Program Design Support Specialist III

Overview

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Position Summary

The Humanitarian Assistance Support Contract (HASC) combines deep institutional expertise, technical leadership, and a strong commitment to U.S. missions. Through HASC, Team Credence provides operational and administrative support to the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to coordinate humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and foreign assistance efforts across multiple bureaus, maintaining a 24/7 response capability.

Credence has an immediate need for a Program Design Support Specialist III.

The Program Design Support Specialist III is embedded within the Office of Assistance Coordination (AC) within the DOS Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs (NEA).  NEA/AC is responsible for coordinating U.S. foreign assistance in the NEA region, including by providing policy direction and operating guidance to officials in Washington and at NEA posts responsible for the implementation of regional assistance programs; overseeing strategic planning, budgeting, and monitoring and evaluation for the Bureau; and providing grants management of foreign assistance awards for the NEA Bureau and overseas NEA posts.

The position supports foreign assistance efforts in the NEA region, serving as a specialist on the design, implementation, and evaluation of foreign assistance programming that advances U.S. foreign policy.  The position works closely with U.S. embassies, interagency partners, host governments, and the private sector in support of U.S. foreign assistance efforts in the Middle East and North Africa.  The position requires analytical experience, knowledge of foreign assistance, and program management skills to support the utilization of foreign assistance resources consistent with U.S. foreign policy objectives as well as federal regulations and Department of State policy.

Day-to-day oversight of the position will be provided by a designated DOS government technical manager (GTM), with formal supervisory and evaluation functions performed by a Team Credence contract supervisor.

Application Closing Date: The closing date for applications is Friday, November 6, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direction of designated GTM, the Program Design Support Specialist III will:

• Coordinate and communicate directly with implementing partners to support the management of foreign assistance projects, in consultation with the grants or contracting officer’s representative.
• Participate in and support program coordination, design, and management of projects, engaging with NEA regional offices, the Office of Foreign Assistance Oversight, and functional bureaus as relevant.
• Identify, initiate, and develop strategies and tactics to implement all assigned projects to facilitate the achievement of established objectives.
• Help evaluate the effectiveness of project-related operations in meeting established Bureau, office, and USG foreign policy goals and objectives, recommending improvements or other policy changes, as appropriate.
• Contribute to briefings to NEA leadership on developments of interest; draft memos briefing check lists, and talking points on issues related to assigned portfolio.
• Support the drafting and review of solicitations for funding applications and proposals.
• In consultation and cooperation with the grants or contracting officer’s representative, review and recommend action on implementer performance reports; review indicator data and workplan progress; recommend actions to address performance issues; ensure accurate project information in AC databases.
• Share information with Department and interagency officials and counterparts on assistance coordination issues and problems.
• Support the communication of U.S. assistance strategy to Congress, policymakers, foreign governments, international organizations, implementers, and the general public.
• Coordinate effectively with other NEA/AC members and assistance colleagues at overseas posts by sharing information, facilitating cross-portfolio cooperation and sharing of best practices, and supporting other officers to accomplish team tasks as requested.
• Maintain cooperative, collegial, and professional approach in the workplace.  Comply with other established standards, policies, practices and protocols, including Customer Service Standards, Sexual and Discriminatory Harassment, No FEAR Act, and Equal Employment Opportunity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience:

• MA/MS and 0 or more years of relevant work experience, OR
• BA/BS and 2 or more years of relevant work experience, OR
• High school diploma and 6 or more years of relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of USG foreign policy, preferably as relates to foreign assistance or other types of federal government programming.
• Ability to gather and retain information and to make informed recommendations to decision makers.
• Ability to work collaboratively with peers across teams and offices.
• Knowledge of and experience working on or in the Middle East and North Africa is preferred for this position but not required.
• U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance are required. An active Secret clearance is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Possess excellent judgment and reliability;
• Have strong organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail;
• Possess excellent oral and written communication skills;
• Have strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and SharePoint;
• Be able to multi-task and work under deadlines in a fast-paced and collaborative environment;
• Be capable of prioritizing tasks and follow up on actions without prompting;
• Be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances; and
• Be willing to go the extra mile and participate as an active team member who assists other team members as necessary.

 Salary Range: $105,000 – 116,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on the selected candidate's experience, education, certifications, skills, and overall qualifications.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources