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### VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Announcement No. 13

**OPEN TO:** All Interested Candidates

##### POSITION: Project Management Specialist,

#####  FSN-4005-12

::: Definition-Term
**OPENING DATE:** March 12, 2007
:::

::: Definition-Term
**CLOSING DATE:** April 05, 2007
:::

**WORK HOURS:** Full-time; 40 hours/week

(Sunday through Thursday)

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in
Bangladesh is seeking applications for the PSC position of Project
Management Specialist in the Economic Growth, Food and Environment
(EGFE) Office.

Candidates for employment are generally hired at the first step of the
established grade of the position. In some instances, candidates may be
hired at a higher step when exceptional qualifications so warrant. If
there are no qualified candidates at the stated grade level, a candidate
may be hired at a lower grade level.

**WHO MAY APPLY:** All Bangladeshi nationals. Women and minorities are
encouraged to apply.

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**BASIC FUNCTION:**

The A.I.D. Project Management Specialist serves as a) Food For Peace
Specialist, b) Food Aid Project Management Specialist, and c) Mission
Disaster Management Specialist.

a\) As **Food for Peace (FFP) Specialist**, serves as the principal
advisor to USAID's Food for Peace Officer (FFPO) and the Mission on
food-aid assisted relief and development policies and programs. This
entails shared responsibility with the United States Direct Hire (USDH)
Title II FFP Officer in the overall supervision of the Title II
development and emergency food aid programs. The incumbent serves as a
core unit member in all approved Title II development programs, the
United Nations World Food Program (WFP) food aid activities and Mission
Local Currency Management Committee.

As a leading member of the Mission staff dealing with food aid and
disaster management, advises USAID/Bangladesh, the Ministry of Food and
Disaster Management (MFDM); the Ministry of Local Government, Rural
Development, and Cooperatives (MLGRD&C), Title II Cooperating Sponsors
(CS), NGOs, International Organizations (IOs), such as WFP, UNDP and
UNICEF and the Disaster and Emergency Response Group (DER) donor
communities on all aspects of food-assisted development and relief and
on multilateral and bilateral food aid interventions in Bangladesh.
Liaises with Democracy Conflict Humanitarian Affairs Bureau's Food For
Peace Office, Washington (DCHA/FFP/W), Mission and CSs on Title II
program progress. The incumbent liaises with multiple CSs, the
Government of Bangladesh (GOB), other donors, DCHA/FFP/W, United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other Mission offices in the
collaborative design of PL 480 Title II activities.

As FFP Specialist, manages unit's administrative and financial
activities. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating the Food
Security and Disaster Assistance (FAD) unit's annual Procurement Plan,
Development Assistance (DA) budget obligation, pipeline reviews,
quarterly accruals, and local currency programming. Participates on the
Technical Evaluation Committees (TEC) for evaluation of Title II
proposals. In the absence of the Unit Leader, the incumbent represents
the unit as the acting Unit Leader during meetings, discussions and in
the periodic Mission programmatic reviews. Provides strategic guidance
in program design, management and evaluation.

b\) As **Food Aid Project Management Specialist**, the incumbent is
responsible for the design, management and evaluation of food aid and
development assistance programs. Liaises with AID/W bureaus such as Asia
and Near East

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(ANE) and DCHA, Mission, IOs and CSs on Title II program progress issues
and impact.

As a member of the FAD unit managing food aid, the Specialist serves as
Cognitive Technical Officer (CTO) for the CARE/Bangladesh Title II and
DA supported program "Strengthening the Household Abilities for
Responding to Development Opportunities ( SHOUHARDO)" which aims to
improve rural and urban infrastructure, develop local government and
community capacities, and enhance disaster preparedness and response in
Bangladesh.

As a member of the FAD unit managing food aid, provides strategic
guidance and periodic backstopping to the Save the Children
Jibon-o-Jibika program.

