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.

About USAID Program Cycle Specialists

Program Cycle 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.

Specific Opportunity: GFA Advisor

Social Solutions International, Inc. is currently seeking a candidate to serve as a GFA Policy Advisor to the Office of Policy in the Bureau for Policy, Planning and Learning. The Global Fragility Act (GFA) and accompanying U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability 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 highly linked to interagency policy initiatives on Women, Peace and Security, Atrocity Prevention, Democracy and Anti-corruption as well as Countering Violent Extremism.

The GFA Policy Advisor will sit on the GFA Secretariat and provide dedicated, policy-level support for GFA implementation. Their primary duty will be to coordinate among core Interagency stakeholders at Department of State Conflict and Stabilization Operations, the Department of Defense, the National Security Council and the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS) and Regional Bureaus at USAID to ensure consistent policy level messaging and decision-making. The GFA Policy Advisor will work closely with the GFA Secretariat Deputy Coordinator within CPS and the Fragility Advisor on the Strategic and Program Planning Team at PPL to streamline efforts to elevate approaches to peacebuilding.  

This is a contractor role and not a full time employee.

Location

The position will be based in Washington, DC and requires some in-office days.

The GFA Policy Advisor will prepare for Secretariat and internal GFA-related meetings, represent USAID during discussions, and assist with follow up items including preparation of briefs, position papers, and other written products. They will also liaise with USAID staff in Washington and Missions on GFA-related implementation issues in order to coordinate actions and gather information needed by the Secretariat.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s in International Relations or similar field and 7 years of relevant experience; Master's degree and 5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in International Development and Diplomacy on issues related to
• Demonstrated experience policy coordination and production of memos and briefs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Business, Organizational Development, or similar field and 10 years of relevant experience; or a Master’s degree and 8 years relevant experience.
• Consulting or employment experience with USAID or similar US government organization in the development or environment sectors.
• Field experience in a GFA-participating country or region (Haiti, Libya, Mozambique, and Papua New, Coastal West Africa)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills including ability to quickly draft high-quality memos and briefs appropriate for high-level USG audiences
• Facilitation skills, including process and meeting facilitation.
• Understanding of inter-agency coordination issues and approaches

Additional Requirements

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a USG security clearance for work in the United States is required. A current USG security clearance is strongly preferred.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States with no restrictions.
• Criminal background check required.

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.