SCO Program Support Specialist with Security Clearance

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Job description

Welcome to Universal Strategy Group Inc (USGI)! USGI is a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business. USGI was founded in 2007 with the single focus of preserving and promoting American security. Our mission is to provide the best-in-class personnel who provide tailored analytical, operational, and technical solutions to our Nation's most complex national security challenges while exceeding customer expectations. USGI is committed to recruiting, nurturing, and retaining top talent that set us apart from our competition. USGI is an experienced, team-oriented, dynamic, and expanding company that values exceptional performance! USGI understands that well-cared for and motivated personnel are the key to the successful accomplishment of any mission, and toward that end, USGI takes exceptional care of our team. USGI is seeking a Program Support Specialist to support activities across the SCO portfolio and three teams. The Specialist will organize and record minutes from meetings, draft and provide input to a variety of documents, as well as provide other general administrative support. The Specialist may undertake or support limited research projects, as well as support the office public affairs mission. BACKGROUND The U.S. Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor. The Department of State's mission is to advance U.S. national security interests, fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives that build a freer, prosperous, and secure world. The Strategy, Communications and Outreach unit (INL/SCO) is part of the Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the U.S. Department of State. The Bureau is responsible for the development, supervision, coordination, and implementation of international narcotics control assistance activities and international criminal justice issues for the Department of State. INL/SCO reports to the INL Front Office (INL/FO) and leads cross-bureau strategy and policy development and facilitates effective communication and interaction between INL and Congress, domestic and international media, and the public. SCO includes the Strategy and Policy Planning (SPP) team, Congressional Affairs (Cong) team, and Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy (PAPD) team. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Supports program activities, assists in coordinating the implementation of projects within a portfolio, ands takes notes and prepare memos as assigned.
Aids in drafting success stories, briefing papers, talking pointes, presentations for management review and use, and content for bureau and office SharePoint and webpage.
Manage program files and records, track reports, maintains and updates file system accurately to enable quick and efficient retrieval of information, and fulfills archiving requirements.
Research materials as required to compile information, reports, and statistical information regarding the supported program.
Supports officials in coordinating policy issues relating to portfolio.
Aids in managing program budget formulation, analyzing budget proposals, and assists with preparing justifications and memoranda for presentations to OMB and Congress.
Aids in evaluating program effectiveness in relation to the funding expended for regional programs.
Aids in office outreach projects by conducting logistical support.
Performs administrative duties when required to support program requirements, as well as support bureau Front Office administrative needs as required.
Receives and screens incoming telephone calls and visitors to office, receives and forwards appropriately incoming mail to office.
Schedules meetings and appointments, including reserving the appropriate venues and sending out invitations.
Establishes and maintains an accurate Employee Master Time and Attendance Record for each assigned employee on a bi-weekly basis. Ensures that each pay record is supported by appropriate documentation. Advises staff members on time and attendance policies and procedures. Ensures that data is timely and accurately submitted to the National Finance Center. Serves as liaison with the Human Resources Branch staff in resolving time and attendance discrepancies. Locks all Time and Attendance material in an area away from general contact with other employees.
Conducts limited research projects and makes careful and exhaustive searches for information difficult to obtain, compile data, and make preliminary analysis for the supervisor or other staff officers as appropriate.
Reads relevant publications, legislation, and directives that may be important to the activities of the staff. Maintains awareness of and refers relevant think tank events or reports.
Supports the effective dissemination of information to INL staff, including assembling the regular public affairs press clips.
Ensures that requests for action or information are made known to responsible office staff personnel who can satisfy the request. Responds to requests for information, clearance, or other communication in a timely manner.
Assists in the preparation of a variety of documents, including strategies, policy guidance, briefing materials and information memoranda, and utilizing desktop computer word processing systems. Ensures correct punctuation, capitalization, spelling, grammar, and conformance to style.
Manages accurate receipt, control, logging, safekeeping, and necessary action on all classified material received.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS U.S. Citizen A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
Two to four years' experience in relevant field
Demonstrated knowledge of specific country issues, including specialized knowledge of international narcotics and law enforcement, or similar type programs sufficient to ensure project work is in compliance with management policies and procedures and in conformance with the Foreign Assistance Act and other regulatory procedures and guidelines
Proven knowledge of Federal policies and procedures including methods of providing assistance and the Federal budget process
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide range of players
Demonstrated ability to provide advice, guidance, and consultation with regard to the interpretation and application of analysis
Experience drafting US government reports and documents, such as the INCSR, embassy cables, and other documents
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Active security clearance or an interim active security clearance within the last 12 months from date of solicitation. Demonstrated proficiency in English grammar, punctuation, usage, and style and ability to edit in a form suitable for lay audiences. Demonstrated experience with State Department systems, including time and attendance Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels to assist in the planning and coordination of activities with other organizations. Demonstrated superior interpersonal skills and proven ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and work well in both individual and team situations. Demonstrated skill and ability in managing multiple concurrent activities of varying complexity, including changing priorities and tight deadlines. Demonstrated proficiency in computer and web-based applications, including Microsoft Office Suite. Demonstrated experience with INL and/or general knowledge of key concepts of criminal justice, transnational crime, and rule of law. CLEARANCE: A Secret security clearance is required for this position; however, the contractor may begin work with an interim Secret security clearance. LEVEL OF EFFORT Hours for this full-time position will be the core hours of INL/SCO: Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week, 8 hours per day. POSITION LOCATION: The physical work location is the INL/SCO office at State Annex 1 (Columbia Plaza, 2401 E Street NW, Washington, DC) and/or Harry S. Truman Main State Building (2201 C St NW, Washington, DC). TELEWORK This position has been designated as 80% telework and will require the incumbent to report to the physical work location twice per federal government pay period. This designation does not guarantee telework privileges for the contractor employee; INL reserves the right to expand the requirement for in-person presence at the physical work location if the contractor employee is unable to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of the position remotely. INL may also require the incumbent to report to the physical work location additional days within a pay period as required to support office or program needs. Telework must be authorized in advance by the INL/FO/SCO on-site supervisor, INL Contracting Officer (CO), and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), in accordance with Department of State and INL policies. USGI offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance, 401(k) plan with company match, plus generous PTO offerings to include vacation/sick days, bereavement leave, and 11 paid Federal holidays. USGI is an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.

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