Program Assistant

The Social Science Research Council (SSRC) is an independent, international, nonprofit organization devoted to the advancement of interdisciplinary research in the social sciences through workshops, meetings, conferences, fellowships, grants, training institutes, scholarly exchanges, research, and publications.

The African Peacebuilding and Developmental Dynamics program (APDD) advances African-led research and scholarship on peacebuilding, governance, and developmental changes in conflict-affected countries and sub-regions in Africa. The program examines economic, environmental, and political trends, the emergence and dynamics of new actors, and the interplay between local and external factors driving socio-economic transformations, conflict trajectories, and evolving peacebuilding responses.

Responsibilities

• Support the overall administration of the program.
• Assist with the selection and administrative processes for program awards and agreements, including maintaining a database of contacts, fellows, committee members, and related correspondence.
• Organize on- and off-site workshops and meetings, including logistical support, preparing meeting agendas and materials, and coordinating correspondence with participants.
• Serve as rapporteur for program workshops and meetings, taking minutes of complex discussions and drafting event summaries.
• Assist with the production of advertising and outreach materials.
• Expand the program’s online presence by managing and updating program web pages and social media applications (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, Flickr).
• Assist with digital media projects, such as blogs and podcasts.
• Assist with drafting program narrative and financial reports, and proposals.
• Maintain contact lists and databases and manage APDD files and records.
• Work with budgets and financial reports, and process and reconcile expenses against budgets.
• Perform other duties and additional responsibilities as directed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences preferred.
• 1-2 years of administrative, research, or related work experience in a nonprofit or academic environment preferred.
• Previous work experience with, or detailed knowledge of, Africa and peacebuilding preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with a high degree of professionalism.
• Strong writing and organizational skills, with attention to detail.
• Experience or familiarity with web and database development and maintenance preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and respond flexibly to changing demands.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), database management, and Internet applications.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize daily activities to meet competing deadlines.
• Photography and graphic design skills a plus.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally (10%).

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Gym reimbursement.
• Annual tuition and/or student loan reimbursement and professional development funds.
• Pension plan and tax savings programs.
• Generous vacation and sick leave.

Pay

Annual salary is $60,000.

Candidates should be present in the New York metro area upon start of employment.