Agency: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Organization: Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security, Center for Agriculture-Led Growth (REFS/CA)
Location of Position: Washington, DC
Telework/Remote Eligibility: Telework for up to four days per pay period (two days per week). The position is not eligible for remote work.
Open Period: September 3, 2024 – September 27, 2024
Appointment Type: This is an excepted service, time-limited appointment that is not to exceed five years and may be considered for two two-year extensions depending on the needs of the service.
Salary: (USD) $107,657 – $158,097 per year
Number of Vacancies: One

Description of Organization: REFS is responsible for worldwide leadership and integrated technical expertise of the programming of USAID in agricultural-led growth and environmental sustainability. REFS’ expertise encompasses resilience; environment; food security; nutrition; water security, sanitation, and hygiene; climate; infrastructure; and energy, with the goals of increasing resilience, sustainability, self-reliance, and enhancing U.S. national security and economic prosperity.

Duties and Responsibilities: The detailee will serve as a technical resource on international agriculture research programs that relate to agricultural water management and best practices and methodologies. The detailee will play a thought leadership role by bringing technical expertise and experience to the REFS approach to Sustainable Intensification and enhanced agricultural production. The detailee will support management of agricultural research programs led by U.S. universities (Feed the Future Innovation Labs), private partners, and international agricultural research centers (IARCs), focused on addressing supporting development and deployment of sustainable intensification methods, in particular around soil water management and usage. Also, the detailee may consider irrigation and mechanization, scaling of innovation, and increasing availability of nutritious foods.

Specialized Experience: For the FL-03 (GS-13 equivalent) grade level, you must have one year of specialized experience at the FL-04 (GS-12) grade level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as:

• Technical expertise in relevant technical areas such as: soil water management, agriculture, soil sciences, and agricultural production; and
• International development knowledge/experience.

Education Requirement:

• At the FSL-03 level, a graduate or professional degree is required.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be a U.S. citizen. Candidates must indicate citizenship on their application. If citizenship is not stated, the application will not be considered; and
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.

Required Documents:

• A cover letter expressing interest and clearly addressing the stated requirements for the position;
• A resume/CV that must include the month, year, and the number of hours worked per week for each position listed;
• Official or unofficial transcripts, if applicable; and
• At least three professional references.

Other Applicable Documents:

• An applicant claiming Veterans’ Preference must submit all appropriate documentation (DD-214, Service Disability Letter, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, etc.); and
• An applicant serving as a current/former political appointee must submit all appropriate documentation (SF-50s, appointment letter, etc.).

Please submit your application package to [email protected] with the subject line: “REFS_392, FSL APPLICATION PACKAGE: Agriculture Development Officer (Agricultural Water Management), FSL-03, PD# 43303.” Application submissions are required by 11:59 p.m. EDT, September 27, 2024. Packages not submitted to [email protected] by the deadline with the specified subject line—or incomplete packages—will not receive consideration. This notice may be used to fill additional vacancies, as the workforce needs of the Bureau may change.

USAID Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Commitment
USAID envisions a world where all individuals are valued, have equitable access to opportunities, and are included, respected, and safe in their societies. USAID embraces diversity as outlined in USAID’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement. We seek to elevate and include the voices of the USAID workforce, recognizing and valuing the unique contributions of all stakeholders. USAID also strives to improve equity for underrepresented communities that have historically been denied fair and just treatment and improve accessibility in all facets at USAID.

Additional resources include:

• EEO Policy Statement
• Reasonable Accommodation Policy
• Foreign Service Salaries
• Healthcare & Insurance

Any questions concerning this notice may be directed to Julie March at [email protected].