USAID/Moldova Job Opportunity Announcement # 6 - Project Management Specialist - Private Sector

DATE:        December 2, 2016 

TO:             All Interested Candidates

FROM:        United States Agency for International Development, Regional Mission for Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova (USAID)

SUBJECT: Job Opportunity Announcement # 6, USAID/Moldova

POSITION TITLE:  PROJECT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST- PRIVATE SECTOR

POSITION TYPE: FSNPSC – 40 hours per week

POSITION GRADE LEVEL: FSN-11

ENTRY GRADE LEVEL: FSN-10 (Until the incumbent will successfully complete all mandatory USAID trainings and reach the full performance level of the position)

OFFICE LOCATION: USAID/Moldova, Chisinau

OPENING DATE:  December 2, 2016 

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: December 16, 2016 at 6:00 PM Chisinau time

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: Interested applicants should e-mail their current résumé and letter of interest in English to the USAID Human Resources Unit at KyivVacancies@usaid.gov.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Mission to Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and Cyprus is an equal opportunity employer. 

Note:     Only those applications that are received in the Human Resources Unit before the closing date will be eligible for consideration.  Applications and letters that are inadequate or incomplete will not be considered. Only those applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted.

Initial screening will be based on the curriculum vitae or résumé and letter of interest. Best qualified applicants who meet minimum requirement will be invited for an interview and test. 

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION:

This position is located in the USAID/Moldova Mission, and reports to the U.S. Direct Hire FS-01 Private Sector Development Officer. The Mission is charged with management of USAID programs in Moldova, including significant Economic Growth assistance programs. These programs are an important part of the USG program to strengthen Moldova's private enterprise sector, business regulatory environment, and the relevant government bodies necessary to promote economic growth and improve the well-being of all members of society. The incumbent is the senior expert on agricultural sector policy and agricultural trade diversification reforms for the USAID/Moldova Mission and serves as the lead point of contact for engaging with the Moldovan Government on key agricultural policy, SPS, and agricultural competitiveness issues. The incumbent independently leads the design, implementation and monitoring of economic growth activities implemented in Moldova, serving as Contract’s Officer’s Representative (COR) and/or Agreement’s Officer Representative (AOR) for one or more activities described below. In this capacity, the incumbent promotes the policy interests of the U.S. Government at the central, rayon and municipal levels of the host country and gains Moldovan government and donor community acceptance of USAID conceptual and policy frameworks and operating practices.

This work involves gaining senior GOM acceptance of conceptual frameworks and policies for which there is no historical philosophical base in the country other than what is being developed through the efforts of USAID and other donors. She/he manages the USAID’s relationship with Moldovan Government officials in both the executive and legislative bodies and counterparts in other international donor organizations, such as EU Delegation, UNDP, WB, IMF, EBRD, IFAD, FAO, as well as bilateral donors such as SIDA, CZDA, TIKA, Romanian, Polish and Slovak Embassies.

The Project Management Specialist manages economic/agricultural development and private sector competitiveness portfolio activities with a total budget of over $55 mln USD. In addition, she/he is likely to work with cross-cutting activities that touch on elements of business, industry competitiveness, access to finance, and trade diversification programs. She/he leads the drafting of portions of the Moldova Annual Report for the relevant sectors included in his/her portfolio and other key USAID strategy documents, such as the CDCS, and PADs. She/he is the USAID/ Moldova Mission’s subject matter expert on environmental compliance documentation for agricultural/agribusiness/competitiveness sector activities and leads the development of complex environmental documents such as the PERSUAPs, ERCs, etc.

The incumbent conducts research and analysis into agricultural sector development issues and leads key pre-design agricultural/access to finance sector assessments, and therefore must be conversant in a broad range of areas, including agricultural policy, private sector competitiveness, EU integration agenda, export analysis, foreign investment and access to finance, to carry out the full range of agricultural policy related advisory functions.

USAID is the lead bilateral donor in the agricultural development sector. This advisory position therefore entails a high degree of demanding representational work with the Government of Moldova, international donors (World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, EU, UNDP, and EBRD) and external partners both in Chisinau and the regions. These contacts include Chiefs of Mission, Ambassadors, the Minister of Economy, Minister of Finance, Minister of Agriculture, key deputy ministers, Parliament's Agriculture Committee, the National Food Safety Agency, and senior ranks of the Millennium Challenge Account and the State Department's Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance for Europe and Eurasia Office (EUR/ACE).

