Higher Education for Innovation (HEI) Relationship Officer

About the role

The Higher Education for Innovation (HEI) Relationship Officer will support a five‑year USAID‑funded activity in Jordan, aimed at strengthening core functions of universities and fostering sustainable collaboration among higher education institutions, industry, and government. Reporting to the Performance Improvement Senior Manager and based in Amman, the officer will coordinate day‑to‑day technical activities and maintain productive relationships with university partners.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate university selection, resource allocation, and technical assistance for participating HEIs.
• Organize and facilitate working groups, workshops, trainings, and other events in close collaboration with the technical team.
• Maintain and nurture relationships with university partners and relevant industry and government stakeholders.
• Support the development, monitoring, and reporting of program workplans and budgets.
• Assist with sub‑award management, monitoring and evaluation processes, and rapid desk reviews as needed.

Required profile

• Bachelor’s degree in innovation, economics, education, international development or a related field.
• Minimum three years of experience in a non‑profit or international education program, preferably involving research development, private‑sector engagement, workforce development or higher‑education capacity building.
• Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholder relationships, workplans and budgets.
• Familiarity with USAID awards and sub‑award administration is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Arabic and English, with cross‑cultural sensitivity.
• Self‑motivated, solutions‑oriented and able to work both independently and as part of a team.

Required skills