Program Manager 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 support PM/WRA with day-to-day management of the Conventional Weapons Destruction (CWD) Program. The CWD Program assists countries around the world with small arms/light weapons threat mitigation and humanitarian mine action.  With over $250 million annually, the program is active in more than 40 countries today and has provided more than $4.0 billion in assistance to more than 100 countries since 1993.

Specific duties include:

Develop detailed program plans for advancing key foreign policy priorities through CWD activities in specific countries and regions.

Budget available resources against CWD needs and priorities and identify resource requirements for future fiscal years.  Work closely with embassies and regional bureaus to include CWD equities in strategic plans, mission resource requests, and bureau resources requests.  Work closely with PM/WRA resource management staff to prepare congressional notifications and secure the necessary approvals to obligate funds, in a timely manner to support program requirements.

Define CWD program requirements, translate requirements into formal grant and contract documents, and make recommendations on the selection of contractors and grantees to implement projects that satisfy identified requirements.

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 in line with established timetables. 

Liaise with U.S. diplomatic posts, Department of State regional bureaus, the Department of Defense, other U.S. Government entities, and foreign governments as necessary to coordinate CWD program implementation, ensure that resources are appropriately targeted, and avoid duplication of efforts. 

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

Complete performance measurement and surveillance reporting on CWD-sponsored activities. Evaluate needs and recommend priorities for the CWD program.

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 CWD activities.

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

Key Requirements:

U.S. Citizenship
Travel – No more than 25%
Security clearance at the Secret Level (maintain eligibility for Top Secret if required
Bachelor’s Degree

Required Skills:

An in-depth understanding of U.S. foreign policy priorities and objectives, particularly regarding how CWD programs can advance key policy priorities and objectives.

Knowledge of interagency policy processes for security assistance and program management.  An ability to interact effectively with interagency partners such as the Department of Defense and USAID is essential.

Strategic planning and long-range program development experience.

Previous program or project management experience.

Incumbents must have a demonstrated capacity to communicate precise information and instructions, both verbal and written, in clear, unambiguous terms.  Must be able to persuade others to take a desired course of action based on information presented. 

Strong ability to plan, organize, coordinate, implement, and evaluate program activities and policies, as well as anticipate and address project risks.

Ability to operate effectively in a group environment and resolve issues in a constructive, collegial manner. 

Must have the ability to analyze complex information to identify trends and make recommendations.

Must have strong organizational and time management skills and the ability to work to established deadlines. 

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%​) 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.

​What to Expect Next:

Please submit a cover letter, resume and at least three professional references.​ Your resume and cover letter should demonstrate that you possess the specialized experience and skills necessary to succeed in this position.​ At a minimum, cover letters should:​

Illustrate your ability to collaboratively coordinate activities with multiple        implementers.
Illustrate your ability to manage funds to maximize the use of appropriations.
Provide examples of your program/​project management skills.​

Resumes unaccompanied by cover letters will not be considered.​

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. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.

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

Your letter of interest, resume, and at least three professional references must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm EDT on October 23, 2024. Application packages received after 11:59 pm EDT on October 23, 2024 will not be considered.

Apply Method:
Standard Apply: pikoulasba@state.gov
Email: pikoulasba@state.gov