Opening: Join the Columbia Global Centers | Istanbul team!

October 01, 2016

Opening: Join the Columbia Global Centers | Istanbul team!

Columbia Global Centers | Istanbul welcomes applications for the position of Program Officer.  This is a stimulating and intellectually challenging role with considerable growth potential, ideal for a versatile, committed and energetic person with an interest in working at the intersection of higher education and civil society.

Qualified and interested candidates are kindly requested to send a cover letter and CV by October 24, 2016 to: Gülden Çolakel, Administrative Officer, [email protected].

Program Officer

Columbia Global Centers | Istanbul

Based in Istanbul and reporting to the Director of CGC | Istanbul and to the designated Program Manager, the Program Officer will provide general programming support to the Center’s current and upcoming projects. The Program Officer will effectively contribute to the Turkey Center’s program portfolio by being actively involved in all programs and events. Responsibilities include:

  • Provide support to the implementation of programs from inception to completion, ensuring the execution of tasks at the highest level of quality,
  • Plan and manage logistics associated with events such as workshops, meetings, exhibitions as well as for publications,
  • Manage communications activities related to program: produce invitations, presentations, newsletters and other communication materials, manage CGC’s online presence,
  • Support outreach and engagement efforts with diverse counterparts in Turkey, such as universities, scholars, networks, alumni, civil society, media, and official bodies,
  • Support the Program Manager in liaising with relevant CU schools and faculty on the development and implementation of programs,
  • Contribute to the development of proposals for new projects,
  • Develop, monitor and report on project budgets, liaise with vendors,
  • Track relevant programs and research initiatives at universities in Turkey, including documenting proceedings and outcomes of conferences,
  • Carry out research assignments and undertake special projects as needed,
  • Develop and maintain databases of contacts and guests who have participated in CGC related programs and activities,
  • Contribute to identifying potential areas of collaboration between CGC and counterparts in Turkey,
  • Support the team’s efforts in serving as a resource for CU faculty and students and also for the CGC global network regarding Center-related matters.

Although the position is based in Istanbul, it may require travel to New York or other cities in which Global Centers are based.

Required qualifications:

  1. Bachelor’s degree and minimum three to five years of related experience. Previous experience work experience within an international setting or institution is a plus. Master’s or PhD degree strongly preferred.
  2. Ability and interest in contributing intellectually to a broad spectrum of initiatives and issues.
  3. Strong relationship builder and communicator with experience in liaising with diverse work teams, ability to engage cross-functional partners and partner with diverse interests across university settings and beyond.
  4. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills, with an ability to work remotely and locally with teams. Should be able to converse effectively with a range of counterparts, such as officials, scholars, civil society practitioners and vendors.
  5. Must be able to work well independently and under pressure and coordinate multiple projects with competing priorities.
  6. Must be able to work as a team player in a fast-paced and demanding environment, exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality. 
  7. Must be extremely detail-oriented, accurate and have superb organizational skills.
  8. Excellent computer skills, including knowledge of Excel and PowerPoint and ability to effectively use Facebook, Twitter, Mailchimp and website software.
  9. Must be a native Turkish speaker, with high fluency in written and verbal English. Most of the written communications will be in English.