



![](media/image1.png)

### VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

**ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER -- 43**

**OPEN TO:** All Interested Candidates

(Bangladeshi National Applicants)

##### POSITION: Project Management Specialist

##### FSN-4005-10

::: Definition-Term
**OPENING DATE:** September 18, 2007
:::

::: Definition-Term
**CLOSING DATE:** October 09, 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 Office of Economic Growth, Food and
Environment.

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.





**BASIC FUNCTION:**

The USAID Project Management Specialist serves as a) Food Security
Specialist, b) Disaster Management Specialist and c) Gender Advisor.

As **Food Security Specialist**, the incumbent is responsible for the
planning, formation, and implementation stages of USAID/Bangladesh Title
II-supported food aid development assistance and emergency programs.
S/he provides strategic guidance in program design, management and
evaluation. Liaises with AID/W bureaus such as the Asia Near East (ANE)
and Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (GOB) Bureaus,
Mission offices, International Organizations (IOs) and Cooperating
Sponsors (CSs) on Title II program implementation issues and impact.
S/he serves as team's principle focal person with the World Food Program
(WFP) Country Office.

As a senior professional member of the Food and Disaster (FAD) team
managing development food aid resources, s/he serves as Cognizant
Technical Officer (CTO) of the Save The Children Federation, USA in
Bangladesh Jibon-O-Jibika (J&J) Title II and DA supported programs which
aim to improve household food and nutrition security, improve maternal
and child health, develop rural infrastructure, build local community
capacities, and enhance community level disaster preparedness and
response in Bangladesh. The incumbent performs CTO responsibilities in
accordance with the delegation of authority given by the Agreement
Officer, Office of Food for Peace (FFP/W). As a member of the FAD team
managing food aid, s/he may provide strategic guidance and periodic
backstopping to the CARE Title II-funded "SHOHARDO" program. S/he serves
as an Activity Manager for the World Vision/Bangladesh Food Insecurity
Reduction Program (FINREP).

S/he serves CTO for the "Comprehensive Food Security Data Collection
Activity" contract implemented by The Asia Foundation (TAF). S/he
performs CTO responsibilities in accordance with delegation of authority
given by the Mission Contracting Officer for the TAF contract. S/he acts
as "Monitoring Coordinator" for all activities under the FAD team
portfolio; reviews Strategic Objective (SO) 14 Results Framework and
Performance Management Plan (PMP) and updates the PMP according to the
program priorities and approved strategy and conducts data quality
assessment of FAD team PMP indicators.

As a key member of the Mission staff overseeing food aid and disaster
management activities, advises USAID/Bangladesh, the Ministry of Food
and Disaster Management, Title II CSs, Non-Government Organizations
(NGOs), IOs, and donor communities on all aspects of multilateral and
bilateral food-





assisted development and relief interventions in Bangladesh. Represents
USAID in the Food Security and Nutrition Local Consultative Group and is
a working member of

the subgroup on nutrition. As required, s/he participates in meetings of
Senior Mission Staff and is actively engaged in all periodic Mission
programmatic reviews of food aid and disaster programming.

**b)** As **Disaster Management Specialist** s/he serves as a senior FSN
on the FAD Unit as well as a member of the USAID Mission Disaster
Technical Committee (DTC) chaired by the Mission Disaster Relief Officer
(MDRO), and performs tasks as designated by the MDRO. S/he is
responsible for providing technical advice to the MDRO in emergency
disaster situations; gathering information from various sources;
drafting of situation reports; conducting disaster damage needs
assessments; and reporting to international donors through the Disaster
and Emergency Response local consultative group and the USAID Office of
Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). S/he coordinates the provision of
appropriate SCF and World Vision food-aid resources to disaster relief
activities as provided for in the approved Title II Development
Assistance Programs (DAPs). Primary in country coordinator and Mission
liaison for OFDA stockpiles with Title II partners and activities of
Emergency Working Group of Title II partners.

**c) As Gender Advisor** s/he is responsible for integrating and
ensuring the consideration of gender issues and concerns within the FAD
team portfolio of activities. S/he represents the FAD team on the
Mission Gender Team for purposes of addressing gender issues in the
broader Mission portfolio. The responsibility entails working closely
with the USAID Gender Advisor, Mission Gender Team, FAD team's partners,
and ANE USAID/W offices, food aid donors and NGOs. S/he is responsible
serves as advocate to ensure gender mainstreaming in the areas of food
security, nutrition, disaster and emergency response related forums.

