Job Listings

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 an Administrative Assistant for the office of Policy, Analysis, and Engagement 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 Administrative Assistant will provide administrative support to both direct hires (DHs) and non‐direct hires (NDHs) USAID staff for the day‐to‐day routine functions needed to support the Office of Policy, Analysis, and Engagement’s leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives.   This specific Administrative Assistant position will support the day-to-day functions of the Feed the Future Office of Policy, Analysis, and Engagement (PAE). Reporting to the PAE Office Director, activities will include assessing administrative needs, information gathering and management, and providing administrative support in the planning, implementation, and evaluation/oversight of activities related to REFS programs. This is a full-time position to support USAID’s Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS) Feed the Future Office of Policy, Analysis, and Engagement. PAE coordinates across REFS, the U.S. Government interagency, and external partners to set and adjust strategic and policy priorities, generate evidence, and disseminate learning. The Office leads the Bureau’s efforts to mobilize diverse partners to engage in a shared agenda on resilience, environment, and food security. The Office provides thought-leadership on moving governments, civil society, and the private sector in USAID’s partner countries to self-reliance through investments in food security, resilience, agriculture, nutrition, water, energy, environment, and climate initiatives. This position provides administrative support to the Director of three divisions, made up of approximately forty members. The primary responsibility includes administrative and secretarial functions, travel arrangements, program coordination and information management. In this position, the Administrative Assistant will provide day-to-day support on tasks such as meeting scheduling and preparation, travel processing, and time management.  Other duties may include tracking clearances and requests for information, knowledge management, and process improvement.   General Administrative Support: - Support ordering of office supplies, anticipating needs and obtaining Office Director’s approval and always following guidelines of inherently governmental function - Perform official timekeeper duties in the WebTA system including ensuring all entries are entered correctly - Provide administrative support for personal services contracting actions, including interview scheduling, candidate escorting, security clearance processing, medical clearance processing, and onboarding procedures Knowledge Management: - Generate and maintain documents and spreadsheets using the Google Suite of tools - Provide reference service to files and prepare/review annual file plans and submit to the Records Liaison Officer - Maintain awareness of and follow Agency and Federal guidelines for file retention - Save documents and maintain file structures using USAID portals - Track, follow, and maintain internal trackers including for clearances, taskers, requests for information, etc. - Maintain email lists, and PAE member contact lists for Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) and emergency situations; stay up-to-date on Agency administrative notices and advise officers on current requirements Calendar and Meeting Management: - Update and maintain calendars to avoid conflicts and according to priorities - Maintain awareness of routine office meetings such as staff meetings, board meetings, etc. In order to avoid disruption in daily management of office administration - Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings at least one day prior - Liaise with CIO for IT needs to address or respond to technical issues if they arise - Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items - Support PAE meetings and trainings, including assisting in planning, arranging for appropriate rooms and presentation equipment, setting up, making sufficient copies of materials, escorting visitors, and keeping the room tidy following meetings Travel Processing: - Process travel requests on receipt of itineraries, including reservations, ticketing, and managing and processing visa and passport requirements - Obtain country clearances via email/cable as appropriate three days prior to departure date - Process travel vouchers and expense report processing including properly documenting travel in Agency’s electronic systems (i.e. E2i Solutions) - Maintain travel databases and track travel budgets; coordinate airline and hotel reservations Correspondence: - Track executive correspondence and work with the USAID point-of-contact to ensure responses are transmitted in a timely fashion and properly formatted - Review Office correspondence for proper formatting as prescribed in official agency guidance - Produce documents requiring minimal edits prior to clearance and dissemination from Office - Ensure documents are correctly formatted according to approved templates - Distribute incoming mail and prepare mailings for Officers

