This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/408868700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
All potential applicants are strongly urged to read this entire Vacancy Announcement to ensure that they meet all the requirements for this position before applying.
This is a Foreign Service announcement. Worldwide availability is a requirement of the position.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is looking for committed Program and Project Development professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of millions across the globe. We are an independent federal agency with a long history of extending a helping hand to people overseas struggling to make a better life, recover from a disaster, or striving to live in a free and democratic country.
USAID's work in development joins diplomacy and defense as one of the three key pillars of our nation's foreign policy. USAID Foreign Service Officers are typically accorded diplomatic status when posted overseas. Our work supports long-term economic growth and trade; agriculture and the environment; education and training; democracy and governance; global health; global partnerships and humanitarian assistance. We operate in more than 100 countries in five regions of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa; Asia; the Middle East; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Europe and Eurasia.
USAID works in close partnership with the governments and people in those countries, as well as with private voluntary organizations, universities, American businesses, other governments, trade and professional associations, faith-based organizations, and other U.S. government agencies. Our Foreign Service Officers work alongside Civil Service employees and contracted staff in our offices in Washington, DC and overseas.
USAID offers generous federal benefits that include health and life insurance; annual, sick and home leave; contributory government pension system; and while serving overseas, government-provided housing, shipment of household effects, and other support. To learn more about USAID and our current job opportunities, please go to www.usaid.gov.
USAID seeks the best-qualified professional candidates who are willing to make a long-term career commitment to the Foreign Service and international development. New entrants begin their careers in a formal training program which is followed by rotational on-the-job, Washington DC-based training up to 24 months, which may include foreign language training. After completion of Washington training, new entrants are assigned to an overseas mission.
07/02/2015 to 10/23/2017
$54,423 - $98,633 per year
FS JO
Many vacancies in the following location:
No
Permanent - No time limit
Full-time - Full Time Permanent
04
No
BS-02/94 FS-05/04 2015 07
408868700
Works in a staff capacity, assists in all aspects of the “Program Cycle” from strategic planning to implementation and achieving to monitoring and evaluation to policy formulation. Implements, with regular guidance and supervision, policies, practices, and procedures based on a demonstrated understanding of development theory, USG development and foreign policy priorities , USAID policies and guidance and the legislative framework governing foreign assistance and USAID in particular. Engenders critical thinking within the Mission and the interagency that examines assumptions and fully explores alternatives in plans, operations, and resources.
Advises and guides strategic planning including the work of technical and Development Objective teams on strategic analysis and results frameworks. Understands and applies Agency strategy guidance including strategic planning and analytical requirements to create sound development hypotheses and results frameworks with clear causal linkages and corresponding indicators at different levels. Promotes collaboration by technical and functional teams in the strategy development process, including collaboration with host country and inter-agency priorities.
Assists in the design and development of projects and activities based on approved Mission strategy and results framework. Demonstrates an understanding of project development and corresponding analytical requirements and how to apply them. Has adequate knowledge needed to participate on Project Design Teams and apply Agency policy, directives, and sector strategies regarding project design. Promotes technical team collaboration in the project development process.
Provides expertise for budgeting of foreign assistance resources. Demonstrates and applies an understanding of budget cycle and resource management processes including legislative requirements to optimally align program budget resources with strategy and policy objectives. Implements project-level multi-year budgeting processes that reflect all resources required to implement a project. Prepares annual reports and analyses related to the budget cycle. Receives and processes budget allowances and coordinates with technical teams regarding funding requirements. Analyzes budget data in order to propose budget solutions to pipeline issues, changes in the country context, USG priorities and programmatic performance.
Supports and advocates for donor coordination and strategic engagement to leverage development resources with external partners, including non-traditional partners. Applies a basic awareness of alternate and novel sources of funding, and is able to identify potential for funding from non-traditional sources. Demonstrates and applies knowledge of aid and development effectiveness principles and supports donor coordination and assists in U.S. government interagency coordination to achieve common USG objectives.
In support of the Operating Unit monitoring, evaluation and learning agenda, applies a basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles, associated USAID policy and guidance, and USAID’s agenda for learning and research for development. Plans, budgets and manages monitoring and evaluation activities. Monitors and assesses program performance, progress and follow-up from portfolio reviews. Assists technical offices to design data-quality assessments, project and activity monitoring and evaluation plans and to determine indicators to be reported. Applies a basic understanding of reporting requirements and formats through preparation of planning, budgeting and performance reporting documentation. Assists in applying learning to project design and implementation.
