PROGRAM SUMMARY: The Donald M. Payne International Development Fellowship Program encourages the involvement of outstanding young people, particularly those from minority groups and those with a financial need, in international development careers. The Program selects Payne Graduate Fellows through a rigorous nationwide competition and supports them through two years of graduate school, internships, and entry into the Foreign Service of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). This program is sponsored by USAID and managed by Howard University.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
-This incumbent will serve as a strategic adviser to the Program Director focused on engagement on Capitol Hill for placements of 30 Payne Fellows.
-Preparing for and securing congressional internship/placements for 30 Payne Fellows.
-Monitoring the congressional placements, including reports and evaluations.
-Maintaining contacts with fellows and supervisors during their internships/placements.
-Evaluating the effectiveness of the internship by surveying both the Fellows themselves and their supervisors, who will contribute to an end-of-summer final report on the fellows’ internship/placement experience.
-Maintaining tracking documents, including congressional contacts and files related to the congressional placements.
-Assisting in public diplomacy efforts for the Program, including through writing and distributing information related to the congressional placements
-Supporting the Payne Fellowship selection process during the finalist stage, including scheduling and logistical arrangements for the panel and finalists, whether virtual or in person.
-Assisting with communicating and coordinating with panelists, applicants, and Payne staff.
-Assisting in compiling and producing reports on program activities, including statistical analyses of applicants and congressional placements for the program’s final and quarterly activity report.
-Other responsibilities appropriate to the administration of the Payne Fellowship.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree and 5-7 years of related work experience. Twelve years of related work experience may be substituted in lieu of educational qualifications. Experience in program management, fellowship program, and higher education is a plus.

CORE COMPETENCIES:
Knowledge of office and administrative practices and principles; a high degree of initiative, flexibility, and organizational skills; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population; ability to establish and maintain effective relationships relations with applicants, USAID interlocutors, faculty, staff, students and the general public; skill in the operation of computers, related software applications (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access); ability to problem solve and make decisions; ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high level of confidentiality.

COVID – 19 Vaccination Information:
All newly hired faculty, staff, and student employees are required to vaccinate and to have proof of vaccination(s) upon their first day of employment. Please familiarize yourself with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements and verification policy.

Exemption and Waiver Information:
Medical and religious exemptions from vaccinations will be granted in accordance with federal and local law. Employees must request an exemption by completing the COVID-19 vaccination exemption request form.

More information on Howard University’s COVID-19 response and protocol can be on the website.

Interested applicants should submit their application via the Howard University career portal. A resume/CV and references are required to apply for this position.