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 an Administrative Assistant 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 Administrative Assistant will provide administrative support to both direct hires (DHs) and non‐direct hires (NDHs) USAID staff for the day‐to‐day routine functions needed to support Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives.   The Administrative Assistant will work with the USAID point-of-contact to whom they are assigned for day-to-day work assignments. Activities include assessing administrative needs, information gathering and management, and providing administrative support in the planning, implementation, and evaluation/oversight of activities related to REFS programs.   The Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS) is responsible for worldwide leadership and integrated technical expertise of the programming of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in agriculture-led growth and environmental sustainability. The Bureau’s expertise encompasses resilience; environment; food security; nutrition; water security, sanitation, and hygiene; climate; infrastructure; and energy, with the goals of reducing poverty; increasing resilience and sustainability; and enhancing U.S. national security and economic prosperity. REFS leads the Agency’s efforts to help governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities in our partner countries break the cycle of crisis caused by climate change, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity, leading to chronic vulnerability, poverty, and hunger.   The incumbent will provide administrative support to ensure efficient operation of the offices of Communications and Outreach; Adaptation; and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility.   General Administrative Support: - Support ordering of office supplies, anticipating needs and obtaining Office Director’s approval and always following guidelines of inherently governmental function - Support preparation of routine reports, e.g. weekly reports, calendars of events, lists of publications, etc. - Perform official timekeeper duties in the WebTA system including ensuring all entries are entered correctly - Provide administrative support for personal services contracting actions, including interview scheduling, candidate escorting, security clearance processing, medical clearance processing, and onboarding procedures Knowledge Management: - Generate and maintain documents and spreadsheets using the Google Suite of tools - Provide reference service to files and prepare/review annual file plans and submit to the Records Liaison Officer - Save documents and maintain file structures using USAID portals - Develop and maintain internal trackers including for logistics and milestone tracking - Track and follow clearances for Bureau documentation of high quality - Maintain awareness of and follow Agency and Federal guidelines for file retention - Maintain email lists, monitor office websites, and request webmaster to repair broken links or update factual information as necessary - Maintain Office member contact lists for Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) and emergency situations; stay up-to-date on Agency administrative notices and advise officers on current requirements - Support budget development and assist with FO contract resolutions. Calendar and Meeting Management: - Update and maintain calendars to avoid conflicts and according to priorities - Maintain awareness of routine office meetings such as staff meetings, board meetings, etc. In order to avoid disruption in daily management of office administration - Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings at least one day prior - Liaise with CIO for IT needs to address or respond to technical issues if they arise - Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items - Support Officers at meetings and trainings, including assisting in planning, arranging for appropriate rooms and presentation equipment, setting up, making sufficient copies of materials, escorting visitors, and keeping the room tidy following meetings Travel Processing: - Process travel requests on receipt of itineraries, including reservations, ticketing, and managing and processing visa and passport requirements - Obtain country clearances via email/cable as appropriate three days prior to departure date - Process travel vouchers and expense report processing including properly documenting travel in Agency’s electronic systems (i.e. E2i Solutions, FS-Trans) - Maintain travel databases and track travel budgets; coordinate airline and hotel reservations Correspondence: - Track executive correspondence and work with the USAID point-of-contact to ensure responses are transmitted in a timely fashion and properly formatted - Review Office correspondence for proper formatting as prescribed in official agency guidance - Produce documents requiring minimal edits prior to clearance and dissemination from Office - Ensure documents are correctly formatted according to approved templates - Distribute incoming mail and prepare mailings for Officers

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.

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 Senior Administrative Assitant 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 Senior Administrative Assistant manages the overall workflow and coordination of the Front Office and designated senior staff, and is expected to exercise wide latitude of discretion regarding workflow, priorities, and methods in addition to an in-depth knowledge of the senior staff’s style, methods of operation, relationships, and authorities. The position requires the use of considerable judgment and independent action and may include the delegation of work to others. Work requires a high level of discretion.   The Senior Administrative Assistant will provide support to the principals to which they are assigned for day-to-day work assignments. Activities include assessing operational needs, information gathering and management, travel support and coordination, and providing substantive support in the planning, implementation, and evaluation/oversight of activities related to REFS programs.   This position will be in the Office of the Assistant Administrator (Front Office) within the REFS bureau. The Front Office provides senior-level strategic guidance on resilience; environment; food security; nutrition; water security, sanitation, and hygiene; climate; infrastructure; and energy to the Deputy Administrator for Policy and Planning and the Administrator of USAID, as well as to federal departments and agencies. The office provides strategic, policy, and technical support to the presidentially appointed Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD).   The leadership of this office is comprised of the Assistant to the Administrator (AtA) and four Deputy Assistant Administrators (DAAs). This position will be directly supporting this leadership team. This position is based in Washington, D.C. with limited travel anticipated.   Key Responsibilities: Operations and Administration - Serves as an important resource to perform work of broad scope and complexity under the direction of the principals. - Systematically coordinates, tracks, and completes office workflow to maintain an efficient operating environment. - Develops and maintains accurate records and file management systems. - Ensure conference room virtual meetings are set up in advance as needed. - Makes appointments, travel arrangements, and itineraries; assembles or ensures that packets of information or briefing materials are prepared and oversees development of accurate expense statements. - Exercises a wide degree of creativity and latitude in developing and coordinating projects on behalf of the principal. - Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish project goals utilizing strong organizational skills. - Participates in high level meetings and travels as needed. - Support principals in managing payroll systems such as WebTA.  Internal and External Communications - Streamlines interactions with internal and external stakeholders on behalf of the principal. - Uses a high level of discretion to manage calendars and controls access to the principals, determining the importance of the issues for each meeting and following protocol procedures for contacting parties based on the preferences of the individual principal. - Establish appointment priorities and reschedule meetings if needed. - Monitors email for action items and gleans items from staff meetings and weekly reports that require action; creates a system to generate reminders of completion deadlines. Travel Processing: - Process travel requests on receipt of itineraries, including reservations, ticketing, and managing and processing visa and passport requirements. - Obtain country clearances via email/cable as appropriate three days prior to departure date. - Process travel vouchers and expense report processing including properly documenting travel in Agency’s electronic systems (i.e. E2i Solutions, FS-Trans). - Maintain travel databases and track travel budgets; coordinate airline and hotel reservations. Correspondence: - Track executive correspondence and work with the USAID point-of-contact to ensure responses are transmitted in a timely fashion and properly formatted. - Review Office correspondence for proper formatting as prescribed in official agency guidance. - Produce documents requiring minimal edits prior to clearance and dissemination from Office. - Ensure documents are correctly formatted according to approved templates. - Distribute incoming mail and prepare mailings for Officers. - Occasionally take notes as requested in meetings.

