Program Design and Support Specialist II with Security Clearance

Overview This position is in the Office of Assistance Coordination (AC) within the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA) in the Department of State (DOS). NEA/AC is responsible for coordinating U.S. foreign assistance to the entire NEA region, totaling over $8 billion annually, including by providing policy direction and operating guidance to officials in Washington and at NEA posts responsible for the implementation of regional assistance programs; overseeing strategic planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation for the Bureau; and providing grants management of foreign assistance awards for the NEA Bureau and, when needed, for overseas NEA posts. NEA/AC also has responsibility for directing, managing, and implementing the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the Near East Regional Democracy (NERD) program, and the bilateral assistance program in Iraq. Responsibilities The contractor shall assist with project and program design, development, and oversight.
Tasks shall include conducting research and analysis on policy and programmatic trends;
Consolidating volumes of data to draft concise briefing papers, talking points, public affairs documents;
Supporting outreach activities to the U.S. Congress, media and other public stakeholders; review quarterly reports and grant documents;
Assist in program and budget tracking; analyze 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 Qualifications 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)
Have strong writing and decision- making skills, and exhibit organizational awareness.
Will require or must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance.
Bachelors with 1 year experience or 4-5 years of relevant work experience.
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.