Foreign Service Financial Managment Officer (JOP_) FS 6
US Agency for International Development
- Email Address: fsncr@usaid.gov
- Phone: 202-712-1030
- Posting Date: 6/26/2008
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has a long history of extending a helping hand to those people overseas struggling to make a better life, recover from a disaster or striving to live in a free and democratic country. It is this caring that stands as a hallmark of the United States around the world - and shows the world our true character as a nation.
USAID is listed as one of the top ten best places to work in the Federal Government by the Office of Personnel Management's survey (Summer 2006).
WHAT ARE WE?
USAID is an independent federal government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. With headquarters in Washington, DC, USAID fosters transformational development around the world. Our work supports economic growth and trade; agriculture and the environment; education and training; democracy and governance; global health; global partnerships and humanitarian assistance. We operate in five regions of the world: Sub-Saharan Africa; Asia; Middle East; Latin America and the Caribbean; and Europe and Eurasia. USAID employs individuals in the Civil Service and Foreign Service, as well as through Personal Service Contracts for service in Washington, DC and overseas.
WHERE ARE WE?
USAID's headquarters is centrally located in downtown Washington, DC, at the prestigious Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center on 14th and Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. We are located right on the Federal Triangle Metro (Blue and Orange Lines). The office is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, Smithsonian Institution museums and Washington Monument. There is also a physical fitness facility and food court on site.
NOTES:
Multiple vacancies will be filled through this announcement.
Applicants are encouraged to apply early as referral lists may be forwarded to selecting officials at any time.
USAID is continually looking for opportunities to expand partnerships with the private sector to promote development goals. While experience is not required, candidates with private sector experience, knowledge, skills and abilities are encouraged to apply.
USAID is also seeking to expand its capability to respond to crises and disasters around the globe. The Agency is planning to develop 'surge' capacity amongst its Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) for such a response, and after going overseas. Persons applying for the JO positions are also eligible to serve as 'surge' officers, and will be provided special training during their initial Washington rotation.
DIVERSITY
USAID is committed to recruiting and deploying a diverse Foreign Service (FS) workforce that exemplifies the diverse nature of the U.S. labor force.
THE JUNIOR OFFICER PROGRAM
The Junior Officer (JO) program is USAID's entry-level program into the Foreign Service. The JO program seeks the best-qualified junior professional candidates who are willing to make a long-term career commitment to the Foreign Service and international development. JOs begin their careers in formal training programs that are followed by rotational on-the-job, Washington-based training for up to one year, which may include language training. After completion of Washington training, JOs are assigned to an overseas office and receive broad-based training through rotational assignments. The total JO training plan is approximately three years. Successful candidates will become representatives of USAID and the U.S. Government in the worldwide development arena. New Foreign Service Officers have five years in which to earn tenure in the Foreign Service. Tenure requirements include foreign language proficiency, and successful completion of at least three years with the Agency, of which 18 months have to have been on a permanent overseas assignment in one of USAID's field offices. The three-year JO training program is included in the five-year tenure requirement.
BENEFITS
Federal benefits include: 10 paid Federal Holidays per year; 13 days of paid sick leave each year; 13-26 days of vacation, depending on years of employment; Nationally recognized health insurance plans that offers choice and flexibility; Group Term Life Insurance program; and, Long-term Care Insurance.
This announcement is being used to consider internal Merit Promotion and external candidates. You will be considered under all categories for which you are eligible.
DUTIES:
1. The USAID Junior Officer (JO) Financial Manager is a member of the USAID Mission Controller’s team. The Controller is a member of the Mission’s senior management team, and is charged with the responsibility of accounting for Mission operations. Financial reporting responsibilities include providing local USAID management with the information necessary to make operating decisions, as well as providing USAID/Washington with information of sufficient uniformity and detail to permit central reporting and monitoring.
2. The JO Financial Manager will assist the Controller to provide advice and assistance to the Mission regarding all financial management aspects of USAID’s operations. This includes advice regarding financial practices and procedures applicable to program implementation. Financial management for an overseas Controller’s office encompasses those elements of management that deal with budgeting, accounting, financial analyses, cash management, internal control, and financial reporting. The JO will assist the Controller to provide financial data to be used for forecasting future resource requirements and providing the financial evaluation of work accomplished in comparison to previous plans and forecasts. By means of special reports, consultations and memoranda, the JO will kelp keep USAID officials informed of existing control procedures and the financial status of the various USAID activities in the country or region. Where necessary, the JO will assist to institute financial management improvements to ensure that USAID functions are conducted in an efficient and effective manner.
3. The USAID Controller is generally delegated authority for maintaining liaison with the IG (investigations and audits) staff, the General Accounting Office, and any other investigative groups auditing or inspecting the USAID operation or field activities. A JO can be expected to assist with this liaison process. The Controller’s Office generally reviews and comments on audit report findings, and works with the Mission to address and close findings. At the request of the Ambassador, or the USAID Director, the JO could assist the Controller to perform self-audits or analyses of various USAID field activity or internal administrative operations.
