Conflict and Fragility Program Cycle Advisor - Washington, D.C., United States - Social Solutions

Description

Social Solutions International, Inc. (Social Solutions) is a Hispanic and woman-owned business emphasizing quality research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, and institutional support services. We are a mission-driven organization that believes that superior science can improve the world. Social Solutions is dedicated to the creation of social and health solutions to improve the welfare of underserved populations worldwide.

Social Solutions is a large, thriving business with a fun atmosphere that encourages creativity, new ideas, and employee health and well-being. We put our employees first and use empathetic leadership, taking a genuine interest in our employees' lives and the challenges they face in and out of the workplace. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are integral to our company culture, and we are continuously striving to enhance our DEIA efforts across our company. You will feel like a contributing member of a growing team and company that has flexibility to enhance processes and procedures quickly to improve performance and growth. We help our employees carve out a professional pathway that has mutual benefits for them and Social Solutions. Social Solutions also offers exceptional compensation and benefits, detailed below.

Program Cycle Mechanism Specialists (PCM Specialists) are members of a network providing technical support and advisory services to USAID. They work across design, strategy development, monitoring, evaluation, and the set of USAID organizational learning practices (collaborating, learning, and adapting or CLA) to ensure cohesive connections among evidence generation processes and decision-making processes.

The PCM Specialists serve in an advisory and capacity-building role for Program Cycle-related functions (e.g., strategic planning, design, monitoring, evaluation, and CLA) within USAID Missions, Offices, Bureaus, and Operating Units. They are meant to supplement rather than substitute for existing Agency capacity. PCM Specialists fill critical gaps by working collaboratively with USAID teams to develop high quality products and processes that will serve as solid examples, models and guidance for future staff, as well as build the capacity of the staff involved in the process so that they are prepared to take the lead. All PCM Specialists build capacity and provide technical assistance to USAID staff on cohesive implementation of the USAID programming operational guidance as reflected in the USAID Program Cycle.

Social Solutions International, Inc. is currently seeking a candidate to serve as a Conflict and Fragility Advisor to the Office of Strategic and Program Planning (SPP) in the Bureau for Planning, Learning and Resource Management (PLR). The Global Fragility Act (GFA) and accompanying (USPCPS) outline a new vision for the USG Interagency to promote peacebuilding and stabilization efforts in conflict affected and fragile regions. The GFA and SPCPS are connected to the 2023 USAID Policy Framework and linked to interagency policy initiatives on Women, Peace and Security, Atrocity Prevention, Democracy and Anti-corruption as well as Countering Violent Extremism.

Supporting the Office of Strategic and Program Planning objectives, the Conflict and Fragility Program Cycle Advisor will provide guidance on Program Cycle processes and USAID operational policy to the Interagency SPCPS team, while providing direct Program Cycle-related support to USAID Regional Bureaus and Missions to support country-level strategic planning, and program design. In close coordination with colleagues across PLR supporting GFA, they will also support synthesis and application of SPCPS learning from MEL efforts/other sources. In support of GFA and other conflict-affected countries, they will work across the program cycle, to integrate key operational priorities such as inclusive development, localization, and risk management into SPCPS plans as appropriate. They will support the development and use of operational tools to increase flexibility and respond to conflict, such as scenario planning, conflict sensitive design, risk management, and guidance on strategic frameworks.

As a part of the PLR/SPP Office, they will work primarily with Regional Bureaus, GFA Focal Missions, and with the USAID Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization. In addition, they will participate in Interagency lines of effort with stakeholders at the Department of State, the Department of Defense Office of the Secretary of Defense, and on occasion the National Security Council. The Conflict and Fragility Program Cycle Advisor also contributes to the Interagency Strategic Global MEL Team for SPCPS with a focus on learning and alignment with the USAID program cycle. This position is based in Washington, DC and is telework eligible for 1-2 days per week. For exceptional candidates, the possibility of remote work from a nearby timezone might be considered. There is a possibility of short-term international travel. Candidates must be eligible to work in the US and obtain a USG Secret Security Clearance.

• Represent PLR Operational Equities in the SPCPS decision-making and planning processes in the Interagency and within USAID.
• Provide expert advice and knowledge of available resources to USAID staff, Interagency collaborateurs, and key implementing partners (IPs) on Program Cycle implementation. Provide TA and other support to focal operating units (including program offices, learning advisors, and champions) and the SPCPS Interagency to align SPCPS processes with the Program Cycle as indicated; facilitate strengthened Program cycle practices in USAID and SPCPS programs, including development of strategies, learning agendas, and performance monitoring plans; and align OU efforts to do business differently in support of SPCPS.
• Participate in the Global MEL Team (GMELT) for SPCPS with the purpose of advising on how to reduce redundancy through alignment to the Program Cycle.
• Help operating units facilitate planning, designing and/or managing specific CLA strategies and activities.
• Develop and deliver written materials and briefings to familiarize staff with methods, tools, and approaches, potentially in collaboration with partners.
• Support development of systems to track, synthesize and disseminate learning, evidence, and progress in various formats to inform decision makers and non-evaluation specialist audiences.
• Develop and conduct training, workshops, facilitated learning conversations and other capacity-building opportunities around GFA and PLR needs that clarify roles, responsibilities and agency requirements.
• Contribute to regular data capture, knowledge products and learning across PCM.
• Participate in PCM communities of practice.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Experience implementing ADS 201 in a USAID Program Office setting.
• Experience working in a USAID Mission in a conflict-affected or non-permissive environment and/or with the Bureau of Humanitarian Assistance, CPS, or the Office of Transition Initiatives
• Preferred: Field experience in a GFA-participating country or region (Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, Papua New Guinea, and Coastal West Africa)
• Preferred; A mix of expertise in the areas of Conflict Sensitivity/ Do No Harm, CVE, WPS, HDP, Atrocity Prevention
• Experience leading/facilitating complex operational processes or learning events including country strategic planning, scenario planning, Portfolio Reviews, MCSTs and/or learning activities,
• Fluent English required and additional languages desired, preferably demonstrated experience working in French.
• Master's degree in a relevant sector such as Political Science, Masters of Public Administration or other.
• At least 12 years of experience in international development, foreign assistance,or other related field; Relevant education and experience in other foreign assistance agencies or implementers (including large NGOs, contractors or international organizations) will be considered
• Demonstrated flexibility and capacity to adapt to and operate in environments of uncertainty.
• Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a USG security clearance.
• International travel may be requested.

Social Solutions offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Please submit your resume online at

Social Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.