Program Associate (Operations), Trade

Company Overview

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 (the Alliance) aids developing countries in implementing the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The Alliance 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 Associate (Operations), Trade
Reports to: Program Director (Operations), Trade
Scope: CIPE is seeking a full-time, non-exempt position based in Washington, D.C. for a Program Associate for CIPE’s trade practice and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (the Alliance). This role provides programmatic, operational, and research support to CIPE’s trade team and portfolio of projects, working closely with the team’s program director (operations), program managers, and the director. The position offers an excellent opportunity for interested candidates to gain exposure to trade facilitation and international development from both a programmatic and a team operations perspective.
The division of responsibilities will vary depending on the successful candidate’s capabilities and interests, but is generally expected to be split roughly 50/50 between programmatic and operational support.
Responsibilities
Programmatic (50%)

• Provide support to an assigned portfolio of trade projects, assisting project managers with project development, management, and evaluation
• Monitor project activities, schedules, budgets, and contracts in conjunction with team members to ensure timely delivery of program activities
• Work with project and grants managers to support procurement of suitable consultants and vendors. Responsibilities may include developing and publishing terms of reference; organizing and analyzing proposals received; supporting proposal evaluation processes; drafting contracts and modifications, and collecting, processing, and storing consultant and vendor data
• Conduct country and region-specific research; contribute to the development of country briefs, concept notes, and project proposals; and report on events related to the team’s portfolio

Operational / Administrative (50%)

• Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements and logistics for staff, consultants, and external partners, including travel authorizations, bookings, payments, and expense reports
• Process consultant and vendor payments and credit card reconciliations
• In coordination with the Program Director (Operations) and project managers, support management of program and project budgets through financial planning, analysis, expense tracking, data collection, and reporting for internal and external audiences
• Work with the Program Director (Operations) and team members to oversee the team’s procurement and travel activities, including procurement planning, oversight of contract budgets and end dates, and travel expense monitoring
• Provide administrative support to the Deputy Director and Program Director (Operations), including travel arrangements, expense reports, documents for signature, and special projects as assigned
• Contribute to team brainstorming on new projects and initiatives, and on creative approaches to project and operations management.
• Support the planning and execution of internal and external meetings and events, and record meeting minutes.
• Depending on the successful candidate’s skill set and interests, there will be opportunities to support business development for both CIPE and the Alliance, the planning and execution of internal and external outreach strategies, and communications efforts

Qualifications:

• ​​​​Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in international relations, international business, economics, political science, public policy, or related field preferred
• Minimum of one year of administrative office experience required. Experience supporting international development or public policy programs preferred
• Interest in international business and trade, and the private sector’s role in democratic governance and economic development
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Proactive problem solver and critical thinker
• Strong writing, research, and analytical abilities
• Excellent interpersonal, coordination, and communication skills
• High degree of cultural competence, with the ability to work in a diverse team environment, across time zones in a hybrid setting
• Financial acumen with the ability to develop, manage, and monitor budgets and complete financial reporting tasks
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken in English
• Fluency or advanced competency in a second language is beneficial, but not required
• Strong computer skills, proficiency in MS Office, specifically Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Contribute to an organization-wide culture of innovation, integrity, inclusion, and respect