Regional Engagement Officer

CAMRIS International, LLC, (CAMRIS) is seeking a REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT OFFICER to support USAID AFRICA BUREAU/POWER AFRICA

This position will perform work under the Africa Bureau Institutional Support and Services II contract (AFR ITSS II). AFR ITSS II assists USAID in achieving its program priorities by providing contracted technical, professional, operational, and administrative support staff in support of USAID’s African programs on both short- and long-term bases. Work performed under this contract will cover a range of technical and administrative areas aimed at advancing USAID’s development objectives in sub-Saharan Africa.

CAMRIS is a dynamic international development and research firm that achieves innovative solutions to health and development challenges through high-quality, cost-effective programs and research management services. We combine our proven systems with today’s most effective, evidence-based best practices to improve the lives of people around the world. Our core capabilities include: public heath, such as strengthening health systems and combating HIV/AIDS, TB and other infectious diseases; fostering trade and investment; expanding power and electrification; strengthening democracy and governance; expanding access to and improving the quality of education; and ensuring environmental sustainability for generations to come by fighting climate change.

Our employees enjoy a diverse, collegial environment where individual contributions matter at all levels. At CAMRIS, you will notably improve the lives of people at home and abroad.  

BACKGROUND:

A U.S. government-led partnership, Power Africa harnesses the collective resources of public and private sectors to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.  As a unit within USAID’s Africa Bureau, Power Africa (AFR/AA/PA) addresses one of the most pressing challenges to sustainable economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa – access to electricity.   Two out of three people in sub-Saharan Africa have no access to power affecting their access to health care, education and economic opportunities. And yet, sub-Saharan Africa has significant energy resources that can be developed to meet the continent’s energy needs.  Power Africa supports an African driven vision to increase clean and efficient energy generation capacity in sub-Saharan Africa.

Since its launch in 2013, over 200 million people in sub-Saharan Africa gained first time electricity access.  And yet a staggering 580 million still lack access to electricity. There is still much work to be done.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Regional Engagement Officer will support Power Africa in advancing its goals as a critical member of Power Africa’s Washington, DC office.  The incumbent, under the guidance of the Mission Liaison Officer, will work with office leadership as well as technical staff in DC and overseas as a member of the Program Office. The Regional Engagement Officer will serve primarily in the role of a manager of information flow across Power Africa Coordinator’s Office and with the 42 sub-Saharan African countries in which the initiative works.

The Regional Engagement Officer will rank tasks in order of importance and impending deadlines, and handle several tasks simultaneously. The individual must develop a working knowledge of USAID policies, systems, and guidelines, as well as CAMRIS’s corporate practices and procedures.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Coordination and Engagement 70%

• Improves relationships with the field by focusing on communication and facilitation for the country missions. Maintaining regular contact and sharing information with the USAID Mission Economic Growth Offices and Energy Specialists, State POL/ECON, and any other USG presence that works in the energy sector.
• Lead on relevant briefing materials for the region assigned. Contribute relevant country information to interagency and/or Coordinator’s Office briefers.
• Help represent Power Africa’s interests in Washington, DC and the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office at relevant events, meetings, and other forums related to the assigned region (e.g., Embassy consultations, Ambassador in-briefs, workshops, etc.).
• Facilitate coordination with USAID and State Country Desk Officers (CDOs). Keep CDO counterparts updated on Power Africa activities, and facilitate coordination on relevant tasks (e.g., event / high-level visit coordination, briefers, etc.).
• Update Power Africa’s contact list and country Fact Sheets. Ensure that Power Africa’s Embassy contact list and Power Africa’s Fact Sheets are kept up-to-date.

Strategic and Programmatic Leadership 20%

• Provide strategic guidance on relationship management to Power Africa’s senior management.
• Support and co-lead the Regional Team as an active member of a cross-cutting Power Africa working group that addresses constraints to energy sector transactions by bringing to bear the tools of all of the Power Africa partnership.
• Identify opportunities to add value to the Power Africa initiative; clarify, and communicate the synergies and additive value derived from coordination with Power Africa partners in the field to both internal and external audiences and ensure Power Africa delivers this value to its stakeholders.
• Identify internal and external programmatic challenges; develop options to address them and recommend solutions.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to technical office directors and team leads.

Other Duties 10%

• Respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements such as: 1) inquiries from the White House, USG departments/agencies, US Congress and the public; 2) ad hoc assignments as dictated by unforeseen requirements at the discretion of the Mission Liaison Officer, Office Director, Deputy Coordinators, and/or Coordinator or his/her designee.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Required:  

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three (3) years of related professional experience OR a Master’s degree and a minimum of one (1) year.
• Strong oral, written, and general communications skills combined with the ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical information.
• Past experience in preparing materials and reports for briefings.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment in an active office.
• Ability to work seamlessly across in-person and virtual workspaces.
• Proficiency in the use of Google Workspace, the Microsoft Office Suite and enterprise systems applications.
• US. Citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance.

Preferred:

• Language skills in French and/or Portuguese.
• Experience in the use of database applications.

Please submit your resume online at www.CAMRIS.com. CAMRIS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law.

CAMRIS offers a comprehensive benefits package to support your health, well-being, and financial security. Our offerings include medical, dental, and vision insurance, FSAs and HSA, life and disability coverage, retirement plans with employer match, tuition reimbursement, public transportation support in the DMV area, and generous paid time off. Additional benefits include legal services, pet insurance, and an employee referral bonus program.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a Public Trust-level background check, a requirement for this position under an active federal contract. The background check process may include, but is not limited to the following: (1) contacting your professional references; (2) verification of previous employment, education and credentials; (3) a criminal background check; (4) use/abuse of federally-controlled substances; and (5) a department of motor vehicle check. Candidates must be prepared to fully-complete any required background check questionnaire during initial onboarding.