PROGRAM ASSISTANT

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Duty Station:        Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Position Title:                    Program Assistant
Classification:        Employment Contract

The American Bar Association’s Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA CEELI) is seeking a Program Assistant to join the Rule of Law Program, supported by the USAID mission for Kyrgyzstan, and Criminal Law Program, supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Justice (OPDAT). This is a full-time position, which requires some evening and weekend hours.  The Program Assistant must possess professional level spoken and written English and Russian language skills, as well as proficiency utilizing computer software, such as Microsoft Office and legal research databases. It is preferable that the successful candidate possesses a law degree and has professional legal experience. This position requires maturity, good judgment and the ability to work independently and on deadlines. Program Assistant may be required to travel as necessary for program implementation.

The Program Assistant will work as part of and in cooperation with the CEELI Rule of Law Program team and will be reporting to the Senior Staff Attorney and Rule of Law Liaison.

Program Assistant’s duties will include:

1. With approval of the Rule of Law Liaison, working independently to develop, implement and monitor all aspects of CEELI programming within designated portfolio, in accordance with goals and objectives of the work plan: this includes assisting current partners and coordinating such other activity, as may be necessary in furtherance of the work plan goals, such as trainings, seminars, roundtables, publications, study trips, etc.
2. Providing technical assistance to partners to ensure quality of work, compliance with Advocacy Sub-Grant Agreements, and integrity in reporting;
3. Preparing monthly activity reports for Country Director and Washington DC-based Program Associate;
4. Assisting with preparation of quarterly reports, work plans, funding proposals, CEELI update articles, CEELI website features, and other CEELI publications;
5. Assisting in the preparation of various reports, grant applications, and other papers on project
related issues;
6. Maintaining files, receiving and making phone calls in connection with projects’ activities, and organizing and updating resource materials;
7. Maintain comprehensive partner files detailing program history, impact results, technical assistance and communications, etc.
8. Manage programs’ budgets and submit timely expense requests/reports to Field Finance Manager;
9. Accompany the Rule of Law Liaison and Staff Attorney to meetings on project-related issues, when
contemporaneous translations are necessary;
10. Provide written translations either from Russian to English or from English to Russian,
for letters, emails, documents and other materials as requested;
11. Arrange meetings for the Rule of Law Liaison and Staff Attorney;
12. Such other duties as requested by the Rule of Law Liaison and Senior Staff Attorney;

Desired qualifications:

· Law degree and/or professional legal experience are preferable;
· Experience working with NGO and/or association development;
· Competent in Oral and Written Presentations skills in English and Russian (knowledge of the Kyrgyz language is preferable);
· Proficient in the use of word processing and spreadsheet software, conducting computer
searches via the Internet (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, English and Russian);
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
· Team player and able to mentor other staff in developing skills;
· Integrity and adherence to high ethical standards;
· Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills;
· Ability to work efficiently and professionally under pressure.

Send CV and cover letter in English, providing at least two references to:

Madina Talatbekova
Office Manager/Finance Assistant
ABA/CEELI Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
madinat@abaceeli.kg
Fax: (+996 312) 611487

Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of your message. Closing date for applications is December 17th, 2006; however, interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply sooner. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.