Job Title: Program Officer / US-China Exchanges (Outbound) Effective Date: May 2015

Grade: CN-06

Division: D565 Location: Beijing, China

Reports To: Program Manager/US-China Exchanges

Program Summary: The Institute of International Education (IIE) manages undergraduate and graduate level scholarships at accredited academic institutions throughout the world. IIE’s mission is to advance international education and access to education worldwide. IIE implements many of the world’s most prestigious scholarship programs and manages global scholarships through our network of domestic and international offices. IIE has received funding from the U.S. Department of State and other funders to support several programs, including the Fulbright Program, in China.

Purpose of Position: The IIE Beijing Office, [formally IIE Consulting (Beijing) Ltd.], is seeking applications for a full time Program Officer position. The Program Officer (PO) for US-China Exchanges (Outbound) will provide day-to-day support for assigned outbound programs, currently primarily IIE’s designated parts of the Fulbright program (Chinese Master’s Degree Candidates; Chinese Ph.D. Dissertation Research Grant Candidates; and Chinese Foreign Language Teaching Assistants). S/he will serve as the primary in-country point of contact on assigned programs for Chinese candidates and grantees. S/he will also provide support services for Chinese students, scholars, and researchers prior to their departure for programs in the US and after their return to China. The PO will report to and receive direction from the Program Manager/US-China Exchanges (PM).

This position is based in Beijing, China.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

Coordination and Outreach (20%)

 Coordinate annual recruitment scheduling, materials development and program announcements, in consultation with the sponsor and local partners.

 Distribute information and application materials on assigned programs to Chinese HEIs, scholars, educators and students.

 Conduct outreach to Chinese HEIs, scholars, educators and students to ensure they are aware of assigned programs and their eligibility requirements, as budget allows.

Application guidance and support (20%)

 Provide ongoing guidance to Chinese HEIs, scholars, educators and students on application and

selection processes, requirements and results for assigned programs.

 Support in-country application review processes for outbound applicants as directed by the PM and in consultation with the sponsor, local partners and IIE’s US offices.

Selection interviews and visa processing and monitoring (45%)

 Coordinate selection interviews, nomination, placement and visa application processes for outbound candidates in close collaboration with the sponsor, local partners and IIE/US colleagues.

 Continually monitor relevant changes in the local context (e.g., visa policy changes, modifications to exchange practices, etc.) and advise program participants and the PM of both these changes and recommended program adjustments in a timely manner.

Program Manager support (10%)

 Support the PM in the planning and implementation of Pre-Departure Orientations for outbound candidates, including leading information and discussion sessions as requested.

External representation (5%)

 Represent IIE in a positive and engaging manner to ensure positive working relationships with all key stakeholders in China (including participants, potential applicants, funders/sponsors, program staff, Chinese government institutions and ministries, and the broader public).

 

Education/Experience:

 Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.

 Minimum 6-12 months of prior overseas study experience.

 Minimum 2 years of experience supporting international scholarship, education and/or

exchange programming.

 

Skills Required:

 Familiarity with the US and Chinese higher education landscapes.

 Experience supporting international education, scholarship, exchange and/or development

programming.

 Some exposure to donor (e.g., USG, Chinese Ministry of Education, Hanban, etc.) regulations

around program implementation preferred.

 Strong organizational, planning, and scheduling skills.

 Strong spoken and written communication skills in both English and Mandarin, to convey

information to individuals and groups of varying educational, cultural, and experience levels.

 Demonstrated commitment to quality and customer focus.

 Ability to build and maintain effective relationships.

 Ability to comply with guidelines, policies and procedures.

 Ability to work effectively with US and Chinese individuals, groups and institutions.

 High level of integrity and accountability.

 Professionalism and maturity.

 Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Work Environment and Physical Demands: Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This is a locally-hired position. Limited relocation assistance may be provided, in accordance with IIE’s current guidelines.

 

To apply for this position, email your resume, cover letter and salary expectations to IIE.Recruitment.Beijing@iie.org. Please title your message “[YOUR LAST NAME][YOUR FIRST NAME] US-China Exchanges Program Officer, Outbound.” Applications received by May 15, 2015 will receive priority consideration. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email to arrange an interview. No phone calls please.