The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) was formed in 1955 by President Eisenhower to “encourage a broader international understanding of the principles of private enterprise and political democracy essential to prosperity and freedom.”
BCIU has pursued this mission by (1) training thousands of U.S. Ambassadors to promote American business around the world; (2) hosting foreign leaders (e.g. Presidents, Finance Ministers, etc.) with U.S. prospective investors to promote opportunities in their countries; and (3) advise executives and government officials on facilitating trade and investment.
BCIU is fully integrated into the business and diplomatic circles in New York and Washington. BCIU also delivers meetings, events and activities throughout the U.S. and in cities around the world and is becoming an increasingly global organization. BCIU is a pragmatic, high-touch institution that provides tangible results to business executives and government officials at the highest levels, as well as specifically tailored services upon request.
BCIU is in a period of rapid growth and expansion and is interested in interviewing highly ethical, customer-oriented professionals who have exceptional project management experience, communications skills, intercultural sensitivity, understanding of business, and success in working in small, high-pressure teams facing inflexible deadlines. BCIU is always looking for extraordinary people to help us support our mission and our members.
The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) is seeking a Program Officer, Middle East and Europe.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement programs, roundtables, and strategic dialogues focused on business and government relations in the Middle East and Europe.
- Conduct research and provide insights on political, economic, and business trends in the regions to inform BCIU programming and member engagement.
- Design, generate, pursue, and confirm programs with U.S. and foreign government officials, multilateral officials, and senior private sector and opinion leaders related to the Middle East and Europe.
- Design and implement programs aligned with the organization's goals, considering the unique political, social, and economic landscapes of the Middle East and Europe.
- Plan and execute high-level meetings, briefings, and delegations, ensuring seamless logistics and content alignment with member interests.
- Develop and maintain budget for Middle East and Europe regional programming.
- Fundraise to secure sponsorship for all programs and reach the established financial goals.
- Further strengthen working relationships with U.S. Embassy Staff, Foreign Embassies based in Washington D.C., key government agencies and with other stakeholders in the public and private sectors in relation to the assigned region.
- Build relationships with government officials, business associations, industry leaders, and other relevant organizations in the Middle East and Europe to foster partnerships.
- Build a personal network of representatives, gate-keepers and executives in Fortune 500 and other large companies in Berlin, Brussels, Dubai, London, New York, Washington, DC. and other major metropolitan areas for program invitations and cultivating/building relationships with members and prospective members.
- Develop and execute a regional strategy and associated programming.
- Foster relationships with business executives, diplomats, and policymakers to strengthen BCIU’s network and influence in the regions.
- Maintain and grow commercial outreach lists based on country and sector priorities. Use research analysis to design innovative programming.
- Deliver a comprehensive calendar of programs with policy makers, diplomats, and other officials important to BCIU’s membership and promote BCIU’s mission. Handle any necessary follow-up from events and catalogue all appropriate data/information from each event.
- Recruit high-level multi-sector participants to BCIU engagements (via phone, video, e-mail, and in-person) consistent with program goals with a focus on meeting the needs of members for retention and to increase “new/first time” attendees to BCIU events.
- Identify potential new members and partners in the Middle East and Europe markets.
- Organize trade missions and business delegations to the region.
- Monitor and analyze trade policies and regulations impacting member companies.
- Handle all event management activities, i.e. secure venue; manage on-site logistics; and liaise with the office of the guest official(s) and host company(ies) on all details.
- Attend various regional engagements and provide summaries.
- Respond to membership requests and inquiries (i.e. connecting to relevant officials, issue-driven resolutions).
- Log all relevant activities for region in organization wide Client Relation Management (CRM) database.
- Regularly brief staff on leads, progress and follow-up actions from activities.
- Collaborate on various additional inter-unit organizational tasks and projects.
- Work on developing programming in the regions and other business hubs outside the regions.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- 3-5 years of experience in program coordination, international business, diplomacy, or a related area.
- Experience and background in international relations, public sector inter-agency coordination, foreign affairs, and commercial diplomacy.
- Understanding of the politics, economies, and cultural dynamics of the Middle East and Europe region.
- Ability to plan, execute, and monitor initiatives within budget and timelines.
- Strong writing and verbal communication skills.
- Interest in building relationships with key stakeholders in the private and public sector.
- Proven experience in project management and program development .
- Excellent research, analytical, and written communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Knowledge of, or interest in learning about Client Relation Management (CRM) database management. BCIU utilizes Zoho as its CRM platform.
- Strict attention to detail and deadlines, outstanding organizational skills, and the ability to multi- task while documenting progress.
- Active and enthusiastic team-based mentality, high energy and quick learning skills, self-starter, individually resourceful.
- Strong preference for experience working in/with the regions.
- Bachelor’s degree in business, international relations, public policy, or related subjects (experience preferred).
- Skilled in Microsoft Office; experience with CRM systems is a plus.
- Foreign language proficiency (Arabic, French, German, or another relevant language) is a plus.
- Position can be based in New York or Washington, D.C.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
Compensation
The successful candidate will be compensated with a biweekly annual salary subject to normal withholdings and, after introductory periods, benefits to include medical and dental coverage and participation in the group’s pension plan. Salary will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s experience.
About BCIU
The Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU) is a nonprofit organization of experts, educators, and advisors working to expand international trade and commerce for businesses and governments around the world. BCIU is deeply connected and trusted by 150 member companies, including many global multinationals, and maintains an unparalleled network of government relationships in every corner of the world. For sixty-five years, they have believed in progress and shaping the future by addressing some of the most complex global challenges, from global health to cybersecurity to agricultural sustainability. Through bespoke, transformative services, BCIU provides ways for its partners to deepen economic cooperation and enhance global growth across markets. For more information about BCIU, please visit www.bciu.org.