Incumbent is also responsible for performing periodic related warehouse
inspections of direct distribution commodities. S/he ensures proper
storage; stacking; handling; and movement of the commodities. Warehouse
inspection would include (but is not limited to) stock rotation using
the First In First Out method (FIFO); checking for vectors
(birds/rodents/insects); the proper controls of vectors; and from time
to time observing direct distribution activities for controls during the
distribution to project participants.

c\) As **the Mission Disaster Management Specialist (MDMS)** designated
in the approved Mission Disaster Response Plan (MDRP) and in the US
Embassy Emergency Action Plan (EAP), s/he is tasked with specific
responsibilities in times of pre-disaster reporting and post-disaster
response. The incumbent helps coordinate State, DAO, USAID, Office of
Foreign Disaster Assistance/Washington (OFDA/W), other donors, Private
Voluntary Organizations (PVO) and GOB efforts on disaster preparedness
and response. The MDMS serves as the Senior FSN expert on the USAID
Disaster Technical Committee (DTC) chaired by the Mission Disaster
Relief Officer (MDRO), and participates in the Emergency Mission
Disaster Relief Committee, chaired by the Chief of Mission or his/her
designee, normally the MDRO (which in Bangladesh\'s case is the Food for
Peace Officer). The MDMS may chair the DTC.

As the MDMS, responsibilities entail working directly with the MDRO and
A/MDRO to coordinate the U.S. Mission\'s responses to natural disasters,
and reporting to international donors and to the OFDA. Communicates
directly with OFDA Regional Advisors in Bangkok and Katmandu to discuss
and coordinate regional disaster mitigation and relief activities and is
available for short-term temporary duty (TDYs) to Disaster Assistance
Response Teams (DART) and/or related tasks.

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**MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:**

**Food For Peace Specialist**

As the Food for Peace Specialist on PL-480 Title II food-assisted relief
and development activities, duties and responsibilities, on occasion,
deliberately overlap those of the USDH Title II FFPO.

Serves as principle advisor to the FFPO and the Mission on food-aid
assisted relief and development programming. Advises Mission on the
political and bureaucratic background and implications of policy and
staffing changes within the Ministry of Food and Disaster Management
(MFDM). Reviews food aid programs of other multilateral and bilateral
donors and advises USAID management on needed coordination and possible
conflicts with USAID-supported activities. This entails shared
responsibility with the USDH Title II Officer in the overall supervision
of the Title II development and emergency food aid programs. The
incumbent serves as a core team member in all approved Title II
development programs and serves on the Mission Local Currency Management
Committee.

Represents USAID, often unaccompanied by a USDH, in meetings with high
level officials of the GOB, IOs, Audit Firms, CSs, other NGOs and PVOs,
and other donors in decision making discussions related to the Title II
program planning and implementation; provides innovative ideas to
partners and GOB officials for best options of program interventions in
a cost effective manner; advises partners in all aspects of decision
making in connection with program planning, scheduling, funding, and
implementation concerning general USAID food aid policies & procedures;
and reviews intervention selection procedures, and Planning and
Implementation Guidelines.

Interprets complex food aid (Regulation 11) and Agency regulations
outlines in the Automated Directive System (ADS); reconciles conflicting
guidance; negotiates host country and multi-party agreements; resolves
disputes involving bills of lading and discharge survey reports or
commodity losses; recommends appropriate program modifications resulting
from fluctuating funding levels; develops contingency plans; and
coordinates with the Mission Financial Management Office, grantees and
Regional Inspector General (RIG) for closeout of outstanding audit
recommendations.

Reviews Title II reporting requirements, drafts Mission comments for
DCHA/FFP/W on Title II program progress, liaises on food security issues
with USAID/W Bureaus including DCHA and ANE, within the Mission and with
CSs. Reviews progress reports and incorporates results achieved into the

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Mission\'s Annual Report. Coordinates with the USDA local, regional and
Washington, DC office's for food aid import related information, such as
Usual Marketing Requirement (UMR), and Bellmon analyses.

Participates on the TEC for evaluations of Title II proposals. In the
absence of the Unit Leader, the incumbent represents the unit as the
Acting Unit Leader during meetings and discussions and in the periodic
Mission programmatic reviews. Provides strategic guidance in program
design, management and evaluation.