S/he provides guidance for developing strategic linkages between food
security and gender. Prepares Power Point presentation and formally
presents materials on gender, food security, disaster management and
Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) before multi-organizational audiences.





**MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:**

**As Food Security Project Management Specialist**

**A.** The incumbent serves as a senior and core member of the Food
Security and Disaster Management Team. Advises the Mission on the
socio-economic impact and implications of food aid programs in
Bangladesh.

Participates in the review and evaluation of all Title II development
and emergency food aid proposals. S/he may represent the team before
Mission

Senior Staff and shall actively participate in all periodic Mission
programmatic reviews. Provides strategic guidance in program design,
management and evaluation of food security, and food security-supported
disaster mitigation and response activities. Liaises with cooperating
sponsors (CSs), Government of Bangladesh (GOB) entities, international
organizations, other Mission offices, and FFP/Washington in the
conceptualization and design of follow-on Title II activities. S/he
serves as team's principle focal person with the World Food Program
Country Office.

Ensures timely and appropriate reply to FFP/Washington Title II
reporting requirements, drafts Mission comments for /FFP/Washington on
Title II program progress, liaises on food security issues with USAID/W
Bureaus including FFP/W and ANE, within the Mission and with CSs.
Reviews periodic program progress reports and incorporates results
achieved into the Mission\'s Congressional Budget Justification and
Annual Report. Coordinates with the USDA local, regional and Washington,
DC offices for food aid import related information, such as UMR (Usual
Marketing Requirement), and Bellmon analyses. Assists with the review
and periodic update of the Mission\'s annual delegation of authority
Memorandum of Understanding with FFP/W.

Interprets complex food aid (Regulation 11) and Agency regulations
(ADS); plays a substantial role in facilitating Host Country Food for
Peace Agreement (HCFFPA) between the Title II CS and GOB. Where HCFFPA
is not applicable or feasible, drafts a Concurrence Letter for the
Mission Director's signature that the Title II program can be
effectively implemented with the Regulation 11 without such an
agreement. Assesses losses and makes recommendations for settlements and
coordinates Controller's concurrence. Recommends appropriate program
modifications resulting from fluctuating funding levels; develops
program contingency plans; and coordinates with the Mission Financial
Management Office, Regional Acquisition and Assistance Office,
implementing partners and the Regional Inspector General (RIG) for
closeout of outstanding audit recommendations. Periodically reviews and
reports-out





within and outside the Mission on food security and nutrition conditions
in Bangladesh with particular emphasis on the rural areas. As required,
s/he participates in meetings of Senior Mission Staff and is actively
engaged in all periodic Mission programmatic reviews of food aid and
disaster programming.

Serves as an Activity Manager for World Vision Title II Multi Year
Development Assistance Program (MYAP). Participates proposal reviews and
coordinates with FFP/W for resolution of issues necessary for MYAP
approval and program implementation; facilitates the negotiation of host
country agreements between Cooperating Sponsors (CS) and partnering GOB
Ministries; reviews and advises Mission on Cooperating Sponsor-GOB
multi-year agreements, annual budgets and work plans, and associated
documents; prepares MYAP review worksheets and reviews Transfer
Authorization documentation for MYAP approval and obligation of
resources. As a member of the FAD team managing food aid, s/he may
provide strategic guidance and periodic backstopping to the CARE Title
II-funded "SHOHARDO" program.

S/he serves as a liaison to other food aid donors and represents USAID/
FAD Team Local Consultative Group on Food Security and is a working
member of the subgroup on nutrition. Advocates for USAID policies and
positions in the areas of food security, nutrition and gender; advises
the Mission regarding other donor food security and nutrition
initiatives and activities. Reviews food aid programs of other
multilateral and bilateral donors and advises USAID management on needed
coordination and possible conflicts with USAID-supported activities.

**B.** Serves as CTO for the "SCF Jibon-O-Jibika" Title II Development
Assistance Programs (DAP). Responsible for all tasks related to program
management including the following: participates in Development
Assistance Program (DAP) proposal reviews and coordinates with GOB/FFP
for resolution of issues necessary for DAP approval and program
implementation; facilitates the negotiation of host country agreements
between Cooperating Sponsors (CS) and partnering GOB Ministries; reviews
and advises Mission on Cooperating Sponsor-GOB multi-year agreements,
annual budgets and work plans, 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 manages activity implementation and
advises the FAD Team and Mission on program 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 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; monitors
commodity movements and distributions; oversees mission's commodity
tracking system and manages final program close-outs.

