Program Specialist

Background and Introduction:

Jefferson Solutions was awarded a five-year contract to provide technical, administrative, and programmatic support to the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS). Through REFS, USAID works to advance inclusive agriculture-led growth, resilience, nutrition, and water security, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in priority countries around the world to help them accelerate and protect development progress.

Position Summary:

This specific Program Specialist (International Affairs) position will support the day-to-day functions of the Donor and Multilateral Team (DMT) within the Feed the Future Office of Policy, Analysis and Engagement. Reporting to the Strategic Engagement Division Chief, daily activities will include aspects of program and administrative management, analysis, coordination, and communications and outreach related to donor and multilateral engagement. The Program Specialist will provide all functions needed to support Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives.

The annual salary range for this position is $75,000- $85,000. The annual salary range is negotiable. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.

Description of Role:

This is a full-time position to support USAID's Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS) Donor and Multilateral Team (DMT). The REFS Bureau is responsible for worldwide leadership and integrated technical expertise of the programming of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in agriculture-led growth and environmental sustainability. The DMT works to coordinate and strengthen REFS engagement with international partners, including bilateral donors, multilateral institutions, and philanthropic organizations.

In this position, the Program Specialist will be responsible for supporting the Bureau's efforts to advance U.S. Government global development priorities related to food security on the international stage. The Program Specialist will analyze and track policy issues, develop and implement strategic approaches to advancing USAID policy priorities, build and strengthen relationships with international partners, provide guidance to Agency leadership, participate in technical and senior-level meetings, and support other emerging priorities as required.

This position may include occasional travel (up to 10% time).

Key Responsibilities:

Program Coordination, Assistance, and Management

• Serve as key liaison with internal and external stakeholders to collect and respond to information and collaborate with others in the Bureau, Agency, and externally, as needed;
• Prepare REFS leadership for participation in meetings with bilateral donors and multilateral partners;
• Develop tools and resources to support REFS efforts to strengthen donor coordination activities, build long-term partnerships, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the bureau's work;
• Coordinate participation in global events and forums for REFS leadership;
• Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings; and
• Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items.

Knowledge Management

• Develop and maintain internal trackers including for logistics and milestone tracking; and
• Track and follow clearances for Bureau documentation and ensure that formal documentation is of high quality.

Communications and Outreach

• Serve as key liaison to manage incoming requests or external outreach within or outside of USAID on behalf of the Division;
• Build relationships and maintain routine communication with interagency and intra-agency colleagues on issues related to diplomatic engagement and donor coordination;
• Draft a high volume of briefing papers, talking points, memoranda, and other materials for REFS and Agency leadership, often under tight deadlines, and be able to synthesize input from a variety of staff and perspectives into key points for bureau and Agency leadership;
• Build relationships and maintain routine communication with interagency and intra-agency colleagues on issues related to diplomatic engagement and donor coordination; and
• Build and strengthen Agency food security related relationships with international partners, including bilateral donor governments.

Research and Analysis

• Provide desk research, simple data analysis, and interpret data on donor partner policies, programs, and activities in order to proactively identify opportunities for cooperation on shared priorities; and
• Support data syntheses, analyze reports and be able to present findings.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of four years of professional experience (to include internships)
• In lieu of a Bachelor's degree may substitute an Associate's degree plus a minimum of 9 years' experience or a High School Diploma and 11 years' experience
• Ability to obtain a USAID facility access (Public Trust) security clearance.
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills to effectively interact with government clients, high-ranking officials, and other stakeholders.
• Background in international development, philanthropy, foreign affairs, or related field; experience in food security issues a plus.
• Strong oral and written communications skills.
• Experience drafting and editing a wide variety of written products, including briefing memos, talking points, strategy papers, etc.
• Demonstrated skills in strategic thinking and qualitative analysis.
• Strong prioritization and organization skills with keen attention to deadlines, acute attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and prioritize competing demands.
• Excellent anticipatory skills and proactive approach to work.
• Ability to work independently to deliver high-quality work products.
• Experience working and establishing partnerships with bilateral donor governments is preferred but not required.
• Proficiency in Google Suite of products
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of products including excel, word, and PowerPoint.
• Experience with USAID, USG or other related organizations is a plus.

Jefferson Consulting Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, genetic data, veteran status, or any category protected by law.

Jefferson Consulting Group is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, JCG will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at (202) 626-8550 via email: HR@jeffersonconsulting.com