Project Management Specialist (Foreign Assistance)

The Project Management Specialist (Foreign Assistance) is engaged in strategic planning, program and activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Department of State (DOS) Assistance programs and projects. The successful candidate will ensure that U.S. Government (USG) project objectives are achieved in accordance with financial, timing, and regulatory requirements. Major duties are:

Project Management:

• Serve as the technical liaison between the Contracting Officer and contractors, Agreement Officer and grantees, and/or Activity Manager.
• Provide technical direction and guidance within the scope of managed awards.
• Oversee compliance with award terms, conditions, and applicable DOS policies and regulations.
• Maintain routine communication with alternate AOR/COR/AM to ensure continuity of oversight and support for projects.

Program Management:

• Engage in planning and strategy development, including preparing performance and reporting documents such as Country and Regional Strategies, Operational Plans, and Performance Reports.
• Contribute to program and project design to operationalize the Missions development strategies.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Monitor implementer performance to ensure it meets technical requirements and quality standards.
• Conduct site visits to gather data and verify progress toward project objectives.
• Draft, review, and update documentation for project and administrative reporting.
• Develop performance monitoring plans and oversee their implementation.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Represent the DOS to key stakeholders and manage information flows to inform decision-makers.
• Communicate DOS standards, policies, and priorities to cross-cultural audiences.

Financial Management:

• Prepare budgets and monitor the financial status of awards to ensure compliance with DOS regulations.
• Review financial reports and payment requests from award recipients.
• Ensure adherence to DOS financial management policies and procedures.

Information Management:

• Establish and maintain files to DOS standards and use mandated electronic storage applications.
• Maintain records of all monitoring, oversight, site visits, and correspondence with grantees/contractors.

Partnership Building:

• Build partnerships, facilitate communities of practice, and serve on working groups, committees, and technical review panels.

Back to top

You will be evaluated against the qualifications and requirements in this vacancy announcement.  You may be asked to complete a pre-employment language or skills test. You must complete the application form and provide the required documents. Your application must address all the position qualifications and requirements including education, experience, language, and any knowledge/skills/abilities listed. If you fail to submit a complete application, then your application may be disqualified for this position.

Experience

A minimum of five (5) years of professional work experience in foreign assistance programs with a focus on partnering with the ASEAN Economic Community, is required.  Including at least one year of relevant experience implementing USG assistance program, project, or activities.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Language

English - Fluent

Host Country Language - Good Working Knowledge

Please address this language requirement in your ERA application. 

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of program and project management processes and practices, contracting, procurement and grant practices, contract and grant administration, as well as program/project financial regulations, procedures, and practices.

• Advanced knowledge of the host country and government institutions and bureaucratic processes, policies, and regulations. This entails high-level knowledge of host government laws, policies, procedures, and institutional doctrines.

• Advanced knowledge of research and analysis techniques to successfully study complex subjects and issues related to assigned program area.

•            Good knowledge of legal and regulatory framework governing grants and project management in the host country, including local laws, regulations, and compliance requirements.

• Strong knowledge of ASEAN trade facilitation, digital economy, cybersecurity, and supply chain initiatives. Proven experience managing endorsement and implementation of foreign assistance initiatives with the ASEAN Economic Community.

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Skills and Abilities

•          Ability to interpret technical requirements, ability to recommend needed contract and project changes, ability to monitor and evaluate project execution and contractor/grantee performance, ability to review invoices, ability to inspect and accept contract and grant deliverables are required.

• Superior written and oral communication skills with the ability to work well in a bilingual environment to communicate effectively and persuasively with U.S., host government, and third-country counterparts.

• Ability to develop and maintain contacts at the senior, mid, and working levels with relevant host government institutions to successfully negotiate program and project goals and action plans.

• Proficiency in analyzing financial data, preparing budgets, and ensuring financial accountability.

• Effective users of the Microsoft Office suite, Gmail, and Google suite or other equivalent software for communication, document creation, and presentations. 

Please address this factor in your ERA application under Major Duties and Responsibilities.

Information :

• Company : American Embassy
• Position : Project Management Specialist (Foreign Assistance)
• Location : Jakarta
• Country : ID