Simon Everett, Ltd.

Simon Everett is an analytic design firm. We structure and implement analytic engagements to help government agencies, businesses, and non-profits solve problems, large and small. Whether our clients seek to create capabilities, improve processes, or inform decisions, we offer the proven ability to address their needs. Our consultative approach blends analytic agility with interdisciplinary expertise to produce functionally and aesthetically impactful results. We are successful when our clients tell us they can achieve better outcomes.

Seeking Africa experts to teach short courses

We are seeking highly qualified candidates for periodic, part-time contract opportunities to serve as Course Coordinators to develop and deliver foreign area studies training courses on North Africa and (separately) East Africa to professionals at the U.S. Department of State. These opportunities will begin as early as March 2024. Each regional course is typically offered once every 2-3 months in various formats (see below); applicants need not commit to delivering every offering of a given course. This call for applications is intended to result in a “bench” of qualified Course Coordinators who may be called upon.  

About the opportunity

The Department of State's Foreign Service Institute (FSI) provides training and professional development to U.S. diplomats and other U.S. Government personnel. The mission of the Area Studies Division of FSI’s School of Professional and Area Studies (SPAS/AS) is to provide members of the foreign affairs community with the essential knowledge of the country and region in which they work so that they may advance U.S. foreign policy objectives.

SPAS/AS courses cover history, politics, economics, religion, and culture, with an emphasis on relevant global issues and U.S. interests and challenges. These courses are designed to teach experienced, adult learners how to work effectively in the countries to which they are assigned. A central feature of the course is the seminar format, which involves active participation of the students facilitated by the person teaching the course. The seminar format can include the following types of activities: presentations, discussions, field trips, participatory activities by class members, readings, audiovisual materials, homework, quizzes, and independent study, in order to explore the key historical, political, economic, and socio-cultural themes for the region as well as U.S. interests and policy issues.

Currently, Simon Everett provides Course Coordinators (on a per-course contract basis) to develop and deliver SPAS/AS courses within the African Affairs portfolio. We are seeking additional Course Coordinators for the following courses:

  • North Africa: covers Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt

  • East Africa: covers Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, and Mauritius

Please note the following:

  • Each course runs 3-6 times per year in one of two formats: (a) every day (M-F) for an entire week, or (b) one day a week for five weeks (sometimes consecutive, sometimes non-consecutive)

  • Some courses are delivered virtually (online) while others are delivered in-person at the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) campus in Arlington, VA. Accordingly, Course Coordinators for virtual courses need not be present in the VA area, whereas Course Coordinators for in-person courses will need to be present in the VA area for the days/week of the course.

  • Courses typically run from 8:30am to 4:30pm on the applicable days of instruction, including periodic 10- to 15-minute breaks and a 1-hour lunch break.

  • In addition to content prepared and delivered directly by Course Coordinators, each course day is expected to include sessions delivered by guest speakers who are experts on relevant regions/countries and topics (still facilitated by the Course Coordinator), and may include independent study sessions and/or group discussion/exercise sessions. Honoraria budgets will be provided to secure guest speaker participation, separate from the Course Coordinator’s direct compensation.

  • As students of these courses are adult professionals, Course Coordinators are expected to facilitate dynamic, discussion-based sessions that encourage student participation and exploration of topics, as opposed to relying upon direct lecture-style presentations.

Primary responsibilities

  • Organize and conduct a five-day Area Studies Course during the contracted period;

  • Confer with FSI Regional Chairs to understand and account for student dynamics and current events that may impact course design and content prioritization;

  • Create draft materials and presentations required for courses (including a course schedule and syllabus) and revise based upon feedback provided by FSI and/or Simon Everett personnel;

  • Provide material for the students to read before the course, to serve as basis of discussion;

  • Facilitate seminar sessions and attend all in-class activities;

  • Introduce guest speakers, lead class discussions, and evaluate student participation;

  • Provide updated reading lists that include audio/visual and web-based materials as well as bibliographies to allow foreign affairs professionals to remain up-to-date on relevant issues.; and

  • Coordinate with FSI Teaching Assistants and Simon Everett project staff to address associated logistical, administrative, and production requirements. 

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree required; PhD preferred.

  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience including substantive expertise and recognition as an expert on the country or region, as evidenced by published works, media appearances, past teaching or professional training experience, university instruction, or similar.

  • Proven experience with instructional design, professional training, or academic teaching and delivery of engaging training for experienced, adult learners, including demonstrated evidence of dynamic and interactive instruction approaches and capabilities.

  • Ability to work independently and under deadline pressure, and to effectively liaise with various USG and contract personnel for course production and administration.

  • Ability to provide print-ready course materials using provided templates.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel).

  • Experience with online/remote learning platforms.

  • Fluent English required; fluency in one or more relevant regional languages is desirable.

  • DC metro-area residence is preferred (as some courses will be delivered in-person at FSI’s campus in Arlington, VA) but not required

How to inquire

  • Interested parties should e-mail careers@simoneverett.com as soon as possible.

  • Reference “FSI North Africa Course Coordinator” or “FSI East Africa Course Coordinator” (as applicable) in the subject line.

  • Attach a CV and include a short explanation of your interest and qualifications of note.

  • Advise upon your earliest date of availability for virtual and/or in-person delivery.

About Simon Everett

Simon Everett is an analytic design firm. We provide customized research, analysis, and strategic planning services to help government, private sector, and non-profit clients answer key questions, inform critical decisions, and develop actionable plans. Simon Everett is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment or consulting opportunities without regard to race, color, religion or creed, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital or partnership status, or national origin.

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