PROGRAM SUPPORT SPEC (DEPT OF STATE)

POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Program Support Specialist, referred to as Specialist for the remainder of this document, will support activities across the SCO portfolio and three teams. The Specialist will organize and record minutes from meetings, draft and provide input to a variety of documents, as well as provide other general administrative support. The Specialist may undertake or support limited research projects, as well as support the office public affairs mission.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Supports program activities, assists in coordinating the implementation of projects within a portfolio, ands takes notes and prepare memos as assigned.
•    Aids in drafting success stories, briefing papers, talking pointes, presentations for management review and use, and content for bureau and office SharePoint and webpage.
•    Manages program files and records, tracks reports, maintains and updates file system accurately to enable quick and efficient retrieval of information, and fulfills archiving requirements.
•    Researches materials as required to compile information, reports, and statistical information regarding the supported program.
•    Supports officials in coordinating policy issues relating to portfolio.
•    Aids in managing program budget formulation, analyzing budget proposals, and assists with preparing justifications and memoranda for presentations to OMB and Congress.
•    Aids in evaluating program effectiveness in relation to the funding expended for regional programs.
•    Aids in office outreach projects by conducting logistical support.
•    Performs administrative duties when required to support program requirements, as well as support bureau Front Office administrative needs as required.
•    Receives and screens incoming telephone calls and visitors to office, receives and forwards appropriately incoming mail to office.
•    Schedules meetings and appointments, including reserving the appropriate venues and sending out invitations.
•    Establishes and maintains an accurate Employee Master Time and Attendance Record for each assigned employee on a bi-weekly basis. Ensures that each pay record is supported by appropriate documentation. Advises staff members on time and attendance policies and procedures. Ensures that data is timely and accurately submitted to the National Finance Center. Serves as liaison with the Human Resources Branch staff in resolving time and attendance discrepancies. Locks all Time and Attendance material in an area away from general contact with other employees.
•    Conducts limited research projects and makes careful and exhaustive searches for information difficult to obtain, compile data, and make preliminary analysis for the supervisor or other staff officers as appropriate.
•    Reads relevant publications, legislation, and directives that may be important to the activities of the staff. Maintains awareness of and refers relevant think tank events or reports.
•    Supports the effective dissemination of information to INL staff, including assembling the regular public affairs press clips.
•    Ensures that requests for action or information are made known to responsible office staff personnel who can satisfy the request. Responds to requests for information, clearance, or other communication in a timely manner.
•    Assists in the preparation of a variety of documents, including strategies, policy guidance, briefing materials and information memoranda, and utilizing desktop computer word processing systems. Ensures correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling, grammar, and conformance to style.
•    Manages accurate receipt, control, logging, safekeeping, and necessary action on all classified material received.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
•    U.S. Citizen
•    A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution;
•    Two to four years’ experience in relevant field; Demonstrated knowledge of specific country issues, including specialized knowledge of international narcotics and law enforcement, or similar type programs sufficient to ensure project work is in compliance with management policies and procedures and in conformance with the Foreign Assistance Act and other regulatory procedures and guidelines;
•    Proven knowledge of Federal policies and procedures including methods of providing assistance and the Federal budget process;
•    Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of players;
•    Demonstrated ability to provide advice, guidance, and consultation with regard to the interpretation and application of analysis;
•    Experience drafting US government reports and documents, such as the INCSR, embassy cables, and other documents.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
•    Active security clearance or an interim active security clearance within the last 12 months from date of solicitation.
•    Demonstrated proficiency in English grammar, punctuation, usage, and style and ability to edit in a form suitable for lay audiences.
•    Demonstrated experience with State Department systems, including time and attendance
•    Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels to assist in the planning and coordination of activities with other organizations.
•    Demonstrated superior interpersonal skills and proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and work well in both individual and team situations.
•    Demonstrated skill and ability in managing multiple concurrent activities of varying complexity, including changing priorities and tight deadlines.
•    Demonstrated proficiency in computer and web-based applications, including Microsoft Office Suite.
•    Demonstrated experience with INL and/or general knowledge of key concepts of criminal justice, transnational crime, and rule of law.

HOURS/LOCATION
Hours for this full-time position will be the core hours of INL/SCO: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day. The physical work location is the INL/SCO office at State Annex 1 (Columbia Plaza, 2401 E Street NW, Washington, DC) and/or Harry S. Truman Main State Building (2201 C St NW, Washington, DC).

TELEWORK
This position has been designated as 80% telework (within the 50-mile radius of DC) and will require the incumbent report to the physical work location four days per month. This designation does not guarantee telework privileges for the contractor employee; INL reserves the right to expand the requirement for in-person presence at the physical work location if the contractor employee is unable to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position remotely. INL may also require the incumbent to report to the physical work location additional days within a pay period as required to support office or program needs, especially at the beginning of support.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT
A Secret security clearance is required for this position; however, the Specialist may begin working with an interim Secret security clearance.