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 Eligible: Yes
Open Period: February 13, 2024 – March 5, 2024
Appointment Type: This is an excepted service, a time-limited appointment, not-to-exceed two years and five months.
Salary: (USD) $99,700 – $146,413 per year
Number of Vacancies: One

Description of Organization: REFS/CA provides technical leadership for the design and implementation of programs across the Agency that foster inclusive, sustainable, agricultural-led economic growth. The functions of REFS and its centers are described in ADS 101, Agency Programs and Functions.

Duties and Responsibilities: The General Development Officer will undertake the following duties and responsibilities.

• Manage agricultural research programs led by U.S. universities (Feed the Future [FTF] Innovation Labs), private partners, international agricultural research centers (IARCs), and national agricultural research systems (NARS) focused on addressing emerging plant diseases and pests; addressing pre- and post-harvest and food safety issues in smallholder farming systems; and increasing availability of, and access to, safe and nutritious foods;
• Serve as a technical authority concerning international agriculture research programs that relate to plant and animal diseases, food safety, pre- and post-harvest management, and crop productivity in smallholder farming systems. Play a thought leadership role by bringing technical expertise and experience to the REFS Agriculture Threats Working Group (ATWG).
• Ensure relevant knowledge on pest and disease issues are managed in ways that make it accessible for Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices (M/B/IOs) for use in program design and implementation;
• Support improved coordination and outreach between REFS and USAID Missions with agriculture and food security programs; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Specialized Experience: For the FL-02 Grade Level, you must have one year of specialized experience at the FL-03 grade level or equivalent. Specialized experience is defined as:

• Experience in the field of plant pathology or similar;
• Experience in international agricultural development and agricultural systems; and
• Experience designing, managing, and implementing an agricultural research activity or program.

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, if applicable.

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]. Please use the subject line: “FSL APPLICATION PACKAGE: General Development Officer (Plant Pathologist), FL-0301-02, REFS/CA, PD#33132.” Application submissions are required by 11:59 p.m. EST, March 5, 2024. Incomplete packages or packages not submitted by the deadline with the specified subject line 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

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