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent is expected to operate and carry out duties with a high degree of independence in relation to advising USG strategy and engagement in the agricultural sector in Moldova. As the senior expert on agricultural sector policy and agricultural trade diversification reforms for the USAID/Moldova Mission, the incumbent is a recognized expert among the donor/GOM community and will provide strategic, technical, and organizational expertise as well as leadership on issues related to agricultural policy, EU/DCFTA/SPS agenda, agricultural competitiveness/trade issues.

S/he provides direct technical and managerial oversight as Contracting Officer’s Representative (A/COR) for a complex and mixed economic growth portfolio including the economic/agriculture and private sector competitiveness portfolio activities, including USAID/Moldova’s flagship Agricultural Competitiveness Activity with an estimated life of project budget of about $25 million over a period of 5 years (the Agricultural Competitiveness Activity), and the upcoming Agricultural Access to Credit Facilitation and Public Private Partnership – Post-Harvest Infrastructure (PPP-PHI) Activities with an estimated budget of $6.5 million. In addition, the incumbent also serves as alternate COR for USAID’s Competitiveness Activity with a LOP budget of $22 million over a period of 5 years. She/he also manages a portfolio of smaller activities, including EUR/ACE Challenge Funds grants with a life of project budget in excess of $ 2 million.

Representational, Advisory and Senior Leadership: 50%

1. As the senior expert on agricultural sector policy and agricultural trade diversification reforms for the USAID/ Moldova Mission, the incumbent is a recognized expert among the donor/GOM community and will provide strategic, technical, and organizational expertise as well as leadership on issues related to agricultural policy, EU/DCFTA/SPS agenda, agricultural competitiveness/trade issues. She/he is called upon to frequently advise top office and embassy staff on a wide array of agricultural development/economic growth issues. The incumbent maintains close donor coordination and develops high level contacts. (15%)
2. Monitors program strategies and provides periodic updates on the Government of Moldova's development and execution of its agricultural, food safety, EU legal approximation strategy. program strategies and provides periodic updates on the Government of Moldova's development and execution of its economic policy and energy strategy. Analyzes the degree to which the objectives of USAID/Moldova’s economic growth programs are being met. Presents strategic and programmatic findings in a clear and concise manner (verbally and in writing) to a wide range and high level audience; including Department of State personnel, new USAID employees, and USAID superiors (Office Directors, Office Deputies and the Front Office) (10%)
3. Formulates Mission and Embassy-wide strategies, operational plans and new concept papers that promote sound economic growth practices and internationally recognized standards that are consistent with USAID and Department of State programming guidance. Leads discussions on Agriculture Sector and Food Safety Sector coordination and development. Provides advice to the Office Chief and Mission Director on strategic planning. (10%)
4. Identifies opportunities to increase Moldovan government and private sector contributions to economic growth in areas where USAID assistance can have an impact. Such activities could include policy dialogue, major alliances with new partners and coordinated approaches with other major. She/he provides strategic leadership in shaping the vision and leading strategy development for joint USG economic programs/partnerships with emerging donors, such as the Czech, Slovak, Polish and Romanian counterparts. Promotes expansion of effective strategies and approaches that can expand coverage and quality of economic services. S/he assists in negotiations with host country government on project design and implementation, ensuring that host country officials at the highest level are apprised of program progress. These responsibilities require the incumbent to demonstrate highly developed professional judgment, with a high level of inter-personal skills and diplomacy, and to provide technical direction and management oversight. (10%)
5. Develops and sustains close collaborative, professional relationships with senior government and parliament officials, key business leaders, other major donors, international organizations, and leading economic development research institutions. Convenes strategic partners' meetings designed to build synergy between USAID and other donor organizations. These meetings may also include other Missions when a regional scope is required. (5%)

B. Private Enterprise Growth Activity Management 45%

Serving as the senior expert on agricultural sector policy and agricultural trade diversification reforms for USAID/Moldova leads, coordinates and directs the implementation of USAID/Moldova's agricultural competitiveness development programs.

S/he will be expected to perform the function of Contract’s Officer Representative (COR) for projects within the USAID/Moldova economic growth portfolio, including USAID/Moldova’s flagship Agricultural Competitiveness Activity with an estimated life of project budget of about $25 million over a period of 5 years, and the upcoming Agricultural Access to Credit Facilitation and Public Private Partnership – Post-Harvest Infrastructure (PPP-PHI) Activities with an estimated budget of $6.5 million. In addition, the incumbent also serves as alternate COR for USAID’s Competitiveness Activity with a LOP budget of $22 million over a period of 5 years. She/he also manages a portfolio of smaller activities, including EUR/ACE Challenge Funds grants with a life of project budget in excess of $2 million. As office programs move through various phases of development, s/he will design and implement additional activities.

