OverviewBackground
The Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) supports the Agency in improving the effectiveness of its programming and broader global engagement by bringing strong economic theory and evidence to bear on USAID’s work. The Office, led by the Agency Chief Economist (ACE), focuses on three strategic pillars: (1) promoting the use of cost-effectiveness evidence in Agency decision-making, (2) promoting the generation of cost-effectiveness evidence that the Agency is uniquely placed to catalyze, and (3) providing macroeconomic analysis and advice to Agency leadership. Recognizing the wide range of economic matters that bear on USAID’s work and the relevance of economic theory and evidence to the Agency’s work broadly, the Office also provides counsel directly to Agency leadership on high-priority economic matters and economics-based advice and input on Agency strategies, policies, and initiatives.
Zemitek is seeking one or more Program Assistant(s) to support the independent Office of the Chief Economist (OCE).
Scope of Work
The Program Assistant supports the Office of the Chief Economist (OCE) by performing a variety of administrative, operational, and analytical functions that are critical to the overall functioning of OCE. The duties range from basic office tasks such as managing official correspondence to tasks requiring more discretion such as tracking budget execution and supporting staff onboarding.
The Program Assistant position is fully integrated into the OCE team and works closely with OCE staff and other key stakeholders within USAID. The ideal candidate is focused on operational excellence, and thrives on establishing and maintaining effective processes for a small, growing, and ambitious ‘start-up’ in government.
Work under this Performance Work Statement (PWS) shall be primarily onsite at the USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C. with situational telework opportunities
Responsibilities ● Serve as a champion within OCE for effective knowledge, document, and operational data management, including maintaining OCE files, documents, and administrative and financial tracking systems, assisting in the design and maintenance of dynamic databases to support administrative and operational activities, supporting all teams to consistently and effectively use shared drives, creating user-friendly templates for documents that are created regularly, etc.
● Support OCE’s overall budget preparation and execution, including, for example, supporting preparation of annual budget requests, monitoring and recording budget execution against plans, ensuring pre-obligation requirements are met, tracking adherence to any Congressional directives or other requirements, and processing transfer of funds
● Support processes related to OCE staffing, including, for example, preparation of paperwork related to recruitments via various hiring mechanisms and detailees from other Operating Units. This work will also include posting and dissemination of vacancy announcements. Once the hiring process for staff is complete, the position will lead the onboarding of new staff to address their logistical and informational needs.
● Ensure OCE has Continuity of Operations planning in place. This requires understanding USAID guidance on Continuity of Operations and confirming that OCE leadership puts in place plans for an emergency such as clear delegations of authority, evacuation plans, and emergency communication plans.
● Support OCE internal and external communications, which may include tasks, such as facilitating processes for developing regular newsletters, developing and managing clearances of briefing documents for OCE leadership, organizing logistics of virtual or in-person events, etc.
● Support scheduling and calendar management for OCE’s leadership.
● Support all staff’s travel logistics, including monitoring travel budgets and serving as an office expert on USAID’s travel management software and systems.
● Maintain OCE listservs and manage and route messages received by OCE’s inbox
● Help to proactively identify the need for and then codify and implement standard operating procedures to ensure the nimble, effective, and efficient functioning of OCE
● Support office supply inventory management as well as office time and attendance.
● Develop and maintain working knowledge of USAID policies and guidelines
● Perform other related duties as assigned
Strong Skill Sets Needed
● Budget Management
● Organization and Planning
● Multitasking and Prioritization
● Customer Service and Interpersonal Skills
● Teamwork and Collaboration
● Oral and Written Communication
Qualifications● Interest and/or experience in global development, evidence-based policymaking, or economics
● Secret-level Clearance
Education
Bachelor’s degree and five (5) years of relevant professional experience, including at least one (1) year in a highly operational role
USAID Assumptions and Constraints
1. Support may be required outside of core hours.
2. Travel is not required.
Place of Performance
Ronald Reagan Building (RRB), Washington, D.C.
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