REFS – Center for Water Security, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Global Strategy and Leadership 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, environmental sustainability, infrastructure and energy, and water security, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in priority countries around the world to help 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 REFS-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, with a focus on knowledge management, internal and external communications, data and analytics, budget formulation and monitoring, and strategic engagement.
Description of Role:
This position will sit in the Global Strategy and Leadership Division of the Center for Water Security, Sanitation, and Hygiene in USAID’s Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS/CW/GSL). The incumbent will provide support across the CW/GSL Division, which seeks to strengthen measurable outcomes in water and sanitation externally and internally, coordinates engagement with the U.S. Government interagency and partners, and provides support for the vision and guidance provided by the Agency’s Water Leadership Council. The Division is also responsible for developing and communicating the Agency’s strategic positions to facilitate and coordinate on water and sanitation at key internal and external fora. Occasional international and domestic travel is anticipated. This is a hybrid position, with a norm of three days a week in the office and two days of telework per week.
Key Responsibilities:
Communications and Outreach
- Serve as a key liaison to manage incoming requests or external outreach within or outside of USAID on behalf of the Center;
- Develop or contribute to document and presentation templates, PowerPoint slide decks, fact sheets, blog posts, newsletters, and other internal and external communications materials;
- Support generation and/or management of internet or social media site content;
- Research and prepare background information such as briefers, memos, and talking points in partnership with colleagues;
- In collaboration with Mission and Washington-based colleagues, identify, produce and/or support the production of stories that highlight the work of the Center in written and multimedia formats;
- Support virtual and in-person event and conference planning, execution, and follow up; and
- Maintain awareness of USAID style and branding guidelines, and support colleagues in accurately applying them.
Knowledge Management
- Support generation and/or management of intranet site and action research products;
- 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.
Research and Analysis
- Provide desk research, simple data analysis, and interpret data as needed;
- Support data syntheses and analytical reports; and
- Provide support to research activities and partners in identifying key messages and translating research findings for general communications products.
Program Coordination, Assistance, and Management
- Liaise 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 as required;
- Provide Activity Management of Agency-funded programs, as appropriate;
- 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;
- Serves as key liaison with other Offices and Centers to gather information and collaborate with others in the Bureau or Agency, as needed;
- Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items; and
- Provide support to GSL 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.
Budget Formulation and Monitoring
- Track and monitor Center for Water 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.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years of professional experience (to include paid or unpaid internships and/or relevant volunteering)
- Ability to obtain a USAID facility access (Public Trust) clearance
- Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills
- Ability to translate technical ideas and data for a non-specialist audience in oral and written communications and presentations
- Comfort and confidence in working with a wide range of individuals, including with people speaking English as a second language and people of various levels of seniority and national origin
- 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 with a commitment to producing quality work products
- Proficiency in Google Suite of products
- Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of products including excel, word, and PowerPoint
- Skills in a language other than English is a plus but is not required
- People of diverse backgrounds and life experiences are encouraged to apply
- Experience with USAID or other mission-driven organizations is a plus
About Jefferson Consulting
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
