Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.
We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.
If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.
JOB BRIEF
The Director for Latin America is responsible for overseeing the strategic development and overall management of the existing Latin America Program (LAP) as well as building innovative programmatic interventions in the region. The Director represents USIP in a wide range of public and private events, conducts media interviews and briefings for United States Government (USG) officials, executes research projects and policy-relevant reports, and participates as required in overall USIP management, budgeting, and strategic direction.
The Washington, DC based Latin America Program is active in three main areas in Central America, Venezuela, and Haiti on three lines of effort: 1) programing in peacebuilding; 2) research and analysis on conflict-related issues that can help to inform policy; and 3) convening public and private events that help to advance peace in the hemisphere.
The Director will be based in USIP’s Headquarters in Washington, DC and will report to the Vice President of the Latin America Program, along with a Country Director for Colombia. This role requires regular travel throughout the Regions as needed.
TARGET SALARY
GS 15 - $163,000 -$169,000
The Institute uses the General Schedule salary tables for administering compensation. Offers are determined based upon candidate qualifications, related experience, internal equity, and the amount budgeted for the position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Strategic Planning, and Program Design, Development and Management:
Lead and collaborates in the annual planning and regional strategy development processes, under the direction of the Vice-President and with field-based Country Directors. This includes developing the program’s strategic plan, goals, objectives, and operating plan in line with the Latin America Program and USIP Strategic plans; conducting a needs assessment to identify strategic and innovative programming opportunities across the region; and designating appropriate resources required to support projects in the region.
Oversee the design, development, and implementation of USIP’s programs in Latin America in line with strategic and operational plans and oversee and coordinate all USIP activities in the region outside Colombia.
Build and sustain strategic partnerships and cultivate contacts with subject matter experts and a wide variety of external organizations in the U.S., and Latin America. This effort includes strengthening relationships with U.S. Government counterparts and other like-minded institutions through regular reporting, information briefings, prompt responses to questions, and developing potential programming as well as strengthening regional partners to leverage resources and combine efforts to promote USIP program initiatives and goals.
Collaborate with LAP colleagues, and with other USIP Centers or teams with active programs in Latin America.
Oversee the program’s budget and recommend strategic decisions regarding future funding allocations.
Facilitate effective communication between field activities and Washington offices regarding program activities and ensure the highest level of communication and cooperation with relevant USIP departments/divisions/teams and external partners, including leading regular internal coordination meetings.
Make six to eight (6-8) trips/year to the field to visit and support programs and meet with key stakeholders.
Representation and Fundraising:
Attend and participate in external conferences, events, briefings to government officials, and media on behalf of USIP as a subject matter expert on conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean. This includes testimony to Congress.
Represent the Latin America Program in Washington, liaising with relevant officials of the USG, International Organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, and local community leaders and groups.
Oversee and participate in panels/events at USIP and other think tanks, universities, and institutes in DC.
Identify and cultivate appropriate funding sources and coordinate the development of concept notes, funding proposals, and inter-agency agreements in accordance with the Latin America strategic plan.
Personnel Management:
Provide oversight to the HQ and in-country operations, and provides effective managerial, administrative, financial, and logistical guidance and support for the successful implementation of USIP’s portfolio in the region.
Supervise directly or indirectly the work of Latin America Program employees, contractors and consultants in HQ and in-country.
Provide technical and administrative supervision to program staff and external consultants on the team; establish long-range work plans and ensure that appropriate goals and objectives are implemented; conduct performance evaluations for USIP staff members through positive leadership, inspire and motivate team members to achieve their best performance.
Work closely with the Vice President and other USIP colleagues to ensure policies and procedures are followed, and that all aspects of resource management are performed at the highest standard.
Research, Learning and Informing Policy:
Help develop and oversee the implementation of a research agenda, including anticipating issues of policy interest, and commissioning research that furthers understanding of Latin American conflict dynamics and is relevant to policymakers.
Contribute directly to USIP’s research/policy output by writing policy-relevant articles, briefing papers, analysis and commentary, op-eds, podcasts, and radio and television interviews.
Ensure USIP’s Latin America Program has strong monitoring, evaluation and learning components, and ensure that program learning is documented and used to inform the work of USIP and others.
Conceive, form, organize and implement policy-oriented working groups.
Ensure effective communication strategies and systems are in place so that USIP’s Latin America publications, program learning, and expertise are disseminated in ways that have the most impact in informing policy.
Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree or equivalent experience in social sciences, humanities, peace studies, or international relations/conflict management.
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience, with a strong focus on Latin America in at least two of the following areas: regional political/economic analysis; international development, peacebuilding/conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights.
Significant previous experience living and working in Latin America and/or demonstrated expertise; deep understanding of the political, economic, and social dynamics and of how to operate effectively and efficiently in two of the target areas (Central America, the Andes, Haiti).
Excellent representation and communication skills (oral and written), including cross-cultural, media, interpersonal skills; proven ability to deal with counterparts from the lowest and highest political, social, cultural, and economic levels.
Relevant grant management experience, including drafting and negotiating proposals and writing reports for USG agencies.
Strong program management skills and experience overseeing complex projects; and previous experience implementing adaptive programs in highly complex and dynamic environments.
Strong collaboration skills with the ability to coordinate the input and priorities of multiple players.
Excellent leadership skills with proven ability to lead and motivate others, and to work as a team player.
Ability to think strategically, and to effectively develop, communicate, and execute plans.
Fluency in English and Spanish is required.
Ability to travel consistently to Latin America and the Caribbean.
CLOSING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS 04/10/24.
All applicants must be US citizens to be considered for positions with USIP.
All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
1. Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
2. Cover letter
3. Resume
Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.
No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.
USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.
