Program Specialist, SPME Division - AMEX International Inc. - Washington, DC

The Program Specialist for the Strategic Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (SPME) Division in the Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs will perform a full range of programmatic support functions. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring that any assigned issues related to the SPME Division are followed-up and resolved in a timely manner. The Program Specialist shall not provide advisory and assistance services of policy, decision-making, representational or of any managerial nature. The incumbent does not perform any inherently governmental functions. Within this limitation, he/she:

Provides programmatic support for OAPA/SPME Portfolio

• Researches and participates, in a program support role, in key issues pertinent to the OAPA/SPME portfolio, including strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation, budget, audits, communications, and legislative affairs


• Maintains a working knowledge of OAPA/SPME topics, as well as USAID/Afghanistan and USAID/Pakistan development programs


• Assists in the preparation and editing of briefing materials, information and action memoranda, letters, reports, presentations, and other documents related to OAPA/SPME’s portfolio, as well as USAID/Afghanistan and USAID/Pakistan development programs


• Coordinates and facilitates meetings between OAPA/SPME and key audiences, such as other OAPA divisions, Agency offices, the field missions, and the interagency, to include populating the agenda with pertinent and timely topics


• Participates in meetings related to the OAPA/SPME portfolio as needed and provides detailed notes and tracks follow-up actions

Provides Administrative Support

• Manages and ensures that administrative and personnel resources for OAPA/SPME are kept current and organized, including contact lists, calendars and schedules, digital files, paper files, and travel documents


• Manages OAPA/SPME’s task list, including tracking and coordinating the completion of key tasks for OAPA/SPME, especially those requested by OAPA’s senior leadership


• Facilitates the clearance and approval processes for documents, including incorporating and managing edits and ensuring that the Director and other stakeholders provide input in a timely manner


• Provides administrative support to the Director and Deputy of OAPA/SPME


• Works with Administrative and Management Services to assist with on-boarding of new staff and provide relevant background materials


• Copies, prints, scans, and mails documents as needed


• Properly manages classified materials


• Other administrative support duties as assigned

Provides Travel Assistance

• Assists with travel arrangements for OAPA/SPME, including preparation of travel authorizations, country clearances, vouchers, medical clearance appointments, and flight reservations


• Helps to ensure all steps required in travel preparation are promptly completed


• Provides support for field staff while in Washington, which entails arranging consultations, space, and other logistical support

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Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to international development (international relations, political sciences, social sciences, economics, etc.)


• Must have excellent writing and editing skills


• Must be proactive, take initiative, and have attention to detail


• Proficiency in office software applications (email, Internet, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, task-tracking, PowerPoint, etc.) required


• Previous administrative experience required


• Interest in, and knowledge of, the political and cultural situations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and the Central Asia region, as well as understanding of political, social, and economic issues in the developing world


• Willingness to travel to Afghanistan and/or Pakistan, if required.


• Prior work experience within USAID and/or the U.S. Government is a plus


• Eligibility to attain and maintain a SECRET-level U.S. Government security clearance required (U.S. citizenship required)

Applicants should apply by January 8, 2016. We will schedule interviews as suitable resumes are received, so preference will be given to applicants who apply before then. Email a resume, cover letter, and a completed USAID form 1420 with the Subject Line: Program Specialist, SPME. Please include 3 business references and earliest possible start date. A copy of the 1420 form is available from the recruitment-job openings section of www.amexdc.com.

Job Type: Full-time

Local candidates only:

Required experience:

• Writing/ Editing: 3 years

Required education: