Junior Associate- Programs

Junior Associate- Programs

San Francisco, CA (Hybrid)

Please apply by June 2, 2024

In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, Asia plays a crucial global role.  Would you be excited at the prospect of employing your knowledge and skills to improve lives, expand opportunities, and help societies flourish across this dynamic region? You could have this opportunity at The Asia Foundation. 

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit international development organization committed to improving lives and expanding opportunities across Asia and the Pacific. Informed by 70 years of experience and deep local knowledge, our work is focused on governance, climate action, gender equity, education and leadership, inclusive growth, and international cooperation. We work in more than 20 countries through our 17 permanent country offices and programs across Asia and the Pacific, supported by a headquarters in San Francisco and an office in Washington, DC. Our funding comes from a diverse array of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, foundations, corporations, and individuals.

The Asia Foundation's Programs team seeks a Junior Associate (JA) to work for our San Francisco, CA office during the summer 2024 program period from June 24, 2024 – September 13, 2024. 

During the 12-week program, the JA will: 

SCOPE OF WORK:

The JA will work with the Programs team across the organization’s core areas of program work, including good governance, women’s empowerment, inclusive economic development, and environmental programs. The JA will help to: 

• Program development and collaboration: Enhance the Programs team’s collaboration with country offices to foster thought leadership, advance excellence in programming, and introduce new approaches to share expertise and programmatic learning across the organization.    
• Emerging program priorities: Engage with the Programs team on emerging areas of work including technology and innovation and climate change. 
• Annual Planning and Budget Process: Support the Foundation’s Annual Plan and Budget process. Assist the Programs Unit in analyzing materials, reviewing Country Office and Other Unit submissions, and preparing reports for the Board. Support preparation of relevant materials on new projects and program activities for Foundation Board meetings. 
• Strategic Planning: Support the development and implementation of the Foundation’s new country and program area strategic planning process. 

DELIVERABLES:

• Participate in Annual Planning meetings with senior management and Country Representatives. Complete all materials needed for the Annual Plan and Budget Board meeting. 
• Engage with the Programs teams on program development, thought leadership strategies, and coordination. 
• Develop systems to share programmatic approaches, lessons learned and insights across country offices and program teams. 

TAKE-AWAY FOR THE JUNIOR ASSOCIATE:

• The JA will regularly interact with program and country office staff through collaborative meetings and conference calls and will have the opportunity to share their work with senior management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The position for the Douglas K. Bereuter Program for Junior Associates in Asian Affairs is expected to be very competitive. We are seeking talented, high-energy individuals who will benefit from their affiliation with the Foundation and contribute to the organization.

CANDIDATES MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Received a master's degree within the past two years.  In addition, to be considered, a candidate must have completed and obtained this degree prior to the beginning of the program period.  The summer 2024 program period is June 24, 2024 – September 13, 2024.  
• Completed graduate studies in Asia-related areas: international relations, international development, public administration, public policy, law, anthropology, political science, economics, women's empowerment, and/or sociology with work experience in Asia.
• Authorization to legally work in the United States without sponsorship
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Great organizational skills
• Great computer skills.

WHY WORK AT THE ASIA FOUNDATION:

You will have the opportunity to help solve some of the toughest challenges in the development/aid sector. Address environmental problems in the region, improve access to legal information, enhance civil society, promote government engagement/collaboration, and encourage learning and awareness.

You will work in an innovative environment and build lasting relationships. The Asia Foundation, its donors, and its partners are unmatched throughout the region. This is an opportunity to work with and learn from some of the most accomplished leaders, influencers, and social entrepreneurs working in Asia today.

APPLICATION DETAILS:

Please upload your cover letter and resume (preferably in one document) and submit them as an attachment.

We will only consider applicants who apply online and provide all required documents before June 2, 2024, the application closing date. We require a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation (either two academic OR one academic and one personal). 

This position is a paid internship at $25/hr., offering medical, dental, and vision benefits.

**Must be legally eligible to work in the United States **

The Asia Foundation is an equal-opportunity employer. EOE/M/F/D/V. No phone calls, please.