Program Officer - U.S. Egypt Science & Technology Joint Fund

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Keck Center

National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine

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keywords: the division,the opportunity,sponsor stewardship & program development/mgmt,project administration,publications,collaboration,mentorship and staff development,education,experience,knowledge, skills, and abilities,collaboration,communication,leadership

Full time

Overview: <strong>Req. No.: R0001543</strong><br /><br />The Policy and Global Affairs division seeks a Program Officer to serve as part of a team managing a complex grant program that funds scientific collaborations between the U.S. and Egypt (the U.S. &ndash; Egypt S&amp;T Joint Fund). The program&rsquo;s objectives are to help Egypt and the U.S. expand relations between the two scientific and technological communities; utilize science and apply technology by providing opportunities to exchange ideas, information, skills, and techniques; and to collaborate on scientific and technological endeavors of mutual interest to promote economic development. Primary responsibilities will include monitoring ongoing research projects, ensuring compliance with sponsor requirements, and organizing proposal peer review processes. <br /><br />The Program Officer may be responsible for developing and managing one or more of the organization's programs or projects with minimal oversight by Director or Senior Program Officer. Develops program or project strategy and budget, supervises staff, and ensures program or project meets objectives. Assembles committees/panels and serves as staff liaison between committee/panel members and the National Academies. Develops prospectuses and raises funds for new projects.<br /><br />Incumbent applies in-depth professional level knowledge to independently solve a full range of complex problems. The job's primary focus may be either leading studies or convening activities or managing organization programs (e.g., research programs, art programs, etc.). The work is primarily intellectual or analytical in character, requiring advanced knowledge. Assignments are broadly defined and require judgment and creativity to complete. Incumbent has authority to take whatever action deemed advisable or necessary, and is often responsible for oversight or management of other staff. Typically reports to Senior Program Officer or Director.
Responsibilities: <strong>ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:</strong><br /> <ul> <li>Designs and manages program(s) or project(s) of minimal or moderate complexity. In collaboration with supervisor, develops program or project strategy, manages budget, supervises staff, and ensures program or project meets objectives. Activities may include leading studies, research programs, grant programs, fellowship programs, etc.</li> <li>Manages a portfolio of approximately 10 - 20 research grants, ensuring that grantees are advancing toward their project objectives and are compliant with grant terms, such as budget regulations and mandatory reporting requirements. Depending on each project&rsquo;s situation, may lead project site visits in the U.S. or Egypt.</li> <li>Serves as part of a team that organizes the peer review process for over 100 research proposals per funding cycle, in a wide variety of scientific fields. Past proposal focus areas have been in health, agriculture, water, energy, and machine learning. This work will include contacting prospective reviewers, assigning proposals to reviewers, addressing reviewer concerns regarding program policies, and managing review panel meetings.</li> <li>Conducts large and small workshops and/or meetings. Develops agendas, invites presenters and participants, oversees meeting logistics and multimedia presentations, and prepares written summaries. These meetings may include annual meetings of grantees or administrative meetings for the selection of projects for funding. These meetings may occur virtually, in the U.S., in Egypt, or in a third-country, depending upon circumstances.</li> <li>Where applicable, may independently plan and implement extensive communications activities related to assigned programs or projects.&nbsp; Creates and maintains materials, web sites, and social media channels to provide interest groups with information generated from and for activities.</li> <li>May manage staff with minimal oversight by Director or Senior Program Officer. Assigns tasks and provides guidance and feedback to staff. Mentors staff and ensures required training is accomplished and participates in performance reviews. Interprets and ensures consistent application of organizational policies.</li> <li>Oversees project budget and schedule and authorizes expenditures. As required, collaborates with financial staff to ensure compliance.</li> <li>Collaborates with experts and sponsors from federal, state, and local government agencies, foundations, schools, and other organizations. Of particular importance will be collaborating with program sponsors, universities, and research centers in the U.S. and Egypt. Represents the unit and committee within and outside the National Academies.</li> <li>With Director or Senior Program Officer oversight, conducts background research on topics for new studies, programs, or activities. Writes prospectuses and proposals for new and continuing funding. Identifies potential sponsors. Raises funds for current and future projects. Where applicable, manages funder/member/alumni relations.</li> </ul> <br /><strong>NONESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES</strong><br />Related duties and special projects as assigned.
Requirements: <strong>Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: </strong>Advanced knowledge of scientific, technical, or policy issues in a related discipline. Strong program/project management skills. Ability to understand and share technical/scientific issues with diverse audiences. Ability to solve intellectual problems that are varied and complex using originality and ingenuity. Ability to operate using appreciable latitude for independent judgment and action. Ability to manage and develop projects. Ability to work successfully in a team environment and to form and maintain effective teams. Experience working in complex environments with a high degree of organizational effectiveness. Ability to develop relationships with co-workers, employees in other National Academies&rsquo; departments, and external constituents through effective communication. Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to effectively interact with all levels of staff and constituents.<br /><strong>Minimum Education/Training Requirements: </strong>Master&rsquo;s degree in a related field or equivalent knowledge.<br /><strong>Minimum Experience: </strong>Three years of related professional experience. Demonstrated basic proficiency in conveying scientific/technical/policy information in verbal and written form.<br /><strong>Preferred Education: </strong>Ph.D. in related field preferred.<br /><strong>Physical Capabilities: </strong>Ability to work at a computer for extended periods of time. Ability to travel.<br /><strong>Required Licenses, Certification or Registration: </strong>None.<br /><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities/Controls:</strong> Typically reports to senior program officer or director. General direction is provided. Supervises project/program staff with minimal oversight by director/senior program officer.