Principal Project Specialist

AIR is seeking aPrincipal Project Specialist to provide strategic leadership and high-level project management support to the FEWS NET Learning and Data Hub a critical component of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) project. FEWS NET is a leading provider of early warning and analysis on acute food insecurity supporting evidence-based decision-making to mitigate humanitarian crises globally.
In this role the Principal Project Specialist will oversee complex project operations lead cross-functional coordination and ensure the successful delivery of high-quality outputs aligned with project goals. This position requires a seasoned professional with deep experience in managing large-scale donor-funded projects particularly in international development data systems or humanitarian response.

This position has the flexibility to work remote from anywhere in the United States or from any of AIRs U.S. office locations. This does not include U.S. territories.

About AIR:

Established in 1946 with headquarters in Arlington Virginia AIR is a nonpartisan not-for-profit institution that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance to solve some of the most urgent challenges in the U.S. and around the world. We advance evidence in the areas of education health the workforce human services and international development to create a better more equitable world.

We hire talented and forward-thinking professionals to build our cross-functional teams and support our clients in solving complex problems. Our peopleproblem-solvers changemakers and creative thinkersare experts in their craft who rise to meet todays challenges. We value the experiences of every member of our institution from entry level to executive. As part of our collaborative learning-oriented team youll be encouraged to grow in your career develop additional skills and progress professionally.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight and operational leadership for the FEWS NET Learning and Data Hub project ensuring alignment with USAID objectives and contractual obligations.
• Lead the development and implementation of project management frameworks tools and processes to support efficient execution and continuous improvement.
• Manage project timelines budgets staffing plans and deliverables across multiple workstreams and technical teams.
• Serve as a key liaison between AIR USAID and consortium partners facilitating clear communication coordination and issue resolution.
• Oversee risk management quality assurance and compliance with donor and organizational policies.
• Support the development of technical and financial reports work plans and other client-facing deliverables.
• Mentor and guide project staff fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture.
• Contribute to strategic planning proposal development and thought leadership related to food security data systems and learning.

Qualifications:

Education Knowledge and Experience:

• Masters degree in public policy international development project management or a related field.
• Minimum of10 years of progressive experiencein project management with at least 5 years in a leadership role on large complex donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing USAID-funded or similar international development projects.
• Deep understanding of project management methodologies tools and best practices.
• PMP certification or equivalent preferred but not required.

Skills:

• Exceptional leadership organizational and strategic planning skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex workflows budgets and cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with experience engaging high-level stakeholders.
• Advanced proficiency in project management software (e.g. MS Project Smartsheet Asana) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to synthesize technical information and present it clearly to diverse audiences.
• Commitment to equity inclusion and the mission of improving global food security.

Disclosures:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis. Employment-based visa sponsorship (including H-1B sponsorship) is not available for this position. Depending on project work qualified candidates may need to meet certain residency requirements.

American Institutes for Research is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of age race color religion sex gender gender identity/expression sexual orientation national origin protected veteran status or disability.

AIR adheres to strict child safeguarding principles. All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles and will therefore undergo reference and background checks.

AIR maintains a drug-free work environment.

ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE:If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process due to a physical or mental disability please send an email to Taliba Boone ator call 202.403.5000.

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