Program Officer, Young Leaders of America (YLAI)

IREX•Washington, DC

45d

About The Position

IREX is seeking a detail-oriented and communicative Program Officer to support the implementation of the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). This role involves managing assigned program activities, contributing to project work products, and ensuring compliance. The Program Officer will lead event planning and logistics for key fellowship events, including the U.S. Arrival Orientation and Market Immersion, and the YLAI Closing Forum. The position also supports the international Alumni Commercial Convening and coordinates the Virtual Pre-Departure Orientation and Fellowship Kick-Off. The Program Officer will mentor and supervise a Program Coordinator to ensure successful event execution and broader program activities.

Requirements

BA Degree
Minimum of 3 to 5 years of professional experience managing programs, projects, events, or related operational activities.
Experience implementing international education, exchange, alumni, professional training, leadership development, or entrepreneurship programs.
Experience planning and implementing large-scale in-person and virtual events, including logistics coordination, agenda development, vendor management and partnership development, and on-site event support.
Experience working with U.S. Department of State or other U.S. government grants, contracts, or donor-funded programs.
Experience supporting program budgeting, procurement, invoice processing, financial tracking, and compliance requirements.
Experience coordinating with external stakeholders, including funders, partners, vendors, hotels, conference venues, speakers, participants, and partner organizations.
Experience facilitating meetings, workshops, orientations, networking events, or professional learning experiences.
Experience working in cross-cultural environments with diverse international participants and partners.
Demonstrated understanding of Latin America and the Caribbean and recent developments in the region.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Copilot, and Teams, and experience using project management or collaboration tools.

Nice To Haves

International work or study experience in Latin America or the Caribbean preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the day-to-day planning, coordination, and implementation of virtual, hybrid, and in-person YLAI program events, ensuring alignment with program objectives, participant needs, and program requirements.
Provide day-to-day supervision and performance management of a Program Coordinator, including goal setting, coaching, feedback, and professional development support.
Manage event logistics, including venue coordination, catering, audiovisual needs, accessibility accommodations, and participant communications.
Coordinate closely with vendors, hotels, speakers, facilitators, and internal teams to ensure seamless event execution.
Monitor event timelines, workplans, and deliverables, proactively identifying and resolving logistical challenges to keep activities on schedule and within budget.
Develop and maintain detailed event tracking tools, participant lists, run-of-show documents, briefing materials, and contingency plans for all program activities.
Serve as the primary point of contact during events, managing onsite and virtual operations, troubleshooting issues in real time, and ensuring a positive participant experience.
Track event expenditures, process invoices, and monitor budgets to ensure compliance with organizational and award requirements.
Support participant engagement by coordinating networking opportunities, workshops, site visits, and professional development activities.
Advise a cohort of participants and U.S. business partners throughout the program to guide their experience for maximized impact.
Prepare briefing materials, logistical guidance, and event updates for leadership, funders, implementing partners, and program stakeholders.
Collaborate with other parts of the team, including communications, alumni, training, and monitoring and evaluation to ensure event activities support broader YLAI program goals and outcomes.