Periodically reviews and reports-out on food security conditions in
Bangladesh with particular emphasis on the rural areas. Initiates field
visits to monitor project activities to determine if project activities
remain economically, socially, and environmentally sound.

Liaises with CSs, GOB, IOs, other Mission offices, and
DCHA/FFP/Washington in the conceptualization and design of follow-on
Title II activities.

Updates the Mission\'s annual delegation of authority Memorandum of
Understanding with DCHA/FFP.

Serves as Principal Mission representative in the DER Local Consultative
Group.

Develops FAD Unit annual and future procurement plans, prepares
consolidated obligation documents, coordinates obligation of DA funds
for FAD Unit FSN PSCs, Mission and centrally funded activities with
Mission Program and Finance offices.

Coordinates FAD Unit annual planned/projected expenditures report,
reviews DA funded pipelines and recommends appropriate FAD actions.
Coordinates quarterly accruals of the FAD Unit DA funded grants,
cooperative agreements, and contracts.

Coordinates FAD Unit local currency funded activities with the Mission's
Program and Finance offices. Follows up local currency audit
recommendations.

**Food Aid Project Management Specialist**

Serves as a CTO for a designated Title II Development Assistance Program
(DAP). Responsible for tasks related to program management including the
following: participates in DAP proposal reviews and coordinates with

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DCHA/FFP/W for resolution of issues necessary for DAP approval;
facilitates the negotiation of host country agreements between CSs and
partnering GOB Ministries; reviews and advises Mission on CS and GOB
multi-year agreements and associated documents; drafts assigned sections
of major USAID activity documents such as Activity Approval Documents,
Strategic Frameworks, and Monetization Agreements; prepares DAP review
worksheets and reviews Transfer Authorization documentation for DAP
approval. Monitors, evaluates, analyzes and directs activity
implementation and advises the FAD Unit and Mission on activity
implementation and progress.

Provides Mission review and clearance on call forwards and reviews
documentation and reports submitted by the implementing entities for
accuracy and compliance with agreements; tracks results from CS's
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems, reviews Scope of Works (SOW)
for local currency audits and program evaluations; reviews/monitors
activity budgets and expenditures, quarterly activity reports and annual
activity results reports (CSR4), Title II Annual Estimated Requirements,
comprehensive budgets, commodity monetization processes and cost
recoveries; reviews Bellmon analysis's prepared by the CSs and provides
necessary inputs for Mission Director's certification of the Bellmon;
prepares call forward cables for Title II commodity shipments; and
manages final program close-outs.

Reviews the CARE Annual R4 (Results Review and Resource Request)
Submission under the DAP for SHOUHARDO and drafts Mission
comments/issues/responses. Coordinates with the GOB Food and MLGRD&C
ministries, CARE and DCHA/FFP/W.

Monitors implementation of the Disaster Management activities of the
SHOUHARDO activity thereby ensuring the adequacy of partner efforts in
disaster preparedness, community level awareness and capacity building
for disaster management, contingency planning, stockpiling, and response
during disaster situation. Oversees coordination of CARE and its partner
NGOs disaster preparedness system, and reviews post disaster
studies/reports on distress sales, wasting and stunting under the
disaster preparedness component of the SHOUHARDO activity. Recommends
appropriate responses.

As CTO for the SHOUHARDO Hybrid Transfer Authorization Agreement with
CARE, monitors implementation of the grant activities. Chairs on a
rotational basis the SHOUHARDO implementation review meetings attended
by all partners (CARE, MLGD, LGED, and USAID). Coordinates and assures a
harmonious and timely obligation, commitment, and use of Title II
resources from monetization, 202(e), Internal Transport Storage and
Handling (ITSH), and DA (dollar) resources. Follows-up with actions
required as a result of Regional

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Inspector General (RIG) Title II program audits, Title II monetization
audits and Non Expendable Properties (NXP) commodity-end-use check
audits. Performs site visits; monitors progress of activities including
the degree, intensity, quantity, and quality of the work; and assists
the conduct of audits, evaluations, and impact assessments including the
review of remedial actions taken by the CSs.

