WHO ARE WE? The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has a long history of extending a helping hand to those people overseas struggling to make a better life, recover from a disaster or striving to live in a free and democratic country. It is this caring that stands as a hallmark of the United States around the world - and shows the world our true character as a nation.  WHAT ARE WE? USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. With headquarters in Washington, DC, USAID fosters transformational development around the world. Our work supports economic growth and trade; agriculture and the environment; education and training; democracy and governance; global health; global partnerships and humanitarian assistance. We operate in four regions of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa; Asia and the Near East; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Europe and Eurasia. USAID employs individuals in the Civil Service and Foreign Service, as well as through Personal Service Contracts for service in Washington, DC and overseas. WHERE ARE WE? USAID's headquarters is centrally located in downtown Washington, DC, at the prestigious Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. We are located right on the Federal Triangle Metro (Blue and Orange Lines). The office is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, Smithsonian Institution museums and Washington Monument. There is also a physical fitness facility and food court on site. Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for US Agency for International Development applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please clic....

KEY REQUIREMENTS: See Other Information.

1 vacancy - Washington, DC

DUTIES:

The incumbent directs the Office of Conflict Management and Mitigation technical leadership activities including research, gathering of best practices and development of technical publications. This includes supporting agency-wide activities within the development assistance area by reviewing and analyzing data; developing strategies, analytical models, and methodologies; and providing assistance and advice on sectoral issues. 

Plans, schedules, and conducts projects and studies to evaluate and recommend ways to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of program or project operations. These projects and studies seek to identify the cutting edge in development approaches to assessing and responding to the causes and consequences of violent conflict, making them available to USAID and USG personnel, other donors, implementing partners, the Congress, the private sector, think-tanks, academia and the public at large. 

Analyzes and evaluates, on a quantitative or qualitative basis, the effectiveness of programs or operations in meeting established goals, measures, and objectives. Applies financial principles, theories, and concepts to the management of funding to address problems in attaining program management goals. Implements overall system improvements in the financial management of funds. Proposes changes in program scope and provides advice on the interpretation and application of existing policies and procedures for the funds. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.

Ability to plan and execute work.

Ability to meet and deal with others.

MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifying experience for the GS-14 level includes one year of specialized experience at least equivalent to the GS-13 level which is in or directly related to the line of work of the position to be filled and which has equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Examples are serving as an advisor and technical authority on policy, program, and implementation planning issues within the development assistance area. Providing expert advice and state-of-the-art professional assistance and support to Regional and Central Bureaus, and to Missions on incorporating research into programs and strategies.

BASIS OF RATING

Candidates who meet the basic qualification requirements for this vacancy will be rated according to Category Rating Procedures. This means that candidates will be assigned to a pre-defined quality category based on their application and veteran preference. Generally, only candidates in the top quality category will be referred to the hiring manager. Individuals with veteran's preference will be placed ahead of other applicants within each rating category. Preference-eligible veterans who have at least a 10 percent compensable service-connected disability, and who have met the basic qualification requirements, will be placed ahead of other applicants in the highest category for all but professional and scientific positions at the GS-09 or equivalent and above. For this type of position veterans will be placed ahead of other applicants in the category to which they are assigned based upon rating of their application. There are three quality categories: Gold, Silver, Bronze, with Gold representing the most highly qualified individuals.

SCREEN OUT ELEMENT(S):

Skills conducting field-based assessments of conflict, political economy or related issues.

Ability to communicate in writing on issues related to conflict, peace building or international development.

See Other Information for further requirements.

You will be rated based on your qualifications for this position as evidenced by the education, experience and training you report relative to this position which shows that you possess the knowledges, skills and abilities required. Paid or unpaid experience will be considered.

See Other Information.

USAID is listed as one of the top ten best places to work in the federal Government by the Office of Personnel Management's survey.


WHERE ARE WE?
USAIDs headquarters is centrally located in downtown Washington, DC, at the prestigious Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. We are located right on the Federal Triangle Metro (Blue and Orange Lines). The office is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, Smithsonian Institution museums and Washington Monument.

USAID is creating a workplace environment where every employee is valued and accepted, where management practices are inclusive rather than exclusive, and where differences are not only accepted but utilized to strengthen Agency performance.

Applicants must meet all of the specialized qualification requirements in order to receive consideration for this position. Demonstration of work supporting the specialized qualifications MUST be documented and reflected in your work history within the body of your profile or resume in order to receive consideration.

Can you picture yourself working for a Government Agency that has a long history of extending a helping hand to people overseas struggling to make a better life, recover from a disaster or striving to live a free and democratic country? If you are an energetic individual who is interested in making a positive change in the world, you can do that here! The time is now for you to help make a difference! USAID is creating a workplace environment where every employee is valued and accepted, where management practices are inclusive rather than exclusive, and where differences are not only accepted but utilized to strengthen Agency performance. Applicants must meet all of the specialized qualification requirements in order to receive consideration for this position. Demonstration of work supporting the specialized qualifications MUST be documented and reflected in your work history within the body of your profile or resume in order to receive consideration. For applicants who are current or former Federal Employees the required documents that must be received by the close date of this announcement are (please electronically attach them to your application): SF50 for proof of Career/Career Conditional Federal appointment Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, or equivalent showing your full performance level or career ladder. Your SF 50 MUST verify current grade, promotion potential, reinstatement eligibility or highest federal civilian grade. Please DO NOT send Awards or Pay Adjustment SF-50s. If you are requesting Veteran's Preference the following documents must be attached to your application. Veterans Preference proof documents (i.e. DD214, official letter from DoD, SF15 DoD disability letter). Please electronically attach these documents directly to your application or fax to 253-573-9869.