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 candidates to fill the Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist 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 Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist will conduct robust research, analysis, and technical engagement in support of their Office or Center objectives. They will conduct monitoring, evaluation and learning of REFS-related programs and activities, may collect and analyze data and develop decision support software, service, or products. The MEL Specialist will provide all functions needed to support Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives.   The Senior MEL Specialist will support functions of the Technical Supervisor to which they are assigned and carry out on-going and day-to-day work assignments. Daily activities will include aspects of program performance monitoring, evaluation and assessment, knowledge management, communications and outreach, resilience and adaptation-related strategy and policy analyses, and program management.   The REFS Center for Resilience (CR) supports USAID’s response to emerging threats, helps reduce recurrent crises by promoting risk management and resilience in the Agency’s strategies and programming, and disseminates learning. The Center is responsible for ensuring the incorporation of resilience into Agency-level policies, strategies, and programs, and leads on the climate adaptation directive. The Center curates evidence and learning products for resilience, and coordinates with REFS/FTF-PAE on performance management, analytics, and learning. The Center houses the Secretariat for the Resilience Leadership Council. The Center has a Strategy and Learning Team and two divisions: - The Strategy and Learning Team takes the lead in generating, capturing, and sharing information about USAID’s resilience-related work in the field. The team promotes resilience as a goal for the Agency, in coordination with internal and external stakeholders. - The Division for Resilient Livelihoods and Markets (REFS/CR/RLM) supports the design and implementation of resilient investments and develops and promotes the latest advances in the design of strategies, programs, projects, and activities. - The Division for Resilient Communities and Systems (REFS/CR/RCS) provides technical and thought leadership to the Bureau and the Agency on areas related to the intersection of resilience with other technical domains, including the management of natural resources and the risk of disasters, social protection, and climate adaptation. The division develops and disseminates technical guidance. It provides technical support to USAID’s Missions and support and thought leadership to advance the President’s Emergency Plan for Adaptation and Resilience (PREPARE). This position will be a member of the REFS/CR Strategy and Learning team leading CR monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) workstreams in the areas of resilience and climate adaptation; providing high quality technical support to USAID Bureaus and Missions on best practices for MEL; and, advising CR senior management on resilience and climate adaptation evidence gaps. The position will be expected to collaborate and work closely with other REFs Bureau staff focused on resilience and climate-related metrics and analytics. The position will report to the Senior Strategy and Impact Advisor and also work closely with REFS staff outside the Center who are focused on resilience and climate-related metrics and analytics. International travel will be required. Key Responsibilities: Research and Analysis - Contribute to the collection, aggregation, synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of data - Contribute to or conduct quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods analyses and assess reporting data - Review research, surveys, and or evaluation reports and make recommendations to improve quality - Conduct review and analysis of data in the Development Information Solution (DIS) system   Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Assessment - Lead and/or contribute to the design and review of monitoring and evaluation studies and plans including Performance Management Plans (PMPs) and Activity MEL Plans (AMELPs) - Lead and/or contribute to the review, evaluation, and assessment of programs designed by USAID Missions, implementing partners, contractors, and research partners as appropriate - Lead the design and/or management of activity evaluations to determine impact and value and to improve strategy or performance - Develop tools and other materials on evaluation and performance monitoring topics, based on review and analysis of evaluations, best practices and literature   Presentation of Findings and Recommendations - Lead the synthesis of evaluations and monitoring results and their presentation through written summaries, oral presentations, and other means - Lead the preparation and presentation of evaluation findings, reports, and articles for appropriate audiences. Present findings and recommendations to USAID and external audiences - Assist in identifying and locating appropriate data, stories and reports as needed to respond to internal and external requests; - Manage the use of evaluations and monitoring data   Technical Assistance - Remain up-to-date on Bureau, Agency, and Federal policies affecting REFS programs and MEL activities - Provide technical assistance for assessing, measuring, and/or evaluating resilience and climate adaptation programs, processes and/or policies to USAID Missions and Bureaus, as needed - Provide technical and programmatic guidance to REFS and Mission staff to guide MEL activities for resilience and climate adaptation programming - Support development and management of data collection and aggregation systems - Build capacity of staff at USAID headquarters and Missions in areas of resilience and climate adaptation MEL - Contribute ideas and participate in actions to effectively visualize, communicate, and disseminate MEL of resilience measurement data for a variety of stakeholders, including external audiences as part of the Center’s learning agenda and communications strategy.   Collaboration, Communication, and Administration - Collaborate with staff and contribute to efforts to support Mission program, project, and activity monitoring - Lead and/or contribute to evaluation projects/studies with other program and technical staff - In coordination with other operating unit and bureau staff as appropriate, define and/or revise indicators to monitor performance of USAID resilience and adaptation programming - Engage as required with external stakeholders including implementing partners to consult and advise on resilience and adaptation metrics and methods - Collaborate and coordinate as needed with

