Legislative Specialist - USAID

CeLeen, an operating firm of Command Holdings, is seeking a Legislative Specialist to support USAID's Bureau for Development, Democracy and Innovation, Center for Democracy, Human Rights and Governance (DRG Center).

The Legislative Specialist must have strong communication and coordination skills, as well as a strong sense of responsibility and is at ease engaging with members of Congress and working on the hill and maintaining knowledge of key legislative issues. They will track key legislative issues, keep DRG Center staff informed on key actions, be highly organized, pay close attention to detail, and be able to multitask well. The Legislative Specialist must demonstrate sound judgment and excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.

Coordination of Congressional Engagement 40%

• As a member of the DRG Bureau, the Legislative Affairs Specialist collaborates closely with the DRG/Front Office (FO), the DRG Program Office, DRG technical offices, counterparts in LPA and other USAID stakeholders to ensure consistency of message and unity of purpose with regard to DRG’s outreach to Congress and relevant external sectors. The incumbent monitors the congressional schedule of legislative hearings and consults with DRG/FO and other colleagues regarding participation based on program strategy. The incumbent is responsible for advising the DRG Bureau on presentation strategies and protocols with respect to any of a wide variety of matters that may be under discussion or proposed. The incumbent must be prepared to be responsive to questions involving people, places, things or events related to the DRG Bureau and field programming (e.g., questions for the record, Congressional briefing requests, etc.). The incumbent must be prepared to respond effectively on issues of a general or policy nature requiring familiarity with the DRG Bureau’s Assistant to the Administrator's position with respect to these issues. The incumbent must exercise tact and discretion in all instances and particularly with respect to admitting insufficient knowledge and requesting time to obtain the facts and respond accordingly.

Congressional Analyses 30%

• The Legislative Affairs Specialist seeks to understand the views of Congress and individual members with respect to the foreign aid program affecting the DRG sector; analyzes and evaluates such views; and makes reports and policy recommendations to the DRG/FO, LPA and other senior officers with respect to new directions and approaches. The incumbent identifies, tracks and summarizes proposed legislative actions having a direct impact on DRG programs. Distributes draft and final legislation to appropriate staff for feedback analysis and appropriate action.

Communications Strategy and Implementation 20%

• In coordination with the DRG Communications team and with LPA and armed with a thorough understanding and knowledge of DRG bureau and mission priorities, programs and projections for forthcoming legislative requests, the incumbent develops and implements effective communications strategies to bring to members of Congress an understanding and acceptance of USAID's policies and objectives. This is done by highlighting the benefits to be derived by both the host countries and the United States.

Coordination with Budget Planning and Execution 10%

• The incumbent assists the DRG/PO to develop input for annual budget documents, including materials for the Assistant to the Administrator or other senior officials’ testimony on the President’s Budget Request and the annual Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ).

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Expected salary range: $105,000 - $120,000

Work Environment:

• Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone and printers) and /or occasional Loud noise (airfield, large equipment).
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.

Physical Demands:

• While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to sit, stand, talk, and hear.
• Employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers to operate a computer.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Travel:

• 0-10% / Minimal travel.

CeLeen, an operating firm of Command Holdings, a Pequot company, is a tribally-owned firm providing management consulting services to U.S. government agencies.

Pursuant to PL 93-638, as amended, preference will be given to qualified Native Americans and spouses in all phases of employment.

At CeLeen, our employees are the embodiment of our success as a firm. Our team is comprised of a tenacious group of diverse professionals located across the globe. It includes military veterans and spouses of active duty troops, former federal employees, policy experts, academics, attorneys, and technical and business experts, all of whom share a strong work ethic and the skills to succeed in both collaborative and independent environments. CeLeen is invested in the long-term success of both our clients and colleagues for the right reasons. Our dedication to putting good government into practice is underpinned by a merit-based culture that measures success by productivity and credibility.

CeLeen will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants who are unable to utilize our online application system due to a disability. Please send your request to HR at hr@wwcglobal.com.

CeLeen is an Equal Opportunity Employer – we do not discriminate based on age, race, national or ethnic origin, gender, veterans status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected class. Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Equal Employment Opportunity and Employee Polygraph Protection Act.

CeLeen's Affirmative Action Program is available to any employee or applicant for employment for inspection upon request, to the extent required by federal regulations. The Affirmative Action Program can be accessed during normal business hours by making an appointment with HR at hr@wwcglobal.com.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Master's Degree.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance. (Eligible to pass Federal security clearance process. Please visit the link for FAQs: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/)
• 5+ years of experience in congressionally related fields.
• Proven experience working with members of congress and their staff, including expertise in navigating congressional briefings, and outreach.
• Knowledge of and prior engagement with hill committees  or in personal offices.
• Demonstrated experience in written and oral communications and production of relevant informational materials, working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to be attentive to detail and manage complex taskings efficiently.
• Outstanding communication skills, influencing abilities, and client focus.
• Demonstrated proficiency in using all Microsoft Office applications.
• Professional proficiency in English is required.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. CeLeen will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current, active Secret security clearance.
• Experience working at or with USAID, the Department of State, and/or in the fields of democracy, human rights, governance or international development.
• Experience with committees focused on foreign affairs and appropriations, including the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and/or Related Programs; the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; and/or the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Benefits

CeLeen offers a competitive benefits plan including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life and Disability Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance

Eligibility requirements apply.