This vacancy announcement maybe used to fill more than one vacancy.

Status applicants who wish to be considered under Merit Promotion procedures may also apply under vacancy announcement number 11-0278-DWH.

This position is located in Democracy Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance, Conflict Management and Mitigation, (DCHA/CMM).

These are Testing Designated Positions (TDPs) under the Agency's approved Drug-Free Work Place Program. All applicants selected for this position will be subject to random drug testing once they begin working for the Agency.

Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.

TIME-IN-GRADE REQUIREMENT: Status applicants for promotion must have 52 weeks of service at the next lower grade.

Applicants must submit a complete application by the closing date of this announcement. If you need technical assistance in submitting your application, or are unable to apply on-line and desire to obtain an Applicant Questionnaire package, please contact AVUE Direct Services at 1-800-407-0147, or email at JoeAvue@avuetech.com.

All applicants are encouraged to apply on-line. For those who are unable to complete the on-line application process, an Applicant Questionnaire package is available. A paper application requires the submission of an Applicant Questionnaire form that must be completed and submitted by the closing date of the announcement. This will allow your responses to be scanned into the system for automated rating and ranking.

Applicants submitting proof documents can electronically attach them, or scan and attach them, to the employment application. If this is not possible, copies of documents can be faxed to (253) 573-9869, or mailed to the following address: USAID, c/o Avue Technologies Corporation, ATTN: Direct Services, 1145 Broadway Plaza, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402. All faxed or mailed proof documents must be submitted prior to the closing date of the announcement and must be identified with applicant's name and vacancy announcement number.

If you are a current career or career-conditional Federal employee or former Federal employee who has reinstatement eligibility or are an interchange agreement eligible, you must submit a copy of your latest SF-50, "Notification of Personnel Action," and/or a copy of the SF-50 that reflects career or career-conditional tenure, or you will not be considered under the merit promotion process. Also, you should submit your most recent performance rating.

All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factors.

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

Relocation expenses are not authorized.

Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment background investigation. Eligible applicants will be asked to submit forms required for a security clearance and suitability determination for appointment to the Foreign Service. The clearance process considers such factors as: registration for the Selective Service; failure to repay a US government-guaranteed student loan; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; failure to meet tax obligations; unsatisfactory employment records; violations of the law; drug or alcohol abuse; a criminal record; extensive travel; education; residence and/or employment overseas; dual citizenship; foreign contacts; immediate family or relatives who are not citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse; or less than honorable discharge from the armed forces. Investigations, which usually take several months, include current and previous contacts, supervisors, and coworkers. These investigations are conducted by USAID in cooperation with other federal, state, and local agencies.

SELECTIVE SERVICE. As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens.

Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Generally, preference is granted to veterans who entered military service prior to October 14, 1976; or served on active duty during the period from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, and who are otherwise eligible; or who served on active duty during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or who have served in a military action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary Medal. This includes the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) awarded to those who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard. Also, you may be entitled to veterans' preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran; or you are the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran. You will need to submit a Standard Form (SF) 15 and proof of your claim.

If you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, or you are applying for consideration under the Veteran Employment Opportunity Act or Veteran Readjustment Authority, attach a copy of your DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" or other proof of eligibility. If you are applying for consideration under the 30% or more Disabled Veteran Authority, you must attach a SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.

If you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 90 or better on established ranking criteria. The determination of whether or not the applicant meets the well-qualified definition will be made prior to veteran preference points being added. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

If you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and must meet the "Silver" level of the three quality categories selected for use in USAID. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.

This appointment requires completion of a one-year probationary period. During this time period, employee's conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if employee will be retained.

IMPORTANT: If you are found to have rated your self assessment higher than the information in your on-line application, supporting documentation narratives, and/or any other relevant part of your application package; including attachments, a score will manually be determined that reflects your documented experience. This may result in a lowered score and may also eliminate you from the best qualified list.

Applications for this position are being processed through an on-line applicant assessment system that has been specifically configured for US Agency for International Development applicants. Even if you have already developed a resume in USAJOBS, you will need to access this on-line system to complete the application process. To obtain information about this position and TO APPLY, please clic....

Documents That May Be Required for Verification Of Eligibility:
* Proof of United States Citizenship (birth certificate or other acceptable documentation).
* Proof of military service (DD214s or other equivalent documents).
* Proof of government service providing reinstatement eligibility Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50 or other equivalent document
* SF15, Application for 10-Point Veteran's Preference and appropriate documentation (for 10-point compensable or non-compensable disability preference, Purple Heart, disability pension, or preference based on service of spouse or child).
* Proof of eligibility for priority placement consideration under Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP); i.e., copy of appropriate documentation such as RIF separation notice, or other notice of eligibility.
* Proof of eligibility for special appointment authorities for people with disabilities. Proof of disability from military service (i.e., letter from 
Veterans Administration or a branch of the armed forces indicating disability and the amount [%] of the disability, or certification from a State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency or Veterans Administration).
* Proof of government service meeting time-in-grade requirements.
* Copy of college transcript if education was used to qualify you for the position.