Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) Program Manager

$139,395 - $181,216/Yr

Unclassified - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Washington, DC

About the position

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) Program Manager position at USAID/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) is a critical role aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance through robust risk analysis and early warning systems. The Program Manager will be responsible for overseeing the FEWS NET portfolio, which includes managing contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements that support the identification and response to acute food insecurity. This role is particularly significant as FEWS NET expands its geographic scope to address the complexities of food insecurity driven by conflict, climate variability, and macroeconomic shocks. The Program Manager will work closely with other FEWS NET Program Managers and engage with key stakeholders across BHA, USAID, and the broader U.S. Government, as well as international humanitarian and development communities. The position requires a strong focus on program management and guidance, including serving as an Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). This entails reviewing invoices, approving program deliverables, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. The Program Manager will also support the development of work plans and coordinate early warning activities with other donor and USAID recipient countries. In addition to program management, the role demands technical expertise in socio-economic and agro-climatological processes that affect food security. The Program Manager will provide guidance on the implementation of FEWS NET activities, integrating findings into USAID's decision-making processes for emergency and resilience responses. The position also involves supporting BHA's humanitarian response efforts, which may require deployment to disaster areas for extended periods. The FEWS NET Program Manager will not have direct supervisory responsibilities but may take on acting leadership roles as needed. The position is based in Washington, D.C., and requires a commitment to USAID's diversity philosophy, promoting an inclusive workplace that reflects the communities served.

Responsibilities

• Co-manage the FEWS NET portfolio of mechanisms including contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements.
• Serve as an Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR) or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for FEWS NET activities.
• Review invoices, program/project deliverables, travel requests, and compliance reports.
• Support the administration, technical direction, quality assurance, and final inspection of deliverables for FEWS NET contractors and USG partners.
• Approve all designated FEWS NET contract and agreement actions within annual budgeting and work plan processes.
• Coordinate FEWS NET early warning activities with other donor and USAID recipient countries.
• Inform and coordinate with FEWS NET leadership for approval of major un-programmed revisions to contract and agreement budgets and work plans.
• Contribute to FEWS NET procurement activities, budgeting, and performance monitoring requirements.
• Review country-specific and regional assessments of food security and related FEWS NET concepts.
• Present FEWS NET findings to decision-makers within USAID and other stakeholder organizations.
• Provide technical consultation and expert guidance in the conception, planning, scheduling, and implementation of FEWS NET activities.
• Serve as the FEWS NET Management Team point of contact for assigned geographies, developing close working relationships with BHA and Mission Geographic Teams.
• Integrate FEWS NET information into the USAID decision-making process for emergency, resilience, and development responses.
• Support BHA's hiring efforts and serve on PSC hiring committees as needed.

Requirements

• A High School Diploma with at least ten (10) years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with at least six (6) years of experience, or a Master's degree with at least four (4) years of experience, or a PhD with at least two (2) years of experience in relevant fields.
• Experience with scientific primary data collection in the field (qualitative or quantitative).
• Experience with designing implementation plans for field-based programs in developing country contexts.
• Experience with budget development for complex, multi-year international development or humanitarian assistance programs.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in international food security analysis and monitoring and evaluation in developing country contexts.
• Familiarity with socio-economic and agro-climatological data analysis as applied in food security monitoring and assessment activities.

Benefits

• Competitive salary within the range of $139,395 - $181,216.
• Potential for remote work options based on the approved alternative worksite.
• Opportunity to engage in meaningful humanitarian work that saves lives and alleviates suffering.