Position_Description_DCO_PDVP_Special_Assistant_12-01-15.docx

Millennium Challenge Corporation

Position Description

Classification: Special Assistant to the Principal Deputy Vice President, MC-301-4a

Organizational Title: Special Assistant to the Principal Deputy Vice President, MC-301-4a

Position Number:

Introduction:

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a federal agency spurring economic growth and poverty reduction in developing countries with a demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance, to economic freedom, and to investing in their citizens. MCC’s partner countries compete to enter into five-year