Summary
Date Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2021 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 21-199 **
2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 29, 2021**
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 10 (4:30 PM East Africa Time)
4. POSITION TITLE: Development Assistance Specialist (Government to Government)**
5. MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-PSC 11 (Step 1 4,792,523.00 KSH to Step 13 8,147,267.00 KSH per annum)**.** In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Kenya and East Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.*
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five-year contract with an initial probationary period of six (6) months. Within the five years, annual contract extensions are contingent on fully successful or better performance rating, funds availability and the continued need to retain the position.**
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work.**
8. SECURITY CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: Prior to joining USAID, the selected candidate will be required to:**
• Undergo a comprehensive background investigation
• Undergo a health check to obtain medical clearance and;
• Obtain and retain an embassy issued Security Certification.
9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: (See Below).
10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to qualified Kenyan Citizens and current employees of the U.S. Government. USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.
11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The position requirements do not involve rigorous physical demands.

II. BACKGROUND
The USAID Strategic Planning and Analysis (SPA) Office is responsible for broad program support, coordination, and IL project management functions for the combined USAID platform in Nairobi which manages two operating units (OUs)-the bilateral Kenya and the East Africa Regional OUs. SPA provides leadership and serves as principal advisor to the Mission Director on: (a) social, economic, and cross-cutting developmental issues; (b) strategic planning and programming; (c) project and activity development; (d) monitoring and evaluation and learning of the platform’s portfolio; (e) management of current year budget obligation and out-year mission-wide budget planning; and (f) program implementation of activities that fall within the platform’s ongoing Development Objectives under the $2 billion Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and $300 million East Africa Regional Cooperation Development Strategy (RDCS). In addition, this office keeps a pulse of major development trends in Kenya and the East Africa region to inform new programming needs.
The Development Assistance Specialist (Government to Government) will serve as a senior development and financial advisor to the USAID/KEA Mission Director on all aspects of Government to Government and intergovernmental programming. He/she will advise both the Mission and its partners on implementing government to government agreements (or, in the case of Regional Intergovernmental Organizations (RIGOs), intergovernmental organization agreements). The incumbent will work with a wide range of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and United States Government (USG) stakeholders, senior politicians and civil service appointees with the highest levels of the Government of Kenya (GoK), the private sector, the civil society organizations and Secretary Generals and their constituent members (Ministerial Level) of Regional Intergovernmental Organizations which represent member Host Government states throughout the East Africa region.

III. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
a. Implementation of the Kenyan and East Africa Regional Mission development strategies (45%)
The incumbent will;
● Support implementation of the Kenyan and East Africa Regional Mission development strategies with the Government of Kenya and the three strategic Regional Intergovernmental Organizations (RIGO) partners of the USG within East Africa, the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). Helping to get USAID and GOK closer to a G2G Agreements, further responsibilities will include coordinating and planning for the channeling of funds through the core budget systems of the GOK, aligning those funds in coordination with the priorities of GOK, county governments, and monitoring and evaluating the implementation of these programs to correspond to policy guidelines for Government to Government (G2G) direct assistance.
● Lead on G2G direct assistance to consistently and continually provide dialogue with the GOK, county governments, within the USG, and the with the international community regarding the opportunities to strengthen local systems using and increasing G2G direct assistance; ensure that direct assistance is successful by seeking government and counterpart synergies, mitigating risks, targeting gaps and finding solutions to those specific weaknesses/vulnerabilities; and continue to develop innovative approaches to the overall success of G2G direct assistance. The incumbent will coordinate closely and effectively with the GOK Ministers and Ministry counterparts, NGOs, international donors, USAID Senior Management, the US Embassy, and engage the private sector to maximize the quality of foreign assistance programming.
● Facilitate effective relationships between the USG, multilateral donors, and senior level counterparts within the Host Governmental and/or Inter-governmental institutions. He/she is expected to advise and assist with reshaping USG and multilateral donor assistance leading to more direct G2G assistance and to foster Kenya’s and the RIGO’s “ownership” and sustainable management of their institutions and development strategies. The Specialist will guide public financial management and technical capacity assessments are carried out upon governmental entities and will assist with broad based donor workable solutions in improving governmental and host nation capabilities.
b. Advancing National Government and Intergovernmental participation (40%)
● The Specialist will play a key role in improving USAID opportunities to advance National Government and Intergovernmental participation and “ownership” of development interventions linked to USAID agreements. In close coordination with the Program Office, Office of Financial Management (OFM), and Regional Legal Office (RLO), the incumbent actively engages each technical office to support plan and design of G2G and activity implementation mechanisms.
● Serve as the lead/ core member on the USAID/GOK G2G Team.
● Advise Technical Teams to design G2G activities, working with OFM, Program Office and the Front Office to ensure programmatic objectives are developed into appropriate G2G implementation approaches.
● In accordance with the latest USAID G2G requirements, such as Public Financial Management Risk Assessments and other necessary assessments, undertake or support various analyses and reviews required for project/activity design documents and agreements.
● Support Technical Teams to develop, draft and negotiate G2G implementing agreements, including cost-reimbursement and fixed amount reimbursement Implementation Letters, Bilateral Project Agreements and non-project assistance agreements.
● Ensure that all G2G, and Donor-to-Donor Partnership Agreements are in compliance with USAID and USG regulations, policies, and objectives, and reports to the Program Officer, RLO, and Mission Director.
● Advise the Mission Director on National and RIGO governmental developments within KEA and their impact upon the CDCS and the RDCS strategy and implementation.
● Provide outreach, effective interface, cooperation and coordination among USAID and other USG agency organizations supporting GoK and RIGO capacity advancement.
● Assist the Mission with understanding the impact of Agency policies and regulations under G2G assistance and how those policies can be applied to support technical program implementation reducing USAID risks.
● Support to the USAID Mission Controller in coordinating PFM assessments upon GoK Ministries and Institutions, developing risk mitigation strategies for GoK and RIGO institutions, and championing institutional strengthening initiatives.
● Analyze opportunities, barriers and issues to direct governmental assistance policy implementation within RIGO and GoK institutions.
● Provide support and recommendations to the Mission Director on furthering the application of governmental development assistance ideas once PFM and technical capacity assessments have been initiated.
● Liaise with the donor community and coordinate strategic discussions aimed at promoting joint donor intervention efforts in capacity enhancements of governmental and intergovernmental institutions.
• Provide advice and expertise on understanding of national and inter-governmental budget cycles and resources management processes to recommend Mission alignment of foreign assistance in furtherance of strengthened PFM systems of GoK and RIGO institutions.
• The incumbent will also ensure that local, G2G and donor partnership agreements are developed to achieve technical objectives while supporting sustainable partnership and compliance with all USAID legal and policy requirements.
• Support Technical Teams to create and strengthen local partner linkages and integrate local partners into project and/or activity designs.
• Participate on PFM Risk Assessment for Capacity Development Assessment Teams for new or existing local and G2G partners.
• Support Technical Teams to ensure that all New Partner Initiatives (NPI) services provided by USAID KEA are carefully tracked and documented.
• Collaborate with USAID KEA Development Outreach Coordinator to identify and disseminate G2G and NPI success stories of USAID's successful activities in advancing local capacity development in Kenya.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing, continuous learning, and the development of a community of practice among Mission staff by organizing and facilitating mission-level training on G2G and local capacity development and facilitate networking and information sharing for G2G and NPI best practices.
• Serve as the subject-matter expert on USAID's G2G and NPI policy, tools, lessons learned, and other resources.
• Participate in G2G and local capacity development donor partner meetings and identify potential collaborative efforts between donors and USAID.
c. Government program implementation (15%)
• The Specialist will be expected to spend a considerable time working with selected ministries, parastatals, and local government headquarters, or RIGO Institutions to provide advice, make recommendations for capacity improvement strategies, and counsel governmental or intergovernmental senior leaders on options for implementation of risk mitigation measures.
• The incumbent may be called upon to provide advice and counsel Ministers, Cabinet Secretaries, Governors, Executive Secretaries, Secretary Generals, Auditors General, and/or other high level cabinet executives.

IV. POSITION ELEMENTS
• Supervision Received: The Specialist works under the direct supervision of the Program & Implementation Letter (IL) Management Team Lead who makes assignments orally and in writing. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work, but the Specialist is required to determine those that must be coordinated with the supervisor. The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected. The Specialist seeks advice and assistance as required. Work is reviewed in terms of results achieved.
• Supervision Exercised: The Specialist has no supervisory responsibilities.**
• Available Guidelines: Program and operation guidance includes USAID Mission Orders, bilateral and regional strategies, and other relevant reports; the Automated Directives System (ADS); and, USAID Mandatory and Standard Provisions, the FAR and AIDAR, and other published and unpublished guidelines. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation.**
• Exercise of Judgment: The Specialist exercises initiative, resourcefulness, and well-considered and mature judgment, based on analysis of facts and variables, possible alternatives, and potential political and development implications/impact. The Specialist routinely exercises sound judgment in establishing priorities, identifying problem solutions, and taking prompt action – often in critical situations. Mission staff rely heavily on the professionalism, accuracy, judgment, and initiative of the Specialist. The Specialist exercises creative thinking and resourcefulness in dealing with problems or matters for which there is little or no precedent, while considering the impact of decisions and actions broadly on Mission programs/projects/activities.**
• Authority to Make Commitments: The Specialist exercises the authority delegated by the Office Director and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The Specialist takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status. The Specialist does not have the authority to commit the USG to the expenditure of funds, but within the scope of the authority delegated, they may indicate to other Mission staff, ranking counterpart, and implementing partner officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity issue or problem. The Specialist may negotiate ad referendum for the immediate supervisor.
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The Specialist will have a full range of contacts within the Mission, at all levels, including senior Mission management and the Front Office. Within USAID/Washington contacts are primarily with the bilateral and East Africa Regional Desk Officers, and program cycle technical experts within the Bureau of Policy, Planning, and Learning and the Africa Bureau, and Global Development Lab. Within the Embassy, contacts are with a variety of Office staff, and on occasion with the DCM and Ambassador, as needed. External governmental contacts vary widely with the activity involved but will include direct engagement with Government of Kenya Ministry Principal Secretaries and their technical staff, county government officials, and Secretary General/Deputy Secretary General and Director General-level officials within the East African regional intergovernmental organizations. The Specialist has frequent contact with other members of the international community, local NGOs, and other donors cooperating in the region. The level of contact may vary from high-ranking officials representing other governments, to Resident Representatives/Chiefs of Party, and implementing partners. The Specialist is expected to effectively advocate for USAID and USG positions on issues affecting USG assistance in the region. In addition, the Specialist ensures timely, efficient, and effective program/project/activity reporting and implementation.**
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year (12 Months).**

V. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
a. Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Political Science, Economics, Law Finance, International Relations/Development, Sociology or a related field is required.
b. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in Government-to-Government relations, program planning, financial and policy analysis, management, economics, and analysis or closely related work is required. Work experience in development program and/or project implementation in development-related work for International Development Organizations, Non-Governmental or Governmental Organizations, Donor Agencies, Embassies, or private-sector institutions is required. This experience must include planning and management, program/project/activity design, performance monitoring, and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data.

c. Post Entry Training:
Rapid familiarization with a wide range of Agency policies, procedures and regulations is expected, and training in USAID-specific procedures, regulations, and methods will be provided, subject to course offerings and availability of funds, specifically through the following courses: Introduction to the Program Cycle (IPC), Project Design (PD), PDT Essentials, Advanced Project Design, Better Development Planning through Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA), Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer Representative (COR/AOR).

d. Language Proficiency:
Level IV English and Kiswahili are required. Ability to prepare, write and present reports in English to leadership and other key stakeholders is required for this position.

e. Job Knowledge:
The work requires substantial knowledge and understanding of development program/project/activity management principles, practices, and reporting, and a solid understanding of USAID programming and management policies and techniques that include co-creation of designs and strategies, CLA, and Government-to-Government programming. The Specialist must have professional-level knowledge of modern development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to program management. A thorough knowledge of both Kenyan and regional intergovernmental organizations, East Africa’s varied legal and regulatory environments, policy directions, objectives, and priorities relating to development; and a sound understanding of Kenyan and regional political, economic, social, and cultural characteristics and developments is required. In addition, the Specialist must have, or be able to quickly gain, a good knowledge of USAID policies and regulations, procedures and methodologies, and documentation and reporting requirements, and a good understanding of the administrative procedures and operations of major donors and non-governmental organizations.

f. Skills and Abilities:
Due to frequent interaction with external stakeholders in high stakes environments, the jobholder must be able to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions and communicate effectively to ensure positive working relationships are maintained. The work requires outstanding organizational skills, including knowledge management, and the ability to multi-task, handle stressful situations, and meet firm deadlines, and the ability to convene and convince colleagues and counterparts to make specific actions and activities a priority. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills are required; and the ability to explain the wide array of applicable rules, regulations, and policies governing assigned activities, clearly and concisely verbally and in written form, to other USG staff, and key regional and bilateral governmental counterparts is necessary. The ability to establish and maintain productive and professional relationships with relevant senior-level officials and institutions, key private-sector and development organizations, senior USAID, Embassy, USAID/Washington, and Department of State officials is critical, as is the ability to command respect and engender cooperation among peers, superiors, external counterparts, and subordinates. The work requires outstanding written and spoken English, and the ability to communicate clearly through frequent verbal reports and presentations. The Specialist must be able to perform planning and analytical work; analyze records and determine the need for various types of actions; record and reconcile conflicting views; and, to relate the purpose and objectives of programs/projects/activities to their investments and requirements.

VI. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
Applicants must submit a resume/cv which describes how their relevant professional experience and education has prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above. As part of the interview process, those applicants ranked highest may be required to submit a timed writing sample on a topic provided. The selection committee may conduct reference checks at any time during the selection process.
Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored.
• Prior work experience (35 points)
• Language (20 points)
• Job Knowledge (25 points)
• Skills and abilities (20 points)
Total possible points: 100

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. References will be asked to assess the applicant’s technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants. The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 60

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Job application procedure
Step 1: Register in MyJobsInKenya at www.myjobsinkenya.com
Step 2: Qualified Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages), a copy of your most recent Performance Evaluation Report, and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents as one attachment and upload to MyJobsInKenya.

OR
External Applicants/Not Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages) and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents as one attachment and upload to MyJobsInKenya.

Note to Applicants:
• Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through myjobsinkenya.com as stated in Section IV.
• Submissions will only be accepted through www.myjobsinkenya.com. Late and Incomplete applications (those that do not contain the applicant’s most current and up to date detailed CV and relevant education certificates) will not be considered for the position. The closing date for receipt of applications is indicated above.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any form of canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.**
• USAID provides equal opportunity and equitable treatment for employment of all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status or sexual orientation.
USAID DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING) AND DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.
**

All Jobs

QUICK ALERT SUBSCRIPTION