Who We Are

Peace is our commitment. The United States Institute of Peace represents the American people’s shared values and commitment to peace worldwide. We know that Peace is Security – it advances both U.S. and international security by preventing, managing, and mitigating violent conflict.

We are an independent, non-partisan institution and are actively engaged with peacebuilding efforts worldwide. Together we tackle the most challenging problems and hold fast to the possibility of a more peaceful world. To learn more about USIP programs and job openings, go to https://www.usip.org/about/careers.

If you have a passion for making the world a better place and want to have a front-row seat on the world stage, USIP is the place for you.

SUMMARY:

The Field Procurement Officer will provide procurement and operations guidance and support to USIP’s field offices. This is a unique opportunity for an individual with a strong background in contracting, procurement, and field operations to make a significant impact within a global organization. A strong understanding of contracting risk management in international operations is essential.

This is a full-time Personal Services Contractor position that is expected to be stationed in Washington, DC, but a remote station may also be possible, The contract can be renewed pending good performance, funding, and business needs.

Significant travel is required. The Field Procurement Officer will report to the Director of Grants and Contracts Administration.

Job Brief:

Procurement and Contract Management:
* Serve as a primary point of contact for field procurement and contracting staff.
* Ensure compliance with USIP finance, procurement, and operations policies as well as coordinate with USIP legal and security teams to ensure local regulations are followed and risk is mitigated and managed.
* Work closely with field office program teams to ensure unbiased procurement and contract competitions, facilitate the bidding and competition process, organize technical committee meetings, and ensure the selection is properly documented.
* Review and administer field office procurement requests to confirm they contain sufficient documentation and comply with Institute policies and procedures.
* Ensure procurement and contracting risk management approaches are built into field office operations.
* Provide guidance to staff when working with local contractors on confirming they meet established local government requirements, including but not limited to registration, sound financial and procurement policies, and procedures.
* Assist staff in drafting detailed and clear scopes of work for various projects, ensuring alignment with the USIP mission and regulations.
* Provide support to project teams on contract start-up/kick-off meetings and contract closeout.
* Coordinate with contractors and project teams to address any challenges and implement corrective measures.
* Provide training to new staff on procurement and operations requirements.

Field Office Setup and Operations Support:
* Collaborate with field teams to understand field office objectives and local requirements.
* Prior to executing the setup of new international locations, provide guidance and prepare relevant checklists.
* In concert with functional leads from Headquarters, support the establishment, review, and improvement of internal operating processes and procedures for field offices.
* Review funding concept notes and funding partner terms to identify possible procurement and contracting needs.
* Coordinate with accounting team and local finance staff to develop financial benchmark guidelines for recurring expenses so that the budgets submitted can be evaluated against market costs.
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Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:
* To be considered for the position, candidates must meet the selection criteria listed below. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the following selection factors through a Cover Letter and detailed Curriculum Vitae:
* Bachelor’s degree in business administration, economics, finance, international relations, or any other related field.
* Advanced procurement/acquisition qualifications and certifications are strongly preferred.
* Five (5) years or more of procurement, operations, contract management, and financial management.
* Experience in an international organization and US-government funded projects.
* Previous knowledge and experience in establishing overseas field offices and methods for pricing of goods and services.
* National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) clearance or ability to attain NACI clearance required.
* Strong understanding of procurement policies and procedures, including understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and CFR 200.
* Excellent organizational, time management and communication skills (oral and written), ability to liaise with internal staff, external partners, and vendors.
* Excellent record-keeping skills and attention to detail.
* Proficiency in English both written and oral required.
* Proficiency in Arabic, French, or Spanish preferred.
* Proficient in Excel and other Microsoft software.

All USIP contract and employee positions are contingent upon the favorable completion of a suitability background investigation.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this position, please submit a complete application package consisting of:
* Completed employment application including titles, dates of hire and salary requirements.
* Cover letter
* Resume

Only those applicants that are selected for further discussions will be contacted.

No Phone Calls. Interviews will be scheduled by appointment only.

USIP is an equal opportunity employer. USIP does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit-based factors.