Job Opportunities

WISHH is currently accepting applications for the following positions.

Project Manager - Asia
Program Assistant

Project Manager - Asia

Overview
The American Soybean Association (ASA)-WISHH program seeks an Asia project manager to provide day-to-day support to project teams for government funded projects in developing countries in Asia such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Cambodia. This position will be based at the ASA Headquarters in St. Louis, MO. Responsibilities include: recruit long- and short-term personnel; provide administrative and management support to staff working in Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc., including monitoring personnel allowances and accounting, development and obtaining contract and subcontract approvals, tracking budgets and adherence to contracts; provide quality assurance for compliance documents; oversee employee and subcontractor performance; support proposal development; conduct short-term field assignments.

Summary
The project manager is responsible for the planning and administering of activities and projects in developing countries/fragile states in Asia. This position includes oversight of the overall projects, project budgets, coordination of efforts of team members, partners, and third-party contractors and/or consultants in order to ensure quality control and that the activities are carried out according to plan. The project manager will plan, execute, and finalize projects according to strict deadlines, within budget and in compliance with USDA, USAID, and ASA regulation and policy guidelines. Under general direction and supervision, this position is responsible for supporting new hire/consultant orientation & integration and developing local in-country leadership capacity. Position participates in special projects as assigned to support overall WISHH program objectives and reports to Director of Operations, WISHH. Infrequent U.S. Travel, trips may require air travel and/or overnight stay away from home for one or more nights. Annual multi-country trip within Asia required. This position requires the ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Manage and oversee all aspects of projects related to Asia, including communicating with Project Development Manager and other staff who develop proposals and obtain project funding.
Develop work plans from proposals that receive funding
Provide activity budget details to Director of Operations annually and as major changes occur;
Liaise with WISHH staff and consultants to keep abreast of project updates and current factors that affect WISHH;
Coach and guide in-country staff/consultants to ensure compliance under USDA, ASA regulation and policy guidelines, country specific laws and other related policies as appropriate;
Coaching and development of in-country staff, consultants, partners, and expat on requirements of the project;
Maintain working knowledge of compliance government regulations, project schedule and timelines;
Plan and implement activities, including preparing advance notifications (ADNOTs) and end result contract (ERCs) drafts for technical consultants and other contract agreements (e.g. Letters of Agreement, Memos of Understanding);
Contribute input into the development of activity proposals including budget development for advancement of proposals and participate in annual activity planning meetings;
Contribute to internal and external communication materials in efforts to publicize WISHH actions and accomplishments to stakeholders including, but not limited to, Leader Letter, Success Stories, Donor Reports, QSSB Reports, Annual Reports, etc.;
Develop briefing papers/books as necessary for farmer/partner travel;
Review trip reports within allotted time frame outlined by government funding regulations;
Communicate as necessary with Foreign ASA offices, Foreign Agriculture Service staff, attaches and other foreign officers as necessary regarding project status, etc.;
Provide status updates to management, governance committee, and WISHH staff as necessary, including contractual reporting requirements;
Liaise with the in-country staff/consultants and project partners to ensure their performance is consistent with the aims of the project;
Oversee work of consultants/partners to ensure deliverables and timelines are being met and are within compliance;
Develop and maintain a tracking system for contract deliverables;
Secure project deliverables such as proper documentation especially when related to compliance;
Provide overall leadership for the project while maintaining a focus on achieving results efficiently and safely;
Coordinate and oversee the utilization of project resources;
Work with Director of Operations and Human Resources Director to develop and execute a new hire orientation and integration process for in-country staff to be as effective as possible;
Recommend new approaches, policies, and procedures to effect continual improvements in the efficiency of the department and services performed;
Ensure database has current and accurate information;
Contribute to the D.C. Conference and Midwest Workshop in identifying participants/speakers;
Other duties as assigned to assist WISHH in achieving its operational goals and objectives outlined in the strategic plan and project agreements.

Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience:
Bachelor's degree in management, business, marketing, international relations or related field and/or equivalent combination of education and work experience. Three to five years relevant professional experience in areas such as project management, market development, or international relations. Substantive international project management experience a plus. Knowledge of USDA and/or USAID programs is desired. Previous experience working in Asia would be highly beneficial.

Communication Skills:
Must have highly developed oral and written communication skills and be an expert listener; must be comfortable with engaging with people from other countries in a variety of different communicative modes (verbal, non-verbal, and written); attuned to others through strong active listening skills, ability to relate professionally and communicate effectively with staff, consultants, governance committee, and outside contacts; must have superior business writing and proofreading skills. Computer literate in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Reasoning Ability:
Must have a strong command of reasoned, measured decision making based upon analyzing the pros and cons of each potential decision to be made. Ability to evaluate socioeconomic and physical challenges in foreign environments. Ability and desire to learn the business, think strategically, and operate tactically. Ability to learn quickly and multi-task and prioritize in a complex, demanding atmosphere.

