Overview This position is in the Office of Assistance Coordination (AC) within the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA) in the Department of State (DOS). NEA/AC is responsible for coordinating U.S. foreign assistance to the entire NEA region, totaling over $8 billion annually, including by providing policy direction and operating guidance to officials in Washington and at NEA posts responsible for the implementation of regional assistance programs; overseeing strategic planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation for the Bureau; and providing grants management of foreign assistance awards for the NEA Bureau and, when needed, for overseas NEA posts. NEA/AC also has responsibility for directing, managing, and implementing the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the Near East Regional Democracy (NERD) program, and the bilateral assistance program in Iraq. Responsibilities * The contractor shall assist with project and program design, development, and oversight.
* Tasks shall include conducting research and analysis on policy and programmatic trends;
* Consolidating volumes of data to draft concise briefing papers, talking points, public affairs documents;
* Supporting outreach activities to the U.S. Congress, media and other public stakeholders; review quarterly reports and grant documents;
* Assist in program and budget tracking; analyze quantitative and qualitative data related to projects awarded; and programmatic and administrative support to NEA/AC Foreign Affairs officers in tracking and responding to implementation of US foreign policy initiatives Qualifications * Will possess skills, including basic interpersonal, writing, organizational skills, as well as significant attention to detail and the ability to be flexible in a dynamic environment)
* Have strong writing and decision- making skills, and exhibit organizational awareness.
* Will require or must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance.
* Bachelors with 1 year experience or 4-5 years of relevant work experience.
* Some background knowledge of and experience working on or in the Middle East/North Africa is a desired.
* Some knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is desired: stabilization programming, democracy, governance and rule of law programing, human rights, gender programming, economic growth, and development programming, working with civil society organizations.