Job Description

  ABOUT INTERACTION: 

InterAction is the largest U.S. based coalition of international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) with 180+ members working around the world in low- and middle-income countries, fragile and post-conflict states, and emerging/growth economies. Member organizations are large and small, secular and faith-based, with a focus on people living in the world’s most poor and vulnerable places. The U.S. public, foundations, and governments support the work of our member NGOs that collectively invest and manage more than $15.4 billion a year. InterAction revenues come from dues, government grants, private foundation and corporate grants, and a fee-for-service program portfolio. Using its collective voice and convening power, InterAction seeks to shape important policy decisions and actions across a wide range of issues – including foreign assistance, humanitarian relief, development, economic equity, food security, and climate change – that advance human dignity, human potential, and self-determination. 

To learn more about InterAction's mission, DEI approach, values and more visit the link below: 

Who We Are - InterAction 

BACKGROUND

InterAction is recruiting a Program Associate to support the Humanitarian Shelter and Settlements work stream within the Humanitarian Policy and Practice (HPP) Team.

Humanitarian Shelter and Settlements (S&S) assistance strives to provides safe, dignified, and appropriate living spaces and related settlements interventions to meet the most basic needs of conflict/disaster-affected and displaced populations. The S&S work at InterAction provides a platform to support and improve the collaboration, capacity, practices, and policies of InterAction Members and other stakeholders.

This is a full-time position based in Washington DC. Due to COVID-19, all staff are currently working remotely and following InterAction’s COVID-19 policies. InterAction aims to have staff transition back to the Washington, DC office in mid-fall. Telework options and hybrid schedules will be available.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Familiarize with the broader humanitarian S&S assistance modalities, keep up to date on crises-affected country contexts, and understand Members’ overarching challenges in providing humanitarian assistance, specifically shelter and settlements and NFIs.
• Conduct basic literature review on issues related to S&S such as: non-food shelter items; disaster risk reduction; the Settlements Approach[1]; protection and gender issues; camps and camp-like settings; communications with communities; house, land, property, and tenure security; and rental and hosting support.
• Supports InterAction’s Local leadership in Response, development of  new online trainings[2] (on Wider-Impacts of S&S[3], and the Settlements Approach), and analysis of needs and coverage in humanitarian settings. These involve significant group and individual consultations, conducting peer-reviews, and testing.
• Communication:
  1. Promote, and advocate for shelter needs and good practices via social media, blogs, and articles on research journals.
  2. Organize and manage monthly working group meetings and other forums with Members and external stakeholders.
• Support recruitment of consultants and contractual requirements, timelines, and payments.
• Facilitate meetings/events as well as liaison with the Global Shelter Cluster, UN Agencies, country clusters and field staff, business development and partnership support with donors, academic institutions, current and prospective members.
• Supporting USAID/BHA grant proposal development, management, and grant reporting

The Program Associate may be required to assist with other priority tasks from time to time. The Program Associate will spend 5% of their time in learning and professional development and may be required to support other teams and organizational logistics and administrative tasks, as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree with a focus on international development, humanities, social work, international law, conflict studies or similar fields; or several years of college plus equivalent work experience.
• Technical degree and experience is a plus.
• 1-2 years of professional or volunteer experience in a relevant field, including but not limited to internships or semesters abroad in the Global South.
• Keen interest in the humanitarian shelter and housing sector.
• Excellent writing and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with humanitarian related work or NGO system is a plus.
• Ability to analyze and synthesize a broad range of academic and humanitarian publications.
• Strong organizing, coordination, and project management skills. Ability to prioritize, multi-task, adapt, and manage time effectively.
• Must enjoy working as part of a team and facilitating cross-team collaboration. Ability to follow through on tasks and responsibilities proactively with limited supervision. 
• Commitment to InterAction’s mission and values.
• Ability to organize, facilitate and lead working group meetings with large audiences.

[1] https://www.interaction.org/blog/the-settlements-approach-guidance-note/

[2] https://www.interaction.org/training/

[3] https://www.interaction.org/blog/more-than-four-walls-and-a-roof/

There are no extraordinary physical requirements for the performance of the essential functions of this position. InterAction will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform in the role. Minimal local or international travel may be required. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. 

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. 

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Please include resume, cover letter (along with salary expectations)   and optional 1-2 page writing sample with a humanitarian-related issue with your application. Position will remain open until filled, but applications received before 11/15/21 are preferred.  Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered for this position.  

Due to the volume of applicants, only those moving forward with next steps in the recruitment process will be notified.  No phone calls please!