Program Officer – Selection and Administration J. Christopher Stevens Digital Leaders Program

Position description

The Program Officer – Selection and Administration will provide operational, administrative, and logistical support for the implementation of the J. Christopher Stevens Digital Leaders Program, a U.S. Department of State-funded program that connects participants in the United States and the Middle East and North Africa. The program includes four interconnected components that build on one another: short-term virtual exchanges focused on leadership and professional skills development; virtual internships and project-based learning opportunities with U.S. and MENA organizations; in-person Alumni Accelerator workshops centered on themes such as STEM, artificial intelligence, digital media, entrepreneurship, and peacebuilding; and alumni seed funding to support participant-led community impact projects. The Program Officer will support the successful coordination of program activities of over 4,000 participants, partner communications, trainings, and events across multiple countries and time zones.

Working closely with the Program Manager and Senior Program Officers, the Program Officer will help ensure smooth day-to-day program operations, maintain compliance with organizational and donor requirements, support financial and reporting processes, and contribute to a high-quality participant experience. The position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced international program environment. The position reports to the Program Director. This is a Washington, D.C.-based position with a hybrid schedule of office and work-from home days (minimum two in-office days).

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• • Serves as operational lead for participant recruitment and selection, including application management and review process;
  • Takes the lead on administrative support to the program, including but not limited to, scheduling, facilitator payments, participant support, and maintenance of program documentation;
  • Coordinates logistics for virtual and in-person meetings, trainings, workshops, and exchange activities across multiple time zones;
  • Supports participant onboarding and communication in coordination with program staff and implementing partners;
  • Monitors program timelines, deliverables, and internal tracking systems to support successful implementation;
  • Provides administrative and operational support for facilitator trainings, virtual exchange activities, and alumni engagement efforts;
  • Supports outreach and coordination with educational institutions, civil society organizations, and partner organizations in the United States and MENA region;
  • Provides administrative and logistical support for Alumni Accelerators and other major program activities;
  • Updates the Program Manager and Senior Program Officers on program developments, implementation challenges, and key operational updates;
  • Maintains program databases, participant records, and filing systems in accordance with organizational and donor requirements;
  • Supports financial tracking, payment processing, and reconciliation activities in coordination with finance and operations teams;
  • Drafts quarterly reports, briefing materials, and program documentation; and
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree, preferably in international relations, international education, public administration, development, communications, or a related field;
  • Experience supporting complex programs, events, or international exchange activities;
  • Expert knowledge of Microsoft Office applications;
  • Ability to learn and use new software and platforms;
  • Extremely detail oriented;
  • Ability to effectively juggle multiple tasks and deadlines at the same time;
  • High level of interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity to interact effectively with participants, partners, and staff across backgrounds;
  • Excellent oral communication skills to present information effectively and respond to questions professionally and succinctly;
  • Exceptional writing skills to create clear and concise reports, correspondence, and briefing materials;
  • Capacity to work both independently and as a member of a team;
  • Ability to take initiative and adapt in a fast-paced environment; and
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration platforms.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• • Living or working experience outside the U.S.;
  • Experience supporting U.S. government-funded or donor-funded programs;
  • Background or experience with the MENA region;
  • Strong knowledge of basic budget and accounting procedures;
  • Experience with virtual exchange or international education programming; and
  • Ability and willingness to travel if needed.

WORK CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Essential functions are performed in a general office setting or remote work environment with low noise. Job demands may require long periods of sitting, telephone work and/or computer work, as well as interactions with other team members and external stakeholders and lifting up to 15 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Application instructions

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