Program Officer – SME III

CRG

Program Officer ensuring effective execution of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor programs at the U.S. Department of State.

Posted 7/20/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $115,000 - $130,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing international programming and federal assistance life cycles, including pre-award, award, and post-award phases. Proficient in analyzing program and budget proposals while providing technical assistance and leadership in democratic governance initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Experience In Closed Democratic SpacesStrong Knowledge Of 2 CFR 200Leadership In Team ManagementUnderstanding Of Foreign Assistance FundsBachelor's Degree Or Higher With Relevant Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Program ExecutionBudget AnalysisTechnical ConsultationGrant ManagementAdvocacyProgram EvaluationProposal PreparationFunding AssessmentMemorandum PreparationProblem-Solving Assistance

Soft Skills

Ability To Manage Competing PrioritiesAdaptability In Fast-Paced EnvironmentsDiverse Work Style Management

Industry Keywords

DemocracyHuman RightsLaborFederal AssistanceInternational ProgrammingNGO AdministrationCongressional BriefingsCooperative AgreementsLegal RequirementsFunding Requirements

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide support for Office of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor at the U.S. Department of State.
Ensure effective execution of program requirements; establish systematic methods of program execution, evaluation, and advocacy.
Determine whether funding is warranted and available and assess activities to determine funding requirements.
Analyze program and budget proposals and present them to the State Department and interagency panels.
Prepare justification or recommendation memoranda for review and approval by appropriate officials.
Provide follow-up problem-solving assistance, guideline interpretations, and technical consultations as required to applicants.
Provide leadership technical assistance throughout the federal assistance life cycle that includes pre-award, award, and post-award phases in grants and cooperative agreements.
Assist with Departmental briefings to congressional staffers on these programs.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Experience working with projects in closed or closing democratic spaces will be considered highly competitive.
Strong knowledge of 2 CFR 200.
Experience working in professional, fast paced, and demanding environments.
Ability to manage competing priorities with minimal supervision.
Experience leading teams and ability to handle diverse work styles.
Must have knowledge of and experience in managing international programming in addition to relevant education and training, ideally with a strong understanding of domestic and foreign NGO administration.
Understanding of the legal requirements of different types of foreign assistance funds.
Bachelor’s degree with 10-12 years of experience or a master’s degree with 8-10 years of experience or a PhD with 5-7 years of experience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

401(k) and Roth retirement plans
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (for employees and families)
Supplemental Insurance
11 Federal Holidays
At least three weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO), including sick and personal leave