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International Development Positions


 

February 1, 2010

FAS has international development positions based in USDA headquarters, and other USDA positions detailed to U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) headquarters, both in Washington, DC. Occasionally, positions are available overseas. These are all Schedule B appointments (non-career, excepted service, normally for a 13-month appointment, often with the possibility of one or more renewals of appointment).

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for these positions.


Program Assistant

Program Training Assistant

International Training Specialist

Program Analyst (Microenterprise Development)

Program Analyst (Women in Development)

International Trade Advisor

International Agricultural Development Specialist (GS 07)

Program Analyst (PVC Program Manager)

International Agricultural Development Specialist (GS 13)

Provincial Reconstruction Team Agricultural Advisors (Afghanistan/Iraq)

 


 

 

Job Title:  Program Assistant (more than one position may be filled)

Grade:  GS-0303-08

Area of Consideration:  All Sources

 

This position is located in the Foreign Agricultural Service.  The incumbent serves as an Administrative Assistant to the Team Lead and their immediate staff.

 

Provides a variety of high level, confidential and coordinative duties in order to ensure effective and efficient administration of the full range of administrative and secretarial support throughout a designated program area.

 

Receives telephone calls and personal callers to the Office of Country and Regional Affairs, Haiti Response Team (including Members of Congress staff, high-ranking officials in the Department, the Under Secretary's Office, the Secretary's Office, other Federal agencies, members of the press, and leaders of foreign governments, embassies, industry and agricultural groups) and tactfully identifies the caller and nature of the call. Independently determines which calls must be diverted to the appropriate official and which matters can be taken care of personally.

 

Exercises exclusive control over the Team's appointments with complete authority for commitment of time.  Screens calls and visitors to the Team, answering most questions and completing less sensitive matters involving established policy and administrative matters without referring calls and/or visitors to the Team Lead.

 

The position is located in Washington, D.C., at the South Building of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

 

Required Skills:

 

1)      Ability to exercise independent judgment and take independent action on commitments and decisions made by the Team Lead.

 

2)      Detailed knowledge of the nature, scope, and priority of each subordinate program area, and the ability to ensure a high degree of administrative attention to each issue or problem.

 

3)      Knowledge of administrative concepts and practices in order to review and recommend changes in administrative policies, develop, and implement procedures and office practices affecting subordinate organizations and foresee administrative problems and requirements.

 

4)      Ability to skillfully and tactfully instruct and advise support personnel in subordinate offices regarding reports, documentation, and action needed in a wide variety of administrative management or program-related issues.

 

5)      Ability to coordinate work, particularly within subordinate offices.

 

6)      Expert knowledge of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and document format in order to serve as final arbitrator on matters such as response dates, document format, accuracy standards, and necessary changes or modifications of work materials.

 

7)      Skill in the use of office automation hardware and software. A qualified typist is required.

 

To apply, please send the following: a) a cover letter that directly and separately addresses each of the Required Skills listed above; and b) a current resume of experience and qualification. Both should be sent to the Program Officer listed below by February 8, 2010.

 

We strongly urge candidates to fax or email their application materials due to service delays in the postal system.

 

Program Officer:  Jocelyn Brown

Work Unit:  USDA/FAS/OA

Internet address:  Jocelyn.Brown@usda.gov , Telephone:  (202) 690-1779,

Fax:  (202) 690-0059, Mailing address: U.S. Department of Agriculture, FAS/OCRA, Stop Code 1070, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250.

 

*Note:  You must be a U.S. citizen to be selected for this position.

 

This announcement closes on February 8, 2010.

 

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Job Title:  Program Training Assistant (1-Position)

Grade:  GS-303-07

Area of Consideration:  All Sources

 

CATEGORY 1:  The individuals will be assigned to the Trade and Scientific Exchanges Division, OCBD/FAS, which manages and coordinates short-term trade capacity building and scientific exchanges through the Cochran Fellowship Branch and the Scientific Exchanges Branch to improve trade and scientific capacity building in support of global agriculture and food security.  The individuals will be responsible for multiple tasks within a wide range of development and networking activities.  S/he will initiate actions, track administrative functions, and solve programmatic, administrative and financial problems.  The position may require some domestic and/or international travel.

