Program Analyst at US Dept of State - Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM/WRA)

Organization Overview:

The Bureau of Political‑Military Affairs (PM) is the principal link between the Departments of State and Defense.  The Bureau provides policy direction in the areas of international security, security assistance, military operations, post‑conflict stabilization, and defense trade.  The Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA) advances U.S. national security interests by curbing illicit proliferation of conventional weapons, and by remediating explosive hazards (such as landmines and unexploded ordnance) to improve stability and promote economic opportunity.  PM/WRA is responsible for implementing and monitoring policy, programs and public engagement efforts that contribute to the prevention and mitigation of conflict, as well as post‑conflict social and economic recovery.

Job Description:

This is a personal services contract position located in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (PM/WRA), U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC.  The incumbent will serve as a Program Analyst in PM/WRA’s Program Management Division supporting implementation of the Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) Program. CWD assists countries around the world with securing and destroying vulnerable stockpiles of small arms and light weapons (SA/LW) and remediating landmines and other explosive remnants of war (ERW). With over $300 million annually, the program is active in more than 40 countries today and has provided more than $5.09 billion in assistance to more than 100 countries since 1993.  The Program Analyst helps to implement a complex portfolio of bilateral/regional/global CWD projects.

Specific duties include:

Support regional Program Manager(s) designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating CWD programs.

Help develop detailed program plans for advancing key foreign policy priorities through CWD activities in the assigned portfolio. 

Analyze CWD program requirements, help make recommendations on the selection of contractors and grantees to implement projects that satisfy identified requirements, translate requirements into formal grant and contract documents, and work closely with the Resource Management Division to obligate funds.

Supports PM/WRA’s Resource Management (RM) Division by helping execute obligation plans, maintaining accurate financial records, and managing foreign assistance award files.

Monitor implementers’ compliance to ensure they perform in an effective, efficient, and timely manner. Verify implementers' compliance with grant/contract terms and conditions by conducting field visits and reviewing implementer reports and deliverables.

Support PM/WRA engagement with U.S. diplomatic posts, Department of State regional bureaus, the Department of Defense, other U.S. Government entities, and foreign governments to explain purpose and goals of CWD assistance, coordinate CWD program implementation as necessary, and flag emerging challenges for program managers.

Support office management, bureau leadership, and other senior Department personnel on CWD issues by drafting formal memoranda, meeting summaries, presentations, and reports; and brief senior Department personnel on CWD program specifics.

Create public diplomacy materials such as press releases, fact sheets, blogs posts, and social media concept to publicize CWD achievements and highlight the role that CWD plays in advancing U.S. interests abroad.

Evaluate and analyze intelligence information and reporting cables related to Conventional Weapons Destructions (CWD) activities.

Perform other duties related to PM/WRA's mission as assigned.

Key Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship

Active security clearance at the Secret Level preferred but not required (and maintain eligibility for Top Secret if required)

Bachelor’s Degree

Travel – No more than 25%

Required Skills and Experience:

Ability to operate effectively in a team environment, develop productive working relationships, and resolve issues in a constructive, collegial manner.

Strong attention to detail with ability to analyze complex technical and financial reporting to ensure full compliance with PM/WRA requirements, identify discrepancies, and flag implementer performance issues for PM/WRA program managers and grants officers.

Strong ability to analyze complex challenges and identify pragmatic solutions.

Willingness and flexibility to execute a wide range of functions from drafting administrative grants documentation to leading meetings with key internal and external stakeholders.

A commitment to embracing learning and feedback.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with a wide range of stakeholders including Department of State offices, other U.S. government agencies, NGOs, international organizations, and foreign partners.

A basic understanding of U.S. foreign policy priorities and objectives, particularly regarding how CWD programs can advance key policy priorities and objectives.

Previous experience supporting U.S. foreign assistance programs strongly preferred

Relocation Assistance Available:  None

Benefits:

Person selected will earn annual leave, sick leave, and paid for federal holidays that fall within their regularly scheduled tour of duty.  Personal Services Contractors may be reimbursed a maximum of up to seventy-two percent (72%) but not to exceed $6,752.76 (self) or $15,896.88 (self/family) annually, against actual costs of their annual health insurance premiums, provided that such costs do not exceed the maximum U. S.  Government contribution for Civil Service personnel as announced annually by the U. S.  Government’s Office of Personnel Management.   Personal Services Contractors may be reimbursed up to fifty percent (50%) against actual cost of their annual life insurance, provided that such costs do not exceed $500.00 per year. Eligibility for reimbursements requires evidence of enrollment in a qualifying health insurance and life insurance plans and proof of actual payments of the associated health and life insurance premiums.

How to Apply:

To be eligible for consideration, you must submit:

Letter of interest expressing why you are applying for the position and explaining your qualifications; and

Resume with clearly demonstrating that you meet the key requirements and possess the required skills and experience enumerated above;

At least three professional references with current contact information.

Your letter of interest, resume, and at least three professional references must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm EDT on October 3, 2024. Application packages received after 11:59 pm EDT on October 3, 2024 will not be considered.

IMPORTANT: Due to file upload limitations with the Monster platform, your resume, letter of interest, and references must be combined into a single document and uploaded as a single document.

What to Expect Next:

Your application package should demonstrate that you possess the specialized experience and skills necessary to succeed in this position and should:

Illustrate your ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.

Illustrate your ability to manage and prioritize a wide range of tasks simultaneously.

Provide examples of your willingness to learn and embrace a growth mindset.

Highly qualified applicants will be referred to the selecting officials and may be contacted for interviews.

State/ PM/WRA expects to make a selection within 30 days of close of this announcement. Offers of employment will be dependent on ability to obtain security clearance.

This is a Personal Services Contract.  This is NOT a government full-time equivalent (FTE) position.

Vacancy announcement will close at 11:59 pm on October 3, 2024.

Salary: USD $68,405 to $128,956 Per Year

Career Level Required: Entry Level

Experience Required: 2 to 5+ Years

Education Required: Bachelor's Degree

Job Type: Temporary / Contract

Job Status: Full Time

Apply Method:

Standard Apply: pikoulasba@state.gov

Email: pikoulasba@state.gov