Reviews the SCF submission under the DAP for Jibon-O-Jibika and drafts
Mission comments/issues/responses. Coordinates with the GOB Food and
Disaster Management Ministry, SCF and GOB/FFP/W. Facilitates
systematized flow of information and coordination of implementation
activities among the Jibon-O-Jibika Management units for synergistic
effect.

As CTO for the Jibon-O-Jibika Hybrid Transfer Authorization Agreement
(TA) with SCF monitors implementation of the grant activities. Chairs on
a rotational basis among SCF, and USAID, the Jibon-O-Jibika
implementation review meetings attended by all partners. Coordinates and
assures a harmonious and timely obligation, commitment, and use of Title
II resources from monetization, 202(e), ITSH, and Development Assistance
(dollar) resources. Follows-up with actions required as a result of
Regional Inspector General (RIG) Title II program audits, Title II
monetization audits and NXP commodity-end-use check audits.

Initiates field visits to monitor project activities to determine if
project activities remain economically, socially, and environmentally
sound and in line with approved DAP. 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.

Represents USAID, often unaccompanied by a USDH, in meetings with high
level officials of the Bangladesh Government, International
Organizations (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 interventions selection
procedures, and Planning and Implementation Guidelines.

C.  S/he acts as CTO for the Comprehensive Food Security Data Collection
    Activity, a contract implemented by The Asia Foundation. S/he
    performs CTO responsibilities in accordance with delegation of
    authority given by the Mission Contracting Officer under TAF
    contract. S/he contributes to the successful achievement of results
    by conducting site visits; ensures maximum use of available
    resources by monitoring financial reports; provides administrative

review and approval of vouchers; participating in audit management and
close-out processes of the Food Security Monitoring Contract.

S/he acts as "Monitoring Coordinator" for all activities under the FAD
team portfolio; reviews SO 8 Results Framework and Performance
Monitoring Plan (PMP) and updates the PMP according to the program
priorities and approved strategy; conducts data quality assessment of
FAD team PMP indicators in accordance with the ADS to ensure a) apparent
accuracy and consistency of the data b) accuracy of reported data c)
procedures for data collection and analysis and document the data
quality assessment findings in a memo for record; undertakes site
visits, provides feed back, ensures timely submission of partners data,
consolidates data for semi annual reviews, annual reports, congressional
budget justifications, and CSR 4 reviews.

Reviews CARE, SCF and World Vision (WV) M&E System comprised of:
baseline, midterm and final surveys, special surveys on socioeconomic
impact assessments; nutrition situation; road passability and road use
surveys; pre/post-intervention transport and freight surveys; all of
which contribute to reporting on output, effect and impact indicators of
the SHOUHARDO, Jibon-O-Jibika and FINREP activities.

S/he provides substantive inputs, technical guidance, and feedback for
the development of SOW for mid-term and final evaluation of SHOUHARDO,
Jibon-O-Jibika and FINRAEP Title II programs; consolidates FAD team's
comments on draft evaluation reports for incorporation into the final
reports; and reviews partners efforts in designing and implementing
socio-economic, baseline and issue-based surveys and findings which
contribute to reporting on output, effect and impact indicators of DAP
activities.





**Disaster Management Specialist**

The incumbent serves as the Senior FSN on USAID\'s Disaster Technical
Committee (DTC) chaired by the MDRO. Assists the MDRO and the Mission
Disaster Technical Committee by providing technical advice, carrying out
disaster damage and needs assessments, and conducting disaster situation
analysis. These responsibilities entail working with the MDRO and A/MDRO
in coordinating the U.S. Mission's responses to natural or manmade
disasters and keeping the Mission up-to-date on the GOB and other
donors' position on a particular disaster situation. S/he advises the
Committees on appropriate response measures including recommendation for
disaster declaration, based on damage and needs assessment advises MDRO
on appropriate level of OFDA resource request, and monitors disaster
response activities. Coordinates the preparation the preparation of
event logs and situation reports. Acts as focal person within the
Mission during the disaster response period, ensures that final reports
of response activities and "lessons learned" are prepared. Serves as
Mission representative in the DER (Disaster & Emergency Response) Local
Consultative Group.

S/he helps coordinate OFDA/W, other donors, Private Voluntary
Organizations and GOB efforts on disaster preparedness and response.
Communicates directly with OFDA Regional Advisors in Bangkok and
Kathmandu to discuss and coordinate regional disaster mitigation and
relief activities.

