Program Design Support Specialist III- 536169-A

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: 

• 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.
• Programmatic and administrative support to NEA/AC Foreign Affairs officers in tracking and responding to implementation of US foreign policy initiatives.

• Will possess skills, including excellent interpersonal, writing and organizational skills; significant attention to detail and the ability to operate in a dynamic environment, as well as exemplified self-management, project oversight and strategic thinking.
• Will also require some hands-on, day-to-day direction to successfully complete tasks assigned.
• This position will require or must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance.
• Bachelors 2 years’ experience or 5-7 years of relevant work experience.
• Background knowledge of and experience working on or in the Middle East/North Africa (1-2 years) is a requirement for this position.
• Specialists must also have knowledge and 1-2 years’ experience in one or more of the following areas: stabilization programming, democracy, governance and rule of law programing, human rights, gender programming, economic growth and development programming, working with civil society organizations.

Other Duties: 
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.