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Foreign Service Limited Position Opportunity

Natural Resources Officer (Climate Change Mitigation Advisor), Bureau for Africa, Office of Sustainable Development (AFR/SD) - FSL-02

  • Agency: U.S. Agency for International Development
  • Organization: Bureau for Africa, Office of Sustainable Development (AFR/SD)
  • Location of Position: Washington, DC
  • Open Period: April 15-May 13, 2024
  • Appointment Type: This is an excepted service, a time-limited appointment that is not to exceed four (4) years; may be considered for 2 two-year extensions depending on the needs of the Service 
  • Salary: (USD) $132,860 – $191,900 per year
  • Number of Vacancies: One
  • Telework/Remote Eligibility: Four telework days per pay period (two days per week). The position is not remotely eligible.

Description of Organization: The Bureau for Africa (AFR) is the USAID/Washington Operating Unit charged with managing USAID development programs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The Office of Sustainable Development (SD) has the responsibility for providing technical support to these programs. AFR/SD provides technical expertise, innovative approaches, and cross-cutting support to over 35 bilateral and regional Missions in SSA with technical responsibilities spanning all areas of development – economic growth, agriculture, the environment, democracy and governance, education, and health. The Natural Resources Officer (NRO) will serve as a member of AFR/SD’s Economic Growth, Environment, and Agriculture (EGEA) Division. 

Duties and Responsibilities: The NRO provides technical, policy, and strategic guidance to AFR Bureau leadership and other operating units on accelerating and scaling up climate change mitigation solutions, and supporting a just and equitable transition to an economy based on clean energy and a sustainable use of natural resources. The NRO advances AFR Bureau and Agency climate change mitigation priorities by: supporting strategic planning, design, implementation, and evaluation of natural climate solutions’ (NCS) policies and programs in SSA; coordinating with the Power Africa and Prosper Africa interagency initiatives; applying best practices in monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV); integrating climate-smart approaches into cross-sectoral programs; contributing to and promoting use of technical guidance and tools, and other resources; delivering training to USAID staff and partners; advancing strategic partnerships; identifying opportunities to leverage science and technology; and mobilizing climate finance. The NRO represents USAID within the U.S. interagency on climate-related technical and foreign policy matters. The NRO also advises on key aspects of resource management across the AFR region, including country-level resource allocations for NCS priorities and budget management. The NRO functions as a core member of AFR Bureau’s Climate Change Team, and reports to AFR/SD/EGEA’s Deputy Division Chief. This position requires international travel. 

Conditions of Employment:

  • Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates must indicate whether or not they are a US Citizen. If citizenship is not stated, application will not be considered.
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a SECRET security clearance.
  • Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, FSL-03 or GS-13, of this position. Examples of qualifying specialized experience at the next lower level for this position include: a) demonstrated experience in program design and management of climate-related activities and partnerships in low and lower-middle income countries, preferably within SSA; b) experience working with or advising government officials, private companies, financial lenders and/or local stakeholders on climate-relevant policies and programs; c) demonstrated experience and capacities for effectively engaging on climate change policy priorities within an international development context; and d) demonstrated experience and capacities for effectively communicating about the climate and development nexus, both in writing and orally. 

Knowledge, skills and abilities possessed by the preferred candidate include:

  • Advanced degree in environmental or other earth sciences, natural resource management, agriculture, public policy, or related discipline appropriate to the position.
  • Substantial experience and capabilities designing, managing, guiding and/or evaluating complex, multi-year programs and strategies for land-based mitigation in SSA.
  • In-depth knowledge of the ecological, economic, and social aspects of forest and land conservation and management in SSA.
  • Demonstrated ability integrating rights-based, gender-responsive, and socially inclusive approaches in development policies and programs.
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve results and influence institutional decisions in complex organizations.
  • Strong experience working collaboratively, and communicating effectively and cross-culturally in a team environment, including with experts in other disciplines to accomplish shared objectives.
  • Ability to travel internationally, including to underdeveloped areas.
  • Proficiency in one or more relevant regional languages (e.g., French, Portugese).

Required Documents: 

  • Cover letter: Candidates are required to submit a cover letter expressing interest and clearly addressing the stated requirements for the position.
  • Resume/CV: Candidates must include month, year and the number of hours worked per week for each position listed.
  • References: At least three (3) professional references.

Other applicable documents: Candidates should submit the following documents as applicable. 

  • Veteran’s Preference: Applicants claiming Veterans Preference must submit all appropriate documentation (DD-214, Service Disability Letter, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, etc.).
  • Political Appointee: Applicants serving as a current/former Political Appointee must submit all appropriate documentation (SF-50s, appointment letter, etc.).

Please submit your application package to CHARLES DONKOR (cdonkor@usaid.gov). Please use the subject line “FSL APPLICATION PACKAGE: NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICER (Climate Change Mitigation Advisor), FL-02, AFR/SD.” Application submissions are required by 11:59 pm (EST), MAY 13, 2024. Packages not submitted by the deadline with the specified subject line—or incomplete packages—will not receive consideration.

This notice may be used to fill additional vacancies, as the workforce needs of the Bureau may change.

For more information on Foreign Service Salaries, please visit Foreign Service Salaries - Careers (state.gov).

For more information on Federal Health Benefits, please visit Healthcare & Insurance - OPM.gov.

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