4. Other responsibilities that might be experienced by JOs include coordinating with the Loan Management Division of the USAID/Washington CFO Office, local and foreign banking institutions with regard to cash needs or letter of credit financing, and, where applicable, the review of host country records or the receipt of commodities.
5. The Controller’s office is responsible for the review and certification of payments. The JO will certainly be expected to perform this function at some point early in his/her career, which is invaluable for learning the details of the USAID program in the country or region. Payments must be reviewed to make certain they are correct, legal, and timely.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Academic Background.
Ability to work in teams to achieve results.
Ability to write persuasively and effectively in English.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
Ability to work in a developing country with limited modern conveniences.
Knowledge of accounting, auditing, internal control systems, financial analysis and budgeting.
MINIMUM FEDERAL QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must have completed at a minimum a Master’s degree with at least 24 core credit hours in accounting or auditing. Credit hours earned in finance or other business management curriculums may not be substituted for the core accounting hour requirements. A Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree or equivalent, or CPA license are highly desirable. Some experience in auditing, accounting, or budgeting is not required but would be helpful.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS:
Medical Clearance - A medical clearance for the applicant is required prior to being hired for this position. Foreign Service members must be able to serve at any overseas post. Many facilities are remote, unhealthy, or have limited medical support. Therefore, each applicant must meet medical fitness standards which are, of necessity, often more rigorous than those of other professions. Prior to being appointed to the Foreign Service, applicants must have a thorough medical examination and receive an unlimited medical clearance for assignment worldwide. After receiving a conditional offer of employment, each applicant is provided with instructions for the examining physician(s), which outline the precise requirements. Applicants living within a fifty-mile radius of Washington, DC, must have the medical exam performed by the Department of State Office of Medical Services. USAID considers the medical condition of eligible family members for assignment purposes. Therefore, USAID requires medical clearances for eligible family members before they can travel overseas to accompany an employee on assignment at US Government expense. Family members who, for medical reasons, cannot accompany an employee on an overseas assignment, are eligible to receive a separate maintenance allowance.
Worldwide Availability - Worldwide availability is an essential qualification for appointment to the Foreign Service. Foreign Service Officers will spend the majority of their careers overseas and must be willing to accept assignments at any USAID location, almost all of which are in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia, Middle East, and Europe and Eurasia. Once appointed, the incumbent of an assigned position may be reassigned/relocated to any geographical location where the employees' services are needed as determined by headquarters.
Applicants submitting proof documents can electronically attach them, or scan and attach them, to the employment application. If this is not possible, copies of documents can be faxed to (253) 573-9869, or mailed to the following address: USAID, c/o Avue Technologies Corporation, ATTN: Direct Services, 1145 Broadway Plaza, Suite 800, Tacoma, WA 98402. All faxed or mailed proof documents must be submitted prior to the closing date of the announcement and must be identified with applicant's name and vacancy announcement number.
All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, membership in an employee organization, or any other non-merit factors.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
Moving expenses are authorized per federal regulations.
Relocation expenses are authorized per federal regulations.
Federal benefits include: 10 paid Federal holidays per year; 13 days of sick leave each year; 13 to 26 days of vacation, depending on years of employment; nationally recognized health insurance plans that offer choice and flexibilities; group term life insurance program; long-term care insurance; flexible spending accounts; Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS); and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a self-directed retirement savings program through multiple investment options similar to a 401(K) plan.
In addition to the Federal benefits package, USAID employees can take advantage of: public transportation subsidy; flexible work schedules; telecommuting; tuition assistance program (TAP); training and developmental opportunities; on-site Lafayette Federal Credit Union; physical fitness facility; health unit; and extensive food court.
Entrance on duty is contingent upon completion of a pre-employment security investigation.
SELECTIVE SERVICE. As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
DIRECT DEPOSIT: All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choosing.
Security Clearance - A background investigation is also required for all applicants. Eligible applicants will be asked to submit forms required for a security clearance and suitability determination for appointment to the Foreign Service. The clearance process considers such factors as: registration for the Selective Service; failure to repay a US government-guaranteed student loan; past problems with credit or bankruptcy; failure to meet tax obligations; unsatisfactory employment records; violations of the law; drug or alcohol abuse; a criminal record; extensive travel; education; residence and/or employment overseas; dual citizenship; foreign contacts; immediate family or relatives who are not citizens of the United States and/or a foreign born spouse; or less than honorable discharge from the armed forces. Investigations, which usually take several months, include current and previous contacts, supervisors, and coworkers. These investigations are conducted by USAID in cooperation with other federal, state, and local agencies.
Applicants must be U.S. citizens.
