Program Coordinator, GEAR:UP

05-Sep-2024

Program Coordinator, GEAR:UP

Harvard Kennedy School

66671BR

Job Summary

The Global Education and Research: Unleashing Potential (GEAR:UP) initiative is currently seeking a Program Coordinator to support financial, programmatic, and research administration, and the successful execution of program and research activities focused on education research projects. The Program Coordinator will work with counterparts across Harvard University and collaborators such as the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) and the Center for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP) to implement research and grant management strategies. The position offers an opportunity to work closely with economists doing empirical research in international development. This position is based in the US but may require travel to field locations during their tenure.

The ideal candidate shall perform a wide range of high-level, critical, and complex administrative and support duties in a timely and accurate manner. This person is excited to advance the Center for International Development’s (CID) mission to build a thriving world for all and must be proactive in problem-solving, able to multitask and prioritize successfully, and have high-level communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills. They must be able to interact with various stakeholders including students, faculty, donors, and prominent individuals and organizations with tact and diplomacy. This position requires working independently and as part of a team and with a high level of maturity and good judgment. An understanding of empirical methods including econometrics and statistics is a plus.  

The successful candidate will be required to work mostly in-person at the CID offices, with some flexibility for remote work.

The Center for International Development (CID) is Harvard University’s hub for cutting-edge research on the world’s most pressing international development issues. Based at Harvard Kennedy School, CID brings researchers and practitioners together across the university to collaborate, using the latest analytical tools to address pressing development challenges. CID builds, convenes, and deploys global talent worldwide to build a thriving world for all.

Housed at Harvard CID, the Global Education and Research: Unleashing Potential (GEAR:UP) initiative aims to support research and programs to transform education systems under the leadership of Professors Asim Khwaja, Emiliana Vegas, and Michela Carlana.

Position Description

As Program Coordinator, you will:

• Assist with grant applications and reporting (e.g. draft, edit, and proofread research proposals, reports, and coordinate the completion of requirements for sponsored and non-sponsored research).
• Draft written research and policy outputs (e.g. edit, develop, and proofread presentations, reports, policy briefs, and communications pieces).
• Identify and research donors and funding sources including formal calls for proposals, private foundations, international organizations.
• Coordinate and attend meetings with both CID Faculty Affiliates and external policy stakeholders (e.g. schedule calls, take notes, collate follow-up items, and help maintain long-term relationships with key stakeholders). 
• Plan and successfully execute events (e.g. communicate with guests, reserve rooms, order catering, liaise with IT and tech support, and manage all logistics).
• Develop IRB and data security protocols (e.g. draft IRB protocols, work with IRB for protocol approval, and support the process for data use and non-disclosure agreements).
• Maintain the GEAR:UP and CID websites (e.g. post new written content online, update team members’ pages, etc.).
• Contribute to GEAR:UP and CID’s success through other responsibilities as required. 

Basic Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of two years of professional experience in program coordination and/or executive administration. Internships will count towards experience requirement.  
• Demonstrated prior experience providing high level administrative support and complex project/program coordination responsibilities, ideally including previous research or grant experience.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated interest in economics, international development, and policy in developing countries, especially education.
• Coursework in empirical methods, including econometrics and economics.
• Knowledge of second language a plus (especially Spanish, French, Arabic, or Urdu).
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and experience interfacing with many different types of stakeholders (e.g. faculty, students, external stakeholders, and other CID staff).
• Experience running events and online webinars and live streams, using Zoom and other software.
• The successful candidate must be highly motivated and detail-oriented, able to meet tight deadlines, strong organizational skills, and to complete tasks independently. 

Additional Information

This position is a fully benefits-eligible term appointment ending one year from date of hire, with possibility of renewal.

Learn more about our work culture and see yourself at Harvard Kennedy School.

We regret that the Harvard Kennedy School does not provide visa sponsorship.
Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background checks.
Harvard University is committed to supporting a healthy, sustainable learning and working environment.
 
This is a hybrid position based on our campus in Cambridge, MA. As a campus-based institution, we place a high value on the in-person experience, cross-team collaboration, and strong community building in order to create a vibrant campus for our students, faculty, staff, and research fellows. The position is required to work in-person on campus a minimum of four days per week during the academic year. Specific days and schedule will be determined between you and your manager. The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
 
Salary Range: $63,000 - $100,200
Note: Starting salaries typically fall in the lower half of the salary range; however, they are ultimately determined by the scope of the position, the candidate's relevant experience, and internal equity.
 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

General Administration

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

403040 Coordinator II

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

055

Department

Center for International Development

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Schedule

9-5 Monday through Friday

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Harvard Kennedy School’s Mission and Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism
 
At Harvard Kennedy School, fostering a diverse and inclusive community where everyone feels they belong is a matter of basic fairness consistent with our core values as an institution. It is also essential to our mission of improving public policy and leadership—because recruiting the best people and creating an environment where they can thrive make us better at what we do, because we learn more from people with different perspectives, and because we work in diverse groups and serve diverse societies. Learn more about Harvard Kennedy School’s commitment to Diversity Equity, and Anti-Racism.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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