Leadership Skills:
Solid leadership skills including persuasion/negotiation skills and ability to problem solve; Ability to protect the confidentiality/privacy of others, and company documents and records; Excellent organizational and planning skills a must; Capacity to work independently, prioritize and meet deadlines, monitor multiple projects and follow directions and attention to detail.

TO APPLY:
Send electronic submissions of resume including salary requirements to wishh@soy.org by July 20, 2010. Please write "Asia Project Manager" in the subject line. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) is prohibited from discriminating in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or political beliefs. WISHH is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Program Assistant

Summary:
The purpose of this position is to assist the Program Managers and Regional Representatives in all aspects of administering program operations, including maintaining communications with home office staff, consultants, and overseas offices around consultant and staff travel; scheduling technical travel as needed; submitting vouchers and invoices for payment and reimbursement, as well as tracking expenses across program and projects; budget monitoring; processing contracts and ADNOTS; compliance review; visa assistance; Cochran Program budgets and itineraries. Exceptional organizational skills and high level of attention to detail is necessary. Must be able to lift 25 pounds unassisted, maintain harmonious work environment, and travel occasionally.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Compile and submit payment requests, expense reports and invoices for project staff, consultants, vendors and internal charges. Coordinate submission of documents with the accounting staff to ensure proper coding that will allow timely reimbursements. Initial compliance review. Work with the field and the accounting department to resolve compliance issues.
Prepare end-result contracts once ADNOTS have been finalized. This process includes calculating M&IE and other travel expenses as needed. Compiling appropriate paperwork andobtaining signatures by both parties, following up to ensure receipt of fully executed contracts. Ensure the FAS office is notified of trip, travel insurance is purchased and deliverables and due dates are met based on ADNOT obligations.
Prepare service contracts once Scope of Work is finalized. Ensure proper deliverables are included in contract and that consultant is paid monthly or quarterly depending on contract language.
Arrange travel arrangements for field projects (consultant and project management staff). As needed, make and confirm travel arrangements which include: securing approved travelauthorizations, visas, insurance, FAS post notifications, accommodations, flight itineraries and processing expense reports and trip reports.
Maintain and monitor various systems such as a) budget-matching tracking document, b) trip numbering system.
Review budget periodically to ensure projects are staying within budget. As preparing payables, review budget to ensure money is available. Compare BMT document to general ledger and budget quarterly for budget monitoring purposes.
Reclasses: As a part of budget monitoring, reclasses (changing source of funding on a payable) need to be done. Gather necessary backup, general ledger and prepare re-class request form.
Compile list of accruals of expenses not paid out by the end of a funding year
Review emails addressed to ED and DOO to ensure they received email that they will follow up.
Provide administrative support for various projects as assigned.
Provide administrative support to the Director of Operations, which includes providing insight on administrative procedures. Draft and manage basic correspondence, i.e. cover letters, invitation letters and business letters of responsibility.
Obtain and process industry contributions.
Develop a budget and itinerary for Cochran team participants, arrange travel and complete itinerary from start to finish. Gather all receipts and prepare reimbursement claim for USDA.
Get, prepare and ship samples to various countries as required by Regional Consultants.
Organize and maintain files and records necessary to ensure compliance with regulation of funding sources (USB, QSSB, USDA, USAID, etc.).
Work closely with the accounting department on payables, contracting, and compliance.
Manage reconciliation of credit accounts within prescribed deadlines and compliance guidelines.

Education and/or Experience:

Associates Degree in business or related field, with a minimum of 4 years of payable or contracting experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in making domestic and international travel and meeting arrangements for small and large groups.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for this position.

Computer Skills:
Accurate typing skills with demonstrated skills in electronic Microsoft Office Suite, i.e Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and the Windows environment, email and Internet; the ability to learn other personal computer application software i.e. Internet Web based publishing, MS Project Management, etc.

Communication Skills:
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills with knowledge of Business English, e-mail etiquette, grammar and spelling; the ability to format complex letters in standard business form; draft ordinary business correspondence and the capacity to communicate effectively with tact. Ability to understand and communicate with other cultures. Ability to maintain confidentiality for all projects and data, which are an integral part of the position.

Problem-solving Skills:
Highly organized and detail oriented with the ability to follow written and verbal instructions. Ability to work independently, prioritize, pursue details and complete assigned tasks within assigned deadlines. Possess a high degree of initiative and enthusiasm to learn and maintain ASA/WISHH office procedures.

Math Skills:
Proficiency with math oriented tasks, such as payables, invoices and voucher preparation for payment of expenses.

TO APPLY:
Send electronic submissions of resume including salary requirements to wishh@soy.org. Please write "Project Manager" in the subject line. No telephone inquiries, please. Finalists will be contacted.

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