 

Candidates with a college degree are preferable for this position.  Equivalent experience can be substituted for academic qualifications.

 

Required Skills:

§         Training and/or experience in agriculture, economics, rural sociology, natural resources management, international trade and/or development/relations sufficient to apply that knowledge in the development and implementation of appropriate international technical assistance activities.

 

§         Experience in planning and carrying out administrative and financial tasks and budget monitoring.  Ability to handle multiple tasks with close attention to detail

 

§         Ability to handle difficult situations, resolves problems, and effectively maintains working relations with individuals from U.S. and foreign government agencies, universities, and the private sector.  Skill working in a multi-team environment.

 

§         Knowledge of policies and procedures used for project management in USDA to carry out a full range of administrative support functions including budgeting, report drafting, preparation of documents, spreadsheets, financial reports, and operations manuals.

 

§         Skill in oral and written communication in order to effectively present complex technical analysis and information.

 

§         Ability to analyze program activities and administrative processes and to recommend improvements in procedures, system documentation, materials, and coordination.

 

§         A solid working knowledge of micro-computer uses and skill in using spreadsheet, database, and word processing software as well as telecommunications systems.

 

To Apply:  Send (via Postal Services, Email, or Fax) (1) a cover letter that describes your abilities in each of the above listed skills and (2) a current resume to the Program Officer listed below no later than the expiration date of this announcement. 

 

      Program Officer:  Ericka Jones

      Division:  USDA/FAS/OCBD/Trade and Scientific Exchanges Division

      Telephone:  (202) 690-0775

      FAX:  (202) 690-0892

      Email:  Ericka.Jones@fas.usda.gov

      Mailing Address:  USDA/FAS/OCBD/Trade & Scientific Exchanges Division

      South Agricultural Building, Room 3229-South; 1400 Independence Avenue, SW; Ag. Stop 1031

      Washington, DC  20250

 

**NOTE** You must be a US citizen to apply for this position.

 

This announcement expires close of business February 12, 2010.

 

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Job Title: International Training Specialist

Grade: GS-131-13

Area of Consideration: All Sources

 

The Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) works to improve foreign market access for U.S. products, build new markets, improve the competitive position of U.S. agriculture in the global marketplace, and provide food aid and technical assistance to foreign countries.

 

The position is located in the Scientific Exchanges Branch of the Trade and Scientific Exchanges Division within the Office of Capacity Building and Development, Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA/FAS/OCBD/TSED). 

The mission of the Trade and Scientific Exchanges Division is to coordinate and implement short-term trade capacity building and scientific exchanges through the Cochran Fellowship Branch and the Scientific Exchanges Branch. 

 

The Scientific Exchanges Branch (SEB) is responsible for coordinating numerous global scientific and technical exchanges.  such as the Norman E. Borlaug International Agricultural Science and Technology Fellows Program (BFP); the Scientific Cooperation Research Program (SCRP); the Scientific Cooperation Exchange Program with China (SCEP); the Embassy Science Fellows Program (ESFP), and the Faculty Exchange Program (FEP).  Implementation of these programs includes selection and management of project staff, providing program orientation, programmatic and financial management, providing targeted assistance with USDA technical specialists, conducting exchange activities and management consultations, undertaking relevant research and conducting program evaluations. The incumbent will be required to implement a 2 year Graduate Studies Program in the Near East (Iraq), and should have the flexibility to work with one or more of these programs based on TSED priorities and needs.  This position will require close coordination with university partners and U.S. government and international government partners.

 

Candidates with an advanced college degree in agriculture, agricultural development, agricultural economics, international agriculture, or a related field are preferable for this position.  Equivalent experience can be substituted for academic qualifications.

 

Required Skills:

 

The incumbent is responsible for establishing and implementing policies, plans, and objectives for USDA international graduate studies program.

 

1. Establishes and implements program plans, policies, and procedures to support and further USDA international graduate studies goals and objectives.

