Jobs in Abuja at USAID for a Project Management Specialist for Early Warning
USAID is the lead U.S. Government agency that works to end extreme
global poverty and enable resilient, democratic societies to realize
their potential.
U.S. foreign assistance has always had the twofold purpose of furthering
America's interests while improving lives in the developing world.
USAID carries out U.S. foreign policy by promoting broad-scale human
progress at the same time it expands stable, free societies, creates
markets and trade partners for the United States, and fosters good will
abroad.
USAID is recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Project Management Specialist for Early Warning, USAID/Nigeria
Solicitation Number: SOL-620-16-000008
Location: Abuja
Period of Performance: Two years, depending on satisfactory performance,
continued relevance of the position and funds availability. Level of
effort is full time (40 hours per week).
Position Description/Background
USAID/WA is a regional mission that is located in Accra, Ghana and
implements development assistance activities in 21 countries. The
USAID/WA regional governance, democracy, justice and human rights
activities are managed from RPGO.
The United States has an abiding interest in helping West Africa achieve
broad-based good governance, democracy, justice and a respect for human
rights. Since 1991, USAID has provided over $300 million in technical
assistance and training to effect positive, lasting change within the
region’s institutions and the lives of its people. USAID programs
cooperate with regional economic institutions such as ECOWAS, West
African government ministries and agencies, non-governmental
organizations, businesses, associations, private sector organizations
and communities to improve laws, promote human and political rights,
mitigate conflict and deter terrorism, engage citizens in political and
economic life, expand trade, increase incomes, and improve the health
and quality of life of West Africa’s people.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional
economic community comprised of fifteen member states: Benin, Burkina
Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea,
Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and
Togo. ECOWAS covers a diverse range of social and economic issues. In
2008, ECOWAS adopted the ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework, which is
intended to serve as “a comprehensive operational conflict prevention
and peace-building strategy that enables the ECOWAS system and Member
States to draw upon human and financial resources at the regional
(including civil society and the private sector) and international
levels in their efforts to creatively transform conflict.” One of the
critical components of the Framework is the ECOWAS Early Warning and
Response Network (ECOWARN).
At the August 2014 Africa Leaders Summit in Washington D.C., numerous
West African leaders requested assistance to improve early warning
capabilities so as to better address myriad sources of conflict and
transnational threats, including terrorism, illicit trafficking, piracy,
poaching and infectious diseases. In response, President Barack Obama
pledged that, “the United States will launch a new effort to bolster the
region’s early warning and response network and increase their ability
to share information about emerging crises.” This effort is now known as
the Early Warning and Response Partnership (EWARP or “the Partnership”)
and is a new Presidential effort to support early warning, information
sharing, conflict prevention and crisis management among African states.
EWARP will bolster the capacity of the ECOWAS Warning and Response
Network (ECOWARN) to monitor, gather, analyze and disseminate threat
information to its 15 member states to support peace and security in the
region. The Partnership will specifically work with the ECOWAS
Commission for Political Affairs and Peace and Security (CPAPS) and its
internal department, the Early Warning Directorate (EWD). Assistance to
the nascent Mediation and Facilitation Division (MFD) and the Council of
the Wise is also being contemplated. EWARP will be implemented jointly
by USAID and the U.S. State Department.
Basic Function
- While operating under COM authority within USAID/Nigeria, the
Poverty Monitoring System/Early Warning (PMS/EW) receives programmatic
guidance, technical direction, oversight and substantive input from
USAID/WA’s RPGO in the implementation and monitoring of USAID’s
contributions to EWARP. On a day-to-day basis the incumbent will report
to and coordinate closely with the Embassy Abuja Political Section
officer designated by the Ambassador as the officer responsible for
ECOWAS engagement. On programmatic contractual matters, the incumbent
will report to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for the
EWARP activity based in the USAID/WA Mission in Accra, Ghana.
USAID-funded activities for EWARP have a current estimated value of
approximately $17.5 million over a five-year period.
- The PMS/EW will work with ECOWAS’s CPAPS to ensure integrated
information sharing as well as to promote better communication among
ECOWAS, USAID, implementing partners, the U. S. Embassy and donor
partners on conflict early warning and response systems. S/he will be
responsible for coordination within the U.S. Mission/Abuja, ECOWAS and
with other donors to ensure the appropriateness and complementarity of
programming.
