Job Title/Grade:         Specialist, Project Management, Ukraine Portfolio (P5) 

Department:                 USG Programs 

Reports to:                 Principal Manager or Director, Ukraine Portfolio 

Location:                    Bethesda, MD  

 

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of those affected by the conflict in Ukraine? We're looking for dedicated individuals to join DAI’s mission to the Ukrainian people - to improve governance, combat corruption, strengthen the national cybersecurity ecosystem, develop infrastructure, and build economic resilience. We're committed to stand by Ukraine and its people as they defend their homeland, rebuild their communities, and restore hope in one of Europe's most resilient nations.

 

Function of the Position 

The Ukraine Portfolio seeks a Specialist, Project Management! The Ukraine program management portfolio currently has 6 active projects in technical sectors spanning economic growth, local governance, anti-corruption, and cybersecurity. This position provides home office management, financial, and contractual oversight to U.S. Government-funded international development projects in Ukraine. The position is responsible for enabling projects to achieve quality programming and development outcomes and is part of a core team of Project Managers (PMs) providing surge and capacity support to the portfolio with decision-making authority for one or more projects. As a project management team member, this position provides support and collaborates with colleagues as needed. 

 

This is a full-time hybrid position with Monday – Thursday in office work in Bethesda, MD.   

 

Roles and Responsibilities: 

 

This position is responsible for the following key functions: 

 

Project Oversight.   

Manages home office functions for one or more projects and relationships with the field teams.   Manages resources across these teams and encourages collaboration within broader directorates and geography.   Makes timely decisions; escalates to appropriate decision-maker as needed  Keeps Senior Portfolio Director (SPDs) informed of key management or technical issues on the projects.   Participates in management or technical STTAs. Executes authorities listed in SOA.  

 

Mobilizing Technical Expertise.   

Identifies home office technical experts (e.g., from Development Innovations) that will serve as resources to the COP and component leads on the project.   With the support of the Recruitment team and field human resources teams, engages in project level recruitment in support of STTA and LTTA vacancies.   Participates and provides support as necessary to the COP and field team during all strategic planning sessions.   Manages project extension or modification proposals.   Reviews, supports, and edits (with COP) STTA deliverables as requested by field.   Contributes to cross-portfolio knowledge sharing and is responsible for promoting project through success stories, DAI website updates, hosting project brown bags, etc.    Contributes to cross-project learning with Development Innovations to deepen development solutions that are locally relevant, successful, and sustainable.  

 

Quality Assurance.   

Leads Quarterly Project Review (QPR) process.   Responsible for following up on specific action items and/or taking measures for improvements as needed resulting from the Client Satisfaction Surveys (CSM) twice a year.  

Risk Management.   

Provides oversight of operational activities, such as mobilization and demobilization of staff, home office-based procurement, etc.  Troubleshoots complex, or cross-departmental problems  Ensures compliance with DAI policies and procedures and, in consultation with support groups, providing recommendations for best practices (in areas such as inventory management, insurance, record management, export control, etc.)  Serves as the primary point of contact for the COP and HO staff on technical, management, operational, and financial issues.   Engages HR on field and PDT personnel issues as needed.   Participates in project start-up and closedown and may serve as Start-up or Close-down Manager or Team Leader as appropriate.   Proactively identifies and analyzes areas of risk, advises project team on solutions and preventative measures. Ensures compliance with internal and external audit findings. 

 

Contractual Compliance.   

Ensures overall contract compliance with client and DAI rules, regulations, and procedures.    Resolves complex contractual issues with appropriate escalation and collaboration with Contracts and senior management.   Manages preparation of budget realignments, contract modifications, and subcontract modifications.   Ensures team drafts routine contractual documents using approved templates.   Writes Statements of Work for subcontracts and serves as primary point of contact for all US based subcontractors and partners. 

Financial Management.   

Accountable for managing project financial performance targets (with COP); leads project financial reviews, analyzes and troubleshoots financial issues.   Monitors and approves project non-billable costs; responsible for minimizing non-billable costs.   Responsible for ensuring accuracy of project financial transactions and monthly project invoices.   Reviews and approves home office payments (e.g., expense reports, vendor invoices).   Monitors accuracy of project budget and provides analysis and solutions; understands financial structure of contract and advises COP and home office on profitability implications.   Assists home office team and field with quarterly ETC projections and provides final ETC review. 

 

Staff Management.   

Supervises, trains and coaches Project Associates.   Ensures COP receives DAI orientation and appropriate training.   Ensures Project Associates/Specialists complete the required training as per the Learning Plan, skills, and support to successfully carry out their SOWs.    Encourages learning and knowledge sharing across USG Programs.   Conducts performance reviews and goal setting meetings for Associates.  

Business Development  

Serves as Proposal Pricer for proposals in their portfolio or other portfolios as needed.   Managers are also expected to serve as country-specific information providers around client knowledge, partnering and local staffing.  

Additional responsibilities as deemed necessary. 

 

Minimum Qualifications 

Minimum of 4 years of professional USG contract management experience, with at least 2 years managing USAID-funded programs, and a college degree in a related field, such as business administration, management, international development and/or other related discipline required. Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.  Experience providing administrative, contractual, and regulatory compliance, and financial support to USG funded contracts with an overall value of at least $30 million.   Knowledge of U.S. federal government regulations, policies, and procedures  Advanced MS Office skills, especially conducting quantitative analysis in Excel  Excellent oral and written communication skills  Must be able to travel on assignments for DAI projects (minimum one assignment per year).  *Based in one of the following U.S. locations where DAI is registered: District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

Master’s degree in a relevant area   Experience working in host countries   Experience working in a developing country  Professional proficiency in a second language (Ukrainian, French, Spanish, or Arabic preferred)   At least 1 year of supervisory experience.  Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and other data management systems. 

Supervisory Requirements 

May supervise one or more Project Associates or Project Specialists 

 

Compensation & Benefits: 

For employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $89,689 to $96,962. Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.  

  

Eligible U.S. based employees will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, and parental leave, as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended. 

  

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location. 

  

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