Program Associate- vacancy in USA

Jobtitle:Program Associate
 Location: Headquarters, Washington, DC
  Deadline: Sunday, 14 July 2013
Background:
Creative Associates International is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, DC, the firm has a field presence in 20 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Position Summary
As a member of the backstop team in Washington, D.C., the Program Associate provides daily support to a USAID-funded, high volume small grants program based in South Asia. Such support includes technical and administrative support to home office and field staff, particularly in the areas of budgeting and contract management.
Reporting & Supervision
The Program Associate reports to the Technical Manager. 
Primary Responsibilities

•     Provide financial, contractual, and administrative support to the field team;
•     Prepare budget modifications and realignments;
•     Track program expenses via budget monitor; assist with review of vouchers submitted to USAID;
•     Assist with preparation of quarterly/annual financial projections;
•     Liaise with home office finance and contracts to prepare/submit approval requests to USAID;
•     Liaise with various home office departments (field operations, contracts, procurement, etc.) to review/approve service agreements with local vendors;
•     Participate in weekly calls with field team;
•     Travel to field to provide operational/programmatic support as required;
•     Prepare and manage consultant agreements;
•     Assist with coordinating expatriate travel, reviewing/processing invoices, and other administrative tasks as required;
•     Prepare quarterly reports, project success stories, and other program material;
•     Conduct supplementary research in support of project activities;
•     Work with Program Specialist to organize and manage program files;
•     Serve as point of contact for USAID in absence of Technical Manager;

    Participate as a Creative team member in maintaining strong, positive relationships with USAID partners.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

•     Support business development efforts and other divisional activities as required;
•     Attend relevant trainings to gain comprehensive understanding of Creative policies and procedures, U.S. Government/USAID rules and regulations, etc.

Required Skills & Qualifications

•     Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; Master's degree preferred;
•     3 to 5 years of prior work experience, including 1 to 2 years of experience backstopping a program funded by USAID or another major donor or bilateral/multilateral aid agency;
•     Demonstrated ability to prepare and monitor program budgets;
•     Working knowledge of U.S. Government/USAID rules and regulations (ADS, FAR, AIDAR, etc.);
•     Detail-oriented with strong writing, editing, and analytical skills;
•     Team player with excellent communication skills;
•     Strong organizational/administrative skills with demonstrated ability to perform multiple tasks under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment;
•     Ability to work independently;
•     Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, es pecially Microsoft Excel.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

•     Field experience in an international development setting, preferably in South Asia;
•     Experience working under USAID/OTI-funded programs.

Tel. 202-966-5804
Fax: 202-363-4771
Start Date: Immediate
How to apply: contact above address