Program Coordinator - Global Food & Water Security Program

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non‑profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity.

The CSIS Global Food and Water Security Program conducts independent research and analysis and provides policy recommendations to address dynamic threats to global food and water security, with a distinct focus on the relationship between global food and water security policy under the CSIS Project on Water Security.

CSIS GFWSP seeks a highly motivated, exceptionally organized program coordinator (PC) to support its food and water security programming in alignment with GFWSP’s goals. The PC is an integral part of the team and is responsible for overseeing a wide range of program components, including organizing program events, tracking partnership and grant activities, managing the program’s budget, supporting new project development and fundraising efforts, liaising with other CSIS programs and outside stakeholders, monitoring events and trends in global food and water security, and contributing to the program’s research portfolio.

The role has room for additional growth in project management after mastery of essential duties and responsibilities. While primarily a project management and administrative position, there is room to grow in research areas as capacity and program needs evolve.

The salary range for the Program Coordinator role is $55,000 - $60,000. Final salary is competitive and is based on candidate’s qualifications and skill set.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to supporting the Director and team in the following:

I. Project Management (60%)

Lead the coordination of public events, private events, and other activities including meetings, seminars, and briefings, in collaboration with GFWSP colleagues and program Director.

Oversee ongoing project activities and requirements through drafting project work‑plans, tracking deadlines and reporting requirements, and liaising with external stakeholders and program partners.

Develop, monitor, and review project budgets and annual program budgets (revenue and expenses), including drafting new project budget proposals, analyzing monthly accounting statements, and preparing for regular budget reviews. Additional responsibilities include processing reimbursements as necessary and overseeing vendor and consultant payments.

Collaborate with program Director and CSIS Office of Development to support new project development and fundraising efforts, including meeting with funding prospects, drafting new project proposals, facilitating new project agreements, and tracking fundraising pipelines.

Other tasks as assigned by the Director, as needed.

II. Administration (30%)

Maintain, manage, and update professional contact database and program engagements through Salesforce software.

Manage the program and Director’s calendars, including coordinating internal and external engagements and travel, as needed.

Other tasks as assigned by the Director, as needed.

III. Research (10%)

Monitor news, trends, and developments in global food and water security and related areas, and provide research support, backgrounders, and contribute to the program’s content portfolio on an ad‑hoc basis.

Knowledge, education, and experience

Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, International Development, Public Policy/Administration, Political Science, or related field.

At least 1–2 years of relevant experience (including internships).

Demonstrated interest in global food and water security (e.g., policies, programs, stakeholders, and coordination platforms). Experience in food and/or water security policy is a plus.

Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to plan and execute multiple overlapping activities (e.g., events, publications, meetings, and others) concurrently, and to operate successfully in a fast‑paced environment.

Experience and/or strong interest in event planning and coordination.

Experience and/or strong interest in budget and financial management, fundraising, and related efforts.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate diplomatically with high‑level partners and external stakeholders across sectors.

A self‑starting and entrepreneurial mindset and ability to work well both independently and collaboratively; sound judgment and impeccable integrity, positive attitude, and creative outlook.

A strong “team player” disposition, including willingness to support all other team members’ work, execute a variety of tasks as needed, and contribute to the success of the entire team.

Physical requirements and work conditions

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Performances of duties require the use of hands to finger, handle, or feel. The job frequently requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

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