Program Officer – AFS

Job Objective / Summary of Responsibilities
The Program Officer for the Agriculture & Food Security Unit will support the USDA-funded Food for Progress Mauritania project, the USDA-funded Food for Progress Tunisia project, the USAID-funded FÒTIFYE project, and other projects as assigned. The position is based in Washington, D.C.

Roles and Responsibilities

Essential / Primary Functions

1. Assist in the overall implementation of each project in accordance with the award and federal rules and regulations.
2. Support the start-up and closeout process of each project as needed, considering required donor deliverables for each phase of the project and their respective timeframes.
3. Participate in the development of each project’s work plan and monitor each project’s progress in meeting the proposed targets.
4. Support the development and revision for each project’s donor reports.
5. Participate in meetings with project donors and key partners.
6. Coordinate communications efforts with the Communications Unit at Partners to give visibility to the progress, initiatives, and achievements of each project in accordance with donor rules and regulations.
7. Represent the projects and the Agriculture & Food Security Unit in relevant events, as needed.
8. Coordinate and participate in weekly/bi-weekly meetings with staff and consultants in the field to monitor each project’s progress.

Research technical topics according to the projects’ needs.

Administrative

1. Support the procurement processes of each project.
2. Maintain communication with staff to monitor project spending.
3. Review each project’s monthly financial reports and process expense reclassification requests as necessary.
4. Ensure project expenses comply with donor rules and regulations.
5. Review monthly cash flow requests.
6. Draft and submit monthly Requests for Funding for each project based on upcoming month projections.
7. Process payments as needed, ensuring compliance with POA policy and donor rules and regulations.

Secondary Functions

Business Development

1. Support the development and submission of proposals pursued by the Agriculture & Food Security Unit by drafting proposal sections and supporting budget development, as necessary.
2. Actively search for funding opportunities for the Agriculture & Food Security Unit.

Other

1. Provide support to the Senior Director of the Agriculture & Food Security Unit in all administrative and programmatic tasks as needed.
2. Participate in Partners-wide or unit-specific committees and working groups as appropriate.
3. Other tasks as assigned.

Job Specifications

POA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Qualifications and Minimum Requirements

1. Excellent communication skills and fluency in English and French required (written and oral).
2. Excellent writing and editing skills.
3. Excellent organization and time management skills, with ability to prioritize effectively and meet deadlines.
4. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
5. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to track and report on progress.

Education, Experience & Training

1. Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, nutrition, international affairs, or related field required.
2. Interest in international development, project management, and organizational development required.
3. Minimum of two years of experience in administration, operations, project management, or related field preferred.
4. Minimum of one year of experience – including internships – in climate, agriculture, food security or other related fields preferred.
5. Knowledge of USG rules and regulations preferred.

Core & Professional Competencies

1. Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
2. Building Trust: Interacts with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s motives and representations and those of the organization. Is seen as direct and truthful; keeps assurances, promises, and commitments.
3. Cultural Competence: Cultivates opportunities through diverse people; respects and relates well to people from varied backgrounds, understands diverse worldviews, and is sensitive to group differences; sees diversity as an opportunity, challenges bias and intolerance.
4. Problem-Solving: Breaks down problems into components and recognizes interrelationships; makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions. Compares data, information, and input from a variety of sources to draw conclusions; takes action that is consistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequences.

Professional Staff

1. Collaboration: Builds constructive working relationships with clients/customers, other work units, community organizations, and others to meet mutual goals and objectives; behaves professionally and supportively when working with individuals from various ethnic, social, and educational backgrounds.
2. Teamwork: Participates as an active and contributing member of a team to achieve team goals. Works cooperatively with other team members, involves others, shares information as appropriate, and shares credit for team accomplishments.
3. Adaptability/Resilience: Adapts well to adversity and changes in assignments and priorities; adapts behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles; approaches change positively and adjusts behaviors accordingly. Effectively adapts to difficult, unexpected situations.
4. Communication: Conveys and receives information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the listener, helps them understand and retain the message and invites response and feedback. Keeps others informed appropriately; demonstrates good written, oral, and listening skills.

Officer

1. Ability to conduct desk research, write effectively, and think critically.
2. Demonstrates consistency in quality of work and productivity.
3. Ability to work in a team and independently.
4. Ability to quickly learn and use skills required for the job.

Distribution of Time
90% Programs
10% Business Development

Travel Requirement Percentage: Up to 25%

Join our dynamic team in the heart of Washington, D.C. This role offers the flexibility of a hybrid work environment, with just one day a week required in our DC office. We offer a competitive salary range of $50K to $60K annually, with the final amount negotiated based on education and experience. Our benefits are equally impressive, including health, dental, and vision insurance, a 403b plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts, generous paid holidays, three weeks of paid time off, and much more. Take advantage of this opportunity to grow with us

To apply, please complete this form and submit your resume and cover letter to Andres Obertello at Please include “Program Officer – AFS (French Speaker)” in the subject line of your email. Note that only finalists will be contacted.

Partners Is Proud To Be An Equal Employment Opportunity And Affirmative Action Employer. POA Does Not Discriminate In Employment On The Basis Of Race, Color, Religion, Sex (Including Pregnancy And Gender Identity), National Origin, Political Affiliation, Sexual Orientation, Marital Status, Disability, Genetic Information, Age, Membership In An Employee Organization, Retaliation, Parental Status, Military Service, Or Other Non-Merit Factor.