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 Communications Specialist Content Writer candidates 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 Communications Specialist Content Writer will provide all functions needed to support Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives. They will support the creation and execution of strategic communications and outreach plans that support Bureau goals, working closely with other members of their team and across the Bureau, Agency, interagency, partner organizations, and the public.   The Communications Specialist Content Writer will support day-to-day functions of the Technical Supervisor, Office, or Center to which they are assigned for day-to-day work assignments. Daily activities will include aspects of communications and outreach, content generation, research and analysis, program management and coordination, and knowledge management of REFS-related programs and activities.   The Communications and Outreach Unit, managed by the REFS Communications Director, guides Bureau strategic communications and outreach in coordination with the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) and other stakeholders. The central team serves as the external affairs lead among U.S. government departments and agencies engaged in REFS’s multi-sectoral work. The team coordinates internal communications within the Bureau and between REFS and other Bureaus; coordinates the Bureau’s legislative engagement, providing information to Congress related to legislation and advising Bureau centers and offices on the status of pending legislation and related concerns of members of Congress; and houses the team that manages Bureau taskers and paper flow.   The Communications Specialist Content Writer will play a crucial role in creating and maintaining effective communication channels, producing high-quality content that engages, educates, and inspires our target audiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of the English language, an attention to details, and a flair for creativity. The Communications Specialist Content Writer will contribute to the monitoring and measurement of the effectiveness of communications efforts through feedback, metrics, and employee surveys, and make necessary improvements. Domestic (approx. 2 trips per year) and international (approx. 1 trip per year) travel anticipated.   Key Responsibilities: Communications and Outreach - Develop and maintain high-quality content such as talking points, success stories, newsletter articles, videos, blog posts, press releases, briefs, memos and other communications materials - Provide support on a range of communications and outreach activities, including digital content and engagement, as well as complete a wide range of day-to-day tasks related to communications and outreach - Develop, coordinate and execute integrated strategic communications strategies and campaigns across web and social media that elevate engagement and awareness among target audiences online around key announcements and events. - Serve as key liaison to manage incoming requests or external outreach within or outside of USAID on behalf of Office/Center/Division - Support generation and/or management of intranet, internet, or social media site content - Serves as key liaison with other Offices and Centers to gather information and collaborate with others in the Bureau, Agency, and interagency as needed   Research and Analysis - Conduct research and synthesize data, information and stories into high-quality, targeted strategic messaging and communications materials that elevate engagement and awareness among target audiences online around key announcements and events - Provide desk research, simple data analysis, and interpret data as needed - Support data syntheses and analyses reports; present findings - Collaborate to develop and socialize research strategies  Program Management and Assistance - Contribute to team projects and activities, such as writing and editing, responding to requests for information, internal communications, and strategic planning. - Propose, plan, track, and report on public events for both Bureau and Agency leadership. - Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings at least one day prior - Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items  Knowledge Management - Save documents and maintain file structures using USAID portals - Develop and maintain internal trackers including for logistics and milestone tracking - Track and follow clearances for Bureau documentation and ensure that formal documentation is of high quality - Maintain awareness of and follow Agency and Federal guidelines for file retention  

XL Associates, Inc. (XLA) has provided institutional support services to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for nearly twenty-five years.  XLA is now seeking candidates to fill a Senior Communication Specialist - Public Engagement/Press position 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. Communications Specialist will provide all functions needed to support Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives. They will support the creation and execution of strategic communications and outreach plans that support Bureau goals, working closely with other members of their team and across the Bureau, Agency, interagency, partner organizations, and the public.   The Sr. Communications Specialist will support day-to-day functions of the Technical Supervisor, Office, or Center to which they are assigned for day-to-day work assignments. Daily activities will include aspects of communications and outreach, content generation, research and analysis, program management and coordination, and knowledge management of REFS-related programs and activities.   The Communications and Outreach Unit, managed by the REFS Communications Director, guides Bureau strategic communications and outreach in coordination with the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) and other stakeholders. The central team serves as the external affairs lead among U.S. government departments and agencies engaged in REFS’s multi-sectoral work. The team coordinates internal communications within the Bureau and between REFS and other Bureaus; coordinates the Bureau’s legislative engagement, providing information to Congress related to legislation and advising Bureau centers and offices on the status of pending legislation and related concerns of members of Congress; and houses the team that manages Bureau taskers and paper flow.   This position will also be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive press and event strategies to enhance the Agency's and Bureau’s visibility on key issues and engage with our target audiences. This role requires a dynamic individual with a strong background in public relations, event planning, and media management. The Specialist will play a crucial role in creating and maintaining effective communication channels, producing high-quality content that engages, educates, and inspires. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of the English language, an attention to detail, and a flair for creativity. The Specialist will contribute to the monitoring and measurement of the effectiveness of communications efforts through feedback, metrics, and employee surveys, and make necessary improvements. Domestic (approx. 4 trips per year) and international (approx. 2 trips per year) travel anticipated.   Key Responsibilities: Communications and Outreach - Develop and maintain high-quality content such as talking points, press releases, press guidance, briefs, and other communications materials - Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets, journalists, and influencers - Create and distribute press releases, media kits, and compelling content to generate positive media coverage - Monitor media coverage and analyze the effectiveness of PR efforts - Plan, coordinate, and execute a variety of events, including launches, roundtables, panel events, and site visits - Develop event timelines and project plans - Manage all event logistics, such as venue selection, catering, audio-visual setup, and guest lists. - Provide support on a range of communications and outreach activities, including digital content and engagement, as well as complete a wide range of day-to-day tasks related to communications and outreach - Develop, coordinate and execute integrated strategic communications strategies and campaigns across web and social media that elevate engagement and awareness among target audiences online around key announcements and events - Serve as key liaison to manage incoming requests or external outreach within or outside of USAID on behalf of Office/Center/Division - Support generation and/or management of intranet, internet, or social media site content - Serves as key liaison with other Offices and Centers to gather information and collaborate with others in the Bureau, Agency, and interagency as needed   Research and Analysis - Conduct research and synthesize data, information and stories into high-quality, targeted strategic messaging and communications materials that elevate engagement and awareness among target audiences online around key announcements and events - Provide desk research, simple data analysis, and interpret data as needed - Support data syntheses and analyses reports; present findings - Collaborate to develop and socialize research strategies   Program Management and Assistance - Contribute to team projects and activities, such as writing and editing, responding to requests for information, internal communications, and strategic planning. - Propose, plan, track, and report on public events for both Bureau and Agency leadership. - Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings at least one day prior - Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items   Knowledge Management - Save documents and maintain file structures using USAID portals - Develop and maintain internal trackers including for logistics and milestone tracking - Track and follow clearances for Bureau documentation and ensure that formal documentation is of high quality - Maintain awareness of and follow Agency and Federal guidelines for file retention

