Program Specialist- West Africa (Remote Position; Requires French)

Management & Engineering Technologies International, Inc.
vision insurance, 401(k)
United States, D.C., Washington
Dec 04, 2024
Position Summary The successful applicant will be hired through a contractor (METI Inc.) to work with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Office of International Programs on international natural resource projects. Management and Engineering Technologies International, Inc. (METI), in support of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Office of International Programs (IP), is recruiting a Program Specialist to work on international natural resource and disaster management projects. The USFS works domestically and internationally to improve people's lives. The Agency enhances economic opportunities and strengthens civil society, with a focus on local and community-level organizations, by promoting sustainable natural resource management, disaster management, and biodiversity conservation globally. By linking the skills of the field-based staff of the USFS with partners overseas, the agency can address the world's most critical forestry issues and concerns, as well as improve capacities to respond to major disasters. The USFS regularly engages the agency's wide range of expertise in over 90 countries, for programs on sustainable forest management, climate change, combating illegal logging, fire management, improved systems for responding to disasters, watersheds and protected areas, and other topics. For more information on the USFS Office of International Programs please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/about-agency/international-programs. International Programs is committed to the Forest Service's core values and reaffirms its anti-harassment policy to ensure a work environment in which all people are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect; and prohibits behavior which discriminates on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. International Programs will hold any employee, contractor, partner, business associate, or program participant who engages in discriminatory behavior accountable. Furthermore, International Programs is dedicated to acknowledging, addressing and eradicating systemic racism and implicit bias at all levels of our internal and external decision-making and will pursue anti-racist, anti-discriminatory, and inclusive practices in all facets and representation of our work in the United States and globally. We value diversity and recognize its role in enriching our work and fostering innovation. USFS/IP aims to create and promote a welcoming, inclusive, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory community created by the contributions of all employees. USFS/IP continues to review and reflect on progress towards becoming a more equitable organization by conducting formal and informal organizational assessments with the purpose of maintaining a fair and equitable workplace for staff, visitors, partners, and stakeholders. METI and USFS/IP value open communication, collaboration, and staff participation. METI and USFS/IP are committed to professional development of staff and encourage on the job training and professional development opportunities for employees that want to build their proficiencies in work related skills. Position Overview: The Program Specialist will manage programs to further natural resource management and disaster management globally. Program Specialists will work with host country partners to develop programs, establish and maintain partnerships, and oversee activity implementation. Program Specialists will recruit subject matter experts to provide technical expertise and promote technical exchange. Program Specialist will oversee logistical, financial, human resources, programmatic, partnership dynamic, and other relevant aspects of all programs in their portfolio which could range from one to many country programs. The position may involve up to 30% domestic and international travel. Qualifications: Knowledge and understanding of key issues in sustainable forest management in sub-Saharan Africa, and a desire to dig in and learn. Related work experience with an emphasis on administrative and/or project management skills; Program / activity design in forest management, conservation, community development, or related fields; Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and work experience in a relevant field; Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a variety of partners (government, NGO, private sector, academia) and in a diverse team environment; Familiarity with GIS as its application to forest mapping/monitoring (preferred); Exceptional attention to detail, organizational and prioritization skills; Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities; Proven ability to take initiative, learn quickly, anticipate needs and challenges, and make evidence-based operational decisions; Cross cultural communication and ability to adapt to changing circumstances is important. Prior experience living and/or working overseas in a developing country, or other demonstrable capacity in the above traits, strongly preferred; Intermediate proficiency in relevant computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with virtual communication tools; French Language Required. Duties may include the following: Collaborating with domestic and international partners to develop scopes of work, work plans, strategy documents, and reports for all programs in their portfolio in cooperation with a variety of partners and stakeholders; Identifying, recruiting, and preparing technical experts to interface with international partner organizations and individuals through international technical exchanges and remote technical assignments; Coordinating and participating in technical assignments domestically and internationally to help facilitate knowledge sharing between the USFS and partners; Coordinating between technical experts, program partners, and other resource groups to design and implement activities including collaboration with internal teams and colleagues; Organizing travel, logistics, and other administrative tasks for technical assignments and exchanges; Managing, monitoring, and reconciling program and activity budgets; Developing communication materials for a variety of uses i.e. print, social media, outreach, etc.; Supporting program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning activities. Level of Effort: Full-time Location: Remote Position, not required to be based in Washington, DC Compensation: The anticipated salary range for this role is equivalent to GS-11 through GS-13. Compensation for the role will depend on several factors including qualifications, skills, competencies, and relevant experience, and may fall outside the range shown. If you would like to share in METI's success, please apply to the posting by clicking on this link: https://jobs.localjobnetwork.com/j/43418081. METI offers an employee benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid leave; 401K Plan; and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). METI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Visit us at: www.meticorp.com METI, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a workforce representative of the diverse communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.