Positions: Acquisition & Assistance Specialists (3), FSN-09, USAID/MALI

This position is a part of an established career ladder, which provides for the potential to progress to the FSN-10 and, subsequently, to the FSN-11 grade level. There is no potential for the Job Holder to become a permanent FSN-09 in this work assignment. Attainment of higher grade levels is contingent upon the Specialist (Trainee) successfully completing required training, meeting agree-upon objectives and milestones, and performing in a Fully Successful (or equivalent) manner. Promotion to the FSN-10 and to the target FSN-11 grade levels is not mandatory, and failure to achieve those high levels of performance may be the basis for dismissal. 

Solicitation Ref: USAID-HR-AAS-001-2018-AAO 

Brief Description of Position: The Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (Trainee) is located in the Office of Acquisition and Assistance, USAID/Mali. The function of the Office is to provide Acquisition and Assistance (procurement) support to Mission Technical Offices and Development Objective (DO) and Assistance Objective (AO) Teams in the Mission. The primary purpose of this position is to perform a variety of acquisition and assistance duties including writing grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other procurement instruments and preparing amendments in support of the Mission. The Specialist (Trainee) reviews and recommends approval or revision of requisitions in the Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS); reviews and recommends approval or revision of scopes of work (SOW); drafts requests for proposal or quote; performs cost and price analysis; analyzes proposals or quotes received; drafts contracts and contract modifications; analyzes contractor-proposed budgets.

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the minimum qualifications:

• All Malian Citizens and Local Residents with a valid work permit at the time of application;
• Possession of a Baccalaureate Degree or the equivalent of a four-year US college/university (or equivalency accreditation if a non-US institution) degree in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and/or organization and management is required. NB: Additional education may NOT be substituted for Experience.
• Minimum of four years of responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a closely related field is required. One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level of FSN responsibility in this or a related occupation, within a USG organization the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization, in an English-language work environment. NB: Additional experience may NOT be substituted for Education.
• Level IV (Fluent) French and English are required. Knowledge of one local language is a plus.
• Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes, or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge, is required. An understanding of US Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition portfolio, and/or the ability to quickly gain such understanding, is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, small purchase procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types. A basic understanding of markets pertaining to program/project/activity requirements for services and commodities, and a good knowledge and understanding of US market and pricing methods is desirable. Previous completed Defense Acquisition University equivalent coursework strongly preferred. Demonstrated use of procurement software preferred.

How to obtain Solicitation: Detailed statement of duties and the qualification requirements for the position are available on the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/mali/partnership-opportunities/local-vacancy, and U.S. Embassy website http://mali.usembassy.gov

How to Apply: Human Resources Management Office – Email: bamakohrmvacancies@usaid.gov. To ensure consideration of application for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email, cover letter and any other attached pages.

Deadline for submission is: October 19, 2018 at 17h00 GMT