  The Communication Analyst directly supports the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) Public Affairs team by assembling, analyzing, and disseminating information related to areas of strategic importance to the Agency. The Communication Analyst coordinates and prepares a wide range of outreach materials, reports, briefings, and presentations for USAID audiences. The Communication Analyst uses independent judgement to complete tasks and operates with discretion within the Public Affairs team’s Office of Public Engagement.   Roles and Responsibilities - Reviews, refines, and supports clearance of communications and relevant materials for LPA or other portfolios as assigned to ensure consistency with Agency messaging, policy, and procedures. - Supports the development, implementation, and management of USAID communications activities, including its top-line messaging, marketing materials, social media toolkits, and other communications tools. - Identifies, conceptualizes, and facilitates outreach to external stakeholders on key Agency issues and priorities, including facilitating interactive in-person and virtual engagements. - Contributes to efforts within LPA to engage key external stakeholders leading on issues related to Ukraine within private, non-profit, and public sectors. - Writes, edits, and oversees the production and dissemination of strategic communication materials, including but not limited to online feature stories, blog posts, case studies, fact sheets, newsletters, presentations, and video scripts. - Creatively identifies new mechanisms and opportunities to tell the story of the Agency in new and exciting ways and targets key audiences, across a large number of platforms. - Assists in drafting social media content. - Monitors development news, trends, and best practices, and translates findings into actionable content. - Supports the management and growth of an active community of practice using a variety of internal and external channels (e.g., newsletters, webinars, live events, online platforms, etc.) and leveraging a mix of communication resources (e.g., toolkits, case studies). - Develops online content and manages messaging for external web platforms. - Performs other duties as assigned.  

USAID/Uganda’s Economic Growth (EG) Office is seeking a qualified consultant to support AORs/CORs and communications activities across multiple mechanisms.  In consultation with OAA, this person will assist USAID to achieve programmatic and strategic objectives by providing assistance and support to EG’s CORs and AORs as required.  Working closely with our Office of Acquisition and Assistance, the consultant will draft A&A documents such as branding and marking plans. They will also help move documents for clearance, address comments, and pull together clearance packages, including in GLAAS.   The consultant will provide award administration support.  S/he will support the budget specialist and AORs and CORs to prepare modifications and supporting documentation.  S/he will support award extensions by working with AORs/CORs on justifications and related waivers and documentation.  S/he will work on post-award actions including monitoring and evaluation and supporting assessments.  The consultant will maintain COR/AOR and OAA award files on USAID official systems to ensure compliance with relevant regulations.   The consultant will also – in coordination with OAA -- work on the identification and documentation of success stories and lessons learned for EG’s ongoing activities, which includes health services in areas such as productive use of energy. The consultant will support AORs/CORs by conducting site visits to monitor progress and develop outreach materials as a result.   Together with OAA, the consultant will accompanying AORs and CORs on field visits (supporting project implementation) and collecting activity monitoring data for mechanism reporting.  The consultant will be responsible for managing communications-related purchase orders (GLAAS) and Task Orders for overall communications in support of the Mission. S/he will be identifying, analyzing, and preparing public and internal information materials such as briefing papers, event plans, blogs, social media posts, and press plans; reporting program goals, results and performance in a manner easily understood  by external stakeholders and the general public; providing guidance to local staff; and coordinating activities and events that publicize USAID programs as well as photography, videography, and translation. S/he will gather information on beneficiaries and use award monitoring tools such as EG’s site visit tracker to assist AORs and CORs, supporting A&A functions.   The consultant is an integral part of the EG team and assists in activities for A&A and communications purposes.  The incumbent will be required to travel outside Kampala on field visits to provide outreach support for VIP visits and other public events.  Around 30 days of in-country field travel is expected. Additionally, the incumbent may support OAA staff and AOR/CORs in developing and distributing programmatic reports through social media other communications to maximize USAID/Uganda project awareness.   As EG houses and acts as liaisons for several cross-Mission functions such as environmental compliance, the Development Finance Corporation, Prosper Africa, and Private Sector Engagement, the candidate will be expected to work with the Office of Health and HIV (OHH) given their portfolio size and importance to the Mission. In USAID/Uganda, OHH activities touch on all offices given their size and role in the Mission.   The position will be under the overall supervision of the EG Office Director and may also receive direction and/or supervision from OAA, as designated by the Office Director.

