Program Analyst (EA)

PROGRAM ANALYST - US DOS

Washington, DC

Welcome to Universal Strategy Group Inc (USGI)! USGI is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. USGI was founded in 2007 with the single focus of preserving and promoting American security. Our mission is to provide the best-in-class personnel who provide tailored analytical, operational, and technical solutions to our Nation's most complex national security challenges while exceeding customer expectations.

USGI is committed to recruiting, nurturing, and retaining top talent that set us apart from our competition. USGI is an experienced, team-oriented, dynamic, and expanding company that values exceptional performance! USGI understands that well-cared for and motivated personnel are the key to the successful accomplishment of any mission, and toward that end, USGI takes exceptional care of our team.

USGI is seeking a Program Analyst, referred to as Analyst in the remaining sections of this document, provides programmatic development and oversight expertise to the INL/EA Afghanistan Team. The Analyst will organize and participate in meetings, seminars, and exercises to develop plans and programs for implementation of Afghanistan assistance and provide other general programmatic support to further the Afghanistan Team’s programs, including drafting, briefing, and research.

BACKGROUND

The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President’s principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State’s mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous and secure world.

The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) keeps Americans safe at home by countering international crime, illegal drugs, and instability abroad. INL helps countries deliver justice and fairness by strengthening their police, courts, and corrections systems. These efforts reduce the amount of crime and illegal drugs reaching U.S. shores.

The Office of Europe and Asia (INL/EA) is part of INL. INL/EA provides policy guidance and develops, executes, and monitors programs to address the full range of criminal justice issues as they relate to stabilization and reconstruction activities in Afghanistan.

The Afghanistan Team focuses on fostering a stable Afghanistan through support for civil society and the Afghan people. To accomplish this goal, the Afghanistan Team manages an array of programs, including drug treatment, drug demand reduction, alternative development, public information, and rule of law. The Afghanistan Team collaborates and coordinates with INL/EA’s South-Central Asia (SCA) team - in counternarcotics and justice efforts, as well as with interagency partners, and implementing partners.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advise in the development of program criteria to be utilized in Statements of Work.
• Aid management with the monitoring of executed contracting tasks.
• Assist in analyzing and improving knowledge of management processes and procedures.
• Research and use government and private sector best practices to measure and improve customer service, approval workflows, and processing timelines.
• Analyze a large number of financial, program planning, bilateral, and program evaluation documents for standard and ad hoc reports, as needed.
• Provide feedback to management on best practices for data input, document standardization, organization, and storage; identifies recurring issues that should be addressed by management.
• Assist in coordinating the interpretation and adaptation of available guidelines/Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to specific work-related issues; aid in analyzing the issues (e.g., workflow, delegations of authority, or regulatory compliance) and make recommendations for changes and improvements.
• Assist in developing SOPs for areas identified as a potential risk or vulnerability to the INL’s management control structure.
• Assist subject matter experts with the development of training modules for INL sponsored training workshops and distance learning courses based on policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships through excellent customer service skills, project management knowledge, and a related understanding of the program office needs and mandates.
• Work closely with INL program office staff and managers as well as the stakeholders at U.S. embassies overseas and other U.S. federal agencies to provide support on implementing agreements, policy and procedures.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge of issues related to Afghanistan with a particular focus on law enforcement, alternatives to illicit crops, and the health consequences surrounding a nationwide opioid crisis.
• Coordinate within INL to advise on strategic planning, including advice regarding developing new initiatives and advice in reviewing programs for compliance with U.S. law and effectiveness in relation to the goals of the U.S. government.
• Serve as an analysis resource for INL/EA on specific aspects of planning and implementation of INL programs in Afghanistan.
• Assist in the oversight, monitoring, evaluation, reporting, coordination, and assessment of INL programs to ensure deliverables and foreign assistance priorities set by the Department of State and the Administration are being fulfilled.
• Support the development and maintenance of relationships with those involved in Afghanistan programming as well as with the intelligence community, non-governmental organizations, and the policy community.
• Participate in outreach activities to increase awareness of INL programs and policies and solicit greater cooperation and participation.
• Advise on the management and oversight of programs to advance gender inclusivity for government employment, including educational support, internships, and fellowships.
• Ensure that INL/EA and the INL Front Office receive timely information and reporting to ensure that senior Department, interagency, and budget officials are fully informed of program developments.
• Prepare background materials and reports used by INL/EA leadership in preparing reports, speeches, briefings, and testimony to articulate INL engagement on Afghanistan issues
• Assist with designing, developing, and writing contract and grant solicitations, bilateral and international organization letters of agreements, and budget related documentation.
• Prepare responses to Freedom of Information Act and oversight community requests.
• Participate in situations where it might be assumed that participants are agency employees or representatives, such as attending conferences on behalf of the agency.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• U.S. Citizenship
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Six to eight years’ experience in relevant field
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal regulations in regard to area of specific need
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated experience facilitating organizational change

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in a field related to the primary duties of this position, including law, international affairs, political science, development, public policy, or public administration.
• Previous INL programmatic experience.
• Previous experience working with the U.S. Government, either as a direct employee, contractor, or with an implementing partner.
• Previous international development experience in a conflict or post conflict environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Afghanistan issues, including specialized knowledge of international narcotics
• Demonstrated ability to produce project work that is in compliance with management policies and procedures and in conformance with the Foreign Assistance Act and other regulatory procedures and guidelines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Federal policies and procedures, including methods of providing assistance and the Federal budget process.
• Demonstrated ability to provide advice, guidance, and consultation with regard to the interpretation and application of analysis.
• Demonstrated superior communication, interpersonal, and writing skills, including experience drafting U.S. Government reports and documents.

CLEARANCE:

A Secret security clearance is required for this position; work may begin with an interim Secret security clearance.

LEVEL OF EFFORT

Hours for the position will be the core hours of the Department of State: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day.

POSITION LOCATION:

The physical work location is INL/ EA’s office within State Annex 1 (SA-01), Columbia Plaza, 2401 E Street NW, Washington, DC.

TELEWORK

This is a hybrid position that allows for a combination of in-office presence and regular telework. The actual in-office and telework schedule will be determined by the COR and CO, based on INL policy, and is subject to change.

USGI offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, AD&D, supplemental health plans, short and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, transportation stipend plus generous PTO offerings to include vacation/sick days, bereavement leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays. USGI is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.