Specific duties include:

1. Ensures that activities achieve their intended results. S/he provides technical and organizational leadership on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of economic growth development programs. S/He ensures that partners meet their benchmark requirements in accordance with USAID regulations.
2. Conducts research and analysis into agricultural sector development issues and leads the USAID-mandated pre-design agricultural sector assessments, and therefore must be conversant in a broad range of areas, including agricultural policy, private sector competitiveness, EU integration agenda, export analysis, foreign investment and access to finance, to carry out the full range of agricultural policy related advisory functions.
3. Serves as the USAID/Moldova Mission’s subject matter expert on environmental compliance documentation for agricultural/agribusiness/competitiveness sector activities and leads the development of complex environmental documents such as the PERSUAPs, ERCs, etc.
4. Serves as USAID/Moldova’s main point of contact in the area of agricultural policy, agricultural trade/competitiveness, and agricultural sector access to finance issues. She/he provides proficient and professional guidance along with technical direction to the implementing partner/s.
5. Serves as USAID/Moldova’s main point of contact for the Transnistrian Donor Coordination activities related to the field of agriculture/economic growth. Represents USAID/Moldova at key meetings with Transnistrian Chamber of Commerce and relevant Transnistrian authorities.
6. Conducts site visits to monitor program progress, as well as implementing partners, stakeholders, and counterparts’ implementation of activities at the local and regional government level on a periodical basis.
7. Provides high level technical guidance to institutional contractors, grantees, Moldovan Government officials, and other stakeholders as warranted.
8. Organizes and leads internal review meetings to evaluate contractor’s performance based on identified criteria.
9. Collaborates with other USAID projects, and other donors and organizations in the economic development sector to ensure synergy of program activities with those of other organizations, to achieve maximum pertinence and impact.
10. Manages financial matters related to program activities, such as providing administrative approval of vouchers, planning and preparing for annual incremental funding amendments, and other financial administrative activities as needed, to ensure that fiscal needs of the recipient U.S. and local contractors are met in a timely manner.
11. Prepares all necessary internal USAID program implementation documentation for smooth program implementation, including Program Implementation Letters (PILs), GLAAS actions and other required reporting.
12. Prepares and submits the annual evaluation of contractors’ performance for inclusion in the central database of contractors.

C. Supervision 5%

Mentors Junior Officers for short periods of time, where the incumbent will be responsible for mentoring and development. The incumbent performs other management duties as assigned or required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

a. Education: Possession of a Master's degree in international project management, business administration, economics, or other related field is required..

b. Prior Work Experience: The Specialist is required to have a minimum of seven (7) years of economic growth development experience with multi-lateral or bi-lateral organizations, including at least five (5) years as program manager for a large agricultural competitiveness development project. Five to seven years’ experience is required of handling a range of managerial tasks (e.g. monthly/yearly plans and objectives, staff control and development, budgetary control, service enhancement, managing projects).

c. Post Entry Training: The Mission will make every effort to provide in-service USAID orientation; team training, continuing education and advanced skill development in office management and administration, on-the-job training in USAID-specific programs, and procedures and attendance at USAID or other professional courses, as available, and required. Employee should complete the following trainings: Programming Foreign Assistance (PFA), Project Design and Management (PDM), Records Management, A&A Management for CORs/AORs, GLAAS training for PM, Evaluation for Program Managers, Phoenix Accruals Training.

d. Language Proficiency (List both English and host country language(s) proficiency requirements by level (II, III) and specialization (sp/read): Level IV (fluent) English proficiency is required. Fluency in Romanian and Russian is required. Incumbent must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with all categories of Mission employees and appropriate Embassy personnel, as well as the general public, to assure complete comprehension of Agency regulations and program information as well as in preparation of technical reports and presentations and briefings.

e. Job Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the Moldovan agricultural sector and agricultural policy environment is required. Must also have a thorough knowledge of Moldovan economic, political, social and cultural characteristics; local business practices; and, of political and development prospects and priorities. Thorough knowledge of U.S. Government legislation relating to development assistance and USAID programming policies, regulations procedures and documentation is essential. Knowledge of USAID project development, design, management, performance monitoring and reporting, and procurement policies and procedures is required. Knowledge of USAID’s Policy Determinations

