Junior Professional Cohort (Grade 5)

Job Title/Grade: Associate I (Grade 5) or

New Business/Opportunity Coordinator I (Grade 5)

Department: USG Delivery or

USG Development Innovations

Reports to: Project Manager or

Director/Advisor, New Business

Date: October 8, 2021

Organization and Values:
DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

Program Description:
DAI is hiring a cohort of junior professionals with an interest in international development for positions with DAI’s project management (USG Programs) or business development (Development Innovations) teams.

The cohort will complete an orientation which will include a comprehensive introduction to the international development industry in addition to workshops and trainings on the functional areas that are foundational to DAI’s business: project management and operations, business development, and contract and financial management processes.

Following the orientation period, cohort participants will be assigned to either an Associate position in USG Programs or a New Business/Opportunity Coordinator role in Development Innovations. While Associates will work primarily on project management activities and New Business Coordinators on proposal efforts, it is expected that individuals will be able to work in either functional area as needed.

Function of the Position:
Associates will be assigned to a specific geographic region and will primarily support work in that region. This position works with field teams to provide operational support for a portfolio of projects and supports new business efforts.

New Business Coordinators will be assigned to small teams developing proposals for the USG business unit. Primary responsibilities are to coordinate proposal development, conduct research and analysis on relevant issues (including through in-country fact-finding travel), and support budgeting, recruiting, and logistics for business development initiatives. This position is most appropriate for someone who likes a fast-paced work environment, teamwork, and developing diverse responsibilities.

Roles and Responsibilities:
Project Management Support:
Acts as a liaison to the field for day-to-day problem solving and support. Independently trouble-shoots common problems and escalates more complex issues to the Manager and follows up until resolved.

Project Coordination

Coordinates the administrative activities of the project including mobilizing and demobilizing staff and international consultants, maintaining project files, requesting purchases for goods and services, ensuring submission of project deliverables and close-down. Perform administrative tasks for several projects including mobilization, demobilization, AP adjustments, vendor invoice review, Procure to Pay requisitions, and iExpense auditing. Conducts routine auditing of grant and operations files to ensure compliance with USAID and DAI policies and procedures.

Contract Management

Initiates requests for approvals, coordinates submissions for contract and subcontract modifications and coordinates all other requests for contract office support. Drafts routine contractual documents using approved templates. Identifies and synthesizes potential issues and present possible solutions to Contracts Administrator and project team.

Financial Management

Responsible for ensuring processing and review of project financial transactions and monthly project invoices. Reviews and processes invoices and audits iExpense Reports. Creates and/or maintains project budget tool and coordinates data entry from field and home office into project contract budget in advance of modifications. During realignments, identifies and trouble-shoots issues.

New Business Coordination:
Supports new business opportunities by participating in reconnaissance and contributing to proposal efforts.

Proposal Coordination

Tracks adherence to assignments, schedules, and standard DAI operating procedures and informs team of progress and obstacles that may need to be addressed. Depending on the ebb and flow of opportunities and the current flow of opportunities, moves from one assignment to another.

Opportunity Coordination:
Serves as the information and communications hub on proposal teams, liaising across DAI divisions and with subcontractor organizations. Initial point of contact in troubleshooting common problems and proposes solutions, elevating complex problems to senior managers.

Proposal Development:
With supervisor oversight, drafts proposal sections and reviews and revises proposal text. In collaboration with the supervisor, prepares initial budgets for proposed projects using standard spreadsheet programs. Helps identify candidates to propose for project staff positions, documents candidate qualifications.

Information Gathering:
Conducts research and participates in “reconnaissance” fact-finding trips to countries in the region to help prepare new proposals, recruit project staff, and market DAI to prospective clients and partner companies. Supports planning and logistics for information-gathering and marketing trips

General Support:
Provides other services, such as contributing to proposal development for projects in other regions, preparing marketing materials, or providing administrative support.

Additional responsibilities as deemed necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Grade 5: Minimum of 2 years of relevant administrative or professional experience and a bachelor’s degree

Strong administrative skills and attention to detail

Ability to work effectively in a team environment with only general direction

Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing

Ability to adjust to changes in demands, new situations or approaches.

Ability to take initiative, with strong analytical and organizational skills

Must be able to travel on assignments for DAI projects to all countries in which DAI implements projects

Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with project management

Experience with business development

Proficiency in a second language, ideally Spanish, French, Arabic or Ukranian.

Supervisory Requirements: None

Job Competencies:
Communication: Ability to express oneself clearly in writing and in conversations and interactions with others.

Initiative/Self Starter: Ability to identify what needs to be done and doing it before being asked or before the situation requires it.

Adaptability: Ability to adjust to changes in demands, new situations or approaches.

Analytica/Problem Solving: Ability to Identify the key issues in situations, analyzing data, recognizing the root causes of problems and generating successful solutions.

Continuous learning: Identifying and applying new skills as need to perform successfully on the job.

Organization Skills: Ability to plans effectively to achieve both individual and organizational goals.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. EOE- Minorities/Females/Disabled/Veterans