Creative Associates International Academic Associate - French

Creative Associates International Incorporated is a dynamic and fast-growing professional services firm that specializes in international development in the areas of education, democratic transitions and stabilization in post-conflict environments. Based in Washington, DC, the firm has a field presence in more than 20 countries worldwide with a strong and diverse portfolio that includes global contracts with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other clients including the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Defense. The firm has earned a solid reputation among its clients and missions worldwide and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Position Location:
Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Creative Center for Stabilization and Development, National Defense University, Washington DC

Position Start Date:
Immediately

Position Summary:
Located at Ft. Lesley J. McNair in Washington, DC, the ACSS’s mission is to support the development of U.S. strategic policy towards Africa by providing high quality, relevant academic programs, fostering awareness of, and dialogue on, U.S. strategic priorities and African security issues, building networks of African, American, European and international military and civilian leaders, assisting U.S. policymakers in formulating effective African policy, and articulating African perspectives to U.S. policymakers.

Reporting & Supervision:
The Academic Associate will report to his/her USG on-site supervisor and to the Creative Associates Project Director.

Primary Responsibilities:

 Provides program support in the form of administrative, logistics and operations, research and analysis for the Academic section. Works directly with Faculty, Program Managers and the Research Director to support the development and execution of academic curricula and programs such as seminars, workshops, courses and the research program. Supports the Academic section by working collaboratively with faculty and Program Leads to research, identify, contact and invite adjunct faculty, guest speakers, note-takers, and other staff needed to support Africa Center (ACSS) programs.

 Develops and maintains databases and spreadsheets, contacts adjunct staff, researches and develops biographies. Works with faculty on the development, formatting, and preparation of documents, presentations, and syllabi in English and French. Develops and collates short biographies for adjunct faculty and guest speakers. Reviews and proofreads reports and other documents, editorial and content, for quality control purposes. Manages and updates databases on publications, potential attendees, faculty and guest speaker presentations, travel and other logistical information. Works to resolve Academic Affairs logistics, travel and operational issues related to programs to which s/he has been assigned. Establishes contacts by telephone, fax and e-mail utilizing both English and French.

 Formats and prepares documents and presentations and compiles syllabus binders with attention to prescribed procedures and protocols for branding and quality control purposes. Drafts and finalizes program-related correspondence and after-action reports. Provides onsite administrative support during ACSS programs. Performs occasional translation of documents from English to French, as needed.

 Serves as the Academic Affairs support staff representative on ACSS project teams, coordinating within the Africa Center as well as with other organizations on event planning and preparation of operational matters related to the academic program schedule, adjunct faculty, guest speakers, and note-takers. Serves as primary Point-of-Contact for the Academic Section to other ACSS sections and augmented staff (adjunct faculty, guest speakers, note-takers, interpreters) on all operational, logistics, and non-content-related issues during the development and execution of assigned ACSS academic programs.

 Explains and reports on academic section logistical requirements and processes, and conveys and/or responds to information associated with event logistics and planning. Provides note-taking support during Africa Center programs and events. Provides oversight and direction to temporary employees and note-takers during the execution of academic programs as needed.

 Drafts written documents which serve to contribute to the development and refinement of the curriculum. Undertakes guided research on security matters related to Africa and to U.S. policy towards Africa (e.g., counter-terrorism, national security strategy, human security, civil-military relations, defense economics, conflict management, and arms proliferation). Conducts literary reviews, provides written synopses of documents, etc. Assists with the development of section publications, in collaboration with Faculty, Program Leads and the Research Director. Proofreads and formats guest speaker presentations, program highlights, academic syllabi, and other academic materials in English and French. Assists with analysis of program evaluation data and compiles results into program evaluation reports. Provides research support to the Research Unit as required. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

 Fluency in English and French is required. Proficiency in effective communication, both orally and in writing, in both English and French with a demonstrated ability to express clear, concise concepts and findings, and to perform quality checks on documents written in English and in French.

 Skill to effectively communicate information both orally and in writing in order to provide clear, comprehensive advice and guidance, as well as present detailed reports and findings. The ability to speak Portuguese is highly desired. Demonstrated organizational skills, initiative, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines and to effectively respond to changing priorities.

 Experience sufficient to set goals, plan strategies, schedule and coordinate work with others, and integrate planning efforts across work units to meet organizational goals. Knowledge to plan, schedule and conduct comprehensive projects and studies and to find ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of program operations in a support setting. Basic understanding of event planning. Demonstrable logistical experience. Background and tact to deal with individuals or groups representing widely divergent backgrounds, interests, and points of view effectively. Proven skill to work in a multi-cultural environment and to perform as a team player.

 Knowledge of the capabilities, operating characteristics, and advanced functions of a variety of types of office automation software and knowledge of similarities, differences, and integration of the different software types.

 Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office Suite (especially Word, Excel, Project and PowerPoint) as well as advanced knowledge of Internet research tools that would allow incumbent to independently undertake research.

 Experience conducting research related to African issues with an interest in and knowledge of U.S. Foreign/Defense Policy and security matters, (e.g., counterterrorism, national security strategy, human security, civil-military relations, defense economics, conflict management, and arms proliferation) particularly as they pertain to Africa.

How to apply: 

To apply for this position, please go to www.creativeassociatesinternational.com, Careers Section, and apply online.

Only if you are unable to submit online, you may send your résumé and cover letter by e-mail toRecruitment@CreativeDC.com with “Academic Associate - French” in the subject line. Please note only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls please. Creative is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. AA/V/D.