Development Program Specialist (Democracy and Governance)

Job Description

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Entry Level (FSN-9): Program Management and Oversight (50%)

• Serve as the Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR/AOTR) or Government Agreement Technical Representative (GATR) in one or more DRGO activities.
• Lead management, oversight, and monitoring of USAID-funded DG programs as assigned.
• Provide technical advice in project design and analysis, management, and documentation of projects.
• Oversee the design and development of new activities and ensure that new interventions are consistent with the DG Strategy.
• Evaluate annual work plans for DG project activities and other technical programs as needed.
• Monitor, evaluate, and analyze implementation of DG programs, closely coordinating with the grantee(s)/contractor(s) on results and outcomes.
• Provide analysis of program evaluations, performance data, and reporting documents.
• Always maintain an organized and professional work environment, meeting USAID file management requirements.
• Perform quarterly field-level program monitoring, oversight, and other program-related local travel.

Communication (35%)

• Prepare weekly updates, briefing papers, reports, and press releases, as well as specialized documents under the guidance of the supervisor and DRGO Director.
• Ensure regular communication with government officials, within the Mission and broader Embassy, as well as with civil society, private institutions, and other donor representatives, to provide issue-oriented briefings and presentations.
• Participate in negotiations with GON decision-makers on issues affecting program performance, evaluation/audit recommendations, sustainability issues, or other program matters.
• Represent USAID on related program management at inter-agency and external technical working groups, workshops, and conferences.
• Maintain an intimate knowledge of program objectives, accomplishments, and development impacts to synthesize in writing or in briefs upon demand, especially for meetings, speeches, background papers, and other USAID reporting requirements.
• Interpret and advise DRGO and USAID on GON policies, institutional issues, and program priorities affecting the direction and implementation of DG programs.
• Keep DRGO informed of current events that affect program implementation and impacts DRGO or other USAID offices.
• Provide assistance or orientation to visitors and guests, as requested.

Financial Management and Procurement (15%)

• Direct the development and/or technical review of program budgets.
• Track, analyze, and report on DG programs’ financial resources (obligations, earmarks, commitments, disbursements, pipelines, accruals, etc.).
• Track DG programs’ financial status and expenditures and recommend future incremental funding.
• Maintain complete and auditable financial records for programs managed.
• Prepare documents (budget, Statement of Work, evaluation criteria, required memos, etc.) and lead program actions using USAID procurement platforms: Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS).
• Track, follow up, and monitor procurement actions through the Controller, Contract, Program, and Executive Offices. Maintain complete and auditable files of all procurement documents (contracts, grants, and other procurement supporting documents), meeting USG requirements.

Entry Level (FSN-9):
a. Education: Possession of a bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of a four-year U.S. college/university (or equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution) degree is required. Note: Additional education will NOT be substituted for experience.
b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in development assistance, program management, and governance. One year of this experience must have been gained working at a Fully Successful level in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level of FSN responsibility in this or an occupation that requires similar skills, within a USG organization, the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization. Note: Additional experience will NOT be substituted for education.
c. Post Entry Training: Pre-entry training requirement for the IL position includes the successful completion of all online and in-person courses required for Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Officer’s Representative (FAC-COR) Level I certification, including the completion of Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) Level I Agency-specific training requirements. Post-entry, the Specialist will be provided formal and/or on-the-job training to receive the Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Officer’s Representative (FAC-COR) Level II, including the completion of Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) Level II Agency-specific training requirements.
d. Language Proficiency: Level III (Good working knowledge) in English and Level IV (Fluent) Nepali reading, writing, and speaking ability are required.
e. Job Knowledge: The Specialist must have technical knowledge of democracy, human rights, and governance. The Specialist should understand how to administer semi-complex Mission awards/projects and have the ability to draft a pre-solicitation Action Award Memorandum (AAM) package, with support from mid/senior-level colleagues as required. The Specialist must demonstrate an understanding of and be able to explain diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, relate them to their work, and incorporate these concepts into programming. S/he must be able to gain and apply knowledge of USG and GON context and policies on diversity, inclusion, and equity.
f. Skills and Abilities: The ability to clearly and effectively communicate subjects of moderate complexity both verbally and in writing. An ability to adapt behavior or work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, or unexpected obstacles. The ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with people who have differing backgrounds, situations, and perspectives. The ability to hold self-accountability for measurable high-quality and timely results. Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Office suite is required. Good analytical and time management skills are required. The ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential and adheres to high standards of ethical conduct. The Specialist must be able to demonstrate an understanding of integrating and achieving equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace.

DEADLINE: NOV 11, 2024