The contractor will support the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES)/Office of Environmental Quality (ENV) in the administration and oversight of foreign assistance programs to support environmental cooperation programs (ECPs) and activities with select Free Trade Agreement (FTA) partnercountries. In this capacity, the contractor will, among other duties:
Assist with the generation of new or amended assistance awards (grants, cooperative and interagency agreements) to support the environmental cooperation programs, including:
(1) Assist OES with the drafting of Operational Plans, Congressional Notifications, and Performance and Planning Reports, especially in regards to program funding;
(2) Provide program coordination and technical advice regarding strategic planning, funding allocation, and program implementation of identified thematic priority areas (which could include climate change; water management and drought resilience; combating wildlife trafficking, illegal logging, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing; solid waste management; air quality; and strengthening environmental laws and enforcement);
(3) Advise the Department of State on the strategic allocation of ECP funding, based on consultations with country representatives, USG agencies, FTA-partner country representatives, and NGOs;
(4) Draft documents notifying NGOs and others of opportunities to apply for grant/cooperative agreements to help implement certain environmental initiatives under ECPs;
(5) Organize proposal review panels that will make recommendations regarding the applicants to receive grant/cooperative agreement awards;
(6) Prepare materials necessary to award the grants/cooperative agreements, including minutes from review panels and action memos; and
Assist in the administration of Grants and Cooperative and Interagency Agreements, including:
(7) Support the Grants Officer Representative in carrying out the functions of analyzing program outputs, reviewing programmatic progress, completing budget reviews, troubleshooting with grantees, and reporting on grant progress;
(8) Coordinate and consult with grant recipients on all programmatic and technical matters that may arise;
(9) Facilitate coordination between program implementers and Embassy officers, USG agencies, country points of contact, and other program partners;
(10) Track grantees’ compliance with reporting obligations;
(11) Evaluate progress through email and telephone contact with the grantee, as well as site visits (in-person and virtual);
(12) Help compile comprehensive progress reports and summaries of reports, including the status of indicators and success stories to assist with monitoring and evaluation efforts;
(13) Help compile comprehensive financial status reports for all grant agreements;
(14) Assist the Grants Officer and Grants Officer Representative with project close-outs; and
Assist with overall grant coordination within the office, including:
(15) Assist the Department of State with the drafting and negotiating of new Work Programs or Plans of Action with FTA-partner countries;
(16) Lead the coordination of ECPs with FTA-partner countries;
(17) Coordinate ministerial-level meetings to discuss the implementation of FTA Environment Chapters and ECPs;
(18) Assist in meetings with trade and environment points of contact from various FTApartner countries, including meeting conceptualization, preparation, logistics, and followup documents;
(19) Maintain electronic filing systems for all grant awards, including maintenance of the SharePoint site for document tracking;
(20)Respond to specific requests for information on foreign assistance programs from the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Trade Representative, and the U.S. Agency for International Development;
(21)Help compile project results, develop strategic plans for program outreach, and implement outreach events with the public, international organizations, NGOs, and Congressional staff;
Standard Work Hours:
The environmental program administrator will be expected to work 1920 hours (equivalent to one year) to assist in the administration of grants, cooperative agreements, and interagency agreements, and provide overall office coordination in the drafting of new Work Programs or Plans of Action with FTA-partner countries. May be eligible for contract renewal pending performance and availability of funds.
Location and Telework capabilities:
This position is located in Washington, D.C. and onsite presence will be required in some capacity. Fully remote work arrangements are not an option. The position has some flexibility with telework, including when the contractor is on domestic and international travel and whenever it is necessary due to health risks, inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Travel Requirement:
Domestic and international travel to conduct site visits in FTA countries where OES/ENV is implementing ECPs and activities, subject to availability of funds and oversight needs, and at the discretion of health authorities.
Requirements:
• Must be a United States citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
• A bachelor’s degree is required. A graduate degree is preferred.
• Strong critical, creative thinking, and analytical skills.
• Must be able to conduct work in Spanish (reading, writing and speaking in Spanish).
Notes: Looking for a candidate to join a dynamic, dedicated, and collaborative team of problemsolvers. Great office and team, and supportive contracting company. This position is not suitable for entry-level candidates.
Contact: Please contact Anel Gonzalez-Ruiz (agonzalezruiz94@gmail.com) to apply (need to submit a Cover Letter, CV/Resume, and writing samples in English and Spanish).