Position Summary The Center for International Earth Science Network (CIESIN), located in Palisades, New York, seeks an experienced Project Coordinator to join its team. The successful Project Coordinator will manage program implementation with a focus on French-speaking countries, including (but not limited to) Mali, Cameroon, and Burkina Faso. Coordinates country-level work performed by the GRID3 team at CIESIN and across partner organizations. Works closely with GRID3 leadership, program management, and data team to ensure effective collaboration and implementation of work plans.
Responsibilities - Coordinates country-level work across the GRID3 partnership, with a focus on French-speaking countries. Ensures effective implementation of country-specific work plans. Facilitates communication and collaboration within the GRID3 country subcommittees.
- Engages with in-country stakeholders, donors, and external partners. Supports country visits and workshops, and represents GRID3 at various events and conferences. Engages with new countries and regions as requested.
- Tracks country-specific outputs, outcomes, and milestones and uses the agreed processes and tools for status reporting. Updates GRID3 leadership regularly on country work plans, cross-partner collaboration efforts, stakeholder management, and other activities.
- Creates and updates country-specific work plans. Identifies potential bottlenecks, risks, and other challenges and works with other project staff to identify and implement appropriate responses.
- Assists GRID3 leadership in managing the program's strategy, resources, and long-term objectives. Performs other relevant duties as assigned.
- Reports to Senior Staff Associate and receives guidance from GRID3 leadership. Exercises independent judgment and initiative within specific objectives. Must be able to lead a team of 5 data analysts and work across teams located in different geographic regions.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences, International Relations, Sustainable Development or another related field, and 3-5 years of related work experience in global development, program / project management, or stakeholder engagement is required.
Preferred Qualifications - An advanced degree is highly desirable.
- Country and/or regional knowledge, understanding of country-specific landscapes, donor organizations, and development programs, and experience working with relevant stakeholders are advantages.
- Strong organizational skills and proven track record of implementing and ensuring completion of projects on time are preferred.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to navigate complex cultural and/or political environments, and experience managing a team and/or external consultants are preferred.
- A strategic mindset with strong problem-solving and analytical skills is an advantage.
Other Requirements - Familiarity and understanding of geospatial data and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is required.
- Proven ability to work on multi-partner and/or complex projects, coordinating across organizations is required.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills as well as presentation skills are required.
- Fluency in English and French is required; working proficiency in other major languages is an advantage.
- Competency in MS Office and G-Suite applications; experience using various project management tools and software is required.
- Expected international travel: 30%.
Prospective candidates must apply online Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents. |
