for this job. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your eligibility. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):
Experience with project and event planning, execution, and close-out.
Knowledge of and background in US-Africa relations.
Experience with internal and external coordination with individuals and organizations.
Experience preparing various documentation and correspondence including program and project summaries, reports, background research, letters and memos.
Experience preparing and reconciling budgets, obligating and accounting for funds, and preparing financial reports.
Research experience in international affairs, especially on African issues.
Ability to use a variety of research sources such as library, internet and Microsoft , especially Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, & Excel.
Written and oral French proficiency (highly desirable).
Applications are evaluated and rated under Category Rating and Selection procedures. Category rating combines the applicant's total experience and/or education/training into a single category. Your application will initially be rated against the criteria outlined in this announcement. Qualifying applications will then be placed into one of the following categories:1. Gold 2. Silver 3. Bronze Gold indicates best qualified. Applications in the Best Qualified category will be evaluated to ensure that the job requirements, including Specialized Experience, Basic Education, Selective Factors, and eligibility requirements are met and supported/verified by the resume and other documents submitted. This will include a review of your resume and supporting documentation as compared to your responses to the occupational questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, your category placement may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities. Information for Veterans: The category rating process does not add veteran's preference points but protects the rights of veterans by placing them ahead of non-preference eligibles within each category. Preference eligibles who meet qualification requirements and have a compensable service-connected disability of at least 10% will be listed in the highest quality category, except when the position being filled is scientific or professional at the GS-09 grade or higher.
IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).
Note: Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
The following documents are required for ALL APPLICANTS:
• A Resume showing relevant experience. Your resume must show the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment.
• Complete Assessment Questionnaire.
• If you are using your education to qualify (even partially), you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete and submit the Application Package by 11:59 PM on 06/02/2017 or before the applicant cut-off limit of 200 applicants have been reached to receive consideration. The Application package includes:
1. Your Resume 2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire.
Click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the initial online questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
If you log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
When you receive a notification from your USAJOBS account it may indicate that your application is complete after you submit the initial online questionnaire and documentation, however, your application will NOT be complete until you have successfully completed the next step described below.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documents to (517) 258-4052. You must print a copy of OPM Form 1203-FX, document your responses to the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire and use the official FAX coversheet.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. Based upon your score, you may be referred to the hiring official. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview. You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
The Wilson Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
The following documents are required for ALL APPLICANTS:
• A Resume showing relevant experience. Your resume must show the work schedule and hours worked per week as well as dates of employment.
• Complete Assessment Questionnaire.
• If you are using your education to qualify (even partially), you MUST submit a copy of your transcripts.
Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete and submit the Application Package by 11:59 PM on 06/02/2017 or before the applicant cut-off limit of 200 applicants have been reached to receive consideration. The Application package includes:
1. Your Resume 2. A complete Assessment Questionnaire
To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire.
Click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the initial online questionnaire.
Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.
If you log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
When you receive a notification from your USAJOBS account it may indicate that your application is complete after you submit the initial online questionnaire and documentation, however, your application will NOT be complete until you have successfully completed the next step described below.
We strongly encourage you to apply online. If you cannot apply online, you may FAX your resume, assessment questionnaire, and supporting documents to (517) 258-4052. You must print a copy of OPM Form 1203-FX, document your responses to the assessment questionnaire View Occupational Questionnaire and use the official FAX coversheet.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20004
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. Based upon your score, you may be referred to the hiring official. If your name is referred to the hiring official, you may be contacted directly by that office for a possible interview. You will receive notice via email or by mail, if no email address was provided by you during the application process, once this process is completed (generally 4-6 weeks).
The Wilson Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