 

2. Prepares, or directs the preparation of, a variety of formalized cooperative agreements to authorize graduate studies projects and activities with agricultural institutions and organizations.  Negotiates and approves technical and fiscal provisions of graduate studies projects and activities.

 

3. Prepares short and long-term program plans based on such criteria as current USDA research and exchange priorities, funding availability, qualifications of cooperating institutions, and overall U.S. foreign policy and trade objectives.

 

4. Manages ongoing graduate studies activities.  Program management includes coordination of technical, fiscal, and policy aspects of programs and projects, plus frequent communication with scientists and foreign counterparts and officials of foreign cooperating countries.

 

5. Evaluates program effectiveness, success, and contribution to overall international agricultural objectives.  Provides organized, systematic, goal-oriented program evaluation measured gains long- and short-term objectives and time schedules, use of resources, quality of research output and related considerations.

 

6. Coordinates and conducts systematic technical and administrative program reviews at cooperating institutions in collaboration with principal research scientists, administrative officers, and other professional TSED staff members.  As may be necessary, recommends and implements modification or determination of program work plans.

 

7. Advises U.S. and foreign agricultural partners and management on a variety of technical and administrative problems regarding project management, and compliance with agreement provisions.  Plans and conducts appropriate meetings to receive and give information, formulate plans, and review program status.

 

8. Establishes and maintains an extensive network of technical associates, managers, institutions, and U.S. and foreign diplomatic channels to stimulate program vitality, development, and effectiveness.  Coordinates program objectives and activities with USDA and other U.S. agencies to assure consistency with the overall mission of USDA and the U.S. government.

 

9. Informs the supervisor and Director regarding program related considerations having significant bearing upon the planning, development, and administration of research and exchanges.  Identifies new areas requiring attention and suggests appropriate action.

 

 

** NOTE** You must be a US citizen to apply for this position. 

 

Program Officer: Ericka Jones

Mailing Address: USDA/FAS/OCBD/TSED/SEB, 14th & Independence Ave. S.W., Room 3229-S, STOP 1031, Washington, D.C. 20250-1031

FAX: (202) 690-0775

E-Mail Address: Ericka.Jones@fas.usda.gov

 

 

This notice expires close of business February 12, 2010.

 

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Job Title: Program Analyst (Microenterprise Development)

Grade: GS-301-13

Area of Consideration:  All Sources

 

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position and be able to be security cleared for assignment.  This is an excepted service appointment not to exceed 5 years.

 

The Microenterprise Development office (MD) provides leadership to USAID’s visible and politically sensitive Microenterprise Initiative, assuring that targets mutually established by Congress and the microenterprise community are met.  This reimbursable position will provide technical assistance to USAID missions, offices, implementing partners and other donors in strategies, programs, and policies in the areas of agribusiness, off-farm employment, value chain development, and related business services. The incumbent will also manage grants, contracts, and/or task orders, serve on Technical Evaluation Committees in these areas, serve on the Microenterprise Development Knowledge Management and Communications team, and assist in oversight of the agency-wide Microenterprise Results Reporting activity.

 

To apply, please send a) a cover letter, b) a current resume, and c) a supplemental statement that addresses individually your experience and qualifications in each of the Required Skill Areas listed below:

 

N.B.    Applications that do not include a supplemental statement addressing individually each of the required skills will not be considered.

 

Required Skills:

 

  1. Masters degree or equivalent work experience in a related field required, with emphasis on rural development, enterprise development, public administration, economics, business management, financial management, or international development preferred.
  2. Outstanding familiarity with programming principles and trends for value chain development and/or pro-poor market facilitation; complementary expertise in related areas – such as finance, policy reform, food security, conflict-affected environments, natural resource management, or highly vulnerable populations – is preferred.
  3. Knowledge of and experience in advising USAID Missions, other U.S. government organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to design and implement interventions that promote economic growth with poverty reduction.
  4. Direct experience in developing concepts into concrete projects, evaluating funding applications, and/or managing donor-financed projects, which can provide a solid foundation for understanding, advising, and participating in USAID’s project procurement and management processes.
  5. Familiarity with principles of knowledge management and collaborative learning as well as demonstrated interest in participating in USAID processes and USAID-led initiatives for learning and knowledge management.
  6. Strong track record of fostering and participating in a collaborative work environment with peers from diverse backgrounds.
  7. Excellent verbal and written communication skills as demonstrated through the preparation of briefing packets, reports, memos, cables, and other official documents.

