START International, Inc. invites applications for a part-time/hourly Program Specialist position. The Program Specialist will work remotely but must be based in the D.C., Maryland, Virginia area to attend relevant meetings and to visit START’s office in D.C. The primary responsibility of this position is to manage the Global Observation of Forest Cover and Land Dynamics program.

START coordinates capacity building efforts within GOFC-GOLD, by organizing or supporting training and learning events, including workshops providing early-career scientists with knowledge and resources for accessing and using earth observation data. START also promotes the participation of scientists from the GOFC-GOLD regional networks in international events, an opportunity to learn, connect and exchange knowledge and information with a larger community of scientists. GOFC-GOLD is a coordinated global effort involving space agencies, international organizations, including United Nations agencies, universities and research organizations. START’s efforts are funded by a grant from NASA, and START works closely on this project with NASA, the US Geological Survey’s Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science (USGS-EROS), Boston University, University of Maryland, GOFC-GOLD Regional Networks and a range of universities, space agencies and NGOs in partner countries throughout the world.

Duties and Responsibilities

●     Closely liaise with regional network members on project and meeting matters.

●     Coordinate and record action items from GOFC-GOLD executive committee calls.

●     Prepare communication products and project reports for dissemination within GOFC-GOLD and on START’s website.

●     Lead proposal development for additional resources to increase START’s impact on this initiative.

●     Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with donors, governments, potential partners, and other stakeholders to expand GOFC-GOLD.

●     Plan, coordinate logistics, manage finances, and communicate outcomes for six regional network meetings in 2018:

1. Advanced Training in Remote Sensing and Geospatial Technologies – http://sari.umd.edu/meetings/gofc-gold-advanced-training-remote-sensing-and-geospatial-technologies-2018
2. Southern African Fire Network (SAFNET) – http://gofc-fire.umd.edu/RegNtwks/SouthernAfrica.php
3. A combined meeting for Southeast Asia Regional Research and Information Network (SEARRIN) & South Asia Regional Information Network (SARIN)
4. South-Central European Regional International Network (SCERIN) – http://www.fao.org/gtos/gofc-gold/net-SEERIN.html
5. Caucasus Regional Information Network (CauCRIN)
6.  Western Africa Regional Network (WARN)

Desired Qualifications

A successful candidate should possess the following:

●     A Master’s degree or higher in a field relevant to START’s programs.

●     At least 3 years of relevant professional experience working on global observations.

●     Proven experience in project management and event coordination.

●     Proven success cultivating and maintaining working relationship with a broad range of governmental and nongovernmental actors and institutions across sectors.

●     Ability to work independently, remotely, across cultures, and within a small team.

●     Exceptional communication, facilitation, organization, and problem-solving skills.

●     Creativity and innovation in program design and implementation.

●     Legally eligible to work in the U.S.; no sponsorship provided.