Vacancies

Millennium Challenge Corporation

VACANCY

MCC INFRASTRUCTURE SPECIALIST 

The MCC seeks a qualified individual for the position of Infrastructure Specialist.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION:

This position is located in Millennium Challenge Office (MCC) within the U.S. Embassy, Maseru. The position is located in the Office of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).  The MCC is a U.S. Government agency whose mission is to provide assistance that will support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected developing countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in peoples.  MCC is an innovative, partnership-based approach to development assistance involving substantial resources and a high degree of consultation with a sharp focus on achieving measurable results. 

MCC, by design, has a lean presence on the ground but a high degree or responsibility for large, complex, high-priority economic growth programs that are implemented by partner countries.  As a result, members of MCC’s small Mission staff will need to be highly skilled, flexible and able to create structure from the ground up, have very sound and skilled independent judgment and be tolerant of pressure and change.  The incumbent must exhibit excellent technical ability and social judgment.

The Infrastructure Specialist will provide expert technical advice to the RCD and DRCD on the planning and monitoring for MCC infrastructure activities in the Health and Water and Sanitation sectors with a total budget of $200 million.  This will include reviewing project implementation plans and technical specifications, providing advice identifying and structuring procurement packages, analyzing and monitoring project budgets, and ensuring that constructions activities implemented in compliance with MCC guidelines.  The incumbent will also be responsible for identifying and mitigating project risks with respect to budget shortfalls, construction delays, failed procurements and environmental and social issues. 

In performing these functions the IS will be responsible for creating effective working relationships with relevant government officials in Lesotho, with MCC Washington staff, the donor community, key stakeholders throughout Lesotho, and other organizations interested in the MCA program.  The IS will report to the RCD and will be held to very high professional standards within the small MCC Mission Staff.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Objective Duties                                                       80%

Serve as the senior Infrastructure Specialist overseeing and advising the MCC on all maters related to the $200 infrastructure investment contained within the Lesotho Compact.  The incumbent will provide the following technical assistance and advisory services:

· Developing detailed implementation work plans, and appropriate activity tracking tools, for construction activities within the Health and Water sectors.  This will include the design and management of a, web-based, real-time reporting system that links with systems of MCA-Lesotho and the Metolong Project Implementation Unit.

· Structuring and reviewing procurement packages for civil works and consultancy services. This would involve the review of Terms of Reference, Requests for Proposals, selection criteria for bidding firms and the analysis of submitted engineering specifications.

· Reviewing all infrastructure activity costs to determine appropriate technical standards and/or specifications when determining project costs and budgets should be revised.  Drafting detailed reports for the RCD and DRCD on cost revisions, new costs, reasons and rationale for adopting revised specifications for the $200 pool of infrastructure activities;

· Performing quarterly performance reviews of all infrastructure/construction activities.  The review must focus on: (i) project cost; (ii) timeline; (iii) completion of the project; (iv) quality of construction; (v) funds disbursement profile; (vi) progress of other linked activities of other donors which have a direct impact on quality, cost timely progress and delivery and disbursements of MCC projects; (vii) issues, concerns, fatal flaws; and (viii) recommended remediation action with rationale and an action plan, together with any cost or timeline implications of adopting the recommended remedial action.

· Conduct formal trainings for Government of Lesotho implementing entities: Ministry of Health (MoH) Ministry of Natural Resources (MoNR), Commission of Water (CoW), Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA), Department of Rural Water Supply (DRWS) and private sector firms on MCC’s procurement policies and environmental standards

MCC Mission Wide Duties                                                         20%

Coordinate with MCC Washington staff, to ensure proper implementation of MCC’s approvals and other internal control procedures, as well as to advance audit and impact evaluation efforts.  In addition, ensure timely delivery of such reports, plans, approvals and agreements as may be required for program implementation. 

With the RCD develop MCC internal guidance and schedules for the development of the Annual Performance and Budget Request process in accordance with MCC Washington and Embassy Lesotho policies.  Work with the Post financial management officer to develop and oversee the MCC Resident Office budget. Drafts specific documents as needed, to include, but not limited to: Congressional Budget Justification Overview.