 

The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen and be able to secure a clearance at least at the secret level.

 

Program Officer: Sarah Librea

Mailing Address: USDA/FAS/OCBD/DRDAD/AMSD, 14th & Independence Ave. S.W., Room 3222-S, STOP 1033, Washington, D.C. 20250-1033

Telephone: (202) 720-0618

FAX: (202) 690-1957

E-Mail Address: Sarah.Librea@usda.gov

 

This notice expires close of business February 15, 2010.

 

 

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Job Title:  Program Analyst (Women in Development)

Grade:  GS-0343-13

Area of Consideration:  All Sources

The position is administratively assigned to the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, Office of Capacity Building and Development, Development Resources and Disaster Assistance Division, Rural Development and Natural Resources Branch (FAS/OCBD/DRDA/RDNR), but will be located at the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Ronald Reagan Building, in Washington, DC, working on the Policy and Analysis Team of the Office of Agriculture of the Bureau for Economic Growth Agriculture and Trade Programs (EGAT/AG).   

The incumbent of this position is responsible for serving as the Office’s technical adviser on gender-related issues in agricultural development and food security.  These focus areas are priorities of the U.S. development assistance effort and a growing part of the Office's portfolio.  Work frequently involves short-fuse deadlines and high visibility within the Agency, the U.S.Government inter-agency process, and the international donor community.  The incumbent of this position will be responsible for development of a strategic agenda for ensuring women benefit from agricultural growth and other assistance to promote increased incomes and food security, provide technical assistance to overseas missions, coordinate with other USG agencies, and collaborate with external partners ranging from other donors, developing country governments, and implementing partners.  The incumbent will also contribute to training of USAID staff on gender implications and approaches in the agriculture sector.

To apply, please send:  (1) a cover letter with paragraph descriptions of qualifications that directly address each of the five Required Skills listed below; and (2) your current resume of experience and qualifications to the Program Officer listed below.

 

Required Skills:

 

  • Relevant knowledge and experience in the role of gender in agriculture.
  • Skill in program management, such as design, oversight, implementation and evaluation.
  • Knowledge of gender issues as they affect agricultural and environmental aspects of international development assistance.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to convey issues to specialists as well as non-specialists.

 

If competitively selected, USDA employees may be able to be detailed from their home USDA agency (which would be reimbursed for personnel costs plus administrative costs), retain their career status, and return to their home unit at the conclusion of the assignment.  Qualified employees of the Land Grant University System are encouraged to apply.

 

Program Officer:  Robin Comfort

Mailing address:  USDA/FAS/OCBD/DRDA/RDNR, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Room 3218-S, Stop 1033, Washington, D.C. 20250-1033

Telephone:  (202) 690-1930, Fax:  (202) 690-1957

Email address:  robin.comfort@fas.usda.gov

 

*NOTE:  You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position and be able to be security cleared to work in the Ronald Reagan Building.

 

This notice expires close of business February 19, 2010.

 

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Job Title: International Trade Advisor

Grade:  GS-1140-14

Area of Consideration:  All Sources

 

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position and be able to be security cleared for assignment.  This is an excepted service appointment not to exceed 5 years.

 

The Development Resources and Disaster Assistance Division (DRDAD) is responsible for coordinating USDA participation in technical assistance, training, and development programs undertaken on behalf of developing nations.  Specific emphasis is oriented toward, but not limited to, administering and implementing Agency for International Development (USAID) funded programs under Participating Agency Service Agreements (PASAs) and Resource Support Service Agreements (RSSAs), as well as agreements with other organizations and non-USAID countries.  The Office of Economic Growth (EG) of the Bureau of Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade (EGAT) of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) provides technical leadership, research, and field support on the issues of economic growth, including, but not limited to, economic policy and governance, trade, investment, finance, and private sector enterprise development. State-of-the-art programs in economic growth support reforms to increase openness and to improve the competitiveness of countries in a global economy.

