Community Engagement & Development Officer

Our team is currently seeking a Community Engagement and Development Officer to help drive positive change within the Pacific Islands region. This role is responsible for direct engagement with community initiatives, interfacing with agencies, programs, educational institutions, non-profits, and other Pacific Islander communities-focused entities in the state, nation, and Pacific Islands region; establishing partnerships as appropriate. Drawing from extensive knowledge of and experience working with Pacific Islander communities and organizations in the United States, the Pacific Islands region, and Pacific diasporas, the incumbent will provide key advice and guidance on engagement with community and regional fora, maintaining engagements that observe cultural and professional protocols.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

• Community and regional liaison and strategic relations – work with Director to coordinate engagement in state, national, and regional community-based, community-focused organizations
• Undertake specific community engagement tasks including designing data collection instruments (surveys) and communiques, ensuring relevant community stakeholders are consulted at appropriate times in program activities
• Design and deliver small and large-scale community facilitation and engagement projects
• Assist the Director in developing community relationships including communications with other Pacific-focused entities
• Represent PIDP in important local, regional, and/or international community-focused engagements where the Director is unable to attend and the area of focus falls outside the roles or expertise of other members of PIDP and/or the Center
• Regularly monitors issues and trends of significance to Pacific Islander communities at the local and national levels and provide strategic advice to the Director on areas where PIDP could/should usefully participate or support community development
• Actively monitor and participate in Pacific Islander communities’ online discussion fora, social media, and other websites for community engagement opportunities and initiatives
• Identify media opportunities and promote community engagement projects, events, and initiatives
• Work closely with PIDP Regional Engagement Officer to ensure synergies and connections between local, national, regional, and international initiatives
• Contribute to local, national, and regional community- and scholarly-based research, education, training projects and seminars, workshops, and conferences for intercultural exchange of knowledge, experiences, and research results as part of the overall PIDP community and regional engagement strategy and help to maintain cooperative links with other institutions, agencies, and organizations involved in these projects
• Assists with official functions in fulfillment of PIDP’s strategic goals and with regional meetings as appropriate. Must follow protocols appropriate to organizations and their representatives, and utilize the highest level of discretion, when dealing with high level officials and leaders of Pacific Island nations
• Works cooperatively with the other research, dialogue, outreach, education, and training programs of the East-West Center
• Collaborate with Oceania researchers in the design and deployment of collaborative, community-based research on issues of emerging importance to Pacific Islander communities
• Assists with external funding objectives for PIDP
• Ensures the timely preparation of program reports, evaluations, informational materials, consultant contracts and other agreement instruments (e.g. Memorandum of Understanding, Cooperative Agreement) to further PIDP goals
  

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS NEEDED FOR THE ROLE

Education and Experience – Graduate degree (Master’s or higher) in a field relevant to the position and work performed. At least five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience within the U.S. Government and/or international organizations, including experience working across the Pacific region and with Pacific Island governments, communities, leaders, and regional, national, and multilateral institutions.

Demonstrated Ability – Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; to take initiative and work independently and cooperatively in following through on assignments; to assume responsibility for whole areas of work and integrate information from relevant sources; to gather and/or prepare background materials; to work and deal effectively with a wide variety of cultures and with people of diverse cultural backgrounds; to work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands; to acquire and maintain knowledge of and appropriately apply various policies and procedures; to establish and maintain accurate files and records; to adapt to changes and exercise good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations; to perform effectively in a non-routine work environment; to work effectively as a team member; and to appropriately handle confidential information; to work creatively within a set budget and use innovation to find ways of more effectively managing resources.

Knowledge – of office practices and procedures; of budget management; of correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; secure records management; and of office machines and equipment; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional and other equivalent applications; proficiency with Google suite, Microsoft 365, or other work sharing platforms and meeting software such as Zoom and Skype. The incumbent should also possess a strong understanding and appreciation of Pacific culture and ways of operating.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE ROLE

• Experience developing and monitoring grant proposals and projects involving multiple units and agencies in the Pacific region.

SALARY AND BENEFITS OF WORKING AT THE EAST-WEST CENTER

When you join our team as the Community Engagement and Development Officer, you will have the opportunity to work for a company that values its employees and provides a supportive work environment. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

• Competitive Salary and Benefits

The annual salary for this position starts at $101,518.65 with an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement savings with a generous company match, paid holidays, as well as paid vacation and sick leave.

• Career Growth Opportunities

We believe in investing in our employees and providing opportunities for career growth and development. As you settle into your role, you will have the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities and advance your career within our organization.

• Supportive Work Environment

We believe in fostering a supportive work environment where our employees feel valued and appreciated. We encourage open communication and collaboration and provide the tools and resources our employees need to succeed.

HOW TO APPLY

If you're interested in applying for this position, submit an electronic application at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW so that you can be immediately considered. Here are some tips to help you prepare you for our job application process:

• Tailor Your Resume and Write a Compelling Cover Letter

Make sure that your resume is tailored to the specific requirements of the job. Highlight your relevant experience and skills and provide examples of how you have demonstrated leadership in your previous roles. Your cover letter should be tailored to the job and provide a clear and concise summary of your qualifications and experience. Explain why you are interested in the role and how you can contribute to our team. Our initial assessment will be based on the information you submit in your application.

• Be Prepared for the Interview

If you are invited for an interview, make sure that you are well prepared. Research our company and its role and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and qualifications.

• Provide Three Professional References

Ensure that your references can attest to your skills, worth ethic and integrity. What these people reveal about you — both in terms of what they do and don’t say — can make a difference in whether you’ll be hired. So, it’s extremely important that you choose wisely when deciding who to use as a reference.

The East-West Center is a premier institution in the Indo-Pacific to convene, develop, and equip a network of leaders to solve challenges of common concern. Founded in 1960, the Center has been a leader in promoting understanding and cooperation between the United States and the Indo-Pacific region through its innovative programs and research initiatives.

The Center is dedicated to creating respectful and inclusive programming that values innovation and growth through collaborations across the organization and the region. With its cutting-edge research, educational programs, and vibrant community, the East-West Center has become a hub of academic excellence and cultural exchange. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply someone interested in making a difference for peoples and communities throughout Asia, the Pacific and the US, the East-West Center is the perfect place to explore and discover new perspectives.

The Pacific Islands Development Program (PIDP) serves as Secretariat for the Pacific Islands Conference of Leaders (PICL) and a Council of Regional Organisations of the Pacific (CROP) agency. In these capacities, PIDP regularly engages in highly sensitive international communications and activities with elected and traditional leaders, senior officials, governments, and organizations. Thus, the incumbent will have direct access to and some involvement with multilateral activities that are highly sensitive and have geopolitical significance and implications. Confidentiality and privacy are of paramount importance; the incumbent will be held to a high standard of behavior in this regard and must be able to always maintain confidentiality and privacy.

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment. This is a full-time position that requires the incumbent to work in-person in Honolulu, HI.