Program Associate, IVLP

Meridian International Center

Summary Of Position

The Program Associate (PA) works as part of a two-person team implementing the Department of State’s (DoS) International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP). Under the supervision of a Program Officer, Senior Program Officer or Vice President, the PA is responsible for all of the administrative and logistical arrangements for the IVLP participants, including disbursing and accounting for U.S. Government funds, completing travel arrangements, and preparing program documents.

• This position is located in Washington D.C. and Meridian requires MD, DC, or VA residence for all employees.
• The position may work partially remotely until further notice.

Key Responsibilities

• Uses database to prepare visitors' biographic information.
• Prepares welcome materials, including sightseeing information.
• Manages, disburses, tracks and reconciles authorized funds such as per diem, cultural allowance, ground transportation, and travel advances.
• Arranges and troubleshoots program logistics, including domestic flights, accommodations, ground transportation, cultural events, and group enhancements while staying within budget limits.
• Coordinates and communicates with assigned interpreters and liaisons about project details and briefs visitors on IVLP provisions, including funding, health insurance, and travel arrangements.
• Develops comprehensive budgets of projected expenses in consultation with PO for proposal submission to DoS.
• Uses database to prepare program booklets and supporting documents; arranges to have program documents translated, if necessary.
• Distributes biographic information and program booklets according to established timetables.
• Promptly pays bills, reconciles monthly Visa credit card statements, and processes travel expense reimbursements.
• Completes final accounting of total project expenditures for DoS and Meridian Finance Office according to established timetables.
• Maintains key documents in a permanent file, which is prepared for digital or off-site storage.
• Communicates and regularly up-dates DoS officers and coordinators about administrative issues.
• During virtual programs, creates and updates Digital Program Book and serves as technical coordinator for online meetings.
• Responsible for completing all organizational administrative responsibilities in a timely manner and meeting all organizational administrative deadlines.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Undergraduate degree
• 0-2 years of related experience
• Or any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with Washington, DC and the United States.
• Ability to work effectively and accurately under pressure.
• Mature judgment and the ability to set priorities.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Superior organizational skills.
• Ability to carry out responsibilities independently while functioning as part of a team.
• Strong inter-cultural communication skills; maturity, cultural sensitivity, and tact suitable for working with individuals from around the world.

Technical Requirements

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams is necessary for this role.
• Experience with Canva, Zoom and Salesforce is helpful.

Salary

$45,150-$66,701