If you are a David L. Boren scholar or fellow, and are not currently a student, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 provides that you can be considered, under a special appointing authority, for vacancies that are advertised under an agency's promotion procedures.
Positions within this agency generally satisfy NSEP service requirements for David L. Boren scholars and fellows. Contact the National Security Education Board for further details on service requirements (http://www.nsepnet.org).
Generally, preference is granted to veterans who entered military service prior to October 14, 1976; or served on active duty during the period from August 2, 1990, through January 2, 1992, and who are otherwise eligible; or who served on active duty during the period beginning September 11, 2001, and ending on the last day of Operation Iraqi Freedom; or who have served in a military action for which they received a Campaign Badge or Expeditionary Medal. This includes the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (AFEM) awarded to those who participated in Operation Joint Endeavor or Operation Joint Guard. Also, you may be entitled to veterans' preference if you are a disabled veteran; you have received a Purple Heart; you are the spouse or mother of a disabled veteran; or you are the widow, widower, or mother of a deceased veteran. You will need to submit a Standard Form (SF) 15 and proof of your claim.
If you are claiming 5-point veterans' preference, or you are applying for consideration under the Veteran Employment Opportunity Act or Veteran Readjustment Authority, attach a copy of your DD-214 "Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty" or other proof of eligibility. If you are applying for consideration under the 30% or more Disabled Veteran Authority, you must attach a SF-15, "Application for 10-Point Veterans' Preference" plus the proof required by that form.
If you are an eligible Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) applicant you may apply for special selection over other applicants for this position. Individuals who have priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP) must be well qualified for the position. To be well qualified, applicants must satisfy all qualification requirements for the vacant position and score 90 or better on established ranking criteria. The determination of whether or not the applicant meets the well-qualified definition will be made prior to veteran preference points being added. CTAP/ICTAP eligibles must submit one of the following as proof of eligibility for the special selection priority: a separation notice; a "Notice of Personnel Action" (SF-50) documenting separation; an agency certification that you cannot be placed after injury compensation has been terminated; an OPM notification that your disability annuity has been terminated; OR a Military Department or National Guard Bureau notification that you are retired under 5 U.S.C. 8337(h) or 8456.
This appointment requires completion of a one-year probationary period. During this time period, employee's conduct and performance will be monitored in order to determine if employee will be retained.
Foreign Language Requirement: Language proficiency is required for tenure in the Foreign Service. Please provide information on your language skills on the Additional Information screen in the on-line application. Selected applicants who do not have proficiency in a foreign language will receive language training to demonstrate language proficiency at the appropriate time. Selected applicants assigned to language designated positions will receive language training prior to assignment abroad.
IMPORTANT: If you are found to have rated your self assessment higher than the information in your on-line application, supporting documentation narratives, and/or any other relevant part of your application package; including attachments, a score will manually be determined that reflects your documented experience. This may result in a lowered score and may also eliminate you from the best qualified list.
Federal base salary levels are adjusted annually to accommodate cost-of-living increases. These are base salary levels and do not include the current 20.89% locality pay that is paid while on training in Washington, DC. Applicants who accept these positions are Federal Government employees.
Upon selection, JO Program applicants who do not reside in the Washington metropolitan area will be reimbursed for their and their eligible family members' (EFM) assignment travel to Washington, DC, and shipment of their household effects. Successful applicants will be expected to spend 6 to 18 months in Washington, DC, prior to their first overseas assignment.
At overseas post, all USAID employees receive non-taxable government housing and, where applicable, a non-taxable cost-of-living allowance. They may also receive a "school-away-from-post" allowance for the education of their dependent children. A taxable differential of 5-25% of basic salary may be paid for service at designated overseas hardship posts where living conditions are difficult.
Other benefits include paid annual leave, home leave, sick leave; contributory government life and group health insurance and retirement; medical care and hospitalization overseas; transportation to and from post; shipment of authorized weights of household effects, and, where permitted, shipment of a motor vehicle.
The JO program provides for two administrative promotions within the first two years of service based on meeting successful service standards. Therefore, JOs will be at the FS 05 level ($41,122 to $60,389) after the first year and FS 04 level ($50,749 to $74527) at the end of two years of successful service.
Successful applicants who are employed with USAID are under the Foreign Service Pension System (FSPS), and may voluntarily retire at age 50 with 20 years of service. Such service includes all creditable government and military service. Retirement is mandatory at age 65.
SALARY RANGE: $36,762.00-$53,986.00
CLOSE DATE: None
ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: JO-ALL-01/2008
OPENING DATE: 6-13-2008
PROMOTION POTENTIAL: 06
AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US citizens
WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time
TIME LIMIT: Permanent - No time limit
CONTACT NAME: USAID
CONTACT PHONE NUMBER: 202-712-1030
CONTACT EMAIL: fsncr@usaid.gov
