Program Assistant

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Description

The Carter Center is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization founded in 1982 in Atlanta, GA, by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, in partnership with Emory University. The Center has helped to improve millions of lives in more than 80 countries by waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope. The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health.  

The Carter Center collaborates with other organizations, public and private, in carrying out its mission around the world. Current information about the Center’s many programs and activities are available at The Carter Center.

SUMMARY: 

The Carter Center’s Guinea Worm Eradication Program (GWEP) has a large multi-disciplinary research portfolio that is designed to investigate remaining transmission uncertainties along the human-animal-environment nexus and to accelerate the development and deployment of novel interventions (e.g., diagnostic assays, therapeutics) to interrupt disease transmission and generate an evidence base for inclusion in certification dossiers.

The Program Assistant – Research will support the administrative needs of the GWEP research portfolio, including but not limited to contracting, invoice processing, procurement, and coordinating international travel. The position will work in coordination with the Senior Associate Director of Research and national program staff (e.g., The Carter Center’s Research Coordinators and Senior Country Representatives) to ensure logistical needs are addressed so the research can be executed efficiently and effectively in the field. The Program Assistant – Research reports directly to the Senior Associate Director of Research for the GWEP and works with other members of the GWEP’s Research & Innovation Team as well as the program’s Implementation & Administration and Data Teams. The position also liaises with various external partners.

Due to the travel locations, Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) is required.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Provides administrative and operational support to the GWEP research portfolio, including:
  • Coordinating contracts for research partners and consultants, including establishing terms, monitoring end dates, processing renewals, and liaising with partners, staff, and country offices.
  • Processes financial transactions such as purchase orders, invoices, and expense reports, coordinating with Finance to resolve compliance issues.
  • Supporting internal organization by maintaining the GWEP research archive on SharePoint, updating research partner matrices, and managing the research calendar and communications.
  • Assisting with the preparation and formatting of research materials, presentations, and reports, including generating summary visuals using Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Maintaining the GWEP citation and reference library to ensure current Guinea worm literature is cataloged and accessible.
  • Performing special assignments and drafting general correspondence as requested by the supervisor or research team.
• Coordinates with field offices and the GWEP team on the procurement and shipment of research supplies (e.g., lab supplies, intervention materials, and biological samples) required to support GWEP research studies.
• Coordinates closely with GWEP research leadership and program staff to ensure effective communication, task tracking, and alignment across research contracts, procurement, and external collaborations.
• Supports GWEP program goals through collaboration with Program Assistants, managing correspondence, drafting routine documents, and maintaining strong working relationships with national program staff and in-country partners.
• Coordinates all logistics for domestic and international research meetings and events, including scheduling, travel arrangements, visas, registration, materials, and vendor management.
• Manages contracts and payments for event vendors, provides on-site support, and ensures a smooth experience for staff and attendees with responsive customer service.

• Ensures compliance with all organizational policies and procedures. 

  Coordinates efficient office procedures in support of program activities, including updates to the department’s Standard Operating Procedures, as requested.

• Maintains professional growth and development of self by identifying educational/training programs, activities, and resources to develop and maintain knowledge and skills.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high school diploma or equivalent AND five years of administrative experience, OR a bachelor's degree.
• Proficiency with various personal computer software applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., business, communications, international relations, health) and 3+ years of research support experience.
• Experience processing contracts and invoices using financial software; familiarity with procurement for research studies.
• Skilled in coordinating domestic and international travel and organizing large meetings or events.
• Background in supporting health or community development programs in Africa.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple, time-sensitive projects independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat; experience with financial and personnel data entry.
• French fluency is advantageous; international work or travel experience a plus.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to The Carter Center on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines.  All non-exempt employees must reside within the state of Georgia. The Carter Center reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at 404-727-9877 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.