Program Design Support Specialist III- 536169

This position is in the Office of Assistance Coordination (AC) within the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA) in the Department of State (DOS).  NEA/AC is responsible for coordinating U.S. foreign assistance to the entire NEA region, totaling over $8 billion annually, including by providing policy direction and operating guidance to officials in Washington and at NEA posts responsible for the implementation of regional assistance programs; overseeing strategic planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation for the Bureau; and providing grants management of foreign assistance awards for the NEA Bureau and, when needed, for overseas NEA posts.  NEA/AC also has responsibility for directing, managing, and implementing the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), the Near East Regional Democracy (NERD) program, and the bilateral assistance program in Iraq.   Responsibilities:  Shall assist with project and program design, development, and oversight. Tasks shall include conducting research and analysis on policy and programmatic trends Consolidating volumes of data to draft concise briefing papers, talking points, public affairs documents Supporting outreach activities to the U.S. Congress, media and other public stakeholders; review quarterly reports and grant documents Assist in program and budget tracking Analyze quantitative and qualitative data related to projects awarded Programmatic and administrative support to NEA/AC Foreign Affairs officers in tracking and responding to implementation of US foreign policy initiatives. Requirements Will possess skills, including excellent interpersonal, writing and organizational skills; significant attention to detail and the ability to operate in a dynamic environment, as well as exemplified self-management, project oversight and strategic thinking. Will also require some hands-on, day-to-day direction to successfully complete tasks assigned. This position will require or must be able to obtain a Secret Clearance. Bachelors 2 years’ experience or 5-7 years of relevant work experience. Background knowledge of and experience working on or in the Middle East/North Africa (1-2 years) is a requirement for this position. Specialists must also have knowledge and 1-2 years’ experience in one or more of the following areas: stabilization programming, democracy, governance and rule of law programing, human rights, gender programming, economic growth and development programming, working with civil society organizations. Other Duties:  Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.