 

The International Trade Advisor will provide specialized leadership, expertise, and technical support on trade related aspects of the foregoing issues.  S/he will participate in the design and implementation of projects for other USAID operating units (this includes regional bureaus, USAID missions abroad, and other EGAT offices).  S/he will report to the Team Leader and the Senior International Trade Specialist in liaising with other USAID operating units, counterparts and U.S. government agencies, businesses, foreign assistance donors, and multilateral assistance institutions in the implementation of the EG office activities and programs. S/he will assist in the acquisition by missions and regional bureaus of appropriate expertise to design, implement, and evaluate trade capacity-building efforts. S/he will ensure that USAID's programs on trade are consistent with best practice and activities are well-coordinated and coherent. S/he will also assist in the development of U.S. policies and strategies related to agricultural trade issues.

 

The main duties include: assisting the Senior International Trade Specialist, the Trade Team Leader, and the Office Director in managing funds, contracts and assistance agreements on trade and trade capacity-building activities; coordinating programs with other USG agencies; advising and training Agency personnel on issues related to trade and development, and trade capacity building in developing and transition countries; participating in design and review of country program strategies and activities to ensure that private sector and business development programs take into account the experience of the Agency with regard to trade and trade capacity-building; analyzing and reviewing various host country laws, regulations, and policies as they affect private investment and trade in order to make recommendations on USAID TCB programs; designing and evaluating proposals for programs; Managing contracts and grants; developing information on trade capacity building; and regularly tracking the impact of mission and regional bureau activity supporting trade capacity building. 

 

This position is non-critical sensitive and requires a secret security clearance.

 

To apply, please send a) a current resume and b) a supplemental statement that addresses individually your experience and qualifications in each of the Required Skill Areas listed below:

 

N.B.    Applications that do not include a supplemental statement addressing individually each of the required skills will not be considered.

 

Required Skills:

 

1) Knowledge of international trade and trading systems is required.  Such knowledge shall include an understanding of: the theory and practice of different approaches to trade and the global institutional infrastructure that makes and enforces the roles for the global trading system. (The incumbent should have knowledge of economic growth processes; microeconomic impediments to developing countries’ trade, investment, and integration into the global economy; and an understanding of the roles that markets and competitive enterprises play in increasing efficiency and productivity).

 

2) A solid understanding of the way that government and private sector institutions function in developing and transition economies and knowledge of best practices in the area of trade capacity building, and of how those practices relate to the overall development of economic growth, private and financial sector development, and business development strategies.

 

3) Mastery of a wide range of qualitative and/or quantitative methods for the assessment and improvement of trade program effectiveness or the improvement of extremely sensitive and complex trade policy processes and trade data systems; skilled in using trade databases such as ITC tools, TCB Survey, etc.

 

4) Comprehensive knowledge of the range of laws, policies, regulations, and precedents applicable to the administration of trade policy and border operations and knowledge of agency program goals and objectives, the sequence and timing of key program events and milestones, and methods of evaluating the worth of program accomplishments.

 

5) Skill to plan, organize, and direct team efforts and to negotiate effectively with management to accept and implement recommendations where the proposals involve substantial agency resources, require extensive changes in established procedures, or may be in conflict with the desires of the activity studied. 

 

6) Familiarity with TCBoost and BizCLIR mechanisms (see websites www.tcboostproject.com and www.bizclir.com) and skills in conceptualizing and designing trade and investment programs, implementing research on international trade developments, and assisting the office and overseas missions to develop mechanisms for the improvement and expansion of international trade.

 

7) Skill in communicating, writing, negotiating, and speaking in a professional and effective manner with private sector leaders, Bureau and mission staff, and other counterpart as well as  U.S.G agencies.

 

The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen and be able to secure a secret clearance.

