Regional Environment, Science, Technology and Health (ESTH) Specialist at U.S. Embassy Accra

Duties

The Regional Environment, Science, Technology, and Health (ESTH) Specialist serves as an expert advisor to the Regional Environment Officer (REO), communicates and advocates USG ESTH policy priorities, and develops short and long term partnerships across a wide range of government and non-government contacts throughout the 22 posts covering 24 countries under the purview of the West and Central Africa Hub Office. The Specialist maintains high level contacts and analyzes and differentiates among a broad range of political, legal, and practical factors to identify, develop, and implement policy and project priorities. The Specialist manages projects, prepares sectoral analysis, manages grants, and travels regionally representing U.S. Government interests. Employee does not directly supervise any other employee but he/she oversees the work of 5-10 grant recipients at any one time, across the West and Central Africa region. Position is supervised by the Regional Environment Officer (USDH).

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE:  The position requires a minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in any of the above fields with duties including program development, management, and evaluation, and/or development of policy analysis, advice, and recommendations.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:  Within Mission, must have knowledge of roles and responsibilities of key Mission offices and personnel; USG and Mission priorities in the areas of environment, science, technology, and health (ESTH) policy; and basic administrative policies and procedures. With regards to countries in the West and Central Africa region, must have knowledge of key institutions and persons involved in ESTH policy; the policy-making environment (how policy is made and carried out in the various contexts); regional ESTH (e.g., water resources, biodiversity, clean energy, fisheries, sustainable agriculture, scientific research, etc.).

Education Requirements:

Master's degree in a field relating to environment or science policy (e.g. natural science, engineering, water resources, land and water management, natural resource management, environmental policy, environmental law, fisheries and marine sciences, wildlife management, geography) is required.

Evaluations:

Post may choose to add the phrase “This may be tested” after a language, skill, and/or ability.  Review the VA template for specific information.

LANGUAGE:

1. Fluency in speaking, writing, reading in English is Required.
2. Good working knowledge in French is required.
3. Ability to speak at least one local Ghanaian language, preferably Akan (Good working knowledge) required. Language Proficiency may be tested.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES :

• Ability to plan, organize, and execute complex research projects; execute programs within the portfolio.
• Must be able to draft and prepare written analysis & reports, and deliver precise and accurate factual & analytical reports.
• Ability to manage budgets, spreadsheets; and an understanding of basic arithmetic.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office applications, internet, and State Department web-based applications.
• Availability and ability to do regional travel  for up to 25% of the time, including overnight stays at facilities with a wide range of challenges.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):  The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Qualifications:

All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications.

Benefits and Other Info

Benefits:

Agency Benefits:

Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Mission in Accra, Ghana may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits.

For EFMs, benefits should be discussed with the Human Resources Office.

The pay plan is assigned at the time of the conditional offer letter by the HR Office.

HIRING PREFERENCE SELECTION PROCESS:  Applicants in the following hiring preference categories are extended a hiring preference in the order listed below.  Therefore, it is essential that these applicants accurately describe their status on the application. Failure to do so may result in a determination that the applicant is not eligible for a hiring preference.