The Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) is an academic institution within the U.S. Department of War established in 1999, for the study of security issues relating to Africa. ACSS is the pre-eminent Department of War institution for strategic security studies, research, and outreach in Africa. The Africa Center engages African partner states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programs that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships.
Summary
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) is an academic institution within the U.S. Department of War established in 1999, for the study of security issues relating to Africa. ACSS is the pre-eminent Department of War institution for strategic security studies, research, and outreach in Africa. The Africa Center engages African partner states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programs that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships.
The Alumni Outreach and Data Management Specialist facilitates, coordinates, and supports the execution of Africa Center in-person and virtual programming, alumni engagement plans, alumni communications campaigns, and other alumni continuing education opportunities. The Specialist provides regular communication to all Africa Center alumni via online platforms and manages alumni constituent data to assist with strategic decision-making and reporting to key stakeholders. The Specialist provides administrative functions for the Community, Alumni, Partnerships, and Engagement (CAPE) section to provide program invitational support, alumni communications and outreach, knowledge management, and other section operations.
MAJOR DUTIES:
Data management and reporting on programming (40%): The Specialist is responsible for the coordination, creation, and upkeep of alumni databases related to country participation, regional economic communities, diplomatic and U.S. government contacts, and other categories. The incumbent facilitates Africa Center program participant identification and registration and supports the nomination and admission processes with interagency, international, and sub-regional organizations, as well as with U.S. Embassy officials in African countries. As the steward of the Community, Alumni, Partnerships, and Engagement (CAPE) section's knowledge management tools (Adobe Suite, Constant Contact, MS Office Suite, PowerBI, Access, WordPress), the Specialist processes and compiles data, to include tracking participant attendance and alumni demographics, to fulfill internal and external reporting requirements as required by DSCA, OSW, AFRICOM, and Congress.
Alumni outreach and communications (30%): The Specialist works with the Director of Engagement to design and plan regular communications campaigns with alumni across the African continent and in the U.S., most notably to include the release and promotion of a triennial alumni newsletter and the maintenance of the alumni section of the Africa Center website. To similar ends, the Specialist conducts programmatic and alumni information data entry, data management, and analysis, and prepares communications and correspondence. The Specialist develops, coordinates, and implements key functions for recruitment, registration, and outreach for Africa Center programs and events. The Specialist assists in the planning and coordination of outreach activities for the purpose of creating and sustaining enduring relationships.
Data auditing, procedure improvement, and ad hoc report requests (15%): The Specialist designs and implements organizational processes to maintain the quality and integrity of the data that Africa Center staff enter into program databases; oversees knowledge management systems for protecting and analyzing this data; and works with Regional Engagement Managers to provide recommendations to Africa Center leaders about recruitment, outreach, and data quality. The incumbent maintains participant and alumni records to include updating contact information within the electronic database of record and tracking the individual professional development of alumni.
Stakeholder management (10%): The Specialist monitors, edits, and maintains an accurate current database of all Africa Center alumni and stakeholders. Incumbent is responsible for database input, as well as working with Regional Engagement Managers to maintain, safeguard, release, and use official participant records. When required, the Specialist researches and obtains information needed to correct discrepant data and provides technical guidance to Africa Center teammates for generating and preserving high quality data records. With Community, Alumni, Partnerships, and Engagement (CAPE) team colleagues, the incumbent furthermore provides data and strategy input in the area of participant recruitment and admissions for the Africa Center's annual program plan. Prepares and analyzes demographic statistics, identifies trends, and makes appropriate recommendations to the Director and staff.
Non-program event support and administrative duties (5%): The Specialist supports the administrative functions of CAPE team and the Director of Engagement, including VIP visits, scheduling, event planning, and travel planning. The incumbent works with other team members to maintain contact with African embassies in Washington, D.C. and various international, government, and non-governmental agencies, and is responsible for managing correspondence, announcements, and other communications within the CAPE team.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.ssa.gov/)
Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
The position is governed by 10 USC 1595 and NDUI 1416.0l dated March 2017.
Must be able and willing to travel both domestically and internationally. Travel is seldom required. Less than 20 % of the time.
The incumbent must be able to successfully obtain and maintain required clearance.
This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension.
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Excellent oral and written communications skills in the English language with a demonstrated ability to express clear, concise concepts and findings to senior leadership. Must also demonstrate the ability to synthesize information and coordinate and liaise with other staff members, sections, and external organizations.
Expertise in basic statistics and data management tools, including principally functionalities in Excel, and to carry out customized data processing and presentation. Capabilities should include: capturing and recording data; using shortcuts and formula functions; building charts and graphs; sorting and filtering data; and conducting mail merges. In general, the incumbent should be able to visualize and manipulate data and carry out customized data processing and presentation.
Organizational skills and initiative to manage multiple tasks and deadlines and effectively respond to changing priorities. Experience sufficient to set goals, plan strategies, schedule and coordinate the actions of a working group, integrate planning efforts, resolve conflicts, and ensure the accomplishment of established goals.
Experience working with interactive portal knowledge management and with internet-based social network and publishing platforms (e.g., Constant Contact, LinkedIn, WordPress, and others) necessary to conduct alumni outreach activities.
Ability to develop comprehensive knowledge of Africa Center administrative functions, policies, procedures, and processes required for the recruitment, registration, and engagement with new program participants, alumni, and stakeholders.
Interpersonal skill sufficient to interact with individuals at all levels of authority, as well as exercise tact, diplomacy, and professionalism when dealing with representatives of foreign governments and foreign nationals.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Intermediate or advanced level reading knowledge of French and/or Portuguese.
An earned Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in the field of data science, information systems, business administration, international affairs, or a related area or other appropriate discipline.
