Sr. Program Specialist III (Budget Execution)

XL Associates, Inc. (XLA) has provided institutional support services to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for over twenty years.  XLA is now seeking a Sr. Program Specialist III Budget Execution to support the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS) under a contract that was recently awarded. Through REFS, USAID works to advance inclusive agriculture‐led growth, resilience, nutrition, and water security, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in priority countries around the world to help them accelerate and protect development progress. 

The Sr. Program Specialist will provide programmatic, administrative, and operational support for the day‐to‐day design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation and learning of REFS-related programs and activities. The Program Specialist will provide all functions needed to support Office, Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives.

The Sr. Program Specialist will support day-to-day functions of the Technical Supervisor to which they are assigned for day-to-day work assignments. Daily activities will include aspects of program assistance and coordination, knowledge management, communications and outreach, budget formulation and monitoring, policy analysis, gender analysis, and program management.

This position is located in the Bureau for Resilience, Environment and Food Security’s (REFS) Program Office (PO). The PO oversees programmatic operations for REFS. The Office works across the Bureau to manage systems for efficient strategic planning, program implementation, and project and activity design advice for activities and projects, including facilitating all stages of the procurement process. The Office oversees the formulation, allocation, and execution of REFS’s program budget, including compliance with Congressional directives and required reporting and notification.

The incumbent performs analytical, technical, and administrative duties in one or more phases of the budget process, e.g., budget formulation and justification, presentation and enactment, or execution. The incumbent performs a wide range of these services which may include some or all of the following duties or other duties unique to the particular organization to which the incumbent is assigned.

Budget Preparation and Planning

• Prepares and formulates a consolidated budget for major agency programs on both a long- and short-term basis.
• Prepares and edits justification materials for funding needs.
• Conducts studies, research, or other assignments related to resolution of budget program issues and activities.
• Researches, extracts, and assembles data and information.
• Develops recommendations and conclusions for controversial financial issues and problems.

Budget Analysis

• Analyzes a variety of historical data and compares to current spending information and trends for major agency programs.
• Reviews and analyzes budget-related issues that require the application of new or significantly modified criteria or standards to resolve, such as new legislation that impacts program plans and funding, or conflicting program and budgetary requirements (e.g., reduction in budget authority coupled with expansion of program services).
• Resolves complex problems of prediction and forecasting which result from uncertainties or changes in the operating programs.
• Determines the propriety of systems and methods used by operating officials in developing estimates for funding requirements.
• Analyzes short and long-range budget forecasts and plans to fund the implementation of substantive agency programs and projects.
• Establishes financial and budgetary goals, timetables, milestones, and other criteria against which the relative costs and benefits of program achievements can be measured.
• Assesses cost-effectiveness in meeting program goals.
• Prepares reports of analysis, making recommendations for remedial action.
• Provides analysis and advice on financial matters to program officials, managers, and resource administrators.
• Analyzes, evaluates, recommends, and revises annual and supplemental budget requests.

 Budget Reporting

• Verifies and monitors integrated operating program data in various financial systems and consolidates the data for an overview of the financial status of major programs and operations.
• Evaluates data relationships between major operating program changes and the financial state of an assigned organization, taking action to ensure adequate funds for program coverage.
• Enters and adjusts data into a wide variety of reports, forms, schedules, and automated financial systems.

Journeyman (Level III):

• In most cases this would be considered a ladder position for Program Specialist II
• Same qualifications as above, plus one year of successful experience at the Program Specialist Level II OR
• An MA/MS and a minimum of three years of experience or a BA/BS and a minimum of 5 years’ experience. An Associate’s and 9 years’ experience or a high school diploma and an 11 years’ work experience can be substituted for a BA/BS.
• Ability to obtain a USAID facility access (Public Trust) or SECRET clearance
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills to effectively interact with government clients, high-ranking officials, and other stakeholders
• Strong prioritization and organization skills with keen attention to deadlines
• Excellent anticipatory skills and proactive approach to work
• Positive and professional attitude and demeanor
• Detail-oriented and interested in producing quality work products
• Proficiency in Google Suite of products
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of products including excel, word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with USAID, USG or other related organizations is a plus