Formulates project monitoring plans and detailed schedules for
monitoring USAID\'s Title II food assistance efforts to assess
development and relief impacts, ensuring programmed measurable results.
Reviews CARE M&E System comprised of socioeconomic impact assessments;
road pass ability and road use surveys; pre/post-intervention transport
and freight surveys; M&E reports on the Flood Proofing activity, all of
which contribute to reporting on output, effect and impact indicators of
the SHOUHARDO activity.

Facilitates systematized flow of information and coordination of
implementation activities among the SHOUHARDO Management units for
synergistic effect.

**Mission Disaster Management Specialist (MDMS)**

As the Mission Disaster Management Specialist (MDMS), designated in the
approved MDRP, responsible for annually updating the MDRP and Annex J of
the US Mission EAP and ensuring that Mission policies and procedures for
disaster preparedness are updated. During a disaster, the MDMS supports
the MDRO in day-to-day coordination of USG assistance. The MDMS, under
the direction of the MDRO and the Chief of Mission, provides advance
notice as appropriate of the likelihood of a disaster, keeps the MDRO
apprised of the nature of disaster and results of assessments of damages
and needs, makes recommendations regarding the disaster assistance
requirements and channels, and coordinates monitoring by Mission staff
of the progress of the response. Coordinates the preparation the
preparation of event logs and situation reports. Acts as general contact
person within the Mission during the disaster response period ensuring
that final reports of response activities and "lessons learned" are
prepared. Responsible for managing disaster assistance grants.

The incumbent helps coordinate State, DAO, USAID, OFDA/W, other donors,
PVO and GOB efforts on disaster preparedness and response. The MDMS
serves as the Senior FSN expert on USAID\'s DTC chaired by the MDRO, and
participates in the Emergency MDRC, chaired by the Chief of Mission or
his/her designee, normally the MDRO (which in Bangladesh\'s case is the
Food for Peace Officer). The MDMS may chair the DTC.

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Responsibilities entail working directly with the MDRO and A/MDRO in
coordinating the U.S. Mission\'s responses to natural disasters, and
reporting to the international donors and to the OFDA. Represents USAID
in joint GOB/Donor/NGO disaster response coordination and preparedness
efforts.

Monitors Early Warning Systems based on satellite photographs, website
tracking systems, and other indicators. During natural disasters and
their aftermath, liaises with GOB, donors, and NGOs to assess extent of
damage and the level and nature of relief need. Monitors flood/cyclone
situation, activates internal tracking system, and provides situation
reports to the Mission and USAID/W. Advises Mission and the Embassy
regarding appropriate disaster response. Assesses GOB use of resources
placed at their disposal.

Communicates directly with OFDA Regional Advisors in Bangkok and
Katmandu to discuss and coordinate regional disaster mitigation and
relief activities and is available for short-term TDYs to the DART
and/or related tasks.

The incumbent is responsible for operating USAID information systems and
information security to a level of "Separation of Duties", "Individual
Accountability" and "Need to Know" as defined in ADS 545.3.2.1 and also
below:

Separation of Duties - That an individual does not have the authority to
complete an entire process (multiple independent actions), such that
each action acts as a \"check\" on other actions within the process.
This \"compartmentalizes\" the independent actions, and decreases an
individual\'s ability to perform multiple actions or to complete the
entire process, which may result in a security breach.

Individual Accountability - That an individual is solely responsible for
his or her actions. He or she may be required to explain and defend
those actions to organizational authorities that can impose penalties
against misuse or abuse of authorized actions.

 

Need to Know - That an individual, in the performance of his or her
duties, has the requirement to access specific information, which would
otherwise not be accessible to him or her.  He or she must protect the
information, using safeguards appropriate to its sensitivity level, to
ensure that other individuals who do not have an access requirement or
authorization do not access it.

