Project Management Specialist - Career ladder

  • Mid-level, Full-time staff position
  • Posted on 25 October 2024

Job Description

Full Performance Level (FSN-11):

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The Project Management Specialist (Entry Level-EL) (Environmental Governance) serves as a technical leader and resource in strategic planning, program and activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development programs/projects/activities. The job holder engages in the administration of development assistance projects (through contract, cooperative agreement, grants or other mechanisms), to ensure that project objectives are achieved in accordance with financial, timing, and other considerations embodied in the project. Such duties often entail coordination with other technical and support offices to execute in a fully effective manner. The Specialist serves as Alternate COR/AOR and/or Activity Manager. The Specialist is located in the Environment Office, which advances programmatic objectives in the Environmental Governance sector. The Specialist reports to the Environmental Governance Team Leader. This is a Standard Position Description covering Project Management Specialist Ladder positions worldwide. Contract “ladder” awards are typically made at a level below the full performance level, where the selected CCNPSC demonstrates high potential to achieve the full performance grade level but cannot meet the full training and/or experience requirements of the full performance position description at the time of award. The following Major Duties and Responsibilities are representative of the occupation and not a specific description of any one job.

Entry Level (FSN-10):

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The Project Management Specialist (Entry Level-EL) (ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE) serves as a technical leader and resource in strategic planning, program and activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of development programs/projects/activities. The job holder engages in the administration of development assistance projects (through contract, cooperative agreement, grants or other mechanisms), to ensure that project objectives are achieved in accordance with financial, timing, and other considerations embodied in the project. Such duties often entail coordination with other technical and support offices to execute in a fully effective manner. The Specialist serves as Alternate COR/AOR and/or Activity Manager. The Specialist is located in the Environment Office, which advances programmatic objectives in the Environmental Governance sector. The Specialist reports to the Environmental Governance Team Leader. This is a Standard Position Description covering Project Management Specialist Ladder positions worldwide. Contract “ladder” awards are typically made at a level below the full performance level, where the selected CCNPSC demonstrates high potential to achieve the full performance grade level but cannot meet the full training and/or experience requirements of the full performance position description at the time of award. The following Major Duties and Responsibilities are representative of the occupation and not a specific description of any one job.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Full Performance Level (FSN-11):
a. Education: Masters in law, natural sciences, social sciences and/or policy such as Environmental Studies, Ecology, Integrated Sustainable Development, or Natural Resources Development, is required.
b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience in Environmental Governance or related field, is required. At least one year of relevant experience must have been obtained through prior work in a position equivalent to, or greater than the FSN-10 level. Experience can include a combination of work or volunteer activities directly related to the advertised position.
c. Post Entry Training: On the job training, Agency specific courses, and commercial training that develop and maintain relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities, will be provided. Such training will be prioritized as it supports the execution of the Agency’s strategic planning at the Mission level. Opportunities for the development of professional expertise and broadening of skills will focus on the areas of U.S. government and Agency programs, operations, acquisition and assistance awards and project management, financial management and budgeting, technical expertise, and/or other organizational needs. In order to qualify at the FSN-11 level, the Specialist must have completed all requirements, and be a certified C/AOR.
d. Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency in English and in the appropriate host-country business language, both written and spoken, is required. Language competence may be tested. Knowledge of Indigenous Languages (as included in the Government of Peru’s Database of Indigenous and Original Languages, https://bdpi.cultura.gob.pe/lenguas) will receive additional scoring.
e. Job Knowledge: The incumbent must be able to understand and apply Agency policies, USG regulations, and consistently follow through on routine procedures for the performance of duties and responsibilities. Functional knowledge required for this position includes: project/program design, project/program management, activity/project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, risk management, formal communications, stakeholder engagement, organization of files and records, and ethics. The incumbent will work on politically sensitive and technically challenging topics which requires exceptional communication skills and a deep understanding of governance principles. The incumbent will develop and manage activities in Peru and across the South America Regional Portfolio (including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Suriname). The incumbent should have some understanding of environmental governance challenges across the region especially as it pertains to indigenous issues and their lands. Some expertise and experience in biodiversity, parks and protected areas, and environmental science is preferred.
f. Skills and Abilities: The ability to work as a member of a team in a culturally diverse environment is required. The incumbent must be able to work diplomatically and effectively under pressure, with the ability to multitask in the performance of daily activities and responsibilities. Strong communication abilities (written and verbal), facilitation, and interpersonal skills are required. Professional level proficiency in business applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard office software. The ability to organize and analyze data/information, and independently author routine memoranda, extensive reports and deliver presentations on highly technical subject matters, is mandatory.

Entry Level (FSN-10):
b. Education: A bachelor’s degree in law, natural sciences, social sciences and/or policy such as Environmental Studies, Ecology, Integrated Sustainable Development, or Natural Resources Management, is required.
c. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five (4) years of professional work in Environmental Governance or a related field. Experience can include a combination of work or volunteer activities directly related to the advertised position.
d. Post Entry Training: On the job training, Agency specific courses, and commercial training that develop and maintain relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities, will be provided. Such training will be prioritized as it supports the execution of the Agency’s strategic planning at the Mission level. Opportunities for the development of professional expertise and broadening of skills will focus on the areas of U.S. government and Agency programs, operations, acquisition and assistance awards and project management, financial management and budgeting, technical expertise, and/or other organizational needs. C/AOR certification is required.
e. Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency in English and in the appropriate host-country business language, both written and spoken, is required. Language competence may be tested. Knowledge of Indigenous Languages (as included in the Government of Peru’s Database of Indigenous and Original Languages, https://bdpi.cultura.gob.pe/lenguas) will receive additional scoring.
f. Job Knowledge: The incumbent must be able to understand and apply Agency policies, USG regulations, and consistently follow through on routine procedures for the performance of duties and responsibilities. Functional knowledge required for this position includes: project/program design, project/program management, activity/project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, budgeting, risk management, formal communications, stakeholder engagement, organization of files and records, and ethics. The incumbent will work on politically sensitive and technically challenging topics which requires exceptional communication skills and a deep understanding of governance principles. The incumbent will develop and manage activities in Peru and across the South America Regional Portfolio (including Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Suriname). The incumbent should have some understanding of environmental governance challenges across the region especially as it pertains to indigenous issues and their lands. Some expertise and experience in biodiversity, parks and protected areas, and environmental science is preferred.
g. Skills and Abilities: The ability to work as a member of a team in a culturally diverse environment is required. The incumbent must be able to work diplomatically and effectively under pressure, with the ability to multitask in the performance of daily activities and responsibilities. Strong communication abilities (written and verbal), facilitation, and interpersonal skills are required. Professional level proficiency in business applications for word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard office software. The ability to organize and analyze data/information, and independently author routine memoranda, extensive reports and deliver presentations on highly technical subject matters, is mandatory.

CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 4, 2024

Similar Jobs