Program Design Specialist II-OBO 15

The Maasai Group, LLC

Location: Arlington VA. United States (Telework Eligible up to 60%)

SCOPE:  The contractor shall assist with project and program design, development, and oversight. Tasks shall include conducting research and analysis on policy and programmatic trends and consolidating volumes of data to draft concise briefing papers, talking points, and public affairs documents. Supporting outreach activities to the U.S. Congress, media, and other public stakeholders; reviewing quarterly reports and grant documents; assisting in the program and budget tracking; analyzing quantitative and qualitative data related to projects awarded, and programmatic and administrative support to NEA/AC Foreign Affairs officers in tracking and responding to implementation of US foreign policy initiatives.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a U.S Citizen
• Must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance
• Education: Bachelor with 1 year of experience or 4-5 years of relevant experience
• Native fluency in English. The ability to read and converse in Arabic and/or French is preferred but not required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Current security clearance preferred.
• Strong (written and oral) communication and organizational skills are required.
• Ability to multi-task and be detail-oriented required.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders of different backgrounds required.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in a politically sensitive environment required.
• Ability to work well with others and productively under pressure required.
• Programmatic project design, performance indicator development and monitoring and evaluation experience preferred.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• PDS II will be a junior PDS, with limited knowledge of U.S. Government foreign policies and demonstrated relevant qualifications.
• The PDS II will possess skills including basic interpersonal, writing, organizational skills, as well as significant attention to detail and the ability to be flexible in a dynamic environment) and have strong writing and decision-making skills and exhibit organizational awareness.
• Some background knowledge of and experience working on or in the Middle East/North Africa is a desired.
• Some knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas is desired: stabilization programming, democracy, governance and rule of law programing, human rights, gender programming, economic growth, and development programming, working with civil society organizations.

DECISION MAKING/JUDGEMENT:

• This position involves projects and/or assignments requiring considerable decision-making authority regarding procedures, processes, plans, and schedules. The ability to work independently or in a team setting is necessary.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Must be able to use a keyboard to enter and retrieve data.
• Must be able to lift 5-20 lbs.
• Must be able to remain in a stationary position, often standing, or sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Must be able to move about to accomplish tasks or move from one worksite to another as required throughout the day.
• CONUS, OCONUS, and Local travel may be required throughout the year.

 Telework: Due to the potentially sensitive nature of the work involved, telework is provided on an approval basis and subject to the client’s operational needs. Some work must be done on a classified project or system. Classified or other work defined by the client must be done in person, even if telework for that day was previously approved.