USAID Program Officer

Job Description

Background :

The United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Hub (GenDev), is one of five Hubs within the Bureau for Inclusive Growth, Partnerships,  and Innovation (IPI). GenDev advances gender equality and women’s empowerment as fundamental for the realization of human rights, and key to effective and sustainable development outcomes. The Hub collaborates with Operating Units (OUs) across the Agency supporting USAID’s programming globally,  in all sectors. It promotes evidence-based gender equality and women’s empowerment programming throughout the Agency through its technical outreach and thought leadership, training, technical assistance, and communication outreach.

Jefferson Consulting Group provides institutional support to the GenDev Hub through the GenDev Institutional Support Contract (GenDev ISC). The purpose of the GenDev ISC is to engage subject matter experts and technical expertise to support efforts related to gender integration and equality in the design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of USAID programming. The GenDev ISC provides support in a variety of technical areas pertaining to supporting the gender equality and women’s empowerment goals of the Agency including improving the ability of USAID to integrate gender and women’s empowerment throughout the program cycle and advancing gender equality for women and girls, men and boys, and gender diverse individuals.

USAID Gender Equality Objectives :

Reduce gender disparities in who accesses, controls, and benefits from economic, social, political, legal, educational, health, and cultural resources, as well as wealth, opportunities, and services;

Strive to eliminate Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and mitigate its harmful effects on individuals and communities, so all people can live free from violence;

Increase the capability of women and girls to fully exercise their rights, determine their life outcomes, assume leadership roles, and influence decision-making in households, communities, and societies; and

Advance structural changes that address the root causes of gender inequality and promote equitable gender norms.

Position Objectives :

The Budget and Finance Officer provides budget, operational, and management support to GenDev staff to ensure operational expenses (OE) and program funds are used according to Congressional intent and in line with agency policy. This position is located in USAID’s Bureau for Inclusive Growth, Partnerships, and Innovation (IPI) Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GenDev) Hub. The position is based in GenDev’s Program, Operations, and Management (POM) Team and will report to the POM Team Lead.

This position is initially funded for one year with possibility of extension depending on funding and need. This position is telework eligible with the expectation of 2-3 days per week in-office, including Wednesdays. This position is not expected to require any travel.

Scope of Work :

Provide technical assistance, guidance, and coordination across the GenDev Hub on operationalizing the Program Cycle, including supporting processes related to budget formulation and execution, legislative affairs, policy coordination, and / or strategic planning and design;

Supports the development of annual budget plans, including budget plans that allocate sufficient resources and staff to provide specialized expertise, communications, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), and other centralized functions;

Provide expert advice and assistance to leadership regarding all phases of the budget cycle;

Analyze budget requests and estimates to identify inconsistencies and imbalances; implement budget controls through the review and approval of obligation and expenditure of funds; and check budget requests for duplication and reconcile estimates with current levels of expenditures;

Make recommendations that follow detailed analysis and consideration of program requirements in relation to budgetary requirements, policies, methods, sources, and types of funding;

Support the Program Office to respond to requests for budgetary information;

Provides guidance and assists with the preparation of various program documents and correspondence such as memos and waivers, amendments, project authorization documents, Congressional Notifications, Technical Notifications, and requests, ensuring that all documentation is complete and in compliance with USAID rules, regulations, and standards;

Works with direct hire staff to create and maintain an accurate record of all office financial transactions including allowances, fund sites, requisitions;

Interpret and advise on administrative policies, procedures, directives, and requirements;

Support in the preparation of annual reports including : Congressional Budget Justification, Operational Plan (OP), and Performance Plan and Report (PPR);

Prepare / assist with developing office memoranda, inter-agency agreements and memorandum of understanding / agreement;  and

Prepare budget estimates, tables, and charts as requested.

The day-to-day management direction and oversight for this position will be provided by a GenDev Hub POM Team Lead and / or Program Officer.

As a contractor, this position will not perform “inherently governmental functions,” including the supervision of non-contractor personnel, or the signature / approval / authorization of commitments on behalf of the US Government.

Minimum Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or Master’s degree or higher in a relevant area of study such as international relations, economics, business administration, financial management, or public policy;

Must have expert excel, data management, and computation skills.

Must have expertise in USAID budget planning and execution and in financial analysis of USAID programs;

Strong work ethic with a solid customer service focus;

Strong verbal and written communication skills;

Strong attention to detail;

Ability to work well independently and as part of a team;

Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and high visibility environment;

Ability to prepare and deliver quality documents and presentations;

Familiarity with Microsoft and Google Suite of products;

Compliance with all Federal or Agency COVID requirements to access Agency facilities, such as vaccination / public health requirements; and

Must be a U.S Citizen and able obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Applicants with an active security clearance will be given preference.

Preferred Qualifications :

U.S. Government / USAID experience or knowledge of how USAID works;

Experience working with partner government representatives, international organizations, civil society organizations, donors, or implementing development partners; and

Experience working in an international development context.

About Jefferson Consulting Group

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

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