Project Specialist I (Bilingual - French/Spanish) - ACDI/VOCA

Since 1963 and in 148 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that designs and delivers technical and management solutions in agriculture, economic growth, and resilience to promote economic prosperity and social inclusion. Beyond our competitive compensation, full array of insurances, generous 401(k) plan, parental leave, commuter subsidy, career development, we also offer a vibrant, friendly, diverse, inclusive, passionate, and inspiring work environment.

ACDI/VOCA has been named a Top Workplace in 2024 by the Washington Post! In just our first year vying for the award, ACDI/VOCA ranked 7^th out of the 100 companies named to the list in the mid-size category (150-499 employees).

The Project Specialist I (PS I) is responsible for providing primary support to ACDI/VOCA projects, new business proposals, and technical/subject matter initiatives. The PS I demonstrates proficiency in ACDI/VOCA systems and procedures, understands donor regulations, and performs tasks with autonomy and good judgement. The PS I provides day-to-day guidance and serves as coach to junior staff.

• Master’s degree required in international development, agriculture, finance, economics or a related field preferred. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of advanced degree.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience in international development required, including one year of administrative experience; USAID/USDA experience strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English required. Professional proficiency in French or Spanish required.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally required; may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 based on country requirements.
• Must be authorized to work in the US without requiring company sponsorship.

The salary range for this position is $46,255 to $60,072;  candidate's relevant experience and skills, as well as our internal equity, will be considered before an offer is extended. This role is a hybrid position based in Washington, D.C., with a requirement for 2-3 days of in-office work.

I. PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

Project Operations

• Assist with personnel recruitment and hiring.
• Develop and format scopes of work for consultants and volunteers, search consultant databases and screen CVs.
• Process requests for Letters of Assignment, support field staff mobilization and repatriation.
• Make travel arrangements.
• Review and process expense reports.
• Update the volunteer tracking system, if applicable.
• Assist HR in the creation and updating of country employee manuals, as requested.
• Collect approval signatures necessary for authentication, notary, power of attorney, etc.
• Provide project start-up and closeout support, draft start-up and closeout plans and trackers under guidance.
• Collaborate with other departments and timely respond to requests for information.
• Maintain the project’s SharePoint sites and document libraries.

Project Financial Management

• Develop and maintain the project’s budget tracker.
• Assist the Project Director (PD) with preparation of budget projections.
• Assist the PD with financial information gathering and reporting, including budget performance, burn rates, obligations, cost share, etc.
• Process monthly advance requests and financial reports, review for accuracy, completeness and compliance with contractual and programmatic requirements.
• Process and review payment requests for accuracy, completeness and compliance.
• Track subcontractor invoices, payments, obligations and other financial information.

Procurement, Grants and Contracts

• Support the procurement of goods and services, subcontract and grant management.
• Prepare and review all pertinent documents for completeness and accuracy, ensure that the documentation is in-compliance with the organizational policies and procedures, award document and donor regulations.
• Draft approval requests to the donor under guidance from the PD and/or COP.
• Maintain the project approvals tracker.

Work Plan, Reporting and Technical Deliverables

• Work with the PD and the field team to ensure the project’s compliance with deliverable requirements and schedules.
• Edit project monthly, quarterly and annual reports and other deliverables.
• Contribute to the development of communications products and success stories.
• Update project profiles and contribute content to AV’s information sharing platforms.
  
  

II. NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT

• Assist with pre-positioning and reconnaissance efforts, including research of technical and financial information; participate in reconnaissance trips as appropriate.
• Assist with reconnaissance trip logistics.
• Serve as proposal coordinator, pricer, or in other proposal roles.
• Draft resumes and proposal sections, such as corporate capabilities, management, personnel, and past performance.
• Under guidance, draft or/and contribute to Expressions of Interest, Concept Papers and other technical proposal sections.

III. TECHNICAL/SUBJECT MATTER SUPPORT

• Contribute to technical/subject matter initiatives including research, tool developments, or short-term assignments.
• Participate in technical/subject matter task forces, working groups or communities of practice.
• Under guidance, provide support to the project’s implementation of the gender strategy, M&E plan and environmental compliance strategy.

IV. TEAMWORK AND LEADERSHIP

• Provide guidance and coaching to junior staff on day-to-day project support tasks and functions.
• Facilitate meetings and group discussions.
• Facilitate collaboration between HQ and field staff, internal departments and external partners.
• Provide consistent and clear guidance and policy updates to field teams.
• Provide surge coverage for other Project Coordinators and Project Assistants during absences or in times of excessive demands.
• Ability to host or attend in-person meetings when required.
• Support and enhance the company's culture of diversity, equity and inclusion and align with our corporate values by treating others with respect and congeniality.
• Other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Master’s degree required in international development, agriculture, finance, economics or a related field preferred. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of advanced degree.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant work experience in international development required, including one year of administrative experience; USAID/USDA experience strongly preferred.
• Fluency in English required. Professional proficiency in French or Spanish required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally required; may be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 based on country requirements.
• Experience living in a developing country preferred.
• Proven ability to work successfully as part of a team, as well as independently.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, versatility and integrity.
• Flexibility to work in office based on work demands.
• Must be available during core business hours and/or operating hours for international time differences; flexibility to work more hours when needed.
• Must adhere to our company's Health Safety Code of Conduct and demonstrate the organization's commitment to sustaining a healthy and safe work environment.