Project Management Specialist (Local Governance)

Огляд

The USAID Mission to Ukraine (the Mission) is responsible for the development, implementation and oversight of USAID-funded programs operating throughout Ukraine. The Mission provides assistance to promote Ukraine’s transition to a democratic, prosperous, stable, healthy country united in its European aspirations.

The principal role of the Local Governance Specialist is to design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of ODG’s activities supporting decentralization reforms and strengthening local governance in Ukraine.

 

Обов'язки

Activity management (50%):

• serving as the contracting/agreement officer’s representative (i.e, lead project manager) or alternate for a number of complex, sensitive activities within this portfolio
• providing USAID and its implementing partners with technical direction on decentralization policy, local governance issues, and regional dynamics to make programmatic decisions
• reviewing vouchers, sub-grants, annual implementation plans, performance monitoring plans, key personnel, and other issues requiring USAID involvement
• conducting financial management tasks related to ODG activities, such as monitoring spending, tracking accruals, and preparing regular pipeline analyses
• conducting site visits to monitor ODG activities, which may require travel within Ukraine, as well as regular in-person interactions and correspondence with partners and stakeholders
• tracking partner performance against activity- and strategic-level objectives and results
• tracking partner reporting and deliverables, with an emphasis on oversight of taxpayer funds and communicating USAID’s work in Ukraine to local and external audiences
• maintaining award management files
• drafting daily activity bullets, program briefs, readouts from meetings and events, briefers for other USAID and USG officials, and other reporting as required
• as requested, occasionally supporting other programs in the ODG portfolio and general office needs, such as organizing meetings and events, participating in working groups, arranging embassy services, and/or acting as a site officer for Mission or USG official trips

Planning and procurement (20%):

• developing monitoring and evaluation approaches/tools, polished assessments, concept papers, program descriptions, statements of work, project appraisal documents, and other analytical and planning documents
• coordinating closely with the regional contracting office and program office on new procurements and modifications
• serving on technical evaluation committees

Strategic planning and coordination (15%):

• providing analysis and recommendations on local governance issues, regional development, decentralization policy, local-level reconstruction priorities, political/governance processes, and other local democratic development issues
• tracking key political and reform developments to ensure USAID’s programs are designed and managed to respond to needs, opportunities, and challenges
• conducting research and analysis to support current and future programming
• preparing briefing materials
• cultivating personal contacts in civil society, government, and politics
• briefing USAID stakeholders, including mission management, on sectoral developments

Coordination, representation, and communication (15%):

• meets regularly with USAID stakeholders, other donors, government counterparts, civil society organizations, implementing partners, and other stakeholders to share information and coordinate ODG programming
• may be required to represent USAID in external meetings related to democracy and governance issues

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

Вимоги

• Education: Minimum of university degree (B.A. or B.S.) in public policy, international relations, political science, law, sociology, management, or a related field relevant to democracy and governance project management
• Prior Work Experience: at least five (5) years of project management experience in the civil society, governance, and/or policy spheres related to local governance, decentralization, and/or community development. Experience in managing civil society organizations/activities working on community development issues, management of donor projects, working with leaders or influencers among Ukrainian civil society and government on decentralization reform or local governance strengthening; and/or experience implementing government reform priorities
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English ability for reading, speaking, and writing is required; native facility in Ukrainian (Level IV)
• excellent listening, written, and verbal communication skills, particularly for working across USAID teams and with external stakeholders at varying levels
• strong learning agility, critical thinking, and ability to adapt to new or changing situations and responsibilities
• ability to synthesize data and trends from multiple sources, recognize significant developments, and clearly communicate their impact on USAID programs and Ukraine’s reform and recovery priorities
• ability to plan and manage complex projects and draft relevant USAID-required documentation with a great deal of independence
• excellent teamwork skills, including the ability to work collaboratively in a multicultural, team-based environment
• ability to handle sensitive issues with professionalism, tact, and diplomacy
• strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to prioritize and balance both complex and administrative tasks under tight deadlines
• good working knowledge of MS Office and Google Suite

Умови

• full-time (40 hours)
• work in Kyiv, Ukraine
• 5-Year Period of Performance with possibility of extension
• market value: Basic Annual Rate (in U.S. Dollars): $32,180 - $41,84
• benefits:
  • Health and Life Insurance coverage: Provided under the Compensation Plan
  • Defined Contribution Plan: Upon separation, a lump sum benefit equal to 12% of the basic salary earned for the duration worked under the appointment.
• allowances (as applicable):
  • meal allowances: annual amount is $853 for employees working on a full-time basis
  • family allowances: the mission provides a child allowance. Grants amounts are subject to change as determined by the Ukrainian State Budget Law
  • unique conditions of work allowances/benefits: 10% of Basic Rate. Additional information may be provided to the selected offer or at the time of the salary offer
• taxes: apply and are deductible as per the Ukrainian government regulations