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**QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:**

**1. Education:** A Masters degree from a recognized university in
Economics, Statistics, Social Science, Business
Administration/Management or agriculture or a closely related
development field is required. Possession of Disaster Management
Training Certificate from an international/recognized institution is
desirable.

**2. Language Proficiency:** Excellent communications skills, reading,
writing and speaking abilities in Bangla and English required.

**3. Prior Work Experience:** From six to eight years of progressively
responsible experience in design, management, and accountability of
development and relief activities through food aid in combination with
other resources, and knowledge of Food Assistance Program requirements
and procedures is required. At least five years of experience in
Disaster Management is required. Experience in climate forecasting and
disaster management response mechanisms and implementing organizations,
damage and needs assessments, situation reporting, and related relief
and rehabilitation efforts are desirable.

**4. Knowledge:** A thorough knowledge of the Government of Bangladesh
(GOB) including international donor organizations policies, laws,
regulations, and operational procedures related to food security policy
and food aid with a particular understanding of Food Assistance Program
supported activities, project documentation, design and implementation
procedures; and GOB food supply and distribution systems. Knowledge of
GOB and international donor organizations policies and regulations
relating to disaster management is required. Knowledge of gender in
development principles and demonstrated experience in their application.

**5. Skills and Abilities:** The position requires a high degree of
competence, professional maturity and experience in the understanding of
food security issues such as access, availability, utilization and
risk.  Requires excellent technical, managerial and inter-personal
skills with an in-depth understanding of the inner-workings of the GOB
and international donor organizations, particularly of the livelihood
security improvements and disaster management sectors. Able to prepare
short papers on sector strategy, performance and progress on program
implementation.  Must be able to quickly review and comment on reports,
studies and other documents prepared by implementing partners. Ability
to discuss issues and negotiate with government officials on matters of
food aid and disaster management policy. Ability to analyze and

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anticipate outcomes created by GOB policy decisions. Ability to direct
or guide expatriate resource personnel in the conduct of their
assignments that deal

with a multitude of stakeholders. Mathematical, statistical and
analytical ability; excellent social and professional judgment, strong
interpersonal skills in cross cultural and multi-level organizational
contexts; logistical/administrative ability for application in extensive
field trips, sometimes in insecure and hazardous situations.

Required computer skills include ability to use Microsoft Spreadsheet
special features to analyze technical and complex data on flood
forecast, inundation maps for the Mission reporting and response.
Requires Microsoft application skills for power point presentation of
the program performances.

**HOW TO APPLY**: **Interested candidates are requested to submit the
completed \"Application for Employment as a Foreign Service National"
Form or a Resume along with a one-page cover letter stating their level
of education, experience, etc. that describes key experiences and
perspectives which demonstrates how they qualify for this position to
USAID, Human Resources Section, Room 64, Executive Office, American
Embassy, Dhaka, no later than close of business April 05, 2007.**

**Blank application forms are available at Gate 1 (Reception booth) and
in the USAID Human Resources Section, Ext.2502, 2503 and 2517. A copy is
also attached at the bottom of this message for your convenience.**

**[Only complete and up-to-date applications with an original photograph
of the applicant will be accepted]{.underline}**. **[Inaccuracies,
omissions or false statements may be cause for disqualification or
termination of employment. Information given on the application may be
verified at anytime]{.underline}.**

**SELECTION PROCESS:** After an initial application screening, the
best-qualified applicants will be invited to a testing process, which
will include written examinations and oral interviews. The probationary
period for this position is **[one year]{.underline}**.

**ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA**: The Mission will consider issues such
as conflict of interest, nepotism, budget implications, etc., in
determining successful candidacy.

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**NOTE**: Employees in probationary status are not eligible to apply.
\"Members of the same family (father, mother, spouse, child, brother,
sister, uncle, aunt, first cousin, niece, nephew, grandparent or
grandchild, in-laws or step-relatives) will not be employed at the same
time in the same agency unless it is in the best interests of the
Mission and approved by the Director of the agency involved. In no case
will family members be employed in the same working unit of an agency.\"
They may be employed in different agencies.

Cleared by: HR:Shefali Saha, dated 03/11/07