Front Desk/Program Officer

Front Desk/Program Officer

The Joint Vienna Institute (JVI) is inviting applications for a hybrid position combining two roles in one: Front Desk/Program Officer.

The JVI is an international organization based in Vienna, Austria. It was established as a regional training center in 1992 by the Austrian Authorities, the International Monetary Fund, and several other international organizations. The JVI provides training to public sector officials from countries in mostly from Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Through short-term courses and workshops, JVI's objective is to strengthen economic policies by focusing on macroeconomic management, monetary and fiscal policy, financial stability, governance, and statistical systems. Emphasizing cooperation, policy relevance, and regional networking, the JVI offers a unique platform for knowledge exchange and capacity development.

This dual-function role offers the opportunity to serve as both the welcoming face of the JVI and a Program Officer -- supporting the smooth delivery of our courses. As the first point of contact for visitors, course participants, and staff, the Front Desk function plays a critical role in representing the JVI with professionalism and warmth. The Program Officer element of the role is key to maintaining the high-quality delivery and operational excellence that support the Institute's mission. Each role carries its own responsibilities:

Front Desk Officer: The Face of JVI - Welcome & Engagement

• Host the JVI Experience: Act as the first point of professional contact, greeting visitors and participants with a welcoming and diplomatic attitude.
• Professional Reception: Manage the JVI's communications (email, phone), suppliers and correspondence-diplomatic and routine-with a high degree of efficiency and confidentiality.
• Office Coordination: Support routine corporate tasks that contribute to the smooth day-to-day functioning of the Institute.

Program Officer: Supporting JVI´s Learning & Outreach

• End-to-End Course Management: Coordinate the administrative and logistical preparation and delivery of assigned courses.
• Focal Point: Serve as a key contact throughout the course cycle for participants, lecturers, and institutional counterparts (i.e., internal faculty or international partners: IMF, Austrian Authorities, and other international organizations).
• Social Events: Design and host social activities and cultural excursions that foster networking and enhance the overall participant experience.
• Outreach: Coordinate high-impact outreach initiatives such as public lectures and webinars that extend the JVI's global reach.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Institutional and Professional Background: A university degree or equivalent professional training, preferably with at least 3 years of experience in an international organization or a multi-stakeholder setting, including project management experience.
• Hospitality Mindset & Professionalism: A natural "host" personality with a welcoming, proactive, and genuinely supportive attitude toward international guests. Diplomatic poise to remain calm and approachable during busy course-start periods or evolving logistical needs.
• Intercultural Communication & Diplomacy: Proven project management and communication skills, with the cultural awareness required to coordinate courses and events in a professional, international, and multicultural environment.
• Collaborative Interpersonal Skills: A proven record of working effectively with people from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds, fostering a sense of community and teamwork.
• Adaptability & Resourcefulness: A solution-oriented approach with the ability to respond effectively to evolving needs, unexpected changes, and daily operational challenges.
• Ability to Manage Multiple Priorities: Proven ability to handle multiple tasks and competing priorities simultaneously, while remaining calm, organized, and serviceoriented.
• Multilingual Proficiency: Fluency in English is required; a good working knowledge of German is essential. Knowledge of Russian or Ukrainian would be an asset.
• Technical Proficiency: Excellent computer skills (MS Office and Windows). Familiarity with TYPO3 and AI tools is an advantage for modernizing our outreach and administrative efforts.
• Flexibility: Willingness to work occasional overtime, including evenings and weekends to manage social and cultural events related to the Program Officer role.

Salary and Benefits Package

• This fixed-term position is full-time, initially for two years with the possibility of renewal (up to eight years in total) and carries a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and qualifications. JVI staff members are exempt from national immigration restrictions and have the status of employees of international organizations in Austria (no diplomatic status).

Diversity and Inclusion

• The JVI is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and nationalities.
• For further details or to submit your application (CV and cover letter) https://jvi.bamboohr.com/careers/26
• Applications must be received by midnight CET on Sunday, April 26, 2026. It is expected that the successful applicant will take up the post in late summer.