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.

Application deadline: Open until filled 

This position is located in USAID’s Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation, in the Innovation, Technology and Research (ITR) Hub, which leads USAID in experimentation and innovation to transform development. The ITR Hub takes smart risks to test new ideas and partner with others to scale impact, bringing together diverse partners to transform how we save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people progress beyond assistance. Working collaboratively with the Agency and external partners, ITR's mission is two-fold:

• To produce breakthrough development innovations by sourcing, testing, and scaling proven solutions that impact millions of people;
• To transform development by opening it to people everywhere with good ideas, promoting new and deepening existing partnerships, bringing data and evidence to bear, and harnessing scientific and technological advances.

ITR’s collaborative approach supports USAID’s mandate to be on the forefront of science and technology, incorporates breakthrough innovations into our programs and policies, and applies the latest tools, like artificial intelligence and evidence-based approaches to development priorities, countering malign influences and engaging new private sector partners.

The Program Analyst I is a full-time position that will be a key member of the ITR Development Innovations Ventures (DIV team). The position is fully integrated into the DIV team and works closely with DIV staff and contacts internal and external to the Agency. This position involves two primary roles:

• contributing to the strategic sourcing and applicant due diligence process of DIV,
• providing strategic advice and technical support for a portfolio of organizations that receive DIV grant awards.

The Program Analyst I provides support to a portfolio of organizations that receive grant awards through an impact investing model operated by USAID DIV. The incumbent supports various components of the DIV program, such as the selection process, grant management, M&E, and engagement. They do due diligence innovators and support a portfolio of nonprofits, businesses, and academic organizations to help maximize their success. 

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct initial screening of some DIV proposals. Provide technical feedback and guidance to the applicants;
• Coordinate and/or execute due diligence of proposals; review business and scaling plans; assess competitive landscapes, solicit feedback from experts within and external to USAID; actively engage with applicants to shape high-potential projects; present analysis and funding recommendations to the Investment Committee;
• Assess plans and collaborate with innovators to improve monitoring plans and the rigor of their impact evaluation methods;
• Support the definition, collection and review of grantees milestone deliverables and key performance indicators. Support the preparation of award packages in compliance with procurement policies and best practices;
• Support DIV Grant Managers to provide strategic advice and technical support for a portfolio of organizations, serving as the primary liaison and interlocutor with those organizations on a wide range of sector technical, programmatic, human resources, financial, and administrative issues;
• Help expand and leverage the roster of USAID and external experts providing feedback on proposals;
• Help maintain the proposal and grantee database; schedule and support Investment Committees, prepare Technical Evaluation Committee Memos; and liaise with OAA;
• Assist staff in the preparation of various program documents and correspondence such as: memos and waivers, amendments, project authorization documents, Congressional Notifications, Technical Notifications, and requests
• Contribute to internal and external communication campaigns and materials for sourcing of innovative solutions with evidence of impact and cost-effectiveness;
• Contribute to the development and roll out of tools to support DIV and its grantees’ work (e.g. data collection templates, knowledge products, and thought leadership materials);
• Identify potential improvements to DIV's selection process;
• Communicate regularly with grantees to understand progress/barriers, problem-solve and support grantees in implementing potential solutions;
• Liaise with other offices and teams within the DDI USAID missions and offices;
• Prepares budgets and financial tracking sheets as needed to support the team;
• Researches, plans, analyzes, and organizes technical and/or statistical information and develops data for use in briefings, publications, and reports;
• Maintains/or provides assistance with administrative and financial tracking systems, and assists in the design and maintenance of spreadsheets and databases to support these systems; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public policy or a relevant field.
• At least 4-6 years professional experience including positions working for or supporting social enterprises and/or businesses, impact evaluations, venture capital, management consulting, impact investing, and/or grant-making.
• Experience implementing, supporting or measuring programs in developing country context is preferred.
• Quantitative and statistics skills, along with experience with survey design, literature reviews, and randomized controlled trials is preferred.
• Track record of solving problems by identifying areas for improvement, iterating, and delivering results.
• Track record of building trusted relationships with partners.

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

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.