Assists and coordinates outreach and communication with various external entities including the Embassy Public Affairs Section and LPA/W to support development and foreign policy objectives. Advises and assists technical teams on how to align communications products and branding and marking plans with development objectives, key messages and Agency policy. Compiles and maintains USAID outreach materials and assesses need for additional materials such as program descriptions, success stories, country sheets, and web-based social media tools. Demonstrates the ability to articulate Agency policies and US foreign policy, communicate well with people at all levels and effectively facilitate discussions and/or meetings.
Assists in gathering and analyzing information and data for performance reporting; programming and performance-based budgeting; and program/policy coordination with other donors and USG agencies. Assists in providing staff support to the Mission Director on the application of development paradigms and aid and development effectiveness principles with host country and international partners on matters of broad USG interest.
Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Written Communication - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
Teamwork/ Interpersonal Skills – Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
Project Management - Applies principles, methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating, and managing projects and resources, including technical performance.
Problem Solving - Identifies and analyzes problems; uses sound reasoning to arrive at conclusions; finds alternative solutions to complex problems; distinguishes between relevant and irrelevant information to make logical judgments.
Reasoning - Identifies rules, principles, or relationships that explain facts, data, or other information; analyzes information and makes correct inferences or draws accurate conclusions.
Strategic Thinking - Formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization in a global economy. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long term perspective; identifies results frameworks, causal linkages, indicators, etc. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
Planning and Evaluating - Determines objectives and strategies; coordinates with other parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors and evaluates the progress and outcomes of operational plans; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
Financial Management - Prepares, justifies, and/or administers the budget for program areas; plans, administers, and monitors expenditures to ensure cost-effective support of programs and policies; assesses financial data to propose budget solutions to program and project designs, pipeline issues and program performance, and changes in country context or Agency priorities.
Volunteer experience. Experience referes to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
An unofficial set of transcripts must be provided by no later than the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being eliminated from consideration. You MUST submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of courses showing title, number of credits, grade, and date of completion.
Transcripts from any and all foreign educational institutions must be accompanied by an official Evaluation of Educational Credentials in order to be considered for the position, more information may be found at http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitusforrecog.htm.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please refer to the Database of Accreditation of Post-Secondary Institutions and Programs for a list of schools which meet these criteria. If we are unable to determine that you meet the required education, you will be found ineligible for further consideration.
Current USAID Foreign Service career and career candidate employees are not eligible to apply for this announcement. Applicants who previously applied for this position and were interviewed will not be invited for another interview within a 12 month period from the closing date of the announcement.
SELECTIVE SERVICE. As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
Career appointments in the Foreign Service are covered by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, which requires an applicant to be 18 years old at time of application and which directs mandatory retirement at age 65. Given this mandatory retirement age and the fact that five years must be allowed to achieve tenure in the agency, there is an upper age limit of 59 at time of appointment to the Foreign Service.
A transcript is required.
Veteran's preference applies. Qualified veterans will be considered consistent with the requirements of the Foreign Service Act.
These are Testing Designated Positions (TDPs) under the Agency's approved Drug-Free Work Place Program. All applicants selected for this position will be subject to random drug testing once they begin working for the Agency.
Medical Clearance - A medical clearance for the applicant is required prior to being hired for this position. Foreign Service members must be able to serve at any overseas post. Many facilities are remote, unhealthy, or have limited medical support. Therefore, each applicant must meet medical fitness standards which are, of necessity, often more rigorous than those of other professions. Prior to being appointed to the Foreign Service, applicants must have a thorough medical examination and receive an unlimited medical clearance for assignment worldwide. Applicants living within a fifty-mile radius of Washington, DC, must have the medical exam performed by the Department of State Office of Medical Services.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE ABILITY
Foreign language ability has no effect on whether or not you are selected for an interview. However, if you are selected for an interview your ability to speak, read, and understand languages that are useful in countries where USAID operates will be assessed. Candidates who demonstrate a predefined level of proficiency will be given the opportunity to test for bonus points that will be added to their final interview score. Testing will be conducted via telephone and/or in person.
Fair Employment Opportunities. "It is the policy of the Government not to deny employment simply because an individual has been unemployed or has had financial difficulties that have arisen through no fault of the individual. Information about an individual’s employment experience will be used only to determine the person’s qualifications and to assess his or her relative level of knowledge, skills, and abilities. Although an individual’s personal conduct may be relevant in any employment decision, including conduct during periods of unemployment or evidence of dishonesty in handling financial matters, financial difficulty that has arisen through no fault of the individual will generally not itself be the basis of an unfavorable suitability or fitness determination.”
