Acquisition and Assistance Policy Specialist

Overview:

Team Credence is a multi-company partnership proudly led by Credence , an industry leading government contractor with a longstanding commitment to USAID and its global health and humanitarian missions. In concert with our small business partners—ZemiTek (8(a), EDWOSB), Claro KC (SB), EnCompass (WO), and Global Emergency Group (SB)—Team Credence operates as one team, bringing together exceptional USAID institutional support experience, technical leadership, and an unmatched commitment to BHA and its mission.

USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) is the lead federal coordinator for international disaster assistance. USAID/BHA provides and coordinates U.S. Government (USG) international humanitarian assistance to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the physical, social, and economic impact of rapid and slow-onset disasters by supporting at-risk populations to build stable foundations to withstand humanitarian shocks and stresses. Team Credence, through the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance Support Contract (BHASC), provides operational and administrative support to provide and coordinate humanitarian assistance and maintain 24/7 response capability.

The Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Division in USAID/BHA’s Office of Humanitarian Business and Management Operations (HBMO) is looking for a mid-level Policy Specialist to support the Policy, Guidance, and Training (PGT) team. USAID/BHA leads and coordinates the U.S. Government’s humanitarian assistance efforts overseas in response to natural disasters and protracted crises. The Bureau also supports early recovery efforts that restore and protect basic systems and services and invests in risk reduction programs that prevent or reduce risks associated with chronic and recurrent hazards. 

The A&A Policy Specialist reports to the PGT Team Lead or designee, with formal supervisory and evaluation functions performed by a Credence contract supervisor. 

Guidance and Research Support

• Provide basic guidance to BHA staff on Federal and USAID assistance (i.e. grants, cooperative agreements, etc.) and acquisition (i.e. contracts, etc.) award making and management issues based on regulations and policies such as the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars, USAID Automated Directive Series (ADS), and Bureau-level policies.
• Assist with researching, reviewing, analyzing, and/or interpreting acquisition and/or assistance statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with USG and USAID requirements as directed by the supervisor

Training Development Support

• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop and update in-person and/or virtual training for BHA staff and potential assistance award applicants and/or contract award offerors.

Strategic Support and Policy Dissemination to BHA

• Assist with the identification, creation and execution of short- and/or long-term solutions to address assistance and/or acquisition challenges.
• Assist with internal strategies and work plans and participate in BHA and USAID working groups to ensure that BHA assistance and/or acquisition needs are reflected in deliverables.
• Help ensure accurate and error-free work products of the team.

Tool Support and Resource Development

• Assist in developing BHA-specific assistance and/or acquisition-related tools, policies, guidelines, resources, trainings, and/or systems in collaboration with key BHA stakeholders.
• Assist the team with the documentation of best practices and lessons learned to strengthen internal office pre- and post- award processes/systems.
• Assist in creating, publishing, disseminating, and archiving assistance and/or acquisition award management documents and information products such as policies, procedures, briefings, presentations, guidelines, policy papers, thematic briefs, talking points, job aides, user manuals, newsletters, etc.
• Help communicate BHA policy guidance, templates, memos, and resources to BHA staff to ensure compliance.

Team and Capacity Building

• Help promote an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, strong team cohesion, workplace collaboration, and high team morale.
• Support efforts to create and sustain an equitable and inclusive work environment where cultural diversity is celebrated and valued.
• Assist in advising, guiding, and training staff on team processes, templates, and standard operating procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Minimum Education and Experience
  • MA/MS and 0 years of relevant experience, OR
  • BA/BS and 2 years of relevant experience, OR
  • High school diploma and 6 relevant years of experience
  • Experience must culminate in a set of responsibilities similar to those of this position.
• Preferred Education and Experience
  • MA/MS and 2 years of relevant experience in making and/or managing US Federal Assistance (e.g. grants or cooperative agreements) and/or US Federal acquisition (e.g. contracts) awards; and/or researching and advising on US Federal assistance, acquisition, emergency relief, or humanitarian assistance matters, OR
  • BA/BS and 3 years of relevant experience in making and/or managing US Federal Assistance (e.g. grants or cooperative agreements) and/or US Federal acquisition (e.g. contracts) awards; and/or researching and advising on US Federal assistance, acquisition, emergency relief, or humanitarian assistance matters, OR
  • High school diploma and 7 relevant years of experience in making and/or managing US Federal Assistance (e.g. grants or cooperative agreements) and/or US Federal acquisition (e.g. contracts) awards; and/or researching and advising on US Federal assistance, acquisition, emergency relief, or humanitarian assistance matters.
  • Relevant experience includes: Making and/or managing US Federal assistance (e.g. grants or cooperative agreements) and/or US Federal acquisition (e.g. contracts) awards; and/or researching and advising on US Federal assistance, acquisition, emergency relief, or humanitarian assistance matters.
• Required to have US citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.

Additional Qualifications and Requirements

• Basic familiarity with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), Code of Federal Regulations (CFRs), Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars, or other directives governing Assistance Awards.
• Understanding of best practices and tools related to federal acquisition and assistance and/or assistance procedures.
• Some experience working with U.S. Government Agencies.
• Basic knowledge of Federal assistance and/or acquisition award-making or management processes, including the use of information management systems.
• Ability to assist in the creation and translation of policy and guidance into business processes and support the capture of information in data management systems and training materials.
• Ability to help identify gaps and make improvements in office-level award management systems and processes.
• Ability to support the presentation of information both formally and informally to different stakeholders.
• Ability to interpret, communicate, and summarize acquisition and assistance and acquisition findings and recommendations to non-technical professionals.
• Ability to participate in consultative processes involving a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to prepare products independently with appropriate content and minimal errors in a timely manner.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and consistently meet deadlines.
• Ability to contribute to a collaborative team environment, respectful of diversity and promoting inclusion.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to assist in writing simple reports and performing basic data analysis tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Understanding of information management, data and systems tools and platforms.
• Understanding of USAID/BHA, the USG Interagency context and international humanitarian community.

Team Credence Values and Core Performance Competencies

• Accountability: Takes ownership of work responsibilities and holds high standards. Keeps commitments and takes appropriate actions to meet obligations. Pursues efficiency and effectiveness and adheres to organization policies and procedures.
• Collegiality: Recognizes that everyone at BHA and USAID unites in a common purpose and respects each other's abilities to work toward that purpose. Treat others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect. Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations. Adheres to organization philosophies on culture, diversity, and inclusiveness.
• Capability: Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses; pursues professional development aligned with organizational role, contribution, and goals. Proactively shares knowledge with others to foster learning across the organization.

Full pay range for this position is $95,000.00 to $102,000.00 per year, with the starting wage determined based on candidate’s knowledge, skills, experience, as well as budget availability.