Program Officer

About the Organization

QFI is a US-based organization committed to advancing the value of teaching and learning Arabic as a global language. QFI works to increase access to research-informed Arabic instruction for educators and students.

QFI works to foster and encourage the study of Arabic as a global language by supporting the professionalization of Arabic teaching and research-informed methodology and practices. With more than a decade of experience working in the Americas, the United Kingdom (UK) and Europe, QFI has established networks of educators, administrators, students, researchers, and other experts in language learning. With Arabic language programs more prominent at the university level, the number of Arabic education programs offered at the primary and secondary level has not changed much, providing an opportunity for QFI to position Arabic as a global language that is taught at an earlier age.

Position Summary

The Program Officer works to support and foster the development of professional development opportunities for primary and secondary level Arabic educators in both immersion and non-immersion classrooms in all of the geographies where QFI works. In addition, this role will support alignment of Arabic language instruction to world language standards, including the development and presence of Arabic education stakeholders at national and international roundtables related to the teaching and learning of global world languages.

Position Functions and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, each essential duty and responsibility must be performed satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned to meet business needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Lead the development, direction, organization and implementation of Arabic educator initial teacher training, on-going professional development workshops, and conference participation on panels and trainings in all of the geographies where QFI works for immersion and non-immersion educators.
• Manage and participate in working groups to align the instruction of Arabic to world language instruction standards for immersion and non-immersion programs, including ACTFL, CEFR, and other national or state level assessments
• Working with QFI’s Research Department, ensure that best practices and findings of research are incorporated into all of QFI’s professional development activities.
• Working with QFI’s Communications Department, ensure findings and take-aways are shared more broadly with the Arabic education ecosystem.
• Answer questions about QFI and its programs, when appropriate. Direct QFI beneficiaries and general community members to the correct information, resources, and fellow staff member(s) when necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated interest and knowledge of the Arabic language and Arab World.
• An interest in K-12 world language education policy at various levels and a passion to improve language education for all students.
• Program design and needs assessment evaluation.
• Commitment to QFI’s mission, vision and values.
• Ability to read and write in Arabic (minimum of intermediate level or higher on ACTFL scale, advanced level preferred).
• Experience managing budgets.
• Experience planning and implementing workshops or trainings.
• Comfort with and experience working in a multi-cultural and multilingual environment.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team.
• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to establish priorities and manage multiple tasks while being detail-oriented.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Demonstrated skills in problem solving and critical thinking.
• Strong presentation preparation skills.
• Strong team player who also works well independently.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to multi-task and work flexibly and creatively within a fast-moving, changing, and complex environment.

Requirements Experience

● Minimum of four to six years of previous experience working on language education programs, preferably with Arabic teaching or programming experience at the K-12 level. Education

● Four-year degree in a field of study such as Arabic, Middle Eastern Studies, Education, or International Relations.

Working Conditions

QFI currently operates on a Hybrid Work Policy with in-person work required two days per week (Thursdays required). Employees may be required to travel to QFI offices or third-party sites to attend meetings, events, or for other situations as deemed necessary by their supervisor.

Mostly sedentary; must be able to lift up to 20lbs.

Up to 20% travel required (international and domestic) following QFI Travel Policy.

This position description should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the sole standards for the position. Incumbents are expected to perform all other duties as required.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range is $60,000 to $68,000, depending upon experience, with competitive benefits. To be considered for this position you must reside in the Washington, DC metro area.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to arabic@qfi.org, with the subject line “Program Officer – QFI”. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $68,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Washington, DC 20005: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20005