Program Analyst III - Strategic Innovations and Grant Management

Position Title : Program Analyst III - Strategic Innovations and Grant Management

Requested by : USAID / IPI / ITR / I / DIV

Estimated Schedule : Full-time

Place of Performance : Washington DC - Ronald Reagan Building (RRB). On-site support with limited telework. Position is eligible for full-time remote work if the candidate is based in localities outside of Washington DC.

Limited International and Domestic Travel.

Additional Requirements :

Written Exam : Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a written examination as part of the interview process.

Security Clearance : Must possess the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.

Background :

This position is located with the Development Innovations Ventures (DIV) program in USAID’s Bureau for Inclusive Growth Partnerships and Innovation in the Innovation Technology and Research (ITR) Hub, which leads USAID in experimentation and innovation to transform development.

The ITR Hub takes smart risks to test new ideas and partners with others to scale impact and transform how we save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people progress beyond assistance.

Working collaboratively with the Agency and external partners, ITR's mission is two-fold :

• To produce breakthrough development innovations by sourcing, testing, and scaling proven solutions that impact millions of people.
• To transform development by opening it to people everywhere with good ideas, promoting new and deepening existing partnerships, bringing data and evidence to bear, and harnessing scientific and technological advances.

DIV is USAID’s tiered, evidence-based open innovation grantmaking program that provides risk-calibrated funding for cost-effective, scalable solutions to development challenges.

DIV’s principles-based funding approach has proven immensely successful, with its early portfolio already returning $17 in social benefit for each dollar awarded.

The Program Analyst III is a full-time position that will be a key member of the DIV team. The position is fully integrated into the DIV team and works closely with DIV staff and contacts internal and external to the Agency.

This position involves two primary roles : (1) contributing to the strategic sourcing and applicant due diligence process of DIV and (2) providing strategic advice and technical support for a portfolio of organizations that receive DIV grant awards.

The incumbent will be a major contributor to selecting and supporting DIV grant recipients.

Duties and Responsibilities :

The Program Analyst III supports various components of the DIV program, including the selection process, grant management, M&E, and internal and external engagement.

They participate in due diligence reviews and support a portfolio of grantees, including nonprofits, businesses, and academic organizations, to help maximize their success and the return on investment of the DIV portfolio.

The incumbent serves as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, resolving inquiries and coordinating with others where appropriate.

The incumbent will work with partners as part of a team under the guidance of the team lead and alongside A / CORs and Activity Managers where appropriate to build internal and external relationships and monitor and support progress toward completion of programmatic goals.

Specific duties include but are not limited to :

• Conducts initial screening of DIV proposals, providing technical feedback and guidance to applicants.
• Executes rigorous due diligence of proposals in a broad range of sectors and geographies, which may include assessing the commercial or technical viability of a product or service;
• assessing the underlying evidence, its quality, and the need for evidence generation on innovations; assessing solutions for cost-effectiveness in terms of costs per development outcome;
• reviewing business and scaling plans; assessing competitive landscapes; soliciting feedback from experts within and external to USAID and from customers;

actively engaging with applicants to shape high-potential projects; and presenting analysis and funding recommendations to the Decision Panel.

• Supports the preparation of award packages in compliance with procurement policies and best practices, including developing milestones that are appropriate to guide the proper implementation of the innovation and related research and ensure the award generates maximum social value.
• Provides strategic advice and technical support for a portfolio of organizations that receive DIV grant awards, including assistance to technical staff and recipient organizations to ensure that financial and technical reports are prepared and submitted as required.
• Keeps abreast of new developments and emerging issues among the DIV portfolio and the broader field of development economics, and formulates recommendations for Bureau actions in response to these developments.
• Liaises with other offices and teams within USAID, including USAID Missions, functional bureaus, and independent offices, to help diffuse knowledge of the DIV portfolio and funding practices while developing a working knowledge of USAID policies and guidelines.
• Leverages lessons learned from DIV and its peer funders to influence and shape how ITR, the Agency, and the sector as a whole think about generating and using evidence and leveraging innovation in global development.
• Provides guidance and assists with the preparation of various program documents and correspondence such as memos and waivers, amendments, project authorization documents, Congressional Notifications, Technical Notifications, and requests, ensuring that all documentation is complete and in compliance with USAID rules, regulations, and standards.
• Prepares budgets and financial tracking sheets as needed to support the team.
• Supports Mission and Bureau outreach and relationship management and provides technical assistance as requested or assigned.
• Collects and compiles data for use in regular and ad hoc reporting on the status of programs from various sources such as cooperating agency reports, USAID reports and documents, and technical staff, and ensures that schedules and deadlines are met.
• Researches, plans, analyzes, and organizes technical and / or statistical information and develops data for use in briefings, publications, and reports.
• Prepares program communications such as cables, memoranda, and letters that seek approval or request information relative to program matters.
• Supports the division’s internal and external communication activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualification Education and / or Experience :

• Education : Master’s Degree in business, economics, public policy, international development, regional studies, or a relevant field and 7+ years relevant professional experience required OR a PhD with 5+ years relevant professional experience (OR Bachelor’s Degree and 15+ years of relevant experience).
• Experience : At least 5 - 8 years’ professional experience, including positions working for or supporting social enterprises and / or businesses, venture capital, management consulting, grant-making, applied development economics, developing or delivering public policy, or otherwise implementing and operating international development programs;

experience implementing, supporting, or measuring programs in developing country contexts is preferred. Experience working with a variety of key stakeholders from different countries and cultural backgrounds and a demonstrated track record of building trusted relationships with partners.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate complex information in a way that can be understood by stakeholders with varying levels of technical and sectoral expertise.

Quick learner and entrepreneurial problem solver who is able to identify areas for improvement, iterate, and deliver results.

Highly organized with excellent project management skills; comfort navigating situations with varying degrees of ambiguity in an environment in which priorities may shift.

Kind, compassionate, and a strong team player able to work well in teams in both in-person, remote, and hybrid working environments.

Demonstrated commitment to improving the lives of those living in poverty in developing countries.

US citizenship is required for this role.

Strong Skill-Sets Needed :

• Listening
• Writing
• Editing
• Verbal Communication
• Teamwork
• Multitasking
• Organizing and Planning
• Data Analysis
• Project Management

Legal Disclaimers

Applicants selected may be subject to a background investigation and must meet suitability requirements for eligibility.

Vistant participates in E-Verify.

Vistant provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

Vistant is an EEO employer - M / F / Vets / Disabled

Telework / Remote Work policies are contingent upon client needs and staffing requirements and are subject to change.

Applicants with disabilities may contact the Human Capital Team via telephone, e-mail, and other means to request and arrange accommodation.

If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request accommodation at any time. Please contact the Human Capital Team at [email protected] or (301) 719-2381.

Please note : Updates on applications or the general Recruiting process should reach out to [email protected].