Program Officer JICA Office

About Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)

Established as an Incorporated Administrative Agency under the Act of the Incorporated Administrative Agency - Japan International Cooperation Agency (Act No. 136, 2002), JICA aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation as well as the sound development of Japanese and global economy by supporting the socioeconomic development, recovery or economic stability of developing regions.

Primary Responsibility and Main Duties The program officer at JICA USA will be expected to support the office in all of its functions as relates to the agency’s development partners, including those within the U.S. Government (DFC, MCC, the State Department, etc.), international and bilateral donor organizations, NGOs, and think-tanks. S/he will also cover assigned development issues, such as Global Health, Education, Gender, etc.

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Please note:

the program officer’s issue-based/thematic foci will be determined based on their relevant university studies, work experience, and professional interests.) The program officer will report to and work at the discretion of the Chief Representative, along with other supervisors on a day-to-day basis. The program officer’s main duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Gathering information from a variety of sources (such as the Internet, seminars, interviews/meetings, congressional hearings) on development and foreign policy topics of interest to JICA;
• Tracking the policies, initiatives, and/or organizational developments of JICA’s partner institutions;
• Supporting JICA’s public relations and outreach efforts, including by drafting newsletters; tweeting; exploring new public outreach partnerships/initiatives; and drafting, editing, and/or proofreading speeches, presentations, reports, etc.;
• Compiling and reporting information in a timely manner for use in briefings to JICA colleagues (such reporting takes the form of a newswire, e-newsletter, quarterly reports, and written briefs/memoranda); and,
• Liaising between JICA USA and partner institutions to facilitate cooperation and collaboration.

• Fluency in spoken and written English;
• The ability to draft high-quality documents within tight deadlines (both for reporting and outreach purposes);
• Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated cultural sensitivity, and an ability to develop and establish relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and external counterparts;
• The ability to travel domestically and internationally;
• Proficiency with MS software applications; and,
• Interest in outreach activities, development issues, and international affairs

Qualifications and Requirements

• Applicants must meet either of the two requirements below: (a) Bachelor’s degree (in any field) with relevant working experience in international development.
  
  Experience with public relations and/or speech writing would be an advantage. (b) Master’s degree with an emphasis on international development.
  
  Working experience in (i) international development, and/or (ii) public relations and/or speech writing would be an advantage.
  • Legal entitlement to work in the U.S. is required (work permit, etc.)

Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email, with the title “Application for PO,” to [email protected] by Jan. 30, 2026, 17:00 pm EST. Inquiries about the application by phone will not be accepted. The position may close without notice before the stated deadline once a sufficient number of applications has been received.
1) Resume
2) Personal statement or cover letter elaborating why you have chosen to apply to this position and how your background can contribute to JICA’s mission and operations. (500 words maximum)
3) Documentation verifying legal entitlement to work in the U.S.

Washington D.C., District of Columbia
Hybrid