 

Program Officer: Evelyn Lorenzini

Mailing Address: USDA/FAS/OCBD/DRDAD/AMSD, 1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Room 3212-S, STOP 1033, Washington, D.C. 20250-1033

Telephone: (202) 690-2615 - FAX: (202) 720-6364

E-Mail Address: Evelyn.Lorenzini@usda.gov

 

This notice expires close of business February 19, 2010.

 

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Job Title: International Agricultural Development Specialist (GS 07)

Grade:  GS-0101-07

Area of Consideration:  All Sources

 

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position and be able to be security cleared for assignment.  This is an Excepted Service, Schedule B appointment for up to five years. 

 

The incumbent of this position will be assigned to the Development Resources and Disaster Assistance Division, Rural Development and Natural Resources Branch (DRDA/RDNR) and will have responsibility for a wide-range of programmatic and administration functions that support the USDA specialists assigned to the US Agency for International Development (USAID).  The incumbent will also assist in the planning, coordination and implementation of related project activities including regular coordination and follow-up communications with project partners, as appropriate.  S/he will provide and/or coordinate administrative support for assigned activities including coordinating travel and preparing related documents, ensuring timely flows of information with activity partners/contractors, and establishing and maintaining financial and narrative tracking information of Branch activities. 

 

To apply, please send a) a current resume and b) a supplemental statement that addresses individually your experience and qualifications in each of the Required Skill Areas listed below:

 

N.B.    APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE A SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT ADDRESSING INDIVIDUALLY EACH OF THE REQUIRED SKILLS MAY NOT BE CONSIDERED.

 

Required Skills:

 

  • Demonstrated computer skills in word processing, databases, electronic communications, graphics and presentations, using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software packages.
  • Demonstrated ability to deal effectively, quickly, and tactfully with a wide range of people and personalities and a range of complex issues, and ability to successfully manage competing priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to analyze basic financial, administrative and programmatic data and develop reports, presentations, and other materials.
  • Demonstrated skills in both oral and written communications, and interpersonal and organizational skills, including the ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
  • Demonstrated interest in international development, especially as related to rural development and natural resources programs.

 

The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen and be able to secure and maintain a secret level security clearance.

 

Program Officer: Dr. Sylvana Li

Mailing Address: USDA/FAS/OCBD/DRDAD/RDNR, 14th & Independence Ave. S.W., Room 3208-S, STOP 1033, Washington, D.C. 20250-1033

Telephone: (202) 690-2868

FAX: (202) 720-6364

E-Mail Address: Sylvana.Li@fas.usda.gov

 

This notice expires close of business February 19, 2010.

 

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Job Title: Program Analyst (PVC Program Manager)

Grade:  GS-0343-14

Area of Consideration:  All Sources

 

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position and be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance for this assignment.  This is an Excepted Service Schedule B temporary appointment for up to five years which is contingent on annual funding.  

 

The individual selected for this position will be administratively assigned to the Agricultural Market Systems Development Branch (AMSD) of the Development Resources and Disaster Assistance Division (DRDA), Office of Capacity Building and Development (OCBD), Foreign Agricultural Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture (FAS/OCBD/DRDA/AMSD) but will be located in and work directly with the U.S. Agency for International Development.  The incumbent will serve as the Program Analyst (PVC Program Manager) and will be assigned to USAID’s Office of Development Partners, Private and Voluntary Cooperation Division (ODP/PVC). 

 

The PVC leads the Agency’s partnership building with private and voluntary organizations (PVOs), cooperatives and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs)

Many of these PVOs and NGOs are engaged in food security and agricultural and rural development initiatives with and in developing countries.  In such role, ODP/PVC serves as an institutional bridge between the Agency and the PVO, NGO and cooperative communities; provides support and services to Agency staff and partners that are developing strategic partnerships involving NGOs, PVOs or cooperatives; informs Agency efforts to develop innovative, effective programs that strengthen PVOs, NGOs and cooperatives in USAID partner countries; and provides leadership for the Agency’s outreach to the PVO, NGO and cooperatives communities as well as for policy formulation on issues of concern to the PVO, NGO and cooperative communities.  ODP/PVC manages the registration of US PVOs and promotes and facilitates the exchange of information within the Agency and among US, international and local NGOs regarding best practices and lessons learned through Agency partnerships with the PVO, NGO and cooperative communities. 

