95332418Q0071_Addendum_2_Position_Description.pdf

Millennium Challenge Corporation

Position Description

Classification: Economic Research Assistant, 301-5

Position Number:

Introduction:

MCC’s mission is to provide grant assistance to support economic growth and poverty reduction in select developing countries with a demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. MCC’s partner countries enter into a five-year agreement (Compact) with MCC that includes a plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objectives. Our model is defined by core principles, of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and a focus on results.

Our values identify who we are and what is important to us. Our Values are CLEAR: Embrace Collaboration, Always Learn, Practice Excellence, Be Accountable and Respect individuals and ideas.

MCC’s values define how we behave on a daily basis, both as individuals and as an institution, in pursuit of our mission. They guide how we make decisions, set priorities, address challenges, manage tradeoffs, recruit and develop staff, and work together with our country partners and stakeholders.

This position is located in the Department of Policy and Evaluation (DPE), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The mission of the Policy and Evaluation Department is to provide management oversight for the development and implementation of policy and best practices related to country eligibility, economic analysis and monitoring and evaluation, knowledge management and policy reform.

DPE manages the MCC’s Threshold Program and formulates strategies that leverage MCC impact with foundations; international donors and other U.S. Government agencies.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

As Personal Services Contractor (PSC):

Performs a variety of administrative and economic analysis tasks in support of the EA Division.

Conducts background research, literature reviews, data analysis and related tasks in support of growth diagnostics (constraints analysis) for MCC eligible countries under the direction of MCC economists.

Conducts background research, literature reviews, data analysis and related tasks in support of cost-benefit analysis and beneficiary analysis of MCC investments under the direction of MCC economists.

Prepares reports, spreadsheets, data, and documentation for web posting and develop other related materials, including factsheets, guides for use of spreadsheets, and other public communications tools.

Conducts research and analysis in support of other activities within the EA Division and DPE.

Develops necessary documentation in support of the EA Division’s procurement, contracting, and human resource needs, submit procurement and funding requests according to established processes, and coordinate and collaborate with MCC’s Contracts and Grants Management (CGM) and Human Resources (HR) Divisions.

Supports the development and management of the EA Division’s annual budget, including drafting the annual budget request, monitoring and reconciling expenditures, coordinating with MCC’s Department of Administration and Finance (A&F), and attending budget meetings.

Provides organizational and logistical support for meetings, conferences, training sessions, and other events hosted by the EA Division.

Produces reports and analyses as requested by MCC. Example of such reports and analyses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Reports, spreadsheets, factsheets, and presentations that contain economic research and analysis or support key functions of the EA Division or DPE

• Documents, spreadsheets, and analysis for posting to internal or external websites

• Memoranda and reports to EA or DPE management, detailing the status of various program support tasks

• Documents, spreadsheets, and analysis related to contracting, procurement, and the budget

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Factor 1 - Knowledge Required by the Position

Understanding of analytical and evaluative techniques to the identification, consideration, and resolution of issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature.

Knowledge of the theory and principles of management and organization.

Ability to use established qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques relating to economics, international economic development or related disciplines.

Oral and written communication skills to obtain information and discuss issues and operations with supervisors and employees.

Demonstrated ability for attention to detail, particularly in work involving quantitative data.

Ability to apply/use Microsoft Excel and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Factor 2 - Supervisory Controls

The supervisor and/or higher graded staff assign specific projects in terms of issues, organizations, functions, or work processes to be studied and sets deadlines for completing the work. The supervisor or higher-graded staff provide on-going assistance/guidance on issues or assignments for which precedent studies are not available. The employee plans, coordinates, and carries out the successive steps in fact-finding and analysis of issues in accordance with accepted office policies, applicable precedents, organizational concepts, management theory, and occupational training. Work is reviewed in-progress and upon completion for conformance with overall requirements, contribution to the study objectives, consistency of facts and figures, choice of analytical methods, and practicality of recommendations.

Factor 3 - Guidelines

Guidelines consist of procedures, policies, and manuals covering the application of analytical methods and techniques, and reference material, instructions, and regulations covering the subjects involved. The guidelines are not completely applicable to the work or have gaps in specificity, requiring the employee to use judgment in choosing, interpreting, and adapting guidelines to specific issues or subjects studied.

Factor 4 - Complexity

The work principally involves dealing with problems and relationships of a procedural nature. Projects usually take place within organizations with related functions and objectives, although organization and work procedures differ from one assignment to the next. Findings and recommendations are based upon analysis of work observations, review of production records or similar documentation, research of precedent studies, and application of standard administrative guidelines.

Factor 5 - Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to identify, analyze, and make recommendations to resolve conventional program or organizational issues, problems, or situations. The employee is assigned portions of broader studies, or participates in the evaluation of program effectiveness at the operating or local level.

Completed reports and recommendations influence decisions by higher-graded specialists or managers concerning administrative or program operations.

Factor 6/7 - Personal Contacts/Purpose of Contacts

Personal contacts are with MCC employees, supervisors, and managers as-well-as employees and representatives of private concerns in a moderately structured settings. The purpose of contacts is to provide advice and assistance on non-controversial organization or program-related issues and concerns.

Contacts typically involve such matters as identification of options and alternatives; evaluation of progress in meeting program or organizational goals; or recommendations for resolving administrative problems.

Factor 8 - Physical Demands

The work is primarily sedentary, although some walking, bending, or carrying of light items may be involved.

Factor 9 - Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting.

POSITION DESIGNATION: Facility Access Only