Program Assistant - Africa Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics

Description

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization devoted to the advancement of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences through a wide variety of workshops, meetings and conferences, fellowships and grants, training institutes, scholarly exchanges, research, and publications. For more information, please visit our website: www.ssrc.org.

The African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics program (APDD) advances African-led research and scholarship on peacebuilding, governance, and developmental changes in conflict-affected countries and sub-regions in Africa. The program responds to the evolving geographies of conflict, development, and inequality on the continent—examining economic, environmental, and political trends, the emergence and dynamics of new actors, and the interplay between local and external factors driving socio-economic transformations, conflict trajectories and evolving peacebuilding responses. For more information on APDD, please visit https://www.ssrc.org/programs/african-peacebuilding-and-developmental-dynamics-apdd/.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences preferred.


• 1-2 years administrative, research, or related work experience in a nonprofit or academic environment preferred.


• Previous work experience with, or detailed knowledge of, Africa and peacebuilding preferred.


• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills and a high degree of professionalism are essential.


• Excellent writing and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.


• Experience and/or familiarity with web and database development and maintenance preferred.


• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and respond flexibly to changing demands.


• Proficiency in MS Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook), database management, and Internet applications.


• Ability to multitask and prioritize daily activities to meet competing deadlines.


• Photography and graphic design skills a plus.


• Ability and willingness to travel internationally (10%).

Responsibilities

• Support with the overall administration of the program.


• Assist with the selection and administrative processes for program awards and agreements, including maintaining a database of contacts, fellows, committee members and related correspondence.


• Organize on- and off-site workshops and meetings. This includes handling logistical support, preparing meeting agendas and other relevant meeting materials, and coordinating and facilitating correspondence with participants and all relevant constituents during workshops and meetings.


• Serve as rapporteur for program workshops and meetings, which will include taking minutes of complex discussions, drafting event summaries, etc.


• Assist with the production of advertising and outreach materials.


• Help expand the program’s online presence, which includes managing and updating program web pages and social media applications.


• Assist with digital media projects, such as blogs, podcasts, and social media postings on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Flickr.


• Assist with drafting program narrative and financial reports, and proposals.


• Maintain contact lists and databases and manage APDD files and records.


• Work with budgets and financial reports and process and reconcile expenses against budgets.


• Other duties and additional responsibilities and projects as directed.

Terms, Salary and Benefits

Annual salary is $60,000. Comprehensive benefits include health, dental, vision, disability, life, and gym reimbursement; annual tuition and/or student loan reimbursement and professional development funds; pension plan and tax savings programs; generous vacation and sick leave; and more.

Location terms: Candidates should be present in the New York metro area upon start of employment.

Application Information

To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and a brief writing sample that demonstrates your research abilities in the social sciences (maximum 1,800 words, including any tables or figures).

The Social Science Research Council is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are dedicated to equal employment opportunity and to cultivating and sustaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce.  SSRC maintains a policy of nondiscrimination with all employees and applicants for employment.  All aspects of employment with the Council are made on the basis of competence, skill and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, national origin/ancestry, ethnicity, age, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital or domestic partner status, medical conditions (including pregnancy and/or genetic information) or physical or mental disability, citizenship status or any other categories prohibited by law.