Programs and Communications Associate

Programs and Communications Associate

Full-Time

Location: Washington, D.C.

Reports to: Manager, Programs and Partnerships

ABOUT AGA KHAN FOUNDATION, USA (AKF USA) 

The Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) — one of the world’s leading development organizations working to tackle the root causes of poverty. For nearly 60 years, AKF has improved the quality of life in some of the most remote, resource-constrained parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, guided by a firm commitment to pluralism, human dignity, and non-denominational service.  Based in Washington, DC, AKF USA mobilizes resources and builds strategic partnerships with U.S. government agencies, private foundations, corporations, and individuals to support this global mission. Our work spans education, health and nutrition, civil society, food security, climate resilience, and early childhood development. AKDN agencies conduct their programs without regard to faith, origin, or gender.

Position Summary

The Program Associate sits between AKF USA’s Programs and Partnerships and Resource Development and Communications units and plays a meaningful role in advancing the design, implementation, and communication of programs and strategic partnerships. This position is well-suited for a mission-driven professional with demonstrated experience in international development and communications who is ready to take on greater ownership of program activities, deepen partner relationships, and contribute to organizational strategy. The Associate will work independently and collaboratively across teams and with external partners, driving AKF USA’s programmatic priorities and amplifying the visibility and impact of its work.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management & Partnerships

• Under the supervision of Managers, coordinate day-to-day implementation and monitoring of assigned programs and partnership portfolios, tracking deliverables, timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements with a general of independence.
• Maintain program management tools including dashboards, trackers, workplans, and risk registers to ensure consistent visibility into program performance.
• Draft, review, and update program documents including concept notes, implementation plans, partner agreements, and technical reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate logistics and substantive preparation for partner meetings, convenings, and events, including developing agendas, facilitating discussions, and producing follow-up action plans.
• Conduct in-depth research and analysis on program themes, partner landscapes, funding environments, and development trends to generate actionable insights for team and leadership decision-making.
• Compile and draft high-quality donor reports, proposal sections, and program evaluations, ensuring accuracy, coherence, and alignment with donor expectations.
• Serve as a point of contact for designated partner organizations, fostering productive working relationships and proactively resolving operational issues.
• Support the development and tracking of partnership strategies, identifying opportunities for collaboration, co-funding, and knowledge exchange.
• Contribute to cross-unit coordination by working closely with AKF USA’s resource development, finance, and communications teams to align program and partnership activities with organizational goals.

Communications & Knowledge Management

• Draft and edit high-quality communications materials that translate complex program work into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including donors, partners, policymakers, and the public.
• Produce program briefs, impact stories, email blasts, blog posts, social media content, and web copy that effectively convey AKF USA’s program results and mission.
• Support management of AKF USA’s program-related editorial calendar, coordinating content production and distribution across digital and print channels in coordination with the communications team.
• Monitor and synthesize media coverage, policy developments, and sector trends relevant to AKF USA’s program areas, preparing regular briefings and recommendations for team and senior leadership.
• Lead communications planning for program-related events, including crafting invitations, talking points, messaging frameworks, and post-event summaries and reports.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of program-specific visibility plans in coordination with partners and AKDN agencies.
• Ensure all communications products adhere to AKF’s brand guidelines, messaging, tone, and style.
• Support the documentation and dissemination of program learning, contributing to AKF USA’s knowledge management and institutional memory efforts.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, public policy, global affairs, communications, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of progressive professional experience in international development, program management, or a related field, with demonstrated ability to manage complex workstreams independently.Or combination of work and educational experiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of producing polished, audience-appropriate content including donor reports, proposals, and outreach materials.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to synthesize information from multiple sources to support strategic decision-making.
• Excellent project management skills, with demonstrated experience using project management tools, CRM systems, or MEL frameworks to track and report on program performance.
• Experience in donor engagement, grant reporting, or proposal development for U.S. government, foundation, or corporate funders.
• Collaborative, solutions-oriented work style with the ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments and work effectively across cultures and time zones.
• Demonstrated commitment to AKF’s mission and values, with a nuanced understanding of international development principles and practice.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%

Preferred

• Experience working with or within international NGOs, donor-funded programs, foundations, or multilateral development organizations such as the World Bank or UN system.
• Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) frameworks and experience contributing to program evaluations or assessments.
• Substantive knowledge of one or more of AKF’s core program areas: agriculture and food security, civil society, climate resilience, early childhood development, education, health and nutrition, and work and enterprise. 
• Field experience working in or with communities in Africa, Asia, or the Middle East.
• Proficiency in data visualization, digital communications platforms, or content management systems.
• Additional language proficiency in French, Swahili, Dari, or other languages relevant to AKF’s geographies is a strong asset.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: [$54,000 – $63,000], based on experience and qualifications.
• Medical, dental and vision plans with 100% of the cost of the premiums for employee only coverage paid by AKF.
• Life, AD&D, STD and LTD insurance sponsored 100% by AKF.
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• 401(k) with generous 8% employer contribution after one year of service.
• 15 paid vacation days plus 12 paid sick days per year.
• And more…

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, writing sample and a cover letter describing their interest in the role and AKF USA’s mission to 

humanresources.akfusa@akdn.org. 

Please include “Program Associate – Programs & Partnerships” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

This position will be based in Washington DC.   We thrive in a hybrid setup that blends flexibility with connection, coming together in the office three days each week.

This position requires authorization to work in the United States at the time of hire.  We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

AKF USA is committed to advancing gender equality and inclusion through our programming and operations in the USA and overseas. AKF USA requires all employees to review and abide by the AKF Gender Equality Policy.

AKF USA recognizes the importance of safeguarding and is committed to ensuring it manages a wide range of risks such that beneficiaries, staff, other associates, and the organization as a whole are kept safe from harm. AKF USA requires all employees to review and abide by the AKF Safeguarding Policy.