- This position requires exercise of broad individual judgment in
recommending EWARP programming priorities and coordinating relations
with representatives inside and outside the USG. The political and
governance issues with which the PMS/EW will be dealing are among the
top priorities of USG foreign policy in West Africa. As a Presidential
initiative, EWARP activities will be closely followed by constituencies
in Accra and Washington D.C. The ECOWAS operating environment is highly
complex and frequently unpredictable and the donor space is relatively
crowded. Thus, the PMS/EW must be flexible and able to provide advice on
approaches and activities for sometimes rapidly changing circumstances.
- In addition to direct monitoring of USAID efforts, the PMS/EW
will work closely with EWARP project managers within the USG to ensure
the cohesiveness of the overall Partnership strategy and the
complementarity of the activities funded by each agency. As such and due
to the assignment’s location in Nigeria, the PMS/EW will also
collaborate with leadership from Embassy Abuja and USAID/Nigeria and
potentially with US government leadership in other ECOWAS member states,
when and as EWARP activities begin to take place in ECOWAS member
countries.
- The position includes a broad range of complex coordination,
analytical and communication responsibilities, including providing
overall monitoring and oversight of EWARP activities, as well as
documentation, reporting, responding to queries from various sources,
coordination, advice, and management of USAID’s activities in support of
EWARP. The PMS/EW will regularly represent USAID and/or the USG at
meetings and conferences dealing with conflict early warning and
response in West Africa and may occasionally represent USAID at meetings
and conferences covering other topics.
Duties and Responsibilities
Specific duties will include but are not limited to the following:
Project Management, Monitoring and Oversight - 55%:
- Monitor EWARP activities through regular meetings with USAID implementing partners, project stakeholders and beneficiaries.
- Review implementing partner reports for timeliness, content, accuracy and adherence to their contractual scope of work.
- Identify all related and complementary programs supported by
other donors and/or ECOWAS funds, including identification of existing
and planned funding resources, gaps, constraints, and opportunities.
- Report regularly to USAID on project accomplishments, and identify any shortcomings and other issues to be raised with the RPGO.
- Alert USAID when unforeseen matters with program implementation require urgent attention.
- Make recommendations for adjustments in the implementation schedule or content.
Program Evaluation and Reporting - 10%:
- The PMS/EW will monitor project performance of the USAID
implementing partners against planned achievements and indicators,
ensuring compliance. The PMS/EW will be responsible for monitoring the
achievement of results by periodically reviewing the development
context, indicator data, and other indications of portfolio progress,
identifying problem areas and recommending corrective measures.
- The PMS/EW will prepare information for Mission reports to meet
USAID and broader USG reporting requirements such as those associated
with Operational Plans, Performance Reports, Congressional Budget
Justifications, Mission Strategic Resources Plans, human rights reports,
trafficking reports, reports on gender and people with disabilities,
etc., as needed.
Program Coordination and Technical Support- 35%:
- The PMS/EW is responsible for: (1) collaborating with a broad
range of partners on strategic approaches to conflict early warning and
response; (2) obtaining and maintaining support and communication from
partners and stakeholders; and (3) providing technical support to RPGO
on an as-needed basis on early warning systems and strategies and
organizational capacity development.
- Partners include ECOWAS, the U.S. Embassy in Abuja and in other
ECOWAS member state capitals, bilateral and multilateral donors,
USAID/Nigeria and other USAID bilateral missions in the region.
- The PMS/EW ensures that open and timely communication is
maintained with all relevant stakeholders on planned or current EWARP
activities in West Africa. Such communication will include, but not be
limited to, the following recurring tasks: submit weekly reports
outlining key meetings/points/actions from the previous week and
anticipated activities/tasks for the following week; organize regular
briefings with Embassy Abuja and USAID; participate in regularly
scheduled calls with USAID/WA; and participate in interagency conference
calls.
Position Elements
- Supervision Received: The PMS/EW will perform assignments
independently under the guidance of USAID/WA/RPGO and the Embassy Abuja
Political Section officer designated by the Ambassador as the officer
responsible for ECOWAS engagement. The PMS/EW is expected to exercise
considerable independent judgment and initiative. Such initiative is
critical to the success of the assignment and includes meetings with
senior officials within the U.S. Government (USG), ECOWAS and donors
partners. The actions and decisions of thePMS/EW will be as technical
manager and adviser to RPGO staff and the U.S. Embassy/Nigeria.
