Full job description
The U.S. Department of State’s Office of Conservation and Water (OES/ECW), Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs has a requirement for a Water Advisor.
The Water Advisor shall work closely with, and under the direction of, the Water Team Lead to support the design, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of water team activities, including a portfolio of initiatives implemented under the U.S. Global Water Strategy.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Policy Support
Support U.S. diplomatic efforts to promote cooperation and conflict mitigation on shared water resources in coordination with regional bureaus and embassies.
- Assist in developing foreign policy guidance related to transboundary water conflicts, U.S. commercial engagement, and regional water security initiatives, for review by the Water Team Lead.
- Help identify and promote U.S. scientific, technical, and commercial solutions to water challenges, working closely with U.S. business and research communities.
- Monitor and report on OES/ECW equities and their impacts related to water security, flagging issues to the Water Team Lead as they arise.
Team Coordination and Administration
- Review project work plans and status reports and prepare written summaries and analysis to support the Water Team Lead’s guidance on team coordination and priority-setting.
- Assist with the coordination of water team activities, supporting the design of platforms and mechanisms for collaboration with domestic and international partners.
- Help coordinate the development of team activities in targeted regions with USG agencies, key NGOs, and international organizations.
- Support tracking of ongoing water team projects and activities, and help evaluate progress against team objectives, emphasizing a data-driven approach to U.S. objectives.
Drafting and Reporting
- Draft memos, letters, briefing papers, and talking points for review and clearance by the Water Team Lead, for use with Department principals, other U.S. agencies, and external stakeholders.
- Provide input and drafting support for team planning and reporting documents, including strategic planning materials, briefing books, and performance summaries.
- Support the development of Department responses to public and Congressional inquiries related to water team activities.
- Conduct analysis to inform the Water Team Lead’s recommendations on new partnerships and initiatives.
- Maintain accurate, complete, and up-to-date information on team activities, including timely preparation of status updates and reports for the Water Team Lead’s review.
Bolstering Cooperation
- Support engagement with other U.S. agencies as part of the interagency process on assigned water topics.
- Help organize and support conference calls, meetings, and other interactions with foreign governments or stakeholders on key water policy issues.
- Represent OES/ECW, alongside or on behalf of the Water Team Lead, at meetings involving interagency coordination, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations, as directed.
- Support regular meetings with partners and stakeholders to track progress on water team initiatives.
Other Duties:
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- College studies in Environmental Policy, Water Resources Management, Hydrology, Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Law/Science, Engineering or Water Resources Science. Verifiable experience in lieu of degree will also be considered.
- 3+ years of experience in similar position or related to water resources management.
- Active Secret security clearance.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral communication, and writing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to bridge scientific/technical analysis and policy consideration
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, including oversight and follow-up on pending tasks.
- Ability to work effectively under the direction of the Water Team Lead while operating with sound initiative on assigned tasks.
- Ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including interagency colleagues, international organizations, the private sector, and foreign government counterparts.
- Demonstrated competence with team coordination, project tracking, and monitoring.
- Subject-matter interest or background in transboundary water issues, water security, and/or water diplomacy strongly preferred.
Pay: $85,000.00 – $95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
- Associate (Required)
Experience:
- developing foreign policy in water conflicts: 3 years (Required)
- identify and promote solutions to water challenges: 3 years (Required)
- similar position or responsibilities: 3 years (Required)
Security clearance:
- Secret (Required)
Work Location: In person
