Duties

This is a Foreign Service announcement. Worldwide availability is a requirement of the position.

Successful candidates must be available to work in any country in the world where USAID has a presence. Here is the link to the current list of countries.

USAID is seeking Executive Officers to support its operations worldwide, as the head of teams that perform functions including personnel management, Information Technology, records management, security, procurement, travel and logistical support. Most positions are located in developing countries which pose significant operational challenges and require excellent problem-solving and interpersonal skills in dealing with counterparts from host governments, other USG agencies and USAID partner organizations.

Is a key business advisor, skilled in applying strategic planning and policy formulation tools to develop and implement management solutions supporting USAID and its program objectives overseas. Serves as primary advisor to the Director of USAID's overseas offices (Missions) on operational planning and administrative matters. Possesses strong knowledge of federal rules, regulations and guidelines concerning management issues. Develops and monitors internal management systems and procedures ensuring efficient and proper use of government resources.

Collaborates with Mission officials on staffing and workforce planning issues and recommends actions to ensure maximum effective use of personnel. Plans and directs the personnel management operations for the Mission's Direct Hire and Personal Service Contractor employees. Coordinates training and staffing development activities and the Mission Awards program.

Oversees human resources management including the recruitment and selection of new personnel. Understands Foreign Service National (FSN) benefit package at post in relation to individual employees and the Mission. Provides counseling to employees and their families on a wide range of subjects, including allowances, education, equal opportunity, career development, onward assignments, and employee relations.

Manages the Information Technology unit of the Mission, including all hardware and software applications. Serves as the Mission Information Systems Security Officer (ISSO) responsible for certifying to AID/W that all Mission systems are in compliance with federal and Agency regulations and policies.

Develops and manages the administrative budget for the Mission in coordination with the Financial Management Officer. Creates contingency multi-year budget strategies based on availability of funds. Serves as a resource to Program and Technical Officers in the formation of their budgets. Prepares overview of the administrative budget for Mission reports to Congress. Obligates and deobligates administrative funds, as required.

Serves as advisor to the strategic objective teams regarding human resources, material resources, information technologies, security, and other administrative matters. Participates in the design and review of administrative/logistical components of development assistance activities.

Represents the Mission in the development and administration of International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) in coordination with the Mission Controller on budgetary aspects of the ICASS process. Monitors and ensures that the type, level, and charges for services conform to support agreements and USAID regulations.

Executes contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) within the given warrant authority, and serves as Unit Security Officer for the Mission and, in collaboration with the Regional Security Office (RSO) and the Office of Security (SEC), ensures compliance with and implementation of all security programs. Manages Partner Liaison Security Program. Functionally responsible for administering USAID's Occupational Safety and Health programs at post.

Serves on committees both within the Mission and the Embassy. The committees will include but not be limited to ICASS Council, Joint Awards Program, Interagency Housing Board, Appraisal Committees, and the Training Committee.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• Worldwide availability is a requirement of the position.
• United States Citizenship is required.
• Relevant education and experience, see Qualifications below.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret Security clearance.
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service. If selected, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
• While USAID uses a bidding system for assignments, Foreign Service Officers must be willing and available to accept assignments to any country where USAID operates.
• Must be between 18 and 59 years old at time of application, unless the applicant is a Veteran, who may qualify for hiring up to age 65.
• Class 1 Medical Clearance (no identifiable medical condition that would limit assignment). A medical clearance or waiver is required prior to being hired for this position verifying that the applicant is able to serve at any USAID overseas post.
• To reach required tenured status, you must achieve minimum levels in a USAID tenuring language. Once pro?ciency is demonstrated, you?ll have opportunity to test for bonus points to be added to their interview score.
• To reach required tenured status, you must be able to achieve minimum proficiency levels in a USAID tenuring language.
• Drug Testing. These are Testing Designated Positions under the Agency's approved Drug Free WorkPlace Program. All applicants selected for this position will be subject to random drug testing once they begin working for the Agency.

Qualifications

USAID's Foreign Services has a Reverse grading structure where the lower grades are the more senior grades, e.g., the grade 04 is the more senior grade than the grade 05.
Relevant work experience is defined as experience directly related to Business Management, Public Administration, International Development, Program Management, Financial Management, Contract Management, Administrative Management, Human Resources, Risk Management, Strategic Operations, Information Security, or other related fields. Experience should also display adaptability to working in varying cultures, environments, and/or adverse conditions.

Relevant overseas or diverse experience includes working and living: (1) in a foreign country, nation, territory, or tribe while supporting international development or (2) in an economically disadvantaged community in the United States working with members of historically disadvantaged groups. The applicant will need to demonstrate the diverse experience is relevant to the technical skills in the backstop, and must have been achieved after the completion of secondary school.

Volunteer experience includes relevant unpaid as well as paid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience, that meets the criteria as defined under "relevant work experience".

Unofficial transcripts must be uploaded as part of the application. Failure to do so will result in the application being eliminated from consideration. A transcript is only required for the degree you are using to meet the education requirement. The unofficial transcript must be issued by the university and include the name of the applicant, the name of the college/university, the degree awarded, and the completion date. The degree must be completed at the time of application. If we are unable to determine that you meet the required education, you will be found ineligible for further consideration. If you proceed past the initial application phase, official transcripts must be received by USAID from your university/institution during the final selection process.

Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the education requirements. Transcripts from any and all foreign educational institutions must be accompanied by an official.

Evaluation of Educational Credentials in order to be considered for the position. It is your responsibility to provide evidence that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States when applying. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of accreditation of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. There are two nationally recognized associations whose members can provide this accreditation: the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services ( https://www.naces.org/members ) and the Association of International Credential Evaluators ( https://aice-eval.org/ ). More information about this process may be found at https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/

Equal Employment Opportunity policy. USAID envisions a world where all individuals are valued, have equitable access to opportunities, and are included, respected, and safe in their societies. USAID embraces diversity as outlined in USAID's EEO Statement . We seek to elevate and include the voices of the USAID workforce, recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of all stakeholders. USAID also strives to improve equity for underrepresented communities that have historically been denied fair and just treatment and improve accessibility in all facets at USAID.

The skills and abilities described in USAID's Foreign Service/Senior Foreign Service Skills Framework are required of all foreign service officers and form the basis for the foreign service performance management and promotion systems. During the recruitment process, candidates for the Executive Officer position will be evaluated on the following skills:

Go to this link to view the skills framework: https://pages.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/fs-sfs_skills_framework-461mad_05-18.pdf

In addition to these foundational skills, the following skills are required of USAID Foreign Services Executive Officer:

- Administration and Management - Has keen knowledge of planning, coordination, and execution of business functions, resource allocation, and production.

-Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

-Written Communication - Recognizes or uses correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information (for example, facts, ideas, or messages) in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.

-Leadership - Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadership styles to a variety of situations.

-Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills - Shows courtesy and empathy to others; develops and maintains effective relationships; effectively deals with individuals who are difficult or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and cultures; is sensitive to individual differences.

-Human Resources Management - Empowers people by sharing power and authority; develops lower levels of leadership by pushing authority downward and outward throughout the organization; shares rewards for achievement with employees; ensures that staff are appropriately selected, utilized, appraised, and developed, and that they are treated in a fair and equitable manner.

Education

FS-05: Applicant(s) must have either a Master's or Doctorate degree in a relevant major PLUS three (3) years of relevant work experience. One (1) year of the qualifying experience must be overseas or in a diverse U.S. working environment.

If selected and hired at the FS 05 level, the career candidate officer will be reviewed for an administrative promotion from FS 05 to FS 04 after one year of satisfactory service.

FS-04: Applicant(s) must have either a Master's or Doctorate degree in a relevant major PLUS four (4) years of relevant work experience Two (2) years of the qualifying experience must be overseas or in a diverse U.S. working environment.
Relevant majors are defined as Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Human Resources, International Relations, Information Technology, Security, International Development, and Strategic Studies or a related discipline.

Additional information

Benefits and Allowances. USAID offers generous federal benefits that include health and life insurance; annual, sick and home leave; contributory government pension system ( Foreign Service Pension System ); Thrift Savings Plan (with agency matching funds), a student loan repayment program; and while serving overseas, government-provided housing, shipment of household effects, education allowances, country specific incentive pay and allowances, and other support.

Telework. USAID defines telework as a work flexibility arrangement in which an employee performs the duties of their position of record on-site as well as from an approved alternative worksite other than the location from which the employee would otherwise work, on an approved work schedule. During the initial training period in Washington which can last 12-24 months for most new employees, new foreign service officers will be allowed to telework a portion of each two week period if their training and supervised work arrangements allow and there is prior approval from their supervisor. There will be times when they must report in-person 100% of the time based on training and work requirements. This includes all language training at the Foreign Service Institute, and the initial Orientation in the first five weeks on the job. When assigned overseas, telework flexibility is determined by the policy for the U.S. Embassy in that country.

Medical Clearance. A medical clearance or waiver for the applicant is required prior to being hired for this position verifying that the applicant is able to serve at any USAID overseas post. Many USAID assignment locations are remote, unhealthy, or have limited medical support. Therefore, prior to being appointed to the Foreign Service, applicants must have a thorough medical examination and must be able to receive a medical clearance for worldwide availability or obtain a waiver of this requirement.

Foreign Language Ability. Foreign language ability has no effect on whether or not you are selected for an interview. However, to reach required tenured status, you must be able to achieve minimum proficiency levels in a USAID tenuring languag e . Candidates who demonstrate proficiency through an online test will be given the opportunity to test for bonus points that will be added to their final interview score. Bonus testing will be conducted via telephone and/or in person.

Minimum and Maximum Age at Appointment, and Mandatory Retirement Age Career appointments in the Foreign Service are covered by the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended which requires an applicant to be 18 years old at time of application and which directs mandatory retirement at age 65 (chapter 8, section 812). Given this mandatory retirement age and the fact that five years must be allowed to achieve tenure in the agency, Individuals must be appointed on or before their 60th birthday, unless the applicant is a preference-eligible veteran who may be hired up to age 65.

Direct Deposit Electronic Funds Transfer is required.

Moving/relocation expenses are authorized for individuals who are not currently living in the Washington, DC area and are not current federal employees with a duty location in the Washington D.C. area.

Applicants who previously applied for this position and were interviewed will not be invited for another interview within one year from the prior interview for the same position.