XL Associates, Inc. (XLA) has provided institutional support services to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) for nearly 25 years. XLA is currently seeking A Special Assistant to work under a contract supporting the USAID Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA).  The Special Assistant provides highly responsible, direct support to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Legislative Affairs and other Front Office leadership, as assigned within the LPA.   The Special Assistant performs a wide variety of complex administrative functions for the LPA Front Office, exercising discretion regarding workflow and setting priorities based on in-depth knowledge of leadership styles, methods of operation, relationships, and authorities. The Special Assistant’s responsibilities include providing advisory and administrative support, making travel arrangements, scheduling for LPA Front Office principals, and organizing back-up coverage for LPA senior staff. The Special Assistant is expected to develop a working knowledge of USAID policies, guidelines, corporate practices, and procedures, including an understanding of USAID bureau and office roles across the Agency.   Duties and Responsibilities   - Serves as a support and advisor to Front Office principals, performing work of broad scope and complexity under the direction of the Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) for Legislative Affairs, a designee, or as assigned. - Organizes office workflow to systematically coordinate, track, and complete tasks in order to maintain an efficient office environment. - Oversees and manages the flow and exchange of information, streamlines interactions with internal and external customers, and facilitates initiatives on behalf of the Assistant Administrator (AA) and/or DAAs. - Schedules and manages calendars and controls access to LPA principals, determining importance of issues for each meeting, and following protocol procedures when contacting parties. - Serves as a focal point for Front Office operations, including coordination of responses from LPA senior staff on briefers, scheduling proposals, and other correspondence tasked out by the Executive Secretariat (ES) and routed to LPA for clearance. - Supports LPA initiatives through tracking and reporting of legislative priorities and actions. - Supports lead Legislative Program Specialists in preparation and editing of congressional correspondence, transcripts, reports, questions for the record, Congressional Notifications, and Legislative Referral Memoranda. - Monitors email for action items, and gleans items from staff meetings and weekly reports for requisite action. - Drafts and prepares correspondence on behalf of the AA and/or DAAs. - Researches and prepares background information and/or talking points on meeting attendees and/or topics of interest for meetings, as needed. - Develops and maintains accurate records and files management systems. - Makes appointments, travel arrangements, and itineraries, including accurate expense statements. - Ensures preparation of information packets or briefing materials. - Exercises a wide degree of creativity and latitude in developing and coordinating projects on behalf of the AA and/or DAAs. - Participates in high level meetings and travel, as needed. - Performs other work-related duties, as assigned.

XLA is looking for an Administrative Assistant to work at a federal agency in Lexington, KY.  The Administrative Assistant’s duties may include, but not limited to: - Assembling, copying, and scanning a variety of materials and ensuring proper distribution of copies as required - Maintaining a variety of office logs and files - Maintaining calendars and schedules - Greeting visitors, answering the main office phone, and taking messages as required - Maintaining main staff directories - Preparing, writing, and editing a variety of correspondence including letters and memos - Preparing, creating, formatting, and editing spreadsheets, presentations, and charts - Assisting with performing searches of electronic and hardcopy files and databases for records, supportive data, and historical documents - Assisting in preparing or drafting initial correspondence in response to requests and in preparing an array of other documents for release in response to requests - Responding to first line inquiries from a wide variety of key public, internal, and external constituencies - Submitting and following up on requests for services (i.e. telephone, key request, and help desk, etc.) - Arranging for housekeeping, facility, and vehicle services - Ensuring office equipment is maintained and functional - Preparing all types of travel orders using DEA specified travel process - Preparing vouchers and making travel arrangements - Answering/Researching general travel related questions - Maintaining travel associated files - Organizing and supporting workshops and meetings - Coordinating with DEA travel office to make travel arrangements for meeting attendees - Preparing notebooks, invitations, agendas, and support documents - Reserving space for meetings - Coordinating logistical and administrative arrangements for guest speakers and meeting attendees - Providing administrative support during meetings, including arranging for audiovisual displays, taking meeting minutes, and following up with summary minutes or reports from meetings - Receiving and processing incoming mail including preparing requests for FedEx shipments, UPS, and other priority mail services, and couriers - Preparing purchase requests for office supplies - Preparing purchase requests for office equipment and services and Division Procurements - Answering questions and investigating discrepancies related to purchases - Entering payment information into internal and external administrative databases - Requesting property passes and property transfers - Answering questions, assisting with tracking, and maintaining associated files - Assisting personnel with equipment inventories - Preparing personnel packages as needed - Assisting with various logistics required for recruitments - Processing and entering training requests - Assume timekeeper responsibilities, including preparing all paperwork associated with overtime requests

