Programs Officer

About the Global Center on Cooperative Security

The Global Center on Cooperative Security (Global Center) is an international nongovernmental organization that advances human rights–centered responses to political violence and violent extremism and the injustices that drive them. We believe cooperation among community groups, governments, and international organizations such as the United Nations is critical to achieving a just and secure world.

For over 20 years, the Global Center has worked to support communities affected by political violence, reform institutions, foster partnerships, and shape domestic and international security policies that protect human rights and civil liberties. Our diverse team of international experts have earned the trust of civil society groups, governments, international organizations, and private sector stakeholders alike.

Since 2004, we have implemented more than $60 million in grant funding across 300 programs in more than 60 countries, working with governments, international organizations, the private sector, and community groups.

Position Summary

The Global Center is seeking an early/mid-career professional to support capacity development programming that advances equitable collaboration between civil society, government, private sector, and multilateral actors to realize a more just and secure world.

Working under the supervision of colleagues addressing cross-cutting thematic and geographic programs, the successful candidate has a demonstrated passion for human rights, security, and development and is keen to contribute their skills to a diverse range of programs.

The position will initially support Global Center programs on rehabilitation and reintegration of former terrorism offenders in Bangladesh and Indonesia, as well as other Global Center projects relating to countering the financing of terrorism and other related issues. As needed, other engagements may include work to empower civil society, advance justice and good governance, and influence national, regional, and international security policy and practice.

Working alongside staff in London, Nairobi, New York, or DC you will collaborate with international experts, project partners, and funders to develop and implement programs globally, including regular travel to countries of operation.

Responsibilities will include a range of operational and administrative tasks in support of Global Center’s programs, including contributing to planning, delivery, evaluation and program activities; logistical planning, coordination, and execution of events and meetings; drafting and editing of project documents, correspondence, and meeting materials; data entry; note taking; research assistance; communication with partners, diplomats and vendors; database management and contacts maintenance; as well as other tasks as assigned.

As the Ideal Candidate

You are committed to learning about and engaging with new and diverse subject material across different projects. You have a keen interest in equitable and fair justice and financial systems, as well as foundational knowledge of key security and human rights issues including those relating to political violence and violent extremism. You are eager to learn, self-reflective, and willing to challenge ideas and ask questions. You are hard-working, detail-oriented, proactive, resourceful, and analytical.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about supporting inclusive, evidence-based programming, and understand the importance of working in partnership with diverse colleagues and stakeholders to develop and implement impactful programs. The ideal candidate must be committed to ensuring that all interactions are aligned with the Global Center’s values and are culturally responsive, respectful, and based on the organization’s commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and anti-racism.

Role and Responsibilities

As a member of an international, dynamic, and multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will be assigned the following responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of project workplans, including inception phase consultations and capacity development activities.
• Collaborate with team members, expert-practitioners, project partners, and funders in the development and implementation of program activities.
• Assist with the cultivation and management of a network of local, regional, and international beneficiaries, experts, partners, and donors from government, community groups, and civil society organizations.
• Organize the administrative and logistical planning of activities, including the preparation of meeting materials, securing venues and equipment, and arranging transportation.
• Support effective financial management of program activities, including adherence to organizational procurement policies, expense reporting, management of vendor relationships, and processing of contractual and vendor payments with approval.
• Collect data and contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of program activities.
• Produce rigorous reporting on program developments, experience, lessons learned, challenges, and assess short, medium and long-term results.
• Contributes to research tasks as needed, including program background research, issue and policy analysis, and research components of publications as needed.
• Support fundraising and development efforts, including drafting components of concept notes and proposals and contributing to context analysis and program design.
• Collaborate on and assist with organization-wide priorities, including administrative support, research, internal and external meetings, and strategic reviews and evaluations as needed.
• International travel will be required.

Core Knowledge and Skills

• Strong organizational and program management skills, including with scheduling, event planning, and working across multiple time-zones.
• Strong ability to meet deadlines, manage tasks and schedules, maintain regular and responsive communication, and work independently as well as in a collaborative team.
• Interest and/or knowledge on human rights-based responses to political violence and violent extremism, including gender-responsive security policies and practices.
• Interest and/or understanding of the centrality of human rights and the rule of law in the prevention and response to political violence and violent extremism.
• Proven ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy in an exciting but challenging environment, including ability to navigate cultural, linguistic, and political landscapes.
• Ability to engage effectively and respectfully with a range of cross-cultural colleagues and stakeholders, including partners, consultants, government officials, non-governmental organizations, and embassy personnel.

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in international relations, law, international development, criminology, sociology, security policy, or other related field is required.
• 2-5 years of professional experience is required.
• Excellent written communication skills are essential. Foreign language skills are desired, but not required.
• Experience interacting with internal and external contacts such as government and policymakers, civil society, and donors (experience in the Global South is an advantage).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint is required.
• Must have authorization to work in the United Kingdom, Kenya, or the United States.