Jefferson Consulting Group Washington , DC 20319
Posted 2 months ago
REFS Office of Acquisition and Assistance
Contract Specialist
Background and Introduction:
Jefferson Solutions was awarded a five-year contract to provide technical, administrative, and programmatic support to the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS). REFS coordinates across USAID Missions, Bureaus, and independent offices to advance inclusive agriculture-led growth, resilience, nutrition, environmental sustainability, infrastructure and energy, and water security, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in priority countries around the world to help accelerate and protect development progress. The Bureau's overarching goal is to strengthen USG's global leadership for achieving inclusive agriculture-led growth, resilience, nutrition, environment, and water security, sanitation, and hygiene.
The Contract Specialist will provide support to the Office of Acquisition and Assistance team within REFS, providing all required support to perform the full range of procurement activities for acquisition and agreement awards. This position remote eligible with option to utilize office space as required.
Position Summary:
The Contract Specialist will provide day-to-day support in the full life-cycle of USAID/REFS procurements. Daily activities will include aspects of research and analysis, coordination, budget assessment, planning and program management.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Support
Perform a full range of complex procurement activities
Provide procurement advice to the technical Offices on all acquisition matters, ensuring actions are executed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, accounting standards, pricing practices, and current business methods
Negotiate procurement of products and services under a variety of potential assistance and contract mechanisms
Manage procurement planning activities such as preparing and maintaining current acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules
Participate in strategy and planning phases, evaluation of offers, negotiations, contract award, and contract administration
Conduct market research to determine procurement strategies
Assistance, Coordination, and Management
Serves as key liaison with other Offices and Centers to gather information and collaborate with others in the Bureau, Agency, and interagency as needed
Develop and maintain trackers for use throughout the Office/Center
Provide program management support according to the needs of the Office/Center
Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings at least one day prior
Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items
Knowledge Management
Generate and maintain documents and spreadsheets using the Google Suite of tools
Save documents and maintain file structures using USAID portals
Develop and maintain internal trackers including for logistics and milestone tracking
Track and follow clearances for Bureau documentation and ensure that formal documentation is of high quality
Maintain awareness of and follow Agency and Federal guidelines for file retention
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience
In lieu of a bachelor's degree, a candidate may substitute years of experience: an Associate's degree plus a minimum of 10 years' relevant experience or a Diploma and 12 years' relevant experience
Ability to obtain a USAID facility access clearance
Demonstrated experience supporting offices of acquisition and procurement in support of federal agencies with expertise in the FAR
Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills to effectively interact with government clients, high-ranking officials, and other stakeholders
Strong prioritization and organization skills with keen attention to deadlines
Excellent anticipatory skills, customer service and a proactive approach to work
Positive and professional attitude and demeanor
Detail-oriented and interested in producing quality work products
Proficiency in Google Suite of products
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of products including excel, word, and PowerPoint
Experience with USAID, USG or other related organizations is a plus
Jefferson Consulting Group