Agency: U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
Organization: Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security, Center for Natural Environment, Natural Climate Solutions Division (REFS/CNE/NCS)
Location of Position: Washington, DC
Telework/Remote Eligibility: Eligible to telework four days per pay period (two days per week). This position is not remote eligible.
Open Period: July 26, 2024 – August 16, 2024
Appointment Type: This is an excepted service, time-limited appointment that is not to exceed five years; may also be considered for two two-year extensions depending on the needs of the service.
Salary: (USD) $132,860 – $191,900 annually
Number of Vacancies: One

Description of Organization: NCS provides thought leadership and analytic and technical support to USAID Missions/Operating Units in Washington, DC and host country counterparts on reducing emissions and sequestering carbon through the protection, management, and restoration of landscapes. NCS programs (also referred to as sustainable landscapes) promote land-based climate change mitigation at national scales while also improving livelihoods, protecting ecosystems, improving governance, and strengthening resilience. The functions of the Bureau and Center are described in ADS 101, Agency Programs and Functions.

Duties and Responsibilities: REFS seeks a qualified, motivated professional to serve as a Natural Resources Officer in NCS. The Natural Resources Officer will be a senior-level Agency technical expert supporting implementation of the Climate Strategy through leadership and technical expertise in NCS. As part of the position, they will: deliver guidance, advice, tools, and resources to help USAID design strategies, projects, and activities that address land-based mitigation; manage activities that inform the development of technical policies, guidance, and tools; develop and manage relationships that connect people, tools, and resources across the Agency, the interagency, and the broader global development landscape; and improve and increase environment and natural resources knowledge, skills and abilities of staff throughout the Agency.

Specialized Experience: For the FL-02 (GS-14 equivalent), you must have one year of specialized experience at the FL-03 (GS-13 equivalent) grade level or equivalent. Examples of qualifying specialized experience include:

• Demonstrated ability to design and manage complex projects, including partnerships, involving multi-year time frames and multiple staff;
• Demonstrated leadership in addressing climate change through land conservation, restoration, promoting low-emissions supply chains, climate or conservation finance, tropical forestry, international development, or a related field;
• Demonstrated ability to overcome challenges, work in diverse/multicultural settings/teams, engage in cross-cultural communications, provide customer service, and quickly learn new technical areas and operational approaches; and
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills with technical and non-technical audiences.

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;
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance;
• Must be able to travel internationally, up to 25 percent of the time; and
• Education Requirements:
  • Degree desired: Biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position; or
  • Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Interested candidates must submit the following:

• Cover letter expressing interest and clearly addressing the qualifications and requirements of the position. Also include citizenship status and list security clearance level, if applicable;
• A resume/CV that must include the months, years, and the number of hours worked per week for each position listed; 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_88 FSL APPLICATION PACKAGE: Natural Resources Officer, FL-0401-02, REFS/CNE/NCS PD #40357.” Application submissions are required by 11:59 p.m. EDT, August 16, 2024. Packages not submitted 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 – Careers (state.gov.)
• Healthcare & Insurance – OPM.gov

Any questions concerning this notice may be directed to REFS Recruitment Center at [email protected].