This position is located in the Financial and Administrative Management Office, USAID/Armenia, Yerevan. The incumbent will have the primary responsibility of increasing (and building) the financial capacity of local grantees to manage USAID funding according to USAID financial and procurement regulations and requirements. The incumbent will also coordinate financial management and procurement capacity assistance provided by the existing staff in the Financial and Administrative Management Office and the Acquisition and Assistance Office. This is a short-term, 2¬ year position with no supervisory responsibilities. A. AID Development Program Specialist (Capacity Building) provides direct financial and procurement capacity building assistance to local grant recipients who have not received USAID funding in the past in order to improve and strengthen their financial and procurement administration systems and ensure that USAID funds are used in accordance to USAID requirements. This entails the development of and verification that sufficient accounting, reporting, and procurement processes are established and utilized by the grantees/contractors. The incumbent identifies weaknesses in organizational financial and procurement systems and develops a plan to strengthen those areas, increasing their capacity. Additional responsibilities include the monitoring and evaluation of the development of grantee’s financial and procurement systems and ability to manage USAID funding. Tools used must include personal site visits aimed at verifying periodic reports submitted by implementing partners. He/she acts as the official USAID representative on related site visits, which may include preparing briefing papers, backgrounders, talking points, as well as addressing logistical and translation issues. Based on a sound understanding of activity objectives and under general guidance of the Controller, the incumbent develops innovative solutions to the legal and structural limitations that many NGOs face, thereby promoting long term sustainability within this sector. Other responsibilities may include activity management, including the provision of assistance to sub‐grantees/contractors where directed/needed. He/she may also serve on Technical Review Committees in accordance with USAID/Armenia needs. B. The incumbent focuses on advancing the objectives of USAID Forward by increasing the capacity of specific public and private organizations and institutions. In addition, the incumbent monitors and evaluates the progress that is made by selected NGOs and government institutions that are involved with USAID assistance. Frequent meetings and consultations with various organizations are also a critical/required aspect of this position. C. This position also provides mentorship and guidance to the Junior Officers in training at USAID/Armenia; specifically with regard to understanding the rules, regulations, processes and methodologies regarding financial management and contract and grant management. Additional responsibilities may include the development of short trainings on financial management and procurement systems for mission staff. D. This position also provides financial and procurement management assistance to other USG local implementing partners, direct grant recipients and sub‐grantees where appropriate and who already receive funding. QUALIFICATIONS Education: Possession of an undergraduate degree is required, preferably in economics, business management, or a related to the accounting, financial management field. Prior Work Experience: Three to six years of progressively responsible experience directly related to financial and/or procurement management and capacity building. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) written and oral proficiency in English, Armenian and Russian is required. Knowledge: A thorough knowledge and understanding of financial and procurement management practices and processes related to development assistance and projects, USG and other donors. This must be complemented by a comprehensive knowledge of i) Armenia’s development challenges; ii) resources and development priorities for Armenia and the region; iii) the economic, political, social and cultural characteristics of Armenia. The candidate must have good knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation and regulations relating to development assistance and programming policies; and of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities. Abilities and Skills: The candidate must have technical expertise in procurement and financial management systems. Additionally, this position requires establishing and maintaining contacts with important persons in the local NGO and contractor community and if needed with host country government staff. The purpose of these contacts is to explain and defend USAID policies, objectives and procedures concerning financial management and the USAID procurement process and provide technical assistance where needed. Furthermore, incumbent must have the ability to: i) obtain, analyze, and evaluate financial and accounting systems and to organize/present it in concise written and oral form; ii) independently plan, develop, manage and evaluate important and complex activities related to capacity building; iii) operate in a team environment; and iv) furnish information and advice in assigned areas with detachment and objectivity. WHO MAY APPLY: A Foreign National Citizen who: ? Is locally resident; and, ? Has legal, permanent resident status within the host country; and, ? Is subject to host country employment and tax laws. HOW TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a complete OF 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment. In addition applicants may also attach a resume or CV. Application forms are available in the Main Entrance, Reception Area of the U.S. Embassy. Completed application forms must be deposited in the Application Box located at the U.S. Embassy, 1 American Avenue, Yerevan, not later than close of business September 15, 2011. Alternatively, you can e-mail your application to yerevanvacancies@state.gov or apply online through www.usa.gov .

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