Knowledge of African political, socio-economic, and cultural information environments, and/or of U.S. foreign policy and security objectives related to Africa.
Experience working with AI to analyze and summarize data into operational reports and executive summaries.
Experience working with the RCPAMS database system.
Experience working with the SANWEB database system.
Experience working on the African continent.
Experience serving in a U.S. Embassy.
Volunteer Experience: Experience refers 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 to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Education
Education Requirement: An earned Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application.
Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment.
An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above.
Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education
Additional information
Background or Security Investigation: This is a Non-Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security determination to occupy a Non-Sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment.
Initial Probationary Period: Accepting this position, you may be required to serve an 12 month probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest.
All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) leads, directs and manages security cooperation programs and resources to support national security objectives that build relationships that promote U.S. interests, build allied and partner capacities for self-defense and coalition operations in the global war on terrorism, and promote peacetime and contingency access for U.S. forces.
he Africa Center serves as a forum for bilateral and multilateral research, communication, and exchange of ideas involving military and civilian participants.
The Africa Center does this by expanding understanding of African security issues, providing a trusted platform for dialogue, building enduring partnerships, and catalyzing strategic solutions. The overarching goal is to support processes that foster security for all Africans championed by effective institutions accountable to their citizens. Africa Center programs revolve around the generation and dissemination of knowledge through its research, academic programs, and community engagement.
DSCA has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings plan (TSP); health, life, and long-term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. DSCA employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy and situational telework opportunities.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
A screening panel will review your resume and narrative answers to the assessment questions to evaluate your qualifications for the position. NDU uses a multi-tier selection process for academic positions.
The Assessment Questionnaire collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies:
Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.ssc-cc@mail.mil
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
Other Supporting Documents - Refer to the eligibilities section for documents to submit.
NOTE: Transcripts are not required at time of application submission. Your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel to evaluate your qualifications for the position. If selected for an interview, official transcripts will be requested at that time to verify educational requirements are met.
Eligibilities Information: The following supporting documents are REQUIRED to verify your individual eligibility status. Not all will apply for each applicant. They MUST be received by the closing date of the announcement.
SF-50: Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.
If you claim Veteran's Preference:- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
Other documents identified in the announcement.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered or uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DSCA - DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY
Apply Online
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. ALL eligible applicants will be referred to NDU which will convene a board to review all of the applicants. NDU will contact the applicants directly they would like to interview. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to drive status updates notification for applicants. You can elect to activate the proactive notification from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process to sign-up for automatic alerts when there are status changes for jobs to which you have applied.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Complete initial Eligibility Questionnaire: Your resume must demonstrate the quality of your work as it relates to the experience requirements outlined in the job announcement.
Other Supporting Documents - Refer to the eligibilities section for documents to submit.
NOTE: Transcripts are not required at time of application submission. Your resume and narrative answers to the hiring criteria will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel to evaluate your qualifications for the position. If selected for an interview, official transcripts will be requested at that time to verify educational requirements are met.
Eligibilities Information: The following supporting documents are REQUIRED to verify your individual eligibility status. Not all will apply for each applicant. They MUST be received by the closing date of the announcement.
SF-50: Current and former federal employees, including those currently working for the agency, must submit their SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) reflecting their highest grade held on a permanent basis for at least 52 weeks, tenure, and appointment type. Failure to provide this document may result in disqualification.
If you claim Veteran's Preference:- You must submit a copy of your DD Form-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty", showing the dates of active duty service, type of discharge and the character of service. Alternatively, If you are a current military member in active duty service and do not have a copy of your DD Form-214, you must submit a written documentation (certification) from your branch of service certifying that you are expected to be discharged or released from active duty under honorable conditions no later than 120 days after the date the certification is submitted with your application for this position. The certification should also include your rank, dates of active duty service and what they condition of discharge is thought to be.- If claiming 10-point preference and/or are a 30% or more Disabled Veteran, you must submit both a DD Form-214 or expected discharge documentation as described above AND a copy of a letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or your branch of service certifying the presence of service-connected disability and indicating the percentage of disability- If you are claiming eligibility based on 10-point derived veterans' preference (i.e. a spouse, widow/widower, or parent of a veteran claiming veterans' preference when the veteran is unable to use it), you must also submit a Standard Form 15 (SF-15) "Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference" and any required documents indicated on the SF-15 to substantiate the claimed preference.
Other documents identified in the announcement.
WARNING: Failure to submit a complete application package including any required documentation by the closing date of the announcement at 11:59 EST, or at the time of application for announcements with an extended closing date, may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. To verify that your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, select Application Status and More Information. The Details page will display the status of your application.
It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered or uploaded is received, legible and accurate. HR will not modify answers submitted by an applicant.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package. See required documents below.
Click 'Apply Online' to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.
1. Follow the prompts to complete the assessment questionnaire and upload required documents.
2. Please ensure you click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application.
3. Check application status by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking Application Status, then More Information for this position. Return to an incomplete application by logging into your USAJOBS account and clicking Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
DSCA - DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY
Apply Online
Indianapolis, IN 46249
US
Next steps
Once the online questionnaire is received you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful. The questionnaire will assess your qualifications for the job. ALL eligible applicants will be referred to NDU which will convene a board to review all of the applicants. NDU will contact the applicants directly they would like to interview. We will notify you of the outcome after each of these steps has been completed. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
You will no longer need to call the HR Office to determine your application status. USAJOBS has added an alert setting to their system to drive status updates notification for applicants. You can elect to activate the proactive notification from your USAJOBS profile at any point during the application process to sign-up for automatic alerts when there are status changes for jobs to which you have applied.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
