Senior Program Officer (U.S. Program) - USIEF (Apply by: 10 Aug'14)

Basic Functions of the position

The incumbent reports to the Deputy Director. S/He provides long and short-term direction to the Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright Fellowship programs for American citizens. The Program Officer advises and helps the top management on policy decisions and in strategic planning. S/He develops robust strategies and goals for the U.S. Program and supervises and monitors all program operations, including outreach and publicizing opportunities to host American scholars in India.

The Program Officer works with administrative agencies in the U.S. to publicize program to American citizens and interfaces with American Fulbright grantees, alumni and academic institutions.

Major duties and responsibilities include:

Strategic planning

• Identify annual goals and develop annual work plans at all-India level for the U.S. Program, including budgeting, recruitment and selection for Fulbright-Nehru and other Fulbright fellowship opportunities, outreach, programming with alumni, and designing new program initiatives.

Outreach

• Develop and implement an outreach strategy to increase the American grantee pool; Coordinate with own team and regional officers to achieve synergy.
• Analyze applicant and grantee profiles and compile statistics that will shape outreach plans.
• Ensure greater outreach to underrepresented institutions.
• Develop innovative and timely publicity and communication materials.
• Identify strategic partners for cost-share programs.

Selection of American Fulbrighters

• Identify, set up and orient the expert committee and selection panel for the selection of American grantees.
• Supervise and coordinate with own team to ensure quality and timeliness in the selection process.
• Ensure the selection of the best-fit candidates; Provide robust inputs on the content and context of the proposals / applications.
• Secure placements/affiliations for scholars from Indian institutions.

Processes and systems for American Fulbrighters

• Supervise the overall coordination and communication with short-listed applicants, US government agencies and partner organizations.
• Ensure smooth travel planning, grant disbursal and visa formalities for the scholars.
• Arrange orientation programs/individual briefings for scholars, and provide in-country support to scholars during their grant.
• Manage excellent relationships with the GOI and the Public Affairs Department of U.S. Embassy.
• Envision, plan and implement events for deepening grantee interface, especially the grantee orientation (one-on-one) and the in-country orientations.
• Conduct the American Scholar satisfaction survey annually and introduce service innovations based on the outcome of the scholar satisfaction survey.
• Develop a strategy for regular communication with American grantees.
• Review and mentor own team and regional officers to ensure full achievement of American program targets.

Build a vibrant USIEF community

• Visit / conduct meetings with American grantee in all the regions.
• Plan and execute programs around American Fulbrighters especially in the Northern region.
• Envision and facilitate collaborations between American and Indian grantees.
• Design and facilitate sessions in conferences on higher education.

Any other responsibilities as assigned by the Deputy Director or Executive Director

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Education: Master’s Degree in any discipline with a demonstrable interest in the higher education sector; Doctorate degree preferred. A U.S. University degree is also preferred.

Experience: Minimum 10 years of Professional / Supervisory experience preferably in the education sector. Experience in a multicultural environment in an educational institution or NGO will be an added advantage.

Skills: High level oral and written English Communication, knowledge of U.S. higher education system, public speaking skills, knowledge of the local language (s), commitment to cross-cultural exchange, financial management, self-driven with strong networking and liaising sills, partnership building sills, adaptability/flexibility, initiative and team working. Understanding of academic and business ethics. The candidate should be able to work independently. Creativity and problem solving skills are assets. Computer Skills: Fluency in MS Office – Outlook, word, excel, power-point and other presentation tools; database management; adept in Internet based tools and use of social media.

Knowledge: Work knowledge, higher educational systems of U.S. and India, Business ethics.

Compensation: Commensurate with qualification and experience.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should complete the USIEF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION FORM and e-mail as word attachment to careers@usief.org.in along with detailed CV and a Cover letter explaining how you meet the competency criteria or send a printed copy of these documents to:

Manager HR

United States-India Educational Foundation

12 Hailey Road

New Delhi – 110001

The last date for receiving the completed application forms for the positions is August 10, 2014. Only short-listed candidates will be notified

Only applications completed on the USIEF Employment Application Form along with detailed CV and Cover letter will be considered.