Program Associate

Valar is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team as a Program Associate. This role will support international development projects funded by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), providing both project management assistance and administrative support. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment. This position offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to meaningful global initiatives while working in a collaborative and multicultural environment.

Key Responsibilities

Project Coordination & Implementation Support:

Assist in the development and implementation of project work plans, ensuring alignment with program objectives and donor requirements.
Support the organization of project activities, including workshops, trainings, and field visits.
Track project progress and milestones, maintaining accurate records and updating project management tools.
Assist in the preparation of project reports, ensuring timely submission and adherence to reporting guidelines.

Administrative Support:

Maintain project files and documentation, ensuring they are up-to-date, accessible, and compliant with FCDO and/or USG standards.
Schedule meetings, workshops, and events, coordinating logistics and sending reminders.
Prepare agendas, minutes, and action points for meetings, ensuring follow-up on agreed tasks.
Assist with travel arrangements for project staff and consultants, including booking flights, accommodation, and visas.
Manage procurement processes for goods and services, ensuring compliance with FCDO and/or DOS procurement guidelines.

Financial Management Support:

Assist with budget tracking and monitoring, updating financial spreadsheets and generating reports.
Support the invoice review process, ensuring accuracy and compliance with FCDO financial regulations.
Support the preparation of financial forecasts and projections for the activity based budget.
Liaise with the finance team to ensure timely and accurate financial reporting.

Communication and Coordination:

Act as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, responding to inquiries and providing information.
Facilitate communication and information sharing within the project team.
Assist with the preparation of reports, presentations, and other communication materials.
Support the organization of project events and workshops.

Other:

Undertake any other duties as assigned by the line manager, commensurate with the role.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., international development, social sciences, project management).
Three – five years of experience working with the FCDO and/or DOS.
Experience in project coordination and implementation, preferably in an international development or security context.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with data entry or analysis.
Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams in a multicultural setting.
Fluency in English (written and spoken).
Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.