- While the PMS/EW will receive day-to-day guidance from
USAID/WA/RPGO and the US Embassy Nigeria, the position’s location in
Nigeria and role in working on EWARP-related issues, will require a high
degree of independence and self-reliance. Periodic travel to Accra is
anticipated to allow for coordination and joint planning while regular
communication is expected via phone, email, and written reporting. The
annual performance of the PMS/EW will be reviewed in terms of
achievement of established work objectives. Formal supervisory
responsibilities will rest with the USAID/WA/RPGO Director.
- Available Guidelines: The incumbent is expected to become
familiar with and follow USAID processes, procedures and rules as
documented in the Automated Directive System (ADS). In situations where
the PMS/EW’s judgment points to a need for additional clarity or
guidance, his/her supervisor will provide such guidance with the
assistance of the USAID support offices as appropriate. The PMS will be
required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and
policies, including but not limited to the ADS, USG procurement
regulations, and USAID program strategy, design and policy documents.
- Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contracts: The purpose of contacts
is to inform on or elicit information about early warning and response
activities in order to perform project management activities and inform
USAID policy formulation and/or implementation. This may include
information and communication to and with ECOWAS representatives, USG
representatives, other regional institution representatives, and other
donors up to the level of Ambassador. Contacts with the parties
mentioned above will occur in both structured and unstructured settings.
These contacts are necessary to influence and facilitate project
implementation. Relationships with the parties mentioned above are
cordial and cooperative.
- Supervision Exercised: Supervision of other staff is not expected.
- Time Required to perform the Full Range of Duties: 24 months.
- Exercise of Judgment: Excellent, balanced judgment must be
exercised in setting priorities. The broad use of initiative, discretion
and patience is expected from the PMS/EW in dealing with USAID
personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations and
U.S. Embassies to resolve problems that arise during the course of work
where there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition,
considerable judgment is required in working effectively and
coordinating multi-sectorial efforts in support of USAID’s development
objectives and in collecting, analyzing, and reporting on progress of
activities and recommending project actions.
- Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will not be authorized to make commitments or decisions on policy.
Required Minimum Qualifications Required for Effective Performance, Selection Criteria and Evaluation Process
- Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Political Science,
International Relations, International Development, Conflict Studies,
Public Administration/Public Affairs, Economics or other social science
discipline, is required. A Master’s degree in one of these fields is
desirable.
- Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of
professional-level experience in project management or
development-related activities in one of the areas listed above under
Education. Experience working in, for or with international
organizations is required. Experience working on conflict early-warning
or conflict mitigation and management programming is highly desired.
- Language Proficiency: Level IV English speaking proficiency
(fluent), with strong English writing skills, is required. Demonstrated
ability to prepare succinct narrative reports, sometimes with short
deadlines and with minimal supervision, is also required.
- Operational, managerial and strong analytical and writing skills
are necessary, specifically experience in the independent analysis,
interpretation and presentation of complex data in both oral and written
form and in precise, accurate, clear and complete formats.
- Strong computer skills are essential in order to prepare
effective, comprehensive reports and for daily work. Excellent knowledge
of and experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Applications,
as well as the ability to conduct Internet research and management of
other Internet resources, is required.
- The ability to obtain, evaluate and interpret data and prepare
accurate, timely reports is necessary. The ability to evaluate
contractor’s recommendations, identify problems affecting program
activities, propose well-thought out strategies to resolve these
problems, consult with senior management and field staff, and then
implement final decisions and strategies and approaches is necessary.
- Skills and Abilities: Evidence of strong collaborative skills,
including the ability to work effectively with superiors, subordinates,
colleagues and partners, both inside and outside USAID, is required, as
well as maturity, stability, objectivity, resourcefulness, adaptability,
and sound professional judgment.
- Effective teamwork is an essential factor in successful day-to-day management and operations.
- Ability to read, speak and write French is highly desirable, but
not required. However, it will be considered an advantage during
evaluation of candidates for the position.
- Technical Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of program
principles, concepts, practices, methods, and techniques of development
assistance in general is required. Demonstrated knowledge of democracy,
human rights, and governance principles, concepts, practices, methods,
and techniques is desirable. Demonstrated knowledge of conflict
mitigation and management principles, concepts, practices, methods, and
techniques, including conflict early warning, is highly desirable.
- Demonstrated ability to serve as a program manager and conduct
the full range of responsibilities effectively and in a timely manner is
required. Demonstrated ability to organize and effectively plan work in
advance, with limited supervision to ensure that programs and tasks do
not falter due to lack of effective management and support is required.
