POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Vacancy Announcement Number: 16/0
ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
The US Mission in Dar es Salaam is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of AID Project Management Specialist (Policy) at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
The Project Management Specialist (Policy) is located in the Office of Economic Growth, USAID/Tanzania. The Economic Growth Office is responsible for planning; managing and evaluating projects and activities to achieve USAID/Tanzania’s Development Objective (DO) 2, Inclusive Broad-Based Economic Growth Sustained, as well as implementing Feed the Future, Power Africa and other Presidential Initiatives in Tanzania and coordinating with regional and global programs. As a key member of the Policy Team of the Economic Growth Office, the Policy Project Management Specialist serves as an advisor for economic growth activities in agriculture, economic policy and private sector development and is responsible for carrying out a variety of activity planning, coordination and management functions in support of USAID projects.
This position requires technical leadership, results-oriented analysis, advocacy, and constant and clear communication with U.S. Government leadership, implementing partners, non-governmental and civil society organizations (NGOs/CSOs), the private sector, bi-lateral donor partners and host country ministries (including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, among others), as well as local government authorities where USAID/Tanzania activities are implemented. The Specialist communicates USAID/Tanzania’s position on policy issues at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with collaborators and donor agencies and receives documents and communicates complex policy issues in concise and actionable fashion to USAID leadership, colleagues and Policy Team Lead.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Project Management Specialist (Policy) will provide sound economic and policy advice and expertise to the Economic Growth team, its contractors and grantees, and Government of Tanzania (GOT) counterparts. The Specialist will facilitate the transfer of skills and best practices among targeted implementing partners and host country programs or institutions. The incumbent will report to the USAID/Tanzania Economic Growth Policy Team Leader who may assign other duties as necessary in addition to those detailed below.
a. Project Management:
45%
The Specialist provides technical direction within their designated authorities and monitors performance of contractors and grantees by the terms and conditions of grants or awards by undertaking site visits to monitor project implementation, preparing and reviewing progress reports and by frequently interacting with implementing partners to resolve outstanding issues. With the support of the Mission, the Specialist obtains and maintains certification as Contracting/Agreement Officers representative (COR/AOR) and exercises initiative and independent judgment in advising and supporting activities. S/he reviews performance and financial reports, manages the assigned portfolio, assures that funding is available when required, maintains the Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) for each project managed, and assures targets/milestones are set, being met (or that remedial action is taken), properly documented and reported, and that the overall goals of the program/project/activity are being achieved. Working with the EG Performance Management, Evaluation and Learning Specialist, s/he will take measures to maximize learning from the assigned portfolio, including planning and procuring assessments, studies, and evaluations to achieve USAID Forward Quality Evaluation standards.
b. Outreach:
30%
The Specialist builds and strengthens relationships with key relevant partner institutions, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Human Settlements Development, and other key national, sub-national and non-governmental institutions in Tanzania to encourage optimal coordination, harmonization, and alignment of USG policy programs. S/he coordinates USAID participation in technical meetings and fora and ensures USAID policy activities are coordinated with other donors and well connected with international organizations, local NGOs, business associations and private companies. When required, s/he represents USAID in policy partnerships such as the Donor Partner Agriculture, Land and/or Private Sector Working Groups, the Policy Analysis Group, the Agricultural Sector Consultative Group and others to better understand the complex political and policy landscape of Tanzania and to build strong coalitions and unified support for progressive policy reforms. S/he seeks opportunities to increase recognition of agriculture and economic growth needs and activities within the Mission, USAID/Washington, other USG agencies, and with other stakeholders in Tanzania and the U.S., and uses public outreach and diplomacy resources to promote policy reforms that will liberalize and stimulate agriculture and private investment in Tanzania.
c. Strategic Planning and Project Development:
25%
The Specialist monitors performance and new developments in the Tanzanian economy and identifies priority USAID interventions, especially for improving investment and agribusiness in Tanzania. S/he supports country-wide economic analysis, economic policy research, policy analysis and reform, host-government budget analysis, and sector-specific economic analysis. In addition, s/he provides technical support for strategic planning and project development for the Economic Growth Office, especially for analytical work, strategy development and project planning for new activities related to economic, private sector, agriculture, land, and trade policies. S/he contributes to the design of innovative economic growth activities in keeping with the Country Development Cooperation Strategy by preparing annual program plans, making recommendations for activities to achieve program objectives, drafting descriptions of proposed activities, including statements of work, specifications, and activity descriptions, drafting pre-solicitation documents, making recommendations on evaluation criteria, indicators, proposed contracting mechanisms and any other required terms and conditions, and serving as a member of Technical Evaluation Committees.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
Education:
Graduate degree (Master’s or above) in economics, agricultural economics, agriculture, business, global affairs or global management. is required.
Experience:
Five years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural or economic policy, agricultural or economic development assistance, or a closely related field is required. One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level of responsibility in this or a related occupation, within a USG organization the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization, in an English-language work environment is required.
Language:
Level IV (fluent) in English and Kiswahili (writing, reading and speaking) is required. (This will be tested)
Skills and Abilities:
Must be able to assume initiative and work independently in managing USG financed projects and provide adequate support for agency programs and projects in a timely manner. Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Business suite is required. Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, along with attention to detail, are required. The ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential, as well as the ability to maintain strict confidentiality and meet all ethical standards in accordance with U.S. law throughout all phases of program processes is required.
