Overview:
ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantage Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services.
The Bureau for Africa (AFR) is the USAID/Washington operating unit charged with managing USAID economic assistance programs in Africa. The Office of Sustainable Development (AFR/SD) has the responsibility of providing technical support for these programs. AFR/SD’s technical responsibilities span across all areas of economic development – economic growth, trade, investment, agriculture, the environment, global climate change, biodiversity, water, democracy and governance, education, gender, and health. AFR/SD generates and disseminates cutting-edge research and knowledge from pilot programs to improve development programs.
The office also liaises with and advises other USAID and U.S. Government agencies to improve policies and programs that impact African development. In addition to providing technical support to Africa region missions, AFR/SD staff also provide expertise in their technical areas to AFR leadership. AFR/SD seeks an advisor to, with AFR senior leadership, help develop and implement a plan, to foster a culture of equity, inclusion, and equal opportunity within the Africa Bureau, its activities, and programs.
The advisor will support implementation of USAID’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Strategic Plan and lead the Africa Bureau’s Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Council to implement the Administration’s Executive Order on Racial Equity. They will facilitate implementation of recommendations and reforms from the Council and coordinate biweekly meetings and related events. The advisor will equip the Bureau to develop operational documents and guidance to meet its diversity and inclusion objectives.
Note: This position is contingent on contract award.
Responsibilities:
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The AFR Diversity and Inclusion Council Officer will support three distinct functions. The first is to help the AFR Bureau to strengthen its knowledge of USAID’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. The second function is to develop operational documents and guidance to meet its diversity and inclusion objectives bureau wide. The third function is to support ongoing training development and implementation to address diversity, equity, inclusion efforts within the bureau and its Missions.
D&I Coordination, Communications Strategy, Vision, and Leadership (70%)
· Lead the Africa Bureau’s D&I Council to implement the Administration’s Executive Order on Racial Equity. Coordinate with the AFR D&I Council’s Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) Co-Champions and Executive Committee. Facilitate implementation of recommendations and reforms from the Council’s four working groups. Coordinate the D&I Council’s biweekly meetings and related events.
· Coordinate with other Bureau D&I Councils, Office of Civil Rights and Diversity (OCRD), the Agency D&I Executive Council, and State AF D&I Council; engage with the Foregin Service National Council, American Foreign Service Association, and USAID approved Employee Resource Groups.
· Develop a workplan with a clear timeline, targets, and objectives for achieving USAID’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plans, which may include, but not limited to:
o Organizational Leadership
o Internal and External Accountability/Transparency
o Continuous Quality Improvement
o Program Design
o Workplace Culture & Climate
o Strategic Partnerships
o Performance Measures
o Hiring and Retention
o Procurement/Operational Systems
· Plan/curate/facilitate all-staff working sessions to help with the development of the work plan. Provide updates on the development process, approvals, and implementation.
· Coordinate the development of standard AFR D&I operating procedures for staff across all hiring mechanisms and develop/manage a system to ensure that these procedures are followed and can be incorporated into the Bureau Operating Procedures. These will be in compliance with established Agency-level procedures.
· Coordinate the development and management of procedures for the D&I Council to regularly review, revise and improve their work plan based on the D&I strategy priorities and Council workstreams AFR Staff’s have identified, including: Recruitment, Retention and Promotion; Listening & Learning; Training/Coaching/Mentoring; Inclusive Culture and Management; Knowledge Management and Accountability, and Programming and Partnerships.
· Support Missions in the Africa Region as they implement D&I related measures. Coordinate and liaise with Mission D&I Councils.
· Support other D&I initiatives and needs as they arise.
Training and Professional Development (30%)
· Support the development and implementation of the AFR D&I training plans to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racist efforts within the bureau.
· Coordinate with Agency Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training and with the Office of Administrative Management Services (AMS) to provide D&I related workshops, training, and learning opportunities.
· Develop plan for Bureau DEI feedback loops and pulse checks with AFR staff.
· Oversee and develop operational and learning documents and guidance for the Africa Bureau to meet its inclusion objectives. Develop and oversee D&I metrics and communications within AFR and with Missions.
· Participate in development fora, both nationally and internationally, where D&I operating procedures are discussed, and new approaches shared.
Qualifications:
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS, EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
· Master’s degree in a relevant field including communications, organization management, or a related degree, or relevant Bachelor’s degree with 2 years of equivalent experience preferred.
· Minimum five (5) years’ experience successfully developing and executing organization-wide DEI assessment, planning and implementation effort.
· Certification or training in diversity, equity, and inclusion.
· Demonstrated experience in managing a comprehensive strategic communications program to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
· Experience in organizational leadership, change management, labor relationships, and/or talent management and development.
· Excellent judgment and creative problem solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
· Energetic, flexible, collaborative, and proactive; a team player who can positively and productively impact both strategic and tactical initiatives.
· Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Demonstrated ability to convey messages through clear and concise writing.
· Ability to travel internationally at approximately 10%.
· US Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance required.
ZemiTek is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.
ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantage Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services.
ZemiTek is an equal opportunity employee where an applicant's qualifications are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.