XLA is looking for a Purchase Card Specialist will support DEA's Acquisition Programs, most importantly, the Federal Government Purchase Card Program.    Responsibilities include: - Ability to research and analyze business processes and recommend solutions or improvements. - Performs a series of analytical, administrative, coordinating, and monitoring duties related to the Purchase Card Program (GSA Smart Pay 3). - Assist compliance with the Purchase Card Program standards, policies, and procedures. - Analyzes and evaluates, on a quantitative and qualitative basis, the effectiveness of the Purchase Card Program or operations in meeting established goals and objectives. - Analyzes program performance data to identify problem areas and impact, and prevent fraud, waste, and abuse. - Coordinating and monitoring disputed procurements, billing errors, disputed payments, credits etc. that are not resolved with the vendor within the required working days of receipt of the statement. - Audits the development of the program on a daily basis through the review of reports based on data retrieved from program. - Conducts or assists in formal training for program participants and management officials on various aspects of the program, including detailed training on Federal Government Purchase Card Program. - Develops procedures for establishing, operating, and assessing the effectiveness of the Purchase Card Program and compliance of cardholders, approving officials, and alternate approving officials by auditing and reviewing the different aspects of the program. - Providing customer service to DEA’s 400+ Purchase Card Holders and nearly 200 Purchase Card Approving Officials. - Developing communications.

XLA’s Federal Client is seeking a mid-level Technical Writer whom possesses experience writing policy for a large law enforcement agency.     All work is performed on-site at Client Headquarters, located in Arlington, Virginia.    The personnel security access level for this contract is Sensitive but Unclassified (SBU). Only U.S. citizens shall be permitted to perform services on this Government contract.   Key Job Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): - Maintain and review all operational policy and procedures located in the Agents Manual. - Ensure policies are consistent with federal laws and regulations as well as Headquarters and field elements.  Work with relevant stakeholders to develop a BWC program. The elements of the program include policy development and technology. - Provide support to the Evidence Custodians (EC) in the field by responding to questions in the Policy and Procedures Hotline as it pertains to Evidence policy. - Coordinate with Agency’s technical support team to resolve issues with the Centralized Evidence Reporting and Tracking System (CERTS). - Develop resources to support the work of the EC in the field. - Monthly Activity/Status Report which includes monthly updates on all status items (e.g., personnel, work performed, milestones achieved, etc.). The activity reports shall be due the first business day of each month following the previous work month of performance. - Ad Hoc Reports shall be submitted to the COR on a weekly basis. - Updated and revised Agency Agents Manual in accordance with established guidelines. - Comprehensive and well-structured Body Worn Camera Policy reflecting industry best practices and Agency’s specific needs. - Evaluation and recommendations for other Agency policies, as assigned. - Drafts and final versions of policy documents in digital and hard copy formats.

XLA is looking to hire an E2 Travel Specialist to assist them with processing Travel Vouchers using E2 Travel Solutions. This person will be working on site at a federal agency in Arlington, VA (metro accessible).   The E2 Travel Specialist will be tasked with: - Using financial practices to assist the Financial Group - Training and setting up new users in E2 Solutions - Will create obligations, make travel arrangements and submit and process travel vouchers. - Will troubleshoot issues regarding E2 Solutions document routing  

 XLA is looking for a Senior Contract Specialist to support our client. The job site is in a niche area in Arlington, VA that is close to restaurants, shops, and public transportation.   Here is what you need to know about the responsibilities: - Develop acquisition plans and procurement  milestone schedules - Coordinate tasks and attend meetings related to the development of a procurement  package - Prepare procurement packages, including preparation  and review of requirements  documentation (e.g., Statements of Work (SOWs), Statements of Objectives (SOOs), Statement of Need (SON), Performance  Work Statement (PWS)), market research documentation, independent  government cost estimates (IGCEs), draft evaluation factors, applicable pre-award determinations and findings, and applicable pre-award clearances  and reviews (e.g., Small Business  Set-Aside Review and Information  Technology  Checklist) - Provide recommendations concerning the selection of contract type and method of acquisition - Prepare and assist with the preparation of Justifications  for Other-Than-Full- and-Open-Competition (JOFOCs) - Prepare or assist with the preparation of Determinations and Findings - Draft or assist in drafting and issuing applicable pre-award synopses - Present or assist in presenting acquisition planning documentation for higher level reviews and approvals - Review of acquisition requirements documents - Review and improve customer statements of work and other pre-award documentation - Participate in working groups - Review and participate in training development and delivery - Develop briefings and position papers, review drafts, and finalize documentation  

The Capture Manager is responsible for the growth of the XLA Portfolio with emphasis on creating new business and winning new opportunities. The Capture Manager will develop, oversee, and execute strategies and plans for specific opportunities/pursuits and is accountable to win new business, as well as, support the proposal process. The ideal candidate will have considerable professional networks within various government agencies such as the DoD, DHS, DOJ, State, USAID etc.   Key Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): - Leads capture efforts to secure new business and re-compete contract / task orders  - Builds and maintains a qualified pipeline to include continual status updates, bid-no-bid decisions, teaming arrangements, and calculated p-Wins - Develops capture strategy including business solution for pursuit of opportunities; identifies potential customers, performs competitive assessments, assists in identifying teaming partners, and support the price-to-win assessments - Leverages the XLA Capture Approach/Workbook for all Pipeline identified opportunities to drive progress and increase the p-Win leading to the final solicitation release - Provides initial Program Manager (PM) assessment of new opportunities to include: planning, risk management, and project performance addressing cost, schedule, and technical quality for related Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements on a large system development-type contract or full responsibility for all aspects of program performance on a large technical services-type contract - Maintains an accurate and up-to-date XLA Proposal Forecast Schedule - Coordinates bid/capture team resources and interdependencies between multiple and multi-disciplinary teams to develop a high-quality solution - Develops and presents briefings to internal and external customers to support the capture process - Maintains on-going interaction with external Business Development (BD) teams - Influences & impacts business capture strategy throughout the organization - Influences the development of overall objectives and long-range goals of the organizations - As needed, will lead proposal efforts to serve as a book boss, creates outlines, color teams, scheduling, stand up calls, white glove, production etc.

