Program Specialist

Full Job Description

The incumbent serves as Program Specialist in the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL).

The incumbent provides assistance, advice, and general support on matters associated with COIL's service functions, business operations and international exchange programs.

Completes on-going assignments and business support functions with minimal supervision and undertakes special assignments with supervision of manager. Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to interpret policy and resolve complex problems that may arise.

Excellent interpersonal skills to form mutually beneficial relationships with staff, vendors, or other external and internal stakeholders.

Ability to work quickly and accurately in a quick-paced environment while code-switching between various unrelated tasks effectively. Legislative Branch experience preferred but not required.

Attention to detail is a must. Major Duties:

Works with higher-graded Program Managers and assists with specific/selected phases of the design, implementation, and evaluation of program and projects, including communicating issues and coordinating activities within COIL.

Analyzes assigned program issues in accordance with instructions and participates in the preparation of project documentation, including concept and planning papers, program descriptions, and program assessments in line with COIL regulations and specific guidance.

Participates in COIL workshops and conferences and in meetings of cooperating agencies, donors, academics and representatives of other development organizations. May travel overseas and within U.S.

to view and/or monitor program implementation and to participate in program activities.

Accomplishes work related to the conceptualization, design, documentation, and/or management of programs and/or projects.

Designs, documents, and/or evaluates mission-specific and/or centralized programs and projects.

Analyzes assigned issues in accordance with instructions and participates in the preparation of project documentation, including concept papers, project authorizations, and project amendments, in line with agency regulations and specific guidance.

Reviews objectives based on requests, perceived needs, U.S. policy, and determined priorities. May travel to view and/or monitor project implementation and to participate in project activities.

Under the guidance of an assigned supervisor or mentor, completes work assignments and special projects.

Special projects include assignments in both the agency's mission-related functions as well as business operations.

Plans and carries out assignments in strict accordance with instructions and policy guidelines and informs the supervisor and mentor of progress and status.

Provides support for and assists in the research and/or analysis of established or regularly recurring issues of a program and/or administrative nature.

Determines pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources. Reviews information and applies standard analytical techniques. Develops recommendations and proposals.

Maintains liaison with appropriate organizations or Individuals on program matters, such as providing tracking, monitoring, or program assessment information.

Prepares correspondence, reports, proposals, or other documents related to work assignments or program activities conducted under supervisory guidance.

In conjunction with the Senior Program Manager gathers, interprets, and analyzes information, and records information necessary for reports and other documents.

Prepares and delivers presentations to a variety of audiences connected to COIL concerning projects related to work assignments and special project assignments.

Working with higher level staff, identifies and analyzes feasibility, and effectiveness of existing and proposed agency standards, regulations, programs or policies.

Evaluates alternatives, suggests improvements, and makes recommendations to management. Researches and gathers data, preparing reports for a variety of functions.

Suggests inputs to documents in areas of responsibility. Perform additional duties as assigned.