 

ODP/PVC also manages the Agency’s partnership with the Peace Corps, which is reflected in an Interagency Agreement for the Small Projects Assistance (SPA) Program.  In this role, ODP/PVC facilitates the transfer of funds from field missions to the Peace Corps for the SPA, which are then used by the Peace Corps to achieve shared objectives. 

 

The incumbent provides support to ODP/PVC for its assistance activities for NGOs and PVOs, especially the Development Grants Program (DGP) which is aimed at building the Agency’s relationship with and providing program and capacity building support for small NGOs/PVOs and NGOs/PVOs that have not received significant prior assistance from USAID.  Leads program planning and management of assistance activities under the DGP, including managing the process and instruments through which ODP/PVC coordinates the DGP on behalf of the Agency.  Originates and establishes unique methods and applications that provide innovative solutions to assistance that facilitates the capability of USAID operating units to partner with and assist NGOs and PVOs, especially those that have not traditionally received assistance from USAID.  Manages the budgeting, financial management, and implementation aspects of the DGP, in collaboration with USAID field missions.  Prepares and provides advice, guidance and reports on program activities.  

 

This position is non-critical sensitive and requires a secret security clearance.

 

To apply, please send a) a current resume and b) a supplemental statement that addresses individually your experience and qualifications in each of the Required Skill Areas listed below:

 

***APPLICATIONS THAT DO NOT INCLUDE A SUPPLEMENTAL STATEMENT ADDRESSING INDIVIDUALLY EACH OF THE REQUIRED SKILLS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED***

 

Required Skills:

 

1)  Knowledge of management principles and program evaluation techniques and oversight, improvement of program effectiveness and of complex programs, processes and systems, including grant design, NGO program management and the provision of technical assistance related to PVO/NGO grant programs.

 

2)  Ability to plan and execute work, including setting priorities, plan, assign responsibility, perform and monitor work to ensure that organizational objectives are met in a timely manner and are consistent with the quality standards established.

 

3)  Ability to analyze grant and program data, prepare and/or oversee preparation of Agency financial and narrative reports and briefings on NGO/PVO relevant activities and programs and prepare and implement recommendations for resolution of issues.

 

4)  Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with USAID, PVO, NGO and other stakeholder officials.

 

5)  Ability to oversee training with potential PVO/NGO partners and with USAID staff to enhance the capability of PVOs/NGOs to partner with USAID and enhance the quality of USAID’s partnership with its PVO/NGO partners.

 

6)  Ability to effectively lead an outreach effort externally and within USAID to enhance the Agency’s knowledge of PVO/NGO programs, experience and best practices. 

 

Program Officer: Katya Caballero

Mailing Address: USDA/FAS/OCBD/DRDAD/AMSD, 14th & Independence Ave. S.W., Room 3218-S, STOP 1033, Washington, D.C. 20250-1033

Telephone: (202) 690-2857

FAX: (202) 690-1957

E-Mail Address: Katya.Caballero@usda.gov

 

The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen and be able to secure a Secret clearance.

 

This notice expires close of business February 19, 2010.

 

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Job Title:  International Agricultural Development Specialist (GS 13)

Grade: GS-0101-13

Area of Consideration:  All Sources

 

You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position and be able to obtain and maintain a secret level security clearance for this assignment. This is an Excepted Service, Schedule B appointment for up to five years contingent upon funding. 

 

This position is located in the Development Resources Disaster Assistance Division’s Rural Development and Natural Resources Branch (RDNR).  Requires close coordination with program funding partners (USAID, State Department, and others) to develop and oversee implementation of projects designed to developing countries worldwide.  Incumbent provides programmatic and technical guidance within the Branch and Division, effectively working with program assistants and a host of other internal and external program representatives. This position will develop, manage and monitor a variety of international development and capacity building programs and activities that promote rural development, sustainable agriculture, natural resource management, and economic growth of partner countries in a manner consistent with larger policy objectives of FAS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In particular the individual selected for this position will focus attention on activities related to water resources, watershed management, and soil conservation. Up to 25 percent of this work involves overseas travel, typically for several missions per year, two to three weeks duration each trip. Some work may be conducted in hazardous environments and under difficult living conditions.

