Development Assistant (Grade 4)

Job Description

Job Title/Grade: Development Assistant (Grade 4)

Department: USG Operational Excellence

Program Description: DAI‘s entry-level rotation program is a year-long training and development program designed to introduce new professionals with an interest in international development to the important aspects of the business. Through a series of four phases, Development Assistants will learn the basics of business development, project management and operations, federal compliance, internal audit, project finance, and technical excellence at DAI and gain a holistic view of the international development business. Upon successful completion of the rotation program, Development Assistants will have the opportunity to apply to full-time Associate positions in DAI’s Delivery unit directly supporting projects in one of DAI’s four geographic regions or DAI’s Center of Secure and Stable States (CS3).

Function of the Position:

Development Assistants will be assigned to a specific geographic region or DAI’s Center for Secure and Stable States (Africa, Asia, Global, MENA-Afghanistan, or CS3) and will support the work of the Business Development unit, Project Management unit, the Internal Audit unit, the Project Finance unit, and the Technical Services unit through a year-long rotation. Each phase has a specific set of tasks and responsibilities that align with the responsibilities of each department. Upon successful completion of the milestones for each phase, Development Assistants will progress to the next phase. The roles and responsibilities for each are outlined below.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Business Development (4 months)

• Supports regional new business team on proposal efforts to contribute to that unit’s 2018 win target.
• Provides research, administrative, and logistical support to new business efforts at a variety of stages. Illustrative tasks include: compiling past and on-going project experience; organizing information on potential subcontractors and resource organizations; creating charts, tables, and staffing matrices
• Assists at least two proposal teams with tasks related to proposal coordination, pricing, or recruitment.
• Undertakes other new business-related tasks as required.

Delivery - Project Management (4 months)

• Under the guidance of Regional Finance and Operational Manager (RFOM), provides backstopping and support to projects in an Assistant capacity, helps with day-to-day project operations, and assists with ad hoc tasks as requested by from Project Delivery Teams for projects on a surge capacity.
• Submits requisitions for requesting purchases for goods and services and drafts routine contractual documents using approved templates.
• Processes sector and project financial transactions, as required.

Internal Audit & Project Finance (3 months)

• Assists the Internal Audit team with planning and responding to requests and required research for internal and external audits and investigation.
• Learn the ins and outs of project audits.
• Review, evaluate, and assess the soundness of project records and documentation.
• Actively participates in the formulation of project financials forecasts.
• Learn and utilize key finance and operations systems as they pertain to project management.
• Work with project accountants to generate invoice to the client.

Technical Services (1 month)

• Supports the development of tools to enhance project success.
• Conducts research on key technical topics.
• Contributes to technical white papers and reports.
• Shadows technical experts.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Grade 4: Minimum one year relevant administrative experience and BS/BA degree
• Demonstrated understanding of/interest in the international development field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Applications must include a CV along with a cover letter listing the applicant’s preference for placement in DAI’s four geographic Delivery regions (Africa, Asia, Global, and MENA-Afghanistan) or CS3, ranked in order of most to least preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional working proficiency in a foreign language (such as Arabic, French, or Spanish)
• Experience living or working internationally preferred

The anticipated start date for this position is June 11, 2018.

Supervisory Requirements: None

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. EOE – Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans

About the Organization

DAI is an employee-owned global development company. For 40 years, we have worked on the frontlines of international development, tackling fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governments, and instability. Currently, DAI is delivering results that matter in some 60 countries. Our integrated development solutions turn ideas into impact by bringing together fresh combinations of expertise and innovation across multiple disciplines—crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS and disease control, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Our clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and national governments.