Program Assistant, Africa Center

Atlantic Council Of The U S Inc • Full-time • Washington, District of Columbia, United States • $53k - $56k / year • 2d ago

The Atlantic Council seeks a talented and entrepreneurial program assistant to assist in implementing a growing array of projects and initiatives related to Africa within a dynamic center at the Council. The program assistant will play a central role in developing and organizing program activities including; high-level speaker series, conferences, strategy sessions, task forces, and coordinating publications and other initiatives. The preferred candidate will have a strong educational background in African political, economic, or security affairs and proven administrative experience in a not-for-profit/think tank setting. The candidate must be an excellent writer, exceptionally organized with strong interpersonal skills, and capable of working in a fluid and culturally diverse environment.

The candidate must be able to conduct graduate-level research on a wide variety of Africa-related topics, while acting as the primary provider of administrative and logistical support for the Center’s public and private events. The program assistant will report to the Center’s director and interact daily with Africa Center staff.

The successful candidate will have an entrepreneurial spirit, communicate effectively, and enjoy the fast pace of building upon an established but rapidly growing program. Demonstrated expertise with the region and issues including security policy and conflict prevention, energy, migration patterns, economic growth, and other priority concerns is vital. The position requires a strong record of organizing programs and events, excellent administrative and communication skills, a positive attitude about tackling complex and dynamic problems, superior writing ability, attention to detail, and a proven aptitude for international security, defense, and economic issues.

This position is based in our Washington, DC, headquarters, requiring a minimum of 4 days per week in office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $53,000 to $56,000. Applications submitted by October 31, 2025, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

Assist Center’s director with administrative tasks including scheduling, timesheets, and financial reconciliation as assigned.
Support the program assistant in organizing over 40 Center events per year, including workshops and conferences; liaise with the office of external relations and other centers to ensure successful execution of and publicity for Atlantic Council programming and events; provide support to senior Atlantic Council staff and Board members; coordinate travel arrangements and prepare substantive briefing material for guests coming to Washington and for Council trips abroad.
Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence in accordance with the Atlantic Council style guide, including event invitations, thank you notes, and follow-up correspondence.
Conduct background research on various topics and be able to condense research materials into digestible written form and oral briefings; serve as rapporteur to Council task forces and workshops; assist in drafting and editing various Atlantic Council publications.
Contribute to the design and implementation of the Center’s communications strategy and products, such as monthly newsletters and video content.
Delegate activities to and provide guidance for program interns.
As time allows, provide and deliver expert commentary and analysis on US-Africa policy issues.
The program assistant will support the work of the Africa Center’s work on energy, migration, and critical minerals work while assisting with other tasks as part of the Center’s overall efforts.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in African studies, international relations, or a related field; Master’s degree a plus.
Knowledge of Africa Center policies and procedures is strongly desired.
Proven organizational and administrative skills in a not-for-profit/think tank setting, including scheduling, event planning, and project management.
Superior verbal and written communication skills in English; French fluency highly desirable.
Excellent telephone presence and interpersonal skills, including ability to work well with both interns and senior officials.
Ability to “go with the flow” and react quickly and professionally to changing circumstances.
Self-starter: comfortable with ambiguity and taking charge to problem-solve.
Highest attention to detail.
Proven research experience and expertise/interest in the African continent.
Interest in and understanding of transatlantic relations, the Atlantic Community, and the core mission of the Atlantic Council.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.