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
BASIS OF RATING: Qualified applicants receive a score of 70 to 100 before veteran's preference points are applied (if applicable). You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience, and training you report relative to this position that show the degree to which you possess the required competencies listed on this vacancy announcement. USAID must be able to conduct reference checks as part of its assessment process. Applicants who do not permit reference checks from previous employers may be disqualified.
IMPORTANT: If you are found to have rated your self assessment higher than the information in your on-line application, supporting documentation narratives, and/or any other relevant part of your application package; including attachments, a score will manually be determined that reflects your documented experience. This may result in a lowered score and may also eliminate you from the best qualified list
To preview questions please click here.
The following documents will be required for verification of eligibility before employment is offered:
• Proof of United States Citizenship (birth certificate or other acceptable documentation)
• Proof of military service (DD214s or other equivalent documents
• SF15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference and appropriate documentation (for 10-point compensable or non-compensable disability preference, Purple Heart, disability pension, or preference based on service of spouse or child).
• Official copy of college transcript of education used to qualify you for this position.
For the initial application, a copy of unofficial transcript is required.
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Please carefully read all the instructions before you begin the application process.
Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for US Agency for International Development applicants. To begin the application process, please click on the "Apply Online" button to the right. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factors.
The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. If applying online poses a hardship, please contact us by noon ET on the announcement's closing date. If you are having difficulty within the CareerConnector system and need technical assistance please email the help desk at careerconnectorhelp@treasury.gov. The help desk is available to assist you during the hours of 8:00 am- 4:30 pm EST.
Step 1 - Create a resume
We suggest you go to the end of the Qualifications & Evaluation section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer in Step 3. You may need to customize your resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.
YOU MUST UPLOAD A RESUME OR CV.
Step 2 - Apply Online
Click the "Apply Online" link of this announcement and then select the resume you wish to submit with your application. You will be redirected to the USAID's CareerConnector website to complete the application process.
Step 3 - Answer the Online Questions and Submit Your Online Application
If this is your first time on USAID's CareerConnector website, you will be prompted to register by answering questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment. The system will save these responses and take you back to the main screen so that you can answer the job-specific questions. Select "Take me to the assessment" and click on the "Continue" button to answer the job-specific questions. You must answer all the questions and click the "Finished" button.
Step 4 - Review and Confirm Your Submission
You will upload a document. Once you click "Done," you will see a summary of your application for your review. You may also print a copy for your records. When you click "Finished" at the bottom of the page, you will then be directed back to USAJOBS where you can confirm that your application has been submitted and track your application status.
Step 5 - Submit Required Documents
You can submit any required documents (discussed below) by document upload. Please include the job announcement number with your documents. To protect your privacy, we encourage you to remove your SSN from any documents that you submit.
Document Upload: Please note there is a 3MB file size limitation on (USAJOBS and CareerConnector). Please scan all files as a lower image quality.
You may upload supporting documents in one of two ways:
1. Once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement, you will be prompted to upload your document(s) to your application. You will be given the choice to either upload the document as part of the application process or you can select a document that you've already loaded on USAJOBS Or
2. You can upload a document to an existing application by logging into your USAJOBS account profile. Click on "My Applications" and search for the vacancy. Once you have located the vacancy, click on the vacancy and select "Apply Online." Move through your existing application to the Documents page and select Upload in order to add a document to your application.
Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation that the document uploaded. In the application Review Section, you may verify acceptance of your documents in CareerConnector if you see them listed on the "Vacancy Documents" screen. Then, click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.
USAID provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Steps to become a Foreign Service officer with USAID:
1. Candidates complete application
2. Highly qualified applications are referred to the Technical Review Panel (TRP)
3. TRP reviews applications and select applicants to be invited for the interview
4. Technical Selection Panel (TSP) interviews candidates. Interview day consists of written exam, group discussion, and individual interview.
5. Reference checks are conducted of TSP recommended candidates
6. Successful completion of pre-employment process consisting of Security Clearance investigation and Medical clearance.
Candidates who pass all steps are officially offered a job with USAID.
Reminders:
1. Ensure you meet all requirements before the closing date of the announcement.
2. If qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency before the closing date of the announcement.
3. Submit an unofficial copy of transcript
4. Verify that application is completed and submitted.
5. Contact the help desk for technical assistance before the closing date of the announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/408868700. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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