Program Officer

The East-West Center (EWC) promotes better relations and understanding among the people and nations of the United States, Asia, and the Pacific through cooperative study, research, and dialogue. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1960, the Center serves as a resource for information and analysis on critical issues of common concern, bringing people together to exchange views, build expertise, and develop policy options.

The Center's 21-acre Honolulu campus, adjacent to the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, includes conference facilities, three residence halls, and an office building that houses research, program, and administrative activities. The Center also has an office in Washington, D.C., that provides accessibility to US, regional government stakeholders, and program partners with innovative training, analytical and dialogue exchange, and public diplomacy products to meet US policy priorities and expressed needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

Our Research team is seeking an on-site Program Officer for a limited, one-year appointment (with possibility of extension). This position provides a wide range administrative and operational support to designated team(s), ensuring that our programs have the appropriate work coordination, planning, reporting, communications, and budgeting. The incumbent may support different programs cross-departmentally and be involved in programmatic interactions with various internal and external constituencies, as appropriate.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Interprets, applies, and ensures compliance with Center participant-related policies and procedures. Recommends changes as needed.
• Composes participant awards and award change notifications, and all related documents in consultation with fellows and other appropriate staff. Informs participants of EWC policies and procedures relevant to their category of participation. Monitors awards for fulfillment of conditions and compliance with the EWC, U.S. government and other country policies and procedures.
• Manages participant awards and related documents, including visa applications and health insurance applications, to enable the individual to participate in activities. Drafts invitation letters to participants. Writes and distributes to participants information regarding administrative arrangements. Communicates with participants regarding tax implications.
• Advises participants of procedural, administrative, health, and personal matters. Exercises tact and cultural sensitivity in establishing and maintaining cooperative relationships with multicultural and diverse levels of participants (e.g. heads of government agencies, professors, country program representative, etc.). Serves as an after-hours contact person for participant emergencies.
• Provides appropriate written and oral orientation for new participants and other visitors regarding Center wide policies and procedures, services, personnel and everyday life at the Center. When appropriate, provides orientation with other Center offices.
• Plans and oversees non-academic aspects (sightseeing, dinners, etc.) of participants experience within research areas as requested. Coordinates plans as needed with other offices within and outside the Center.
• Assists in planning and administering program and logistical support for individual and group activities including workshops, conferences, and seminars both at the East-West Center and at locations in the United States and other countries.
• Assists staff fellows with planning and budgeting for participant programs/activities and prepares work calendars. Monitors activity budget. Recommends corrective action as appropriate. Recommends approval of expenditures for participants and appropriate activities.
• Prepares consultant contracts, Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) or Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) where applicable.
• Maintains awareness of, and communicates to staff timely about revised country policies and procedures.
• Consults with appropriate staff to resolve problems regarding participant procedures and activities.
• Provides administrative support for workshops and seminars as needed.
• Assists with recruitment, logistical, administrative, and support…