USAID Project Management Specialist, Banja Luka
Elma Demir
United States Agency for International Development in Sarajevo is announcing a vacancy for USAID Project Management Specialist in the Program and Project Office in Banja Luka
14-05, USAID Project Management Specialist (Banja Luka), Position Grade: FSN-11, Salary range: 57,089.00 – 79,930.00 KM/year
Deadline for application: 28.11.2014.
Applications must be in English. Deadline for applications is COB November 28, 2014. Please submit the applications only by e-Mail: SarajevoJobVacancy@state.gov. Curriculum Vitae should be limited to two pages and should specify skills and educational background. Copy of the complete position description is available in the USAID Human Resources Office. Contact number: +387 33 704 000 ext. 4403.
_______________________________
Responsibilities: Based in Banja Luka, the USAID Project Management Specialist will serve as a primary point of contact within the mission on USAID activities in the RS and as a liaison for the mission with local and international organizations, including relevant departments of international institutions such as OSCE and OHR and USAID institutional contractors, operating in the RS. The Specialist will also serve as a primary liaison between USAID and the US Embassy office in Banja Luka. The Specialist is expected to be a senior development expert, with particular understanding of RS politics and development focus, capable of advising senior Mission management and others on the broad range of USAID development issues and activities in the RS. The Specialist will contribute with considerable weight to the planning and Mission decision-making process for designing, drafting, and soliciting contracts, agreements, and grants, with particular focus on the development impact as it pertains to the RS. The Specialist will also conceptualize and articulate Program and Project Office (PPO) strategies and priorities, and implement, monitor, and evaluate existing and new PPO programs in the RS. The Specialist will provide senior-level knowledge and awareness of the political and economic situation in the RS and serve as a senior advisor and RS subject matter expert to the Mission Director and others; maintain senior-level contacts for Mission management with the RS government, the donor community, civil society organizations, implementing partners (IPs), and with other stakeholders; provide the RS government, other donor organizations, NGOs active in the region, and the general public with a point of contact with USAID as well as accurate and complete information on USAID activities and; perform information gathering, analyses and reporting on RS activities for USAID to make strategic decisions on appropriate interventions and; contribute to Mission strategy and annual reporting documents. The Specialist, under the technical direction of the PPO Office and in close coordination with the Democracy Office (DEMO) and Economic Development Office (EDO), will represent USAID/BiH in meetings and events with contractors, grantees, international organizations, OHR, international and local NGOs and governmental agencies and officials at all levels in the RS, as well as the US Embassy office in Banja Luka. The Specialist will assist Mission officials, other USAID staff, and visiting officials in preparing for and participating in field trips, public meetings, conferences, and negotiations with the RS government, occasionally involving planning the event, managing field activities and logistics, serving as control officer for the field site, etc.; and, will maintain contact with USAID/Washington officials and provide them with information, advice, and feedback, as required. The Specialist will provide technical and management expertise and leadership in the conceptualization, planning, and monitoring of PPOs development portfolio in the RS.
Requirements: A University degree in economics, social science, public administration, international relations, law, or other related discipline is required. Seven to ten years of progressively responsible professional experience at professional levels in the GoBiH, NGOs, international organizations, or the private sector is required. Level IV (fluent) oral and written English and Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian language capability is required. An in-depth knowledge of a broad range of development issues and senior-level knowledge and awareness of the political and economic situation in the RS is essential. Knowledge of economic, governance, political processes and civil society issues in the RS is essential. A good knowledge of USG/USAID priorities across all USAID sectors; knowledge of strategies, programs, and working methodologies of other donor agencies (bi- and multi-lateral) in the sector in BiH; knowledge of the structure and workings of the USG, including key agencies represented at post (State, USAID, etc.); and, a thorough knowledge of issues relating to the development and mentoring of NGOs in BiH, and of their strengths and vulnerabilities, is required. The Specialist must have a high level of expertise and the ability to advise Mission management on RS development issues across a wide range of democracy and economic-related topics, and their implications for USAID programs. The ability to effectively communicate complicated policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing is required. The Specialist must have strong interpersonal, networking, coordination, and bureaucratic skills; be able to coordinate successfully with all parts of the USAID Mission and with the Embassy in order to advance program interests. The Specialist must also be able to analyze information from a number of different sources on the above subjects with a keen eye for accuracy and reliability. The Specialist must be able to handle sensitive issues diplomatically, represent USAID authoritatively, and use good judgment in speaking on behalf of USAID in high-level meetings with GoBiH, NGO, and other donor officials, and in conferences, seminars, workshops, etc.; and, possess good organizational and management skills.