Monitors implementation of the Disaster Management activities of the SCF
and WV 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 SCF, WV 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 Jibon-O-Jibika and FINREP
activities and recommends appropriate responses.

Primary in country coordinator and Mission liaison for OFDA stockpiles
with Title II partners. Chairs Emergency Working Group on a rotational
basis among SCF, World Vision, CARE and USAID.

**As Gender Specialist for FAD Team,** s/he ensures that the FAD team
follows all mandatory gender requirements as per the ADS that apply,
e.g., gender analysis in activity design and in activity approval
documents; represents FAD on the Mission Gender team and participate in
core working groups; provides necessary inputs for overall Mission
efforts on gender issues, including assistance in preparation and
implementation of Mission Gender Strategy;





provides support to Mission Gender Advisor as well as the gender team in
developing tools for implementing Mission gender policy; disseminates
and presents information, best practices and research on gender related
activities, at workshops and training events.

Assists new program design efforts to incorporate gender issues from the
outset; provides guidance to FAD Team Activity Managers and CTOs to
enable and ensure appropriate gender integration into all team
activities. Equips Activity Managers and CTOs with gender tools for
conducting gender analysis, develops and reports gender sensitive
indicators in the M&E reporting system and assists them in their
utilization. Identifies and distributes lessons-learned and best
practices in gender and development within the SO team's technical areas
and shares this information with other SO teams and Mission staff.
Represents the FAD team in food, nutrition and disaster related gender
forums;

provides necessary guidance and technical assistance to the larger donor
groups of LCG Food Security and Nutrition, and Disaster and Emergency
Response on follow-on activities in integrating gender in the area of
Food Security and Disaster Mitigation.

S/he provides guidance for identifying and developing strategic linkages
between gender and multi- dimension food security issues such as food
aid, nutrition, disaster management/risk mitigation, M&E. Prepares and
formally presents materials on gender, food security, disaster
management and M&E before multi-organizational audiences.

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.

**QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:**

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

**2. Language Proficiency:** Level IV: At this level an employee is
required to possess a high degree of proficiency in both written and
spoken English, including the ability to translate the host country
language into precise and correct English, and English into the
applicable foreign language. On occasion, an employee at this level
might be expected to act as an interpreter in situations where
considerable importance attaches to proper word meaning.

**3. Prior Work Experience:** Not less than seven years progressively
responsible experience in design, management, and accountability of
development and relief activities through food aid in combination with
other resources, and knowledge of PL-480 Title II requirements and
procedures is required. At least three years of experience as a Disaster
Management Specialist is required. Experience in USG response mechanisms
and implementing organizations, damage and needs assessments, situation
reporting, and related relief and rehabilitation efforts are required.

**4. Knowledge:** A thorough knowledge of host government, international
NGOs, Foreign government and donor agency policies, laws, regulations,
and operational procedures related to food security policy and food aid
with particular understanding of Title II supported activities; donor
project documentation, design and implementation procedures; and
Government of Bangladesh (GOB) food supply and distribution systems.
Knowledge of GOB and donor agency policies and regulations relating to
disaster management. 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
Bangladesh Government, particularly of the livelihood security
improvements and disaster management sectors. Ability to prepare and
make formal power point presentations on cross-cutting issues such as
gender, M&E, disaster management and food security, to internal and
external audiences. 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 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. Computer skills in using statistical software,
spreadsheet and power point including ability to obtain, analyze and
evaluate a variety of data and to organize and present

meaningful terms others is required. The ability to draft factual and
interpretive reports covering complex subject matters is required.
Ability to use special Geographical Information System(GIS) features to
analyze technical and complex data on food security, flood forecast,
inundation maps, and related satellite imagery and develop various forms
of graphic maps for the Mission reporting and response. Excellent social
and professional judgment, strong interpersonal skills in cross cultural
and multi-level organizational logistical/administrative ability for
application in extensive field trips, sometimes in insecure and
hazardous situations.

**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 October 09, 2007.**

**Blank application forms are available at Gate 1 (Reception booth) and
in the USAID Human Resources Section, Ext. 2502/2503. 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]{.underline}**





**[statements may be cause for disqualification or termination of
employment. Information given on the application may be verified at
anytime]{.underline}.**

![](media/image1.wmf)

**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.

**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.

Clearance:

FAD/WShepherd (in draft 9/16/07)

Ellen Zehr/EXO (in draft 9/16/07

Shefali Saha (in draft 9/16/07)

EXO/HR:SKhan

Dated: 09/15/07