Agency: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Organization: Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security, Feed the Future Policy, Analysis and Engagement Office (REFS/FTF-PAE)
Location of Position: Washington, DC
Telework/Remote Eligibility: Telework eligible for up to four days per pay period (two days per week). The position is not remote eligible.
Open Period: May 3, 2024 – May 24, 2024
Appointment Type: This is an excepted service, a time-limited appointment that is not to exceed three years and eight months; may be considered for two two-year extensions depending on needs.
Salary: (USD) $132,860 – $191,900 per year
Number of Vacancies: One

Description of Organization: REFS is responsible for worldwide leadership and integrated technical expertise of the programming of USAID in agricultural-led growth and environmental sustainability. Through REFS, USAID leads FTF, the U.S. Government’s global hunger and food security initiative. Guided by the Global Food Security Strategy, FTF helps vulnerable countries build stronger food systems, better nutrition, and greater resilience to shocks. The International Affairs Specialist will be part of PAE’s Donor and Multilateral Team, which serves as REFS’ focal point for food security engagement with high priority bilateral donors and in multilateral fora, and coordinates on non-food security engagement (climate, water, inclusive development, etc.) across REFS.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Global Partnership Policy Development and Implementation (60%):

• Understand, analyze, and coordinate with partner agency priorities, strategies, and policy documents;
• Negotiate policy positions for food security-related areas within the U.S. Government and in multistakeholder settings;
• Maintain working knowledge of Feed the Future and food security priorities, and general awareness of other REFS non-food security priorities in order to provide donor and multilateral engagement support to other REFS offices and centers, as needed;
• Shape and contribute to letters of intent, memoranda of understanding, and other cooperation agreements and frameworks with bilateral and multilateral partners;
• Provide guidance, support, and information to REFS Offices and Centers related to strategic engagement and multi-stakeholder partnerships, such as G7, G20, United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), and other multilateral fora.

Liaison Services and Relationship Management (40%):

• Develop and maintain relationships and act as a liaison with key external partners, including bilateral donors, philanthropic organizations, and international organizations;
• Prepare U.S. Government leadership to represent food security and related interests externally;
• Represent the U.S. Government and USAID on food security and related equities in multilateral fora through proactive engagement with multilateral and bilateral partners, at G7 and G20 food security convenings, and by coordinating overall USAID or REFS participation at high-level events;
• Act as a Bureau liaison for potential areas of shared interest across USAID Bureaus; and
• Communicate with U.S. Government senior leaders and provide strategic, policy, and technical support to USAID staff to engage with key external partners.

Candidates with particular expertise and experience related to food security, resilience, climate change and adaptation, social protection are encouraged to apply.

Specialized Experience: For the FL-02 Grade Level, you must have one year of specialized experience at the FL-03 (GS-13) grade level or equivalent.

Required Documents:

• A cover letter expressing interest and clearly addressing the stated requirements for the position, and
• A resume/CV.

Other Applicable Documents:

• An applicant claiming Veterans Preference must submit all appropriate documentation (DD-214, Service Disability Letter, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, etc.); and
• An applicant serving as a current/former political appointee must submit all appropriate documentation (SF-50s, appointment letter, etc.).

Please submit your application package to REFSJobs@usaid.gov with the subject line: “REFS_57 FSL APPLICATION PACKAGE: INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS SPECIALIST, FSL-02, REFS/FTF-PAE PD# 33140.” Application submissions are required by 11:59 p.m. EDT, May 24, 2024. Incomplete packages without all of the required documents, or packages not submitted by the deadline with the specified subject line, will not receive consideration. This notice may be used to fill additional vacancies, as the workforce needs of the Bureau may change.

USAID Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commitment
USAID envisions a world where all individuals are valued, have equitable access to opportunities, and are included, respected, and safe in their societies. USAID embraces diversity as outlined in USAID’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement. We seek to elevate and include the voices of the USAID workforce, recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of all stakeholders. USAID also strives to improve equity for underrepresented communities that have historically been denied fair and just treatment and improve accessibility in all facets at USAID.

Additional resources include:
EEO Policy Statement
Reasonable Accommodation Policy
Foreign Service Salaries
Healthcare & Insurance

Any questions concerning this notice may be directed to Andie Vaughn at avaughn@usaid.gov.