Program Officer

World Learning seeks a Program Officer for the US Department of State-funded Leaders for Democracy Fellowship Program (LDF) to be based in Beirut, Lebanon. World Learning is an 80-year-old global non-profit organization with operations in 77 countries.  Through its award-winning international education programs – The Experiment in International Living, the SIT Graduate Institute, SIT Study Abroad and the International Honors Program (IHP) – World Learning fosters global citizenship by connecting over 3,000 young ambassadors annually across cultural differences and social barriers.  Through its International Development & Exchange Programs, World Learning practices what it teaches, undertaking community-driven international development, training and exchange projects in sixteen countries.  Title:                     Program Officer         Specialization:     MENA Exchange  Reports To:          LDF MENA Director                Location:              Beirut, Lebanon             Background:      Over two years the LDF program will transform the lives of 100 emerging leaders in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through both US and Lebanon-based fellowships that combine five-weeks of academic learning with a nine week practicum, Fellows will gain the knowledge and skills needed to be positive change agents in their communities. LDF creates opportunities to sustain and build on this learning through a dynamic alumni network that is informed by comprehensive stakeholder assessments and continued interaction with the existing LDF alumni community. Summary:           Under the supervision of the LDF MENA Director, the MENA Exchange Program Officer will provide support and assistance to overall program implementation including planning, designing, organizing and implementing the Lebanon-based exchange program and supporting LDF alumni network activities. This position works with professionals ages 25 – 40 from 16 countries in the Middle East and North Africa as participants of the LDF Program. The appointee requires excellent coordination, communication and planning skills along with a detail-oriented focus and ability to coordinate and communicate with the Lebanon exchange participants, LDF alumni and fellowship host organizations effectively. General Program Officer Responsibilities and Duties: Support the MENA Director in developing and maintaining a detailed work plan to complete the Lebanon-based exchange program tasks in an efficient and timely manner; Ensure timely implementation of all the activities related to the participants’ Lebanon exchange program including organizing and facilitating Lebanon-based fellowships and continuous monitoring and follow-up with selected participants; Prepare and track financial aspects of exchange program arrangements, including per diem requests and receipts, checks for vendors and invoices, ensuring that all financial transactions are executed in compliance with accounting procedures and requirements; Maintain files of all the relevant documents for the exchange program and the program participants (soft and hard copies) Contribute to overall project reporting Handle other tasks as assigned by the LDF MENA Director Support World Learning in any other programs as needed MENA Exchange Responsibilities and Duties: Lead in preparation of all needed documents required for the participants’ Lebanon-based exchange programs; Enroll participants in health coverage Play a supporting role in participant visa processing Prepare pre-departure, orientation and program materials for participants; prepare participant biographical information and materials for implementing partner and host organizations and maintain  participant tracking sheets;  Conduct research to identify appropriate, cost-effective program components; Arrange program logistics (international and domestic air and ground travel/housing/fellowship placements/meeting and event space/supplies and equipment); Act as liaison between participants and fellowship host organizations in Lebanon; Help ensure completion and delivery of all program deliverables by partner organizations and participants; Coordinate with partner organization on implementation of weekly Beirut-based professional development seminars,  meetings and appointments; develop individualized programs for each participant and make any authorized changes in program; Support and implement social media strategy for the program; Support LDF Alumni Network programming including assistance with outreach, activity preparations, monitoring and follow-up. Maintain data on program and participants and contribute to participant monitoring and the distribution and collection of surveys Qualifications and Requirements: A Master’s degree in a related field preferred or a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years equivalent/relevant experience working with the US Department of State or other donors on international exchange or development programs, preferably in a management capacity; Strong computer and internet proficiency (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentations and web-based tools); Strong cross-cultural and interpersonal skills; Demonstrated accuracy, attention to detail, organizational and event planning ability; Strong coordination, logistical, and time management stills; Demonstrated experience coordinating and communicating with program partner organizations or institutions; Team player, able to work respectfully and cooperatively with colleagues or different national and cultural backgrounds; Proven strong written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic; Professional experience using social media platforms; Experience living/studying/working abroad and with other countries in the MENA region preferred; Prior report writing experience; Past experience with exchange participant placement and monitoring and program monitoring and evaluation preferred.