(PDs) on agricultural development programs is required. A thorough understanding of the EU-Moldova DCFTA chapters, related to SPS/Market Access for Goods/Trade Facilitation is highly desirable. Knowledge of USAID agricultural value chain development methodologies and agricultural competitiveness best practices is required. Knowledge of international /EU agricultural policies (CAP) and assistance cycle is highly desirable.

f. Skills and Abilities: The Specialist serves as the USAID/Moldova Mission’s senior expert on agricultural sector development issues and is recognized as a subject matter expert among donors and peers within the counterpart Moldovan Government institutions. The incumbent must have superior communication skills. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain high-level contacts in the Moldovan Government, donor organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, private-sector organizations, and educational institutions. The ability to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and prepare precise, accurate and complete reports is required. Proven, demonstrated ability to work independently under tight deadlines and heavy workload within agreed upon parameters with minimal supervision or guidance and while exercising sound judgment is required. Skills in conceptualizing project programming, policies and plans and developing strategies for their implementation is required. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and proactively work to achieve consensus on policy, project and administrative matters is required. The position requires an ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional and interagency bureaucratic challenges while maintaining collaborative relations. The incumbent must have computer skills including ease and skill in using word processing and power point programs, email.

POSITION ELEMENTS:

a. Supervision Received: Employee is expected to work independently in planning and carrying out assignments, receiving only general guidance from the Private Sector Development Officer.

b. Supervision Exercised: Provides mentoring to fellow FSNs through FSN SAC through TDYs. The incumbent will direct and supervise the work of contractors and other activity implementers, as per COR/AOR designation responsibilities.

c. Available Guidelines: The incumbent will abide by all Embassy and USAID administrative procedures, USAID's Automated Directives System, supervisor's oral and written instructions, and USAID/Moldova Mission Orders.

d. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent shall demonstrate a professional level of judgment and initiative in order to respond to intra-office, inter-office, inter-agency and inter-governmental activities. Sound judgment is required to deal effectively with government officials. Judgment to anticipate and identify office needs related to administrative and program support is important. S/he is also required to use sound judgment in dealing with implementing partners and other U.S. governmental entities. The incumbent is expected to analyze situations and the requirements to resolve problems. The incumbent must recognize requests for decisions or position papers that require prior USAID review and approval.

e. Authority to Make Commitments: Commitments are limited to actions within the scope of the position (i.e., approvals delegated as COR or AOR, advising on when actions will be completed, assuring that required documents will be delivered by a certain time, etc.). No commitments are authorized to GOM officials, international agencies, donor organizations, contractors or grantees.

f. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Continuous contact is maintained with senior levels of the Moldovan Government, including the Minister of Agriculture, the Head of the Food Safety Agency, Ministry of Economy key deputy ministers, members of the Parliament's Agricultural Committee, senior members of the unrecognized Transnistrian authorities, and senior ranks of the Millennium Challenge Account and the State Department's Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance for Europe and Eurasia Office (EUR/ACE), international agencies (World Bank, the International Finance Corporation, EU Commission, IFAD, FAO, UNDP, and EBRD), and bilateral donors, such as SIDA, TIKA, CZDA, Romanian, Slovak and Polish Embassy, and educational institutions, and NGOs to obtain unpublished and published information concerning the projects and the economic growth program. Contact is at all levels in the Mission, the Embassy, and with contractors/grantees to monitor activities, resolve problems, provide guidance, advice, and attend workshops and seminars, and other meetings.

g. Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: one year

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Interested candidates in order to apply for this position must submit in English:

• Current résumé or curriculum vitae and a letter of interest;
• Mandatory Universal Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174).

A résumé or curriculum vitae must contain three to five references with current contact information. The Technical evaluation committee shall consider the past performance information obtained from the reference checks in scoring past performance. It is therefore recommended that the applicant alerts the contacts that their names have been submitted and that they are authorized to provide past performance information when requested.

A letter of interest must describe what the applicant understands to be the key responsibilities of the position and highlight the applicant’s qualifications, skills, attributes and past experience to demonstrate suitability for the position and how the applicant meets the requirements of each of the evaluation criteria described above.  The letter of interest may be considered as a writing sample and should not exceed three (3) pages using standard font (12) Times New Roman.