The South and Central Asia Branch of the Office of Academic Exchange Programs (ECA/A/E/SCA), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has a requirement for a full-time position as a Senior Program Officer. 

Senior Program Officer in the Office of Academic Exchange Programs in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).  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/SCA is responsible for the Fulbright Program and other academic exchange programs in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.  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 Department of State (DOS) regional bureaus, other bureau offices, program agencies, and U.S. embassies (diplomatic posts).  He/she also provides support to higher level officials and other parties as may be required. 

• 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 including:

• Keeps abreast of relevant academic exchange activities within countries of responsibility, especially developments with the potential to adversely impact exchange activities;

• Devises or modifies programs to meet changing political situations and educational needs;

• 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 candidate applications to the J. William Fulbright Scholarship Board (FFSB) for final approval;

• Participates in workshops, orientations, and meetings with program participants, government representatives, implementing partners, binational Fulbright Commissions, posts, and the public; and

• Oversees planning and implementation of various programmatic-related workshops and seminars from inception to end.

• 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 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; and

• Knowledge of legislative authorities governing ECA grants administration, as well as U.S. government grants procedures and program monitoring, is highly desirable.

Special Knowledge Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the Secret level.

• 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.

AAP/EEO Statement:
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