RFS - Center for Agriculture-led Growth

Production Systems Division

Program Specialist

Background and Introduction:

Jefferson Solutions was awarded a five-year contract to provide technical, administrative, and programmatic support to the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS). Through REFS, USAID works to advance inclusive agriculture-led growth, resilience, nutrition, and water security, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in priority countries around the world to help them accelerate and protect development progress.

The Program Specialist will provide programmatic, administrative, and operational support for the day-to-day design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning of RFS-related programs and activities. The Program Specialist will provide all functions needed to support Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives.

Position Summary:

The Program Specialist will support day-to-day functions of the Technical Supervisor to which they are assigned for day-to-day work assignments. Daily activities will include aspects of program assistance and coordination, knowledge management, communications and outreach, budget formulation and monitoring, policy analysis, gender analysis, and program management.

Description of Role:

This position is located in the Production Systems Division in the Center for Agriculture-led Growth (CA) of REFS. The Center for Agriculture-led Growth provides technical leadership for the design and implementation of programs across the Agency that foster inclusive, sustainable, agricultural-led economic growth. The Production Systems Division works with USAID Missions, research organizations, and implementing partners to develop resilient and sustainable farming and production strategies, solutions, and programs that generate pathways out of hunger and poverty for smallholder farming families, with an emphasis on women and children.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Coordination, Assistance, and Management

• Serves as key liaison with other Offices and Centers to gather information and collaborate with others in the Bureau, Agency, and interagency as needed
• Develop and maintain trackers for use throughout the Office/Center if
• Provide Activity Management of Agency-funded programs as appropriate
• Provide program management support according to the needs of the Office/Center
• Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings at least one day prior
• Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items
• Provide support to Mission staff to manage programs through all phases of the program cycle, to include program design, procurement, monitoring, evaluation, continuous learning, budget formulation and monitoring, etc.

Knowledge Management

• Generate and maintain documents and spreadsheets using the Google Suite of tools
• Save documents and maintain file structures using USAID portals
• Develop and maintain internal trackers including for logistics and milestone tracking
• Track and follow clearances for Bureau documentation and ensure that formal documentation is of high quality
• Maintain awareness of and follow Agency and Federal guidelines for file retention

Communications and Outreach

• Serve as key liaison to manage incoming requests or external outreach within or outside of USAID on behalf of Office/Center/Division
• Develop templates and support preparation of PowerPoint slide decks, fact sheets, briefers, talking points, blog posts, newsletters and other communications materials
• Support generation and/or management of intranet, internet, or social media site content
• Researches and prepares background information such as briefers, one-pagers, and/or talking points in partnership with colleagues

Budget Formulation and Monitoring

• Track and monitor Office/Center/Division or program funds
• Support budget reviews, budget implementation process, and respond to data calls
• Prepare action memos/funds transfer requests
• Support A/CORs with GLAAS requisitions

Research and Analysis

• Provide desk research, simple data analysis, and interpret data as needed
• Support data syntheses and analyses reports; present findings
• Collaborate to develop and socialize research strategies

Anticipated Travel

• Travel may be required in this position and will be identified on an as-needed basis, especially as it may pertain to Mission support

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience (to include internships)
• In lieu of a Bachelor's degree may substitute an Associate's degree plus a minimum of 8 years' experience or a High School Diploma and 10 years' experience
• Ability to obtain a USAID facility access (Public Trust) clearance
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills to effectively interact with government clients, high-ranking officials, and other stakeholders
• Strong prioritization and organization skills with keen attention to deadlines
• Excellent anticipatory skills and proactive approach to work
• Positive and professional attitude and demeanor
• Detail-oriented and interested in producing quality work products
• Proficiency in Google Suite of products
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of products including excel, word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with USAID, USG or other related organizations is a plus