Project Specialist I (Bilingual - French/Spanish) - Washington

Overview:

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 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.

Responsibilities:

 I.  PROJECT MANAGEMENT SUPPORT

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Qualifications:

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.