Associate Portfolio Manager, Advancing Capacity for the Environment

$73,000 - $90,000/Yr

Dai - Bethesda, MD

Part-time - Mid Level

Bethesda, MD

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services

About the position

The Associate Portfolio Manager will serve as a primary relationship manager and frontline representative for the Advancing Capacity for the Environment (ACE) program, which is designed to support the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in its efforts to combat climate change, conserve biodiversity, and manage natural resources. This role involves collaborating closely with USAID staff to understand their needs and how the ACE program can best meet those objectives. The Associate Portfolio Manager will work under the guidance of the Senior Portfolio Manager and will be responsible for scoping new activities, developing budgets, and ensuring that all necessary reviews and approvals are obtained from both ACE and USAID. Additionally, the Associate Portfolio Manager will monitor existing activities to ensure they meet client expectations regarding quality, timeliness, and budget performance, while also proactively addressing any issues that arise. In this position, the Associate Portfolio Manager will lead the annual work planning process and conduct regular budget and work plan reviews with USAID and the ACE team. They will also be responsible for leading key ACE-wide initiatives, including the implementation and maintenance of program management tools, reporting, and conducting after-action reviews. The role requires strong relationship management skills to build trust and facilitate meetings among stakeholders, as well as the ability to manage multiple projects and budgets effectively. The Associate Portfolio Manager will also oversee procurement processes for various services and products, ensuring that all activities are conducted in compliance with established standards. They will serve as the designated manager for select ACE activities, which may include project management tasks, communications, training, and organizational development. Quality assurance and quality control are critical components of this role, as the Associate Portfolio Manager will ensure that all ACE activities meet high standards and undergo necessary reviews. Finally, the Associate Portfolio Manager will support monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts by gathering data and contributing to reports and workshops.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary relationship manager and frontline representative for the ACE program.
• Collaborate with USAID staff to understand client needs and discuss options for meeting objectives.
• Support the ACE Technical Area Directors and Finance and Operations team in scoping new activities and developing budgets.
• Monitor existing activities to ensure they meet client expectations for quality, timeliness, and budget performance.
• Lead annual work planning and budgeting for selected operating units in coordination with senior leadership.
• Manage activity budgets and monitor funding levels for assigned activities.
• Lead ACE-wide program initiatives, including the roll-out of program management tools and reporting.
• Oversee procurement processes for firms, vendors, and subcontractors.
• Serve as designated manager for select ACE activities, managing timelines and performance of consultants and subcontractors.
• Ensure quality assurance and quality control for ACE activities and processes.
• Support monitoring, evaluation, and learning efforts as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of experience in international development or working with US government donors; Master's degree preferred.
• Excellent project management and budget skills with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional soft skills in client management, meeting facilitation, and internal/external communications.
• Strong presentation skills in formal client meetings and public events.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience in document origination and editing.
• Demonstrated expertise in one or more of ACE's core technical areas: communications, facilitation, training, or knowledge management.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including USAID partners and NGOs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and prioritize effectively.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with program management tools like Asana.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation processes in international development.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays).
• Sick leave and parental leave.
• Short- and long-term disability coverage.