Work with the DRCD to manage, supervise and report on MCC’s in-country presence, including, as related to procurement, staffing, budgeting, and financial and asset management needs, and to coordinate in-country visits by MCC staff and technical advisors.  Develop a tracking system and maintain data on other donor activities, donor and academic analyses, and private sector experiences and approaches to the technical aspects of key sectors and activities reflected in the country’s Compact. 

Prepare and obtain clearance for briefing papers, speeches, talking points and reports on Compact implementation and issues related to MCC activities and approaches.  Respond to inquiries from MCA-Lesotho, MCC Washington staff, US Congress, other USG agencies, and MCC stakeholder’s in-country.  Organize public outreach and representational events in-country relating to MCC activities and Compact implementation, including helping to represent MCC in interactions with CODELs, other donors, representatives of the local business community and civil society and other interested parties in the country. 

Support the RCD’s efforts to keep the Chief of Mission (COM) informed regarding MCC activities and developments in country. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:
Possession of a B.A./B.S. and M.A./M.S. Degree in Civil or Structural engineering or another relevant discipline is required.  Appropriate professional registration/licensure is required.
Prior Work Experience:

   Eight to ten years of progressively responsible work experience in project management, strategic planning, program design, budgeting, analysis and reporting is required.  Prior experience collaborating with high-level counterparts and thorough understanding of the procedures, policies and goals of development assistance is required.  Experience in all phases of civil works procurements – Feasibility & Design, Construction, Inspection, and Civil Works – is an absolute requirement.

Post Entry Training:
Training in MCC policies, rules and regulations, strategic planning, program budgeting, activity design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, supervision and program oversight, and in special program areas related to assigned duties.

Language Proficiency:

List both English and host country language(s) by level and specialization: Level IV (Fluent) in spoken and written English.

Job Knowledges:
· Significant experience in the management and execution of complex civil works projects.
· Significant experience in civil works procurements.
· A good working knowledge of program design and management, project finance, business planning, development assistance programs, and strong understanding of Lesotho’s development priorities is required.

Significant experience managing complex activities in a team environment is required. 
The ability to prepare and maintain financial, budgetary, economic, and/or technical analyses and evaluations is required.

Skills and Abilities:

Must have demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, plus the ability to develop and maintain and engage a broad range of contacts in the public and private sectors as well as within key US Embassy posts. Data management and analysis skills, including computer literacy with experience in database applications and word processing. Must be able to obtain, analyze and evaluate complex material; prepare accurate, factual and analytical reports; and provide objective advice. Excellent interpersonal skills are required.

Specialized Skills for this Position

· Civil works procurement
· Construction management and MS Project
· Water and Sanitation design and construction
· Project Finance, budgeting and reporting
· Knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodology involved in the development, implementation, management and evaluation of international development and/or investment program/projects, and in particular those involving large scale infrastructure investments.
· Background in conducting program oversight, management to include experience in the analysis and interpretation of data, and in the preparation of analytical reports regarding implementation and impacts of investments and/or assistance is required.

NOTE:  All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

When equally qualified, Appointment Eligible Family Members (AEFMs) and U.S. Veterans will be given preference.  Therefore, it is essential that the candidate address the required qualifications above in the application.

ADDITIONAL SELECTION CRITERIA:

1.  Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy. 

2. Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.

3.  Currently employed AEFMs who hold a FMA appointment are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.

TO APPLY: 

Interested candidates must submit the following, or the application will not be considered:

1. Application for U.S. Federal Employment (SF-171 or OF-612); or

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as an OF-612; plus

3. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application. All forms are available from the Embassy Human Resources Office.

 

4. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Human Resources Office

P.O. Box 333,

Maseru. 100.

Tel: 22-312-666

Fax: 22-310-116

E-mail: infomaseru@state.gov

Salary Range: (To be determined) – FSN Grade-09

OPENING DATE:  June 16, 2008.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION:  July 4, 2008.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

POINT OF CONTACT:

HR Assistant

Telephone: 22-312-666 (ext. 4217)

FAX:  22-310-116