Recruitment: Program Officer II
The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) strengthens democracy around the globe through private enterprise and market-oriented reform. CIPE is one of the four core institutes of the National Endowment for Democracy and an affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Since 1983, CIPE has worked with business leaders, policymakers, and civil society to build the institutions vital to a democratic society. CIPE’s key program areas include enterprise ecosystems, democratic governance, business advocacy, anti-corruption & ethics, and trade.
The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) provides assistance to developing countries in implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The GATF is a joint effort between the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the World Economic Forum (WEF).
The Alliance brings together leading donors, local and global businesses, and international institutions to help deliver on the potential of the TFA to enable trade-led development. Private sector expertise is leveraged to spur commercially-meaningful trade facilitation reforms. The private sector provides first-hand insight into the problems caused by bureaucracy at borders to help develop innovative and practical solutions.
Position: Program Officer, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation
Reports to: Senior Program Officer, Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation
Scope: This is a full-time, Washington, D.C. based position. The Program Officer (PO) will work with the Deputy Director for Projects to implement projects that support the implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement in developing countries. Specifically, the PO will work with the Senior Program Officer GATF to manage programs with local government agencies and private sector in target countries. The PO will be responsible for managing all aspects of project design, implementation, and monitoring.
Responsibilities and Duties
- Design, develop, implement and supervise trade facilitation projects in line with best practices.
- Ensure that projects are based on diagnostics with solid empirical evidence and rigorous analysis and those results are measurable and evaluable. Demonstrates ability to lead complex trade facilitation projects with multiple actors.
- Manage the technical dialogue with private sector organizations and government agencies to identify trade facilitation challenges and propose comprehensive reform initiatives.
- Lead the development of country briefs, concept notes and project proposals in line with the project cycle of GATF funded projects.
- Develop and promote innovative solutions to solve problems that affect multiple government agencies involved in trade.
- Lead the identification and procurement of suitable individual consultants and consulting firms to support the implementation of trade facilitation projects.
- Demonstrate advanced negotiation skills in pursuing agreements with providers, consultants that result in excellent value for money projects.
- Supervise individual consultants and consulting firms to ensure alignment with objectives, budget and schedule and take corrective action when needed.
- Establish and maintain regular communications with project partners. Maintain correspondence and operational records regarding GATF/CIPE-funded programs.
- In collaboration with the M&E and Finance Department at CIPE, monitor and evaluate project performance to ensure full compliance with objectives, financial and reporting requirements, and evaluation plan.
- Supervise the evaluation of completed projects – through on-site visits, file reviews, and coordination with independent evaluators where appropriate.
- Monitor current events and international relations in target countries and assess the impact on ongoing and planned GATF/CIPE projects.
- Supervise, develop and manage junior program staff.
Qualifications and Skills
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent required International Relations, International Business, Economic Development, Finance, Political Science, or Public Policy. Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the fields of international trade, customs modernization, economic development, law and/or public sector reform.
- Experience in the origination, negotiation, administration and evaluation of development projects with international organizations desired.
- Strong command of trade facilitation and logistics issues such as the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Alliance (WTO TFA), the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework and the Kyoto Convention is a must.
- Technical understanding of international supply chains and import, transit, and export processes required.
- Excellent English writing and verbal skills. A good command of a second language is highly desired.
- Ability to work both in a team environment and independently with minimum supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to develop, establish and maintain good relationships with international partners and donors.
- Strong project management and presentation skills.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to develop, manage and monitor project budgets.
- Ability to work efficiently with colleagues, donors, or partners in different timezones
- Attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced, diverse environment.
- Strong IT Skills in MS Office, specifically MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, MS Project or similar.
- Must be willing and able to travel internationally.
Benefits and Perks
Competitive Benefits including medical, dental, vision, short & long-term disability, flexible spending, paid family leave, life insurance, 401(k), commuter benefits, telework, and more! Employee events including Company Picnic, Health & Wellness Fair, Holiday Party and lots of fun in between!
CIPE offers a salary competitive with other international non-governmental organizations and an excellent benefits package. Applicants must be legally able to work in the United States; CIPE is unable to sponsor employees for work visas.
CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.