Clarification from the agency

This job will close when we have received 150 applications which may be sooner than the closing date.

The Incumbent serves as Program Specialist in the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL). Provides assistance, advice, and general support on matters associated with Congressional Office for International Leadership's service functions, business operations and international exchange programs. Completes on-going assignments and business support functions with minimal supervision. Undertakes special assignments with supervision of manager. Makes recommendations for changes in service functions or business operations as required. COIL is established by statute (2.U.S.C. 1151) as an independent entity in the legislative branch. The mission of the Congressional Office for International Leadership (COIL) is to inspire Congressional and citizen diplomacy with global civic and political leaders. COIL achieves this through the Open World program, which connects delegates with their peers in U.S. communities to exchange best practices and strengthen mutual understanding. The Open World program is a ten-day professional exchange built on the foundational values of authentic communication and immersive cultural experiences. The program begins in Washington DC, where delegates explore the concepts of American federalism, culture, and leadership. Delegates engage with Members of Congress and their staff to discuss common challenges and participate in unfiltered dialogue. Traveling to communities across the United States, delegates meet with their professional counterparts to share expertise and establish lasting partnerships. During the program, delegates stay with host families, giving them an intimate view of American life.

Responsibilities

1. Works with higher-graded Program Specialists or other specialists and assists with specific/selected phases of the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and projects, including communicating issues and coordinating activities within COIL. Analyzes assigned program issues in accordance with instructions and participates in the preparation of project documentation, including concept and planning papers, program descriptions, and program assessments in line with COIL regulations and specific guidance.
2. Participates in COIL workshops and conferences and in meetings of cooperating agencies, donors, academics and representatives of other development organizations. May travel overseas and within U.S. to view and/or monitor program implementation and to participate in program activities.
3. Analyzes assigned issues in accordance with instructions and participates in the preparation of project documentation, including concept papers, project authorizations, and project amendments, in line with agency regulations and specific guidance. Reviews objectives based on requests, perceived need, U.S. policy, and determined priorities. May travel to view and/or monitor project implementation and to participate in project activities.
4. Under the guidance of an assigned supervisor or mentor, completes work assignments and special projects. Special projects include assignments in both the agency's mission-related functions as well as business operations. Plans and carries out assignments in strict accordance with instructions and policy guidelines and informs the supervisor and mentor of progress and status.
5. Provides support for and assists in the research and/or analysis of established or regularly recurring issues of a program and/or administrative nature. Determines pertinent issues and collects relevant information from a variety of sources. Reviews information and applies standard analytical techniques.
6. Maintains liaison with appropriate organizations or individuals on program matters, such as providing tracking, monitoring, or program assessment information.
7. Prepares correspondence, reports, proposals, or other documents related to work assignments or program activities conducted under supervisory guidance. In conjunction with the Senior Program Manager, gathers, interprets, and analyzes information, and records information necessary for reports and other documents.
8. Prepares and delivers presentations to a variety of audiences connected to COIL concerning projects related to work assignments and special project assignments.

Conditions of employment

To be selected, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise have status that makes them eligible for federal employment per Title VII, Sec. 704 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022. The selected individual must successfully undergo a background investigation and maintain eligibility for a Public Trust position. Employees of the Congressional Office for International Leadership are in the Excepted Service, are not appointed to the Competitive Service, and will not obtain competitive status.

Qualifications

Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to interpret policy and resolve complex problems that may arise.

Excellent interpersonal skills to form mutually beneficial relationships with staff, vendors, or other external and internal stakeholders.

Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment while code-switching between various unrelated tasks effectively.

Demonstrated prior program management experience and experience managing/ monitoring projects.

Legislative Branch experience preferred, but not required.

Attention to detail is a must.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Upon review of all résumés and cover letter, the Office will determine which candidates will be asked to interview. Candidates will be notified and scheduled for interviews, if selected. All applicants will be evaluated based on their educational and relevant work experience. The COIL does not discriminate against candidates based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.