Senior Program Associate, Lac

Chemonics seeks a Senior Program Associate to support the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) business unit. This recruit is expanded to include Chemonics' global workforce. The LAC portfolio includes work in Colombia, Mexico and the Northern Triangle, and Peru, and covers a range of technical sectors, including democracy and governance (D&G), environment and natural resources (ENR), and economic growth and trade (EGT). LAC's forward market also includes work in Central America focused on D&G, ENR, and EGT. The Sr. Program Associate will provide advanced support with project administration and complete professional and administrative tasks related to supporting global project(s) implementation in the LAC BU focused on either ENR or D&G. They will support proposal and new business development efforts within LAC and companywide. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.
We are looking for a self-starter with strong communication, interpersonal, and strategic thinking skills who works well on teams. Candidates who bring a strong work ethic and attention to detail, possess excellent judgement and discretion, and are passionate about making a difference in the lives of people around the world. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as we will interview and fill the position on a rolling basis.
** This role requires on-site work in our Washington, DC office location as part of our hybrid, flexible work structure.
Responsibilities include:
Project Management

• Responds to and answers questions from corporate and project offices regarding client policies and regulations
• Liaises directly with relevant support departments, such as human resources and compliance, to ensure project compliance with rules, regulations, and corporate policy, in consultation with program manager or director as appropriate
• Tracks, and when appropriate, reviews project and financial deliverables and reports for completeness and readiness for submission. May provide copy editing support as needed
• Drafts and tracks administrative and financial project requests and changes to clients and partners, including approvals for staffing, financial reporting and tracking, activity modifications, and budget adjustments. May liaise with corporate office and project staff and partners staff to obtain information and submit approvals
• Leads recruitment efforts for expatriate and local staff under supervision of a manager/director, including sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, checking references, collecting employment verification documentation, and provide finalist feedback
• Supports monthly reforecasting for project budget; drafts monthly budget and staffing memos; participates in corporate budgeting process as requested
• Provides review of local expenses, supporting documentation, and draft invoices to manager for review and approval
• Analyzes and submits subaward invoices and backup documentation. Drafts subawards and modifications; liaises closely with subaward partners on contractual issues
• Completes data entry of monthly project invoicing, subaward partner and consultant information, expense reports, and other types of data as requested
• Provides travel support for employees and consultants by gathering relevant travel information, reserving tickets, and seeking necessary travel authorizations and approvals. Liaises with traveler to collect expense reports and required backup documentation
• Processes monthly wire transfer requests and provides initial reviews to ensure completeness and accuracy as well as submits final wire transfer request package for approval
• Drafts and submits employment agreements and collects necessary backup documentation to complete administrative procedures for onboarding
• Facilitates fielding and repatriation of employees and consultants by submitting separation paperwork, updating allowances, coordinating travel and household effects repatriation
• Facilitates securing residency permits, tax documentation, and housing for expatriate staff. Oversees the administration of expatriate staff allowances
• Leads Project Management Unit (PMU) efforts for complete and comprehensive project documentation by saving relevant project documents and approvals to project SharePoint files and facilitating document reviews and file audits as appropriate
• Schedules and leads meetings, prepares agenda, and captures notes as appropriate
• Participates in internal and external training events to strengthen core competencies for project management in line with donor regulations and Chemonics corporate standards
• May contribute dedicated time to other work streams and functions to achieve BU goals, including: new business, operations, and technical practice contributions

New Business and Technical Development

• Participates on proposal teams in specific line roles of increasing complexity including, but not limited to, past performance writer, corporate capabilities writer, expatriate and/or local recruiter, section writer, cost preparer, coordinator, and subcontractor/subaward partner liaison. Provides mentorship
• Travels when appropriate to conduct information gathering regarding new business efforts, including meeting with potential subaward partners
• Contributes to technical practice(s) as required by BU and corporate needs and performs other duties as required

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum 2 years of relevant administrative or professional work experience including one year of procurement, contractual, project management, or related experience
• Knowledge of USAID, other donors and private sector trends in the ENR or D&G sector preferred
• Experience with data entry, filing, cataloguing, retrieving, and preserving records preferred
• Communicates clearly and concisely in both verbal and written communications; strong cross-cultural communication and sensitivity skills
• Demonstrated experience multitasking with attention to detail, organization, and time management skills
• Demonstrated experience following standard practices and procedures, receiving general instruction and supervision, and contributing to projects and initiatives
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
• Works independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated resourcefulness in problem solving and initiative to learn new skills
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility, and integrity
• Strong knowledge of MS Office applications
• Previous experience working in international development and/or living or conducting volunteer work in developing countries a plus
• Willing to travel up to 8 weeks per year
• Professional fluency (written and oral) in Spanish and English required

Application instructions:
Apply by 11:59pm EST, January 30th, 2024. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.
Chemonics is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Chemonics is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, age, or other legally protected characteristics. Military veterans, AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni are encouraged to apply.
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
Chemonics will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by Chemonics, or (c) consistent with Chemonics legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)