Regional Program Associate, Asia and the Middle East

The Regional Program Associate is responsible for project management and administration for the Asia and Middle East region. S/he has three primary responsibilities: (1) to provide effective and efficient administration of project funding and management; (2) to provide project-related data, documentation, and reports for both internal and external recipients; and (3) to provide administrative support to the regional team as needed. S/he will also have regional and/or cross-regional substantive assignments to undertake and manage. The deadline for applications is December 2, 2013.

I. Project Management and Administration

1.        Manage full and timely compliance with LWR policies and procedures for project approval, implementation of partner cooperation agreements, and closing and archiving projects.

2.        Create and maintain complete project records (electronic, hard copy, and database) that meet LWR, legal and audit requirements.

3.        Create and maintain partner records (electronic, hard copy, and database) that contain required elements for Patriot Act compliance checks (bank accounts, partner staff names).

4.        Analyze and critique project proposals and concept papers. Provide recommendations regarding approval to the Regional Director. Coordinate with regional staff to acquire revised proposals. Prepare complete, high quality proposal packages for project approval.

5.        Compose and maintain up-to-date project-related documents for the board of directors, constituents, and donors.

6.        Ensure timely submission to LWR Headquarters of accurate, high quality progress, financial, audit, and evaluation reports.

7.        Review and analyze narrative, financial, audit, and evaluation reports for adherence to approved activities and budgets and progress toward intended outcomes. Coordinate with overseas office staff and/or partners to find solutions when reporting problems arise. Give final program approval/sign-off to financial and audit reports.

8.        Monitor projects and provide technical and administrative support to field offices and partners during travel to the region.

9.        Monitor project, regional unrestricted and designated fund balances and expenditures.

10.     Manage fund transfers and payment requests including analyzing partner fund requirements and eligibility, providing official notification of transfer, and ensuring receipt of confirmation in compliance with audit standards.

11.     Translate documents and/or source for translation. Provide and/or source for interpreting.

12.     Prepare reports, responses to inquiries, and project descriptions for internal and external use, as requested.

II. Regional Administration

1.        Serve as primary HQ point person for regionally based staff and partners.

2.        Prepare and/or assist in preparation of internal reports, proposal drafts, annual regional (EDF) and/or regional office budgets, correspondence, contracts, and terms of reference for contractors and consultants.

3.        Arrange travel (visas, itineraries, letters of invitation, and/or accommodations) for visits to and from the region for staff, board, consultants, and other visitors.

4.        Support the development of regional meeting agendas and arrangements and provide required meeting materials. Facilitate regional meeting trainings and workshops, as needed.

5.        Coordinate employee orientation and prepare orientation manuals, as needed.

III. Teamwork

1.        Actively engage in the development and periodic review and revision of LWR's strategy, policies, procedures, manuals, and guidelines.

2.        Actively work as part of the regional team to develop the program strategy paper and annual operational plan.

3.        Assist and backstop the Regional Director and Deputy Regional Director in ensuring a timely response to disasters and complex emergencies.

4.        Backstop the Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director, Regional Program Manager for Grants, and other Program Associate in their absence.

IV. Fundraising and Constituent Engagement

1.        Assist the regional team in writing, preparing, and packaging proposals to submit to foundations and other potential donors.

2.        Provide timely and accurate information on programs to the Regional Program Manager for Grants and/or External Relations staff, as requested. Prepare responses to inquiries and project descriptions for donor and/or constituent use.

3.        Represent LWR to constituents, peer NGOs, and church bodies.

4.        Be responsible and accountable for engaging US Lutherans effectively in the work of LWR and ensuring that LWR's work in marginalized communities is of the highest quality and integrity.

5.        If travel is required - Familiarity and compliance with LWR's safety and security procedures and protocols.

6.        Willingness and ability to contribute to LWR's New Business Development initiatives.

7.        Engagement in ongoing professional development

V. Other job related duties as assigned

1.        Deep commitment to LWR's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

2.        Experience with and commitment to working in a very diverse workforce.

3.       At least two years' experience working in a program-related, administrative capacity with an international development or humanitarian agency is required.

4.        A graduate degree or the equivalent is preferred. Experience living and/or working in a focus region or country is highly desirable.

5.        Ability to conduct written and spoken business in English. Excellent writing, public speaking, analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving skills are required.

6.        Knowledge of key development and economic and social justice issues at a practical and policy level. Practical and intellectual familiarity with the specific countries where LWR works.

7.        Demonstrated ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple tasks and complex logistics under pressure. Demonstrated ability to work independently (with little supervision), as part of a team, and to accept supervision. Ability to take initiative, anticipate, see tasks through to completion, and prioritize.

8.        Highly proficient in using Word, Excel, Outlook, database, e-mail, and web browser software. Demonstrated ability to learn quickly to use new software applications effectively.

9.        Good interpersonal skills, ability to be both a team leader and a team player and to work with people of varied backgrounds.

10.     Willingness to travel to the region (up to 20% of time)