International Project Associate

Bixal is a mission-driven, woman-owned small business determined to improve people's lives through human-centered strategies and transformative technologies, with a firm belief that everyone has the right to an effective government.

We deliver on this belief by partnering with leading Federal agencies to design, develop, and deliver powerful customer experiences through holistic digital product solutions and strategic communications initiatives––bringing a high standard and unique creative energy to our clients––and our wonderfully diverse culture is what makes it all possible.

Bixal unites different people with different perspectives from all over the world! We provide our team with an open and empowered environment where collaboration thrives and solutions flourish. 

Location

This role will be hybrid and must be based in the Washington, DC metro area. You must be legally authorized to work in the US. Bixal does not provide visa sponsorship.

What Will You Do?

Bixal is seeking a full time Project Associate to provide operations support to multiple USAID and other US Government agency projects, including the USAID Knowledge, Data, Learning, and Training (KDLT) project and others. The Project Associate will also be a part of the international programs practice area and involved in managing internal systems and processes across other USAID Knowledge Management (KM) & Collaborating, Learning & Adapting (CLA) projects as assigned.

In this role, you will be responsible for collaborating across multiple teams to support project operations and implementation, using problem-solving skills to tackle various challenges as they arise. This is an excellent opportunity for a promising professional to gain experience and exposure to USAID development work through support to a variety of KM/CLA activities. Additional program support opportunities may be assigned according to project needs and your career interests.

Responsibilities:

KDLT project

• As part of the project operations team, maintain assigned project management processes, trackers, and other tools
• Provide producer support to USAID webinars and other USAID events and meetings
• Draft vendor selections, purchase requisitions, and process approvals
• Monitor planned levels of effort and update Labor Authorization Memos
• Help with project level IT questions that do not get elevated to the Bixal help desk (questions about files/tools/access issues, etc.)
• Update the project wiki and SharePoint sites. Assist with inventory updates and preparation of disposition approval requests to USAID
• Onsite office support to the DC KDLT office, including in-person fob pickups/package deliveries/water delivery, etc.
• Assist with file transfers and archiving ahead of project close out
• Assist with KDLT Project close out. Update and create onboarding materials (Trello board, onboarding PowerPoint slides)

International Programs Practice Area

• Provide project management support to multiple international projects as assigned
• Contribute to process improvements for key operational systems supporting international projects, such as security, budgeting, contracts, and management and inter-departmental coordination
• Maintain assigned project management processes, trackers, and other tools
• Coordinate across country office and home office teams to promote operational efficiency, collaborating with team members to implement key activities and assist with day-to-day tasks. 
• Adhere to best practices to ensure compliance with organizational and governmental regulations 
• Support the development, monitoring, and maintenance of project work plans 
• Support the drafting and execution of consultant, subcontractor, and other vendor contracts 
• Support home office and country office team members with procurements, purchasing, expense reports, travel arrangements, budget tracking, and other financial operations 
• Collaborate with teams to manage assigned project operations and duties such as project documentation, purchase order tracking, and recruitment 
• Oversee project knowledge management, ensuring project records are organized on project SharePoint sites in compliance with the Bixal Quality Management System (QMS) 
• Help design, document, and implement infrastructure and processes for key business operations and program support, and contribute to operational process improvement 
• Support project and client events with note taking and other administrative tasks
• Perform other organizational or programmatic duties as required 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e., international development, political science, business administration, etc.)
• 2+ years of relevant experience, with international work or study experience preferred
• Experience in project management or similar type of role 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including proficient cross-cultural communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (including SharePoint) and Google systems (i.e., G-Suite) 
• Demonstrated ability to support multiple projects simultaneously
• Strong management and organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and ability to follow through on multiple tasks 
• Willingness and ability to travel overseas for short-term assignments, such as office start-up or close-out, if required
• Interest in advancing a career in international development, project management, or operations 
• Willingness to learn
• Willingness to come in person as needed for events, and to support activities
• A commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment
• Able to work independently on tasks, proactively engage and strong day to day communication to engage and support high functioning remote teams and projects

Nice to haves:

• Master’s degree in relevant field 
• Professional proficiency in languages other than English, such as Arabic, Spanish, or French 
• Knowledge of contracting practices and US government regulations (e.g., FAR, CFR, etc.) with a specific emphasis on USAID (e.g., AIDAR, ADS, etc.) 

Perks & benefits

Competitive base salary

Flex hours

Work from home flexibility

401K with matching incentive

Parental Leave

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Flex Spending Account

Company provided short-term disability

Company provided life insurance

Commuter benefits

Generous PTO

11 Paid holidays

Professional development opportunities

New business referral bonus

Please note that candidates selected may undergo a background investigation and, if applicable, meet eligibility requirements for suitability.

Bixal is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It ensures equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are dedicated to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within our organization and beyond.