 

Project Development:

 

Under the direction of the division management, the incumbent works closely with a host of U.S. Government (USAID, USDA, State Department), and other clients to develop and plan a broad range of programs and activities designed to achieve sustainable agricultural production and food security, mutual economic growth, trade and scientific capacity building and conservation of natural resources and a protected environment.

 

In addition to a strong foundation in agriculture and related international development, the position requires management of financial and human resources (especially with technical assistance providers), excellent communication, reporting and information gathering abilities, and ability to forge and maintain relations with a broad array of stake holders.    Incumbent is required to effectively communicate U.S. Government policy.  More specifically, incumbent provides solid technical information for program development with stakeholders on USDA’s capacity for watershed management and soil conservation.

Project Oversight and Implementation:

Using results-oriented management, incumbent is required to oversee all aspects of project activity implementation.  Working in tandem with project team staff (program assistants, other counterparts, director staff), incumbent organizes and oversees all tasks required for assigned projects; also included are budgeting, financial oversight, and accounting, as well as monitoring and evaluation of project results.   

Communication and Information Dissemination: Provides written periodic progress reports, as required, to funding partners and for internal information within USDA.  Establishes and maintains effective communication channels with a wide range of stakeholders and USDA representatives.  Represents USDA/FAS/OCBD/DRDA in policy, as well as in technical discussions with foreign government representatives, NGOs, FAS attaches and oversees staff, USAID and others. 

Required Skills

1. Education:  University degree (minimum of a Master’s degree preferred) or equivalent related experience in managing international    agricultural development projects, natural resources management field experience preferred. 

2. Ability to develop and implement domestic and foreign training workshops for audiences from developing countries.

3. Training and experience with international program direction, management, multi-lateral agency coordination, and strategic planning.

4. Ability to lead a small team of highly specialized experts to implement technical trainings and manage administrative workload within the project support team.

5. Training and experience in domestic and international (especial developing countries and emerging markets) agriculture sectors, policies, regulatory systems, agriculture institutions, economics, and rural development.

6. Knowledge of key domestic and international institutions and NGO’s involved in international agriculture development, water resources management, climate change, forestry and soil conservation, with which to lever resources and identify joint opportunities for collaboration.

 

To Apply:  Please submit the following:  a) a cover letter that directly and separately addresses each of the Required Skills listed above; and b) a current resume or OF-612.  All documentation should be sent to the Administrative Contact listed below and received by 5:00 PM (EST) the closing date of this announcement. (E-mailed application desired)

 

Administrative Contact:  Sylvana Li

E-mail address:  Sylvana.Li@fas.usda.gov

Telephone:  202-690-2868

Fax:  202-720-6364

Mailing Address: U.S. Department of Agriculture, FAS/OCBD/DRDA, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Room 3208-S, STOP 1033, Washington, DC 20250‑1033.

 

NOTE:  You must be a U.S. citizen to be selected for this position.

 

This announcement expires close of business 5:00 PM (EST) February 22, 2009.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

Job Title: Provincial Reconstruction Team Agricultural Advisors (Afghanistan/Iraq) - multiple positions

Grade: GS-0301-11 to GS-0301-15

Area of Consideration: All Sources

 

 

Further instead of listing each PRT position by grade we want to direct all interested candidates to use the USAJOBS website

 

All interested and eligible individuals are encouraged to apply via:

 

http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/agency.aspx - Search by Foreign Agricultural Service

 

More specific country program information can be found via the following links:

 

For Afghanistan: http://www.fas.usda.gov/country/Afghanistan/us-afghanistan.asp

For Iraq: http://www.fas.usda.gov/country/iraq/development/iraq.asp

 

 

 


 

 

 

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Last modified: Monday, February 01, 2010