Program & Research Assistant

The Solutions for the Poorest (S4P) group is focused on scaling solutions that are specifically designed to improve the lives and livelihoods of the poorest people in the world (those earning less than $1/day).  The Strategy and Research (S&R) department is part of the Office of the President and is responsible for leading corporate strategy development and performance management efforts for the organization.

Job Summary:  The Program and Research Assistant is responsible for a diverse range of administrative and research duties to support both Grameen Foundation’s Solutions for the Poorest  and Strategy and Research (S&R) teams.  This person will carry out discrete research projects, manage day-to-day performance management platform activities, maintain project plans, update and manage budgets, coordinate travel, plan meetings/events, and provide general administrative support to the Directors of S4Pand S&R departments.  The individual will be expected to spend 50% of his/her time supporting each group.

Reporting and relationships:  Reports to both the Director of GF’s Solutions for the Poorest group and the Director of the Strategy and Research department.  This person will be expected to broadly interact with the staff across the organization to represent the departments he or she reports to.

Availability:  The Program and Research Assistant will be expected to work a standard work week of 37.5 hours, and may at times be asked to work additional hours to complete projects.

Essential Job Functions:
• Manage discrete research projects to inform the work of both departments, such as landscape assessments, literature reviews, and competitor analyses
• Provide administrative support to Directors, including expense reports, monthly reports, PowerPoint presentations and other materials.
• Manage administration of the organization’s performance management system
• Contribute to design and development of reports presented to senior management and the Board
• Contribute to coordination of annual planning and budgeting processes
• Provide administrative support as needed to both departments, including tracking of contracts, payment requests, and resource allocations.
• Arrange meetings, schedule appointments and make travel arrangements as requested.
• Maintain S4P and S&R information posted on internal intra-net site and external web site; provide input to other marketing materials as requested
• Organize meetings or conferences by arranging facilities, catering, event material, and invitations
• As appropriate, develop and/or adapt improved work methods and procedures to accomplish work assignments 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Deep commitment to eradication of poverty and alignment with Grameen Foundation’s mission
• Strong oral and written communication skills including English grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• Native level English skills
• Strong interpersonal skills to interact successfully with a variety of personalities and situations requiring tact, judgment, and poise
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills to prioritize and meet deadlines, work on multiple projects simultaneously, work well under pressure and with minimal supervision
• Demonstrated expert/advance knowledge of MS Office suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook
• Good problem solving skills; able to apply independent judgment, discretion and initiative to address problems and develop solutions
• Able to effectively handle multiple tasks, changing priorities and moderately complex assignments
• Previous experience in a fast paced, high profile environment with the proven ability to perform proficiently all office assignments
• Knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint, Visio, and Project is highly desired
• Experience with management dashboards is preferred

Education and/or Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in international development, business, public administration or related field preferred
• Previous experience performing or assisting in research projects
• 2-3 years of administrative experience with exposure to project management or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Knowledge of microfinance and / or the use of technology for development a plus
• International experience a plus

Physical and Environmental Conditions:
This position does not require unusual demands for physical effort.  This position may occasionally require physical effort to lift and transport boxes weighing no more than 50 pounds. Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of places such as offices, meeting or training rooms, residences, or commercial vehicles; e.g., use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Additional Comment:
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made in appropriate circumstances to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.Interested candidates may apply by email to jobs@grameenfoundation.org by November 30, 2009. Please put “PA-SPR” in the subject line.  No calls please.