Education Officer (JOP), FS-6

US Agency for International Development

JUNIOR OFFICER PROGRAM
Education Officer (JOP), FS-6

WHO ARE WE?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has a long history of extending a helping hand to those people overseas struggling to make a better life, recover from a disaster or striving to live in a free and democratic country. It is this caring that stands as a hallmark of the United States around the world - and shows the world our true character as a nation.

USAID is listed as one of the top ten best places to work in the Federal Government by the Office of Personnel Management’s survey (Summer 2006).

WHAT ARE WE?
USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. With headquarters in Washington, DC, USAID fosters transformational development around the world. Our work supports economic growth and trade; agriculture and the environment; education and training; democracy and governance; global health; global partnerships and humanitarian assistance. We operate in four regions of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa; Asia and the Near East; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Europe and Eurasia. USAID employs individuals in the Civil Service and Foreign Service, as well as through Personal Service Contracts for service in Washington, DC and overseas.

WHERE ARE WE?
USAID’s headquarters is centrally located in downtown Washington, DC, at the prestigious Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. We are located right on the Federal Triangle Metro (Blue and Orange Lines). The office is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, Smithsonian Institution museums and Washington Monument. There is also a physical fitness facility and food court on site.

NOTES:

Multiple vacancies will be filled through this announcement.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early as referral lists may be forwarded to selecting officials at any time.

USAID is continually looking for opportunities to expand partnerships with the private sector to promote development goals. Candidates with private sector experience are encouraged to apply.

USAID is seeking to expand its capability to respond to crises and disasters around the globe. The Agency is planning to develop ‘surge’ capacity amongst its Foreign Service Officers for such a response. Persons applying for any Junior Officer positions are also eligible to serve as ‘surge’ officers, and will be provided special training during their initial Washington rotation.

DIVERSITY

USAID is committed to recruiting and deploying a diverse Foreign Service (FS) workforce that exemplifies the diverse nature of the U.S. labor force.

THE JUNIOR OFFICER PROGRAM

The Junior Officer (JO) program is USAID’s entry-level program into the Foreign Service. The JO program seeks the best-qualified junior professional candidates who are willing to make a long-term career commitment to the Foreign Service and international development. JOs begin their careers in formal training programs that are followed by rotational on-the-job, Washington-based training for up to one year, which may include language training. After completion of Washington training, JOs are assigned to an overseas office and receive broad-based training through rotational assignments. The total JO training plan is approximately three years. Successful candidates will become representatives of USAID and the U.S. Government in the worldwide development arena. New Foreign Service Officers have five years in which to earn tenure in the Foreign Service. Tenure requirements include foreign language proficiency, and successful completion of at least three years with the Agency, of which 18 months have to have been on a permanent overseas assignment in one of USAID’s field offices. The three-year JO training program is included in the five-year tenure requirement.

BENEFITS

Federal benefits include: 10 paid Federal Holidays per year; 13 days of paid sick leave each year; 13-26 days of vacation, depending on years of employment; Nationally recognized health insurance plans that offers choice and flexibility; Group Term Life Insurance program; and, Long-term Care Insurance.

This announcement is being used to consider internal Merit Promotion and external candidates. You will be considered under all categories for which you are eligible.

RECRUITMENT TARGETS:

USAID is continually looking for opportunities to expand partnerships with the private sector to promote development goals. While experience is not required, candidates with private sector experience, knowledge, skills and abilities are encouraged to apply.

USAID is also seeking to expand its capability to resond to crises and disasters around the globe. The Agency is planning to develop ‘surge’ capacity amongst its FSOs for such a response. Persons applying for the JO positions are also eligible to serve as ‘surge’ officers, and will be provided special training during their initial Washington rotation.

DUTIES:

1. Education Program/Project Management and Administration

Serve as a technical resource to foreign assistance activities in the area of education and development. Review, evaluate and analyze education data and provide advice on education issues. Coordinate and manage strategies, policies, concepts, procedures, and guidelines for establishing programs in the education sector. Analyze constraints to development, both sector-wide and country-specific, and recommend courses of action. Coordinate program development, implementation, and performance monitoring plans. Advocate for and represent education policies, programs, and interventions in country of assignment. Coordinate assigned activities with other USAID Bureaus and Offices, the Department of State, other USG agencies, host governments, bilateral donors, international financial institutes and the private sector.

The incumbent may be assigned to one or more areas of emphasis within the overall portfolio (e.g., basic education, higher education)

2. Education Program Planning

a) Develop education strategies and/or designs education programs. Conduct education research or sector assessments and incorporate results into programs. Coordinate technical assistance, strategic planning, donor collaboration and other activities within the education sector. Conceptualize the design, documentation, and/or management of centrally administered education programs/projects that may be targeted toward a specific country/situation or to a specific development problem, such as systemic education reform, cross-sector programming, basic education, higher education, institutional capacity building, education for under-served populations, and education in nations in crisis and transition. Develop concept papers, project authorizations, and project solicitations that are aligned with the Agency regulations and guidance.

b) Contribute to a broad range of educational program activities, including participation in the formation of policies and guidelines to further education activities. Liaise with counterparts in other USAID regional and central bureaus to develop agency wide program policies, strategies, performance indicators, assessments, and evaluations.

3. Special Projects

Perform duties related to special projects involving a variety of complex education program issues of significance to the sector. Assist in managing special cross-cutting initiatives and task force groups to accomplish programmatic goals.