XLA is looking to fill an Travel Specialist position for support of a federal law enforcement customer in providing professional support within a federal acquisition environment. The Clerk will sit on-site in Arlington, Virginia (metro-accessible). Responsibilities: - Preparing monthly management reports. - Applies all payments received for invoices generated. - Balances ledger on monthly basis. - Following departmental security and confidentiality policies and procedures. - Maintaining minimal accepted level of productivity and excellent quality. - Demonstrating sound moral and ethical conduct in all aspects of the position. - Maintaining strong detailed understanding of the various transactions necessary to this position. - Ensuring that daily transactions are property filed, documented and recorded. - Contributing to a positive work environment. - Performing a variety of projects as assigned by the Supervisor/Manager. - Presenting a professional attitude when working with customers and other departments. - Will Utilize analytical skills to research and resolve issues/questions. - Handle vouchers/expense reports related to Permanent Change of Station (PCS) and  Temporary Duty (TDY). - Timely review and payments to travelers.

XLA is looking to hire an E2 Travel Specialist to work on site at DEA in Arlington, VA (metro accessible). Members of the XLA team work within the Financial Operations Section (FNO) by providing the E2 help desk support, answering questions, researching travel documents, routing issues, and maintaining E2 Access Forms. Employees with the Travel Services Unit work closely with the E2 Travel Helpdesk. Team members provide helpdesk support to all inquiries pertaining to E2 travel responding and researching all questions.  This helpdesk support is provided to all personnel at DEA. Our team assists DEA employees to ensure all Travel Cards are being used in accordance with all regulations. In addition, our team members generate E2 usage reports and provide cost comparisons for E2 travelers creating documents tracking E2 progress.  This information is used to update quarterly travel savings and used in the Office of Finance newsletter.   The E2 Travel Specialist will be tasked with: - Creating new E2 accounts for travelers  - Advising travelers on how to complete authorizations and submit travel vouchers in E2 - Advising travelers on all agency travel policies - Troubleshooting and resolving issues with rejected E2 documents from UFMS - Maintaining database for documents on local intranet 

XLA is looking for a Help Desk Support Specialist to work onsite at a government agency in Arlington, VA (metro accessible). Candidates must be located in the DMV area for consideration.   Required Skills and Aptitudes: - Comfortable with Technology - Ability to communicate verbally and in writing - Ability to plan and execute work independently - Team player, well organized, self-motivated, hungry and quick learner - Good analytical skills - Ability to work collaboratively with contracting, financial management and relocation staff in; - Resolving issues and developing resolution recommendations - Developing system requirements and Office of Acquisition & Relocation (FA) application tools - Proficient in at least one of the following: - UFMS application, Momentum software or similar contract/financial management system - Federal contracting, - User helpdesk experience, - Broad technical skills (SQL, SharePoint, Excel, etc.) Highly Desired Skills and Aptitudes: - Experience working with a variety of technologies including: SharePoint, SQL Microsoft Office suite. - Excellent communication skills (oral and written) - Experience in planning project tasks and time management - Ability to work independently - Ability to develop system documentation and user guides - Team player, well organized, self-motivated, hungry and quick learner - Excellent analytical skills - User helpdesk experience - Experience working collaboratively with stakeholders across multiple organizations in: - Resolving issues and developing recommendations - Developing system requirements and application tools - Proficient in: - UFMS application, Momentum software or similar contract/financial management system - Federal contracting - Federal Integrated Acquisition Environment - User helpdesk experience - Highly Desirable proficiencies: - DOJ UFMS - DEA UFMS - DEA Acquisition Policy - Intermediate to Advanced SharePoint - Intermediate to Advanced with SQL

XLA is looking for an Jr. Financial Analyst to support our Government Client in their Arlington, VA location (metro accessible).   The Jr. Financial Analyst will be responsible and required to: - The ability to work in Financial Information Reporting & System Tools (FIRST), Obligation Module Management (OMM), Imprest Fund Management Module (IFMM), and Unified Financial Management System (UFMS) - Obtain multiple roles such as Process Coordinator, Auditor, Accounting Technician, Funds Assigner, and Reconciler - Process a variety of documents in Unified Financial Management System (UFMS) - Analyze and examine accounting data and accounts to resolve complex procedural and technical accounting transactions - Review, prepare, and classify procedural accounting documents and transaction - Recommend methods within procedure to expedite the payment of invoices and requests - Maintain, control and reconcile accounting transactions and records for multiple accounts - Trainings - Assisted various offices with fiscal needs - Prepare correspondence, reports and other documents - Ability to use Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Office and Excel - Audit Imprest Fund and Operational Advance Audits - Team member on Digital Signature Help Desk