Special Assistant (USAID Institutional Support)

XL Associates, Inc. (XLA) has provided institutional support services to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for over twenty years.  XLA is currently seeking candidates to support the USAID Bureau for Resilience and Food Security (RFS) as a Special Assistant to the RFS Assistant to the Administrator (AtA).  The primary work location be the Ronald Reagan Building in downtown Washington, DC on a full-time basis.

Description of Key Duties:

Full time scheduling and all-around support for the Assistant to the Administrator, (AtA) including:

• Tracking and preparation of briefing materials/briefing books. Create comprehensive information packets and briefing books as well as develop PowerPoint presentations.
• Complete a broad variety of administrative tasks for the AtA, managing and maintaining an active calendar of appointments, updating schedules and contacts, maintaining team files, tracking and following up on requests for document review, as well as attending meetings, taking notes and ensuring timely follow up.
• Periodic travel with the AtA for support to overseas temporary duty assignments.
• Support to social media (Twitter/LinkedIn) for the AtA, with cross-team engagement with the Communications Team and others within the Bureau.
• Work with the AtA to develop strategic travel schedules, schedule trip calls, define briefing needs and trip deliverables, and support overall travel planning (completing paperwork and visa applications, organizing flights and accommodations, managing travel schedules, preparing expense reports, and other activities).
• Establish appointment priorities and reschedule meetings if needed.
• Provide oversight of documents and requests intended for the AtA.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher;
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in a similar role supporting a senior executive or someone in a leadership position;
• Previous experience working in direct support of a USAID office or operating unit preferred;
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple tasks in fast-paced, dynamic environment;
• Ability to be discreet, discern ambiguity, and not afraid to ask questions/clarifications;
• Flexible and able to adjust course on short notice and with little guidance;
• Self-starter who takes initiative and is able to work both independently and as a member of a team;
• Strong oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills including the ability to prepare briefing materials, design informational products and social media posts;
• Experience building positive relationships across an organization and/or with external stakeholders
• Optimistic, proactive, and pragmatic approach to work and the ability to anticipate needs;
• Detail-oriented and dedicated to producing quality work products;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, experience with Google Drive would be a plus;
• Ability to obtain a USAID facility access clearance.

#ZR