Job Knowledge:
Specialist must have knowledge of procedures, regulations and poli¬cies pertaining to policy and private sector investment reflective of the duties and responsibilities described above. Also, s/he should have expert level professional experience and/or educational experience in project management and/or information management. Further, the Specialist must have a detailed and broad knowledge of the host country's operational environment. The Specialist will be the Economic Growth team’s resource person for policy, and must be able to provide technical guidance to technical program managers and implementing partners. Computer skills and familiarity with data bases and statistical packages are also required.
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DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SPECIALIST
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Vacancy Announcement Number: 16/008
ALL ORDINARILY RESIDENT (OR) APPLICANTS MUST HAVE THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION.
The US Mission in Dar es Salaam is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the position of Development Program Specialist at the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
This position is located in the Program Office within USAID/Tanzania. The incumbent serves as the senior program specialist in the Program and as a senior advisor to the Program Officer and the Mission’s Front Office. S/he is responsible for managing the Mission’s robust program budget portfolio (over $400 million in FY 2015), working with staff at all levels and across the entire Mission. S/he also provides technical direction and assists in coordinating the Mission’s development efforts with respect to analysis, design, planning, budgeting, assessment, evaluation and reporting of all development assistance to Tanzania.
"Under the Development Program Specialist position, USAID is willing to accept applicants with fewer than the required minimum number of years of experience but these employees will be considered trainees and begin at one grade lower. Attainment of the higher grade level is contingent upon the Specialist successfully completing all required training, years of experience to reach the fully qualified level, in addition to meeting agreed-upon objectives and milestones, and performing in a fully successful manner. Failure to obtain the minimum qualification of the next grade level may be grounds for termination."
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Operations and Coordination (35%)
Serves as the main liaison between AFR/DP and USAID/Tanzania, on all program-funded budget related issues. Acts as the intermediary between Strategic Objective Teams, Support Teams, and AFR/DP on all program-funded budget related matters.
Liaises with USAID/Tanzania support offices, USAID/Washington, and contracting mechanisms on scheduling requests for services.
Serves as a key liaison with the Ministry of Finance on budget and program issues, in particular the negotiation and execution of Strategic Objective Agreements and Strategic Objective Implementation Letters as well as seeking greater understanding of USAID positions within the Government of Tanzania.
Program Office Director and other office directors and team leaders on all aspects of budgeting and programming U.S. Government development assistance in Tanzania. Responsible for coordinating and/or providing guidance on Mission-wide preparation of major budget and program documents (e.g. Congressional Budget Justification, Operating Year Budget, Annual Performance Report, Operational Plan, Mission Strategic Plan, and Country Assistance Strategy).
Coordinates detailed financial analyses of program portfolio with Controller’s Office and Strategic Objective Teams (pipeline analysis, expenditure review, and mortgages) and make recommendations to Mission Management on appropriate allocation of the Operating Year Budget.
Coordinates with Development Objective Teams and offices across the Mission in the preparation of Mission Resource Request to ensure completeness, accuracy and timely submission to Washington.
Monitors and provides analyses on USAID’s adherence and opportunities under Government of Tanzania’s poverty reduction strategy, sector strategies, and the Joint Assistance Strategy for Tanzania.
Implementation Support and Monitoring/ Management of Program Budgets: (40%)
Manages USAID/Tanzania’s Operating Year Budget process, which includes developing yearly budgets, advising management on appropriate distribution of program funds in light of mortgage, pipeline and other concerns.
Maintains and manages records that track program budget and procurement plans for the entire Mission, ensuring the availability of timely accurate budget data for the entire Mission, using an Agency approved electronic database system.
Coordinates, provides guidance, and monitors all obligation and pre-obligation requirements ensuring that Strategic Objective Teams are in compliance with all budget regulations (CNs, Assistance Checklists, Strategic Objective Agreements, Strategic Objective Implementation Letters, Modification Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents, waivers, Action Memos).
Prepares and submits to Washington monthly tables on obligation status.
Reviews/analyzes all bilateral activity and strategic objective agreements, memorandum of understanding, implementation letters, and provide advice to the Program Office Director. Participates in negotiations with Ministry of Finance officials to obtain agreement and approvals of Strategic Objective Agreements.
Other Program Office Backstopping: (25%)
Assists the Program Office Director in providing guidance to Development Objective Teams and technical offices on program related matters, and USAID regulations and procedures.
Assists the Program Office Director in identifying and facilitating resolution of program and budget issues, responding to normal outside inquiries on the USAID program.
Assists the Program Office Director and Controller’s Office in the preparation of the program assistance section of the Internal Control Assessment, audit and financial accountability.
Represents USAID in meetings and workshops.
Serves, on an ad hoc basis, as a Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) and on evaluation teams and partner/personnel selection committees.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED
All applicants must address each required qualification listed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not qualified.
Education:
University degree in business/public administration, economics, finance or related social science field, or its equivalent. is required.
Experience:
At least five years of progressively responsible prior experience in economic and social development. Experience could include analysis and interpretation of data and presentation findings in written and oral form. Prior work experience with US Government or other multilateral development agencies is highly valuable is required.
Language:
Level IV (fluent) in English and Kiswahili (writing, reading and speaking) is required. (This will be tested)
Skills and Abilities:
S/he must have demonstrated analytical ability and proven oral and written skills (writing skills will be tested). The incumbent will also be expected to participate actively in selected meetings with Embassy staff, USAID/W representatives, other donors, GOT officials, as well as other partners. Finally, the incumbent must be able to work collaboratively with all other mission staff is required.
Job Knowledge:
Thorough knowledge of the substantive and administrative elements of U.S. Government budget and program orientation. Standard knowledge of computer applications, especially in spreadsheet software such as Excel is essential. Must be able to analyze and evaluate financial and program information is required. (This will be tested).
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