Selection Criteria
Applicants who meet the basic qualifications will be evaluated based on the selection criteria below:
- Education (20 points)
- Prior work experience (25 points)
- Communication/language skills (15 points)
- Technical knowledge (25 points)
- Skills and abilities (15 points)
Applicants who do not meet the required minimum qualifications will be
considered unqualified for the position and will not be assessed.
Selection Process
- Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a short list of applicants developed.
- As part of the selection process USAID reserves the right to
interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR
not to interview any candidate at USAID’s discretion. Please note that
the testing and interview (if applicable) may not take place on the same
day.
- After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee
will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance
with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not
meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only
shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to
unsuccessful applicants.
Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as
finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current
employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s
cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending
communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by
USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates
must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period
of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the
selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required
clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.
Past Performance | Professional Reference Checks
- Applicants must provide at least three references with current
contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone
number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of
the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility
of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide
a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.
- In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee
will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding
performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria.
USAID/Nigeria reserves the right to obtain from previous employers
relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may
consider such information in its evaluation.
Other Relevant information
Security and Medical Clearance Requirements:
- The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to
receive a facilities access background check that involves applicant's
comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government
Agency.
- The applicant selected to fill the position must also be able to
receive medical clearance to work in USAID/Nigeria prior to beginning
work.
- Instructions on how to obtain both medical and security
clearances will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job
offer.
Compensation
- This position has been classified at GS-13 scale. The actual
salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay
band depending on qualifications and previous earning history.
USAID/Nigeria Mission policy is to pay Resident Hire USPSCs employees in
U.S. dollars.
Benefits and Allowance
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the
requirements of a Resident Hire USPSC is normally authorized the
following benefits:
- Benefits:
- Employee's FICA Contribution
- Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --72% of
Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for a family and
$7,266 for employees without dependents --50% of Life Insurance Annual
Premium (not to exceed $500).
- Pay Comparability Adjustment --Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs when applicable.
- Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
- Vacation & Sick Leave
- Allowances: Resident Hire USPSCs are not eligible for
Allowances. If an eligible candidate is hired as an Eligible Family
Member, benefits and allowances will be paid in accordance with State
Department policy at Post.
Applicable Policy Directives and Regulation Pertaining to PSCs
List of Required Forms for PSCs
Forms outlined below can be found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/business/forms
1.) Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)
2.) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)*
3.) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)*
4.) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)*
5.) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended*
6.) Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974*
7.) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)*
8.) Offer Information for Personal Services Contracts (AID-302-3)
*The above listed forms (2 through 7) shall only be
completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant
is the successful candidate for the job.
How to Apply
Qualified applicants are requested to submit a one page cover letter and
a recent CV or resume containing the following information below to:
[email protected] with a copy to:
[email protected] Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation in the subject line of your e-mail submission.
Click here for more information
Application Deadline 14th March, 2016.
Important Documents
- The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to
evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection
criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity
will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection
criteria.
- Applicants are also strongly encouraged to address each of the
evaluation criteria above on a separate sheet describing specifically
and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they
have received that are relevant to the criterion. Failure to address the
minimum selection and/or quality factors may result in your not
receiving credit for all your pertinent experience, education, training,
and awards.
- Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip
code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security
number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held
(also give job series and dates held).
- Education: High school, name, city and state, date of
diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors,
type and year of any degrees received.
- Work Experience: provide the following information for your
paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are
applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and
grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer’s name and
address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates
(month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact
your current supervisor;
- Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to
the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including
job-related training courses (title and year), job-related skills; for
example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery,
typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only),
job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example,
publications, memberships in professional or honor societies,
leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give
dates but do not send documents unless requested).
- Applicants are required to provide three (3) to five (5)
references with complete contact information including email address and
telephone numbers. The Applicant’s references must be able to provide
substantive information about the applicant’s past performance and
abilities.
- Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation such as (but not limited to):
- Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;
- Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17);
- Three (3) to five (5) references who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts;
- Written and hand-signed cover letter of not more than one page; and
- Copy of U.S passport, with valid Nigerian Visa, and a valid Nigerian work permit.
- Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts (AID 302-3)
- Form AID 1420-17 must be signed. Unsigned forms will be rejected. 13
- Applicants should retain copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.
- Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application.
- Any attachments provided via email must be in or compatible with
Microsoft Word 2003 or Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) and
not “Zipped”.