The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Freetown is seeking individual for the position of Program Management Specialist. The position is located in the USAID Food for Peace (FFP) office and reports to the USAID Country Program Manager. In the absence of the Program Manager, the position reports to the Executive Director in Conakry, Guinea.

The successful candidate may be hired at the FSN-10 level if s/he is not fully qualified for the full performance grade level.

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF POSITION

Incumbent ensures effective management of FFP resources in Sierra Leone with the technical support from the West Africa FFP Office. His/her primary responsibility is to monitor Title II-funded non-emergency food aid programs and report on their implementation to FFP/Washington, the regional FFP Office, and the USAID Mission in Conakry.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to Title II food aid in Sierra Leone for the USAID Mission in Conakry, USAID/Washington, the regional FFP Office, other parts of the U.S. government, PVOs, international organizations, host nation governmental ministries and agencies, and others in the country.

Monitor and reports on implementation of ongoing Title II programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims.

Provide information and guidance to Title II assistance award recipients on Title II regulations, policies and procedures.

Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food aid requirements, government policies and actions affecting food aid programs, government food aid programs, and donor pledges and programs.

Coordinate with the U.S. Government Country Team, host government, PVOs, international organizations, donors, and others to address issues impacting Title II food aid.

Undertake and report on assessments to inform Title II food aid funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs.

Work with PVOs on preparation of annual work plans and program modifications, and with WFP and regional FFP staff on new appeals or revisions to existing ones.

Work with other parts of the U.S. government and other donors to promote integration of food aid with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall.

Maintains and updates filing system for the FFP program consistent with AID procedures and practices. Maintains computer-based commodity tracking system for Sierra Leone and prepares reports on commodity losses. Maintains a log on losses over $500 and follows up on pending claims.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

1. Education: Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations,
Agriculture, Economics, or related field required.

2. Experience: Eight years of progressively responsible experience in international
development or relief services; two years of which must be related to food aid, or
working in international development or relief issues in the field.

3. Language ability: Level 4 English Language ability (fluent) in written and
spoken English and fluency in spoken krio.

4. Other Criteria: Understanding of Sierra Leone historic, economic, social, cultural and
political characteristics. Understanding of economics of West Africa is
recommended. Knowledge of international development relief management.
Knowledge of Title II food aid program. Technical expertise in food aid related field,
such as nutrition, agronomy, economics, or public health required. Knowledge of
program planning, program management, financial analysis and budgeting.

5. Skills: Computer skills in Word, Excel and desktop publishing skills. Ability
to manage programs, including programmatic and financial issues. Ability to
monitor and evaluate programs, and apply complex policies and regulations.
Ability to provide rapid, concise and accurate reporting, both verbally and in
writing.

6. Interpersonal skill: Ability to establish and maintain working level contacts with
implementing partners and donor organizations. Openness and integrity and good
interpersonal skills is required to develop and maintain good working
relationships with client missions and staff. Must be able to work effectively as a
team member in diverse cultures.

SELECTION PROCESS

1. USAID Executive office will consider nepotism/conflict of interest and budget in
determining successful candidacy.

2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.

TO APPLY
Interested applicants for this position must submit the following or the application will not be considered:

1. Application for U.S. Federal Employment (SF-171 or OF-612); available on the internet at http://freetown.usembassy.gov/job_opportunities.html or

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as an
OF-612; plus

3. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees
earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO

The Human Resources Section
(Application for AID Program Management Specialist)
Embassy of the United States of America
Southridge, Hill Station
Freetown
FAX: 515-075

by handing a sealed envelope to a guard at the reception post at the American Embassy in Freetown.

NOTE: Only short listed applicants will be contacted.

WORK HOURS: Full-time; 40 hours/week

GRADE: FSN-11

 

The US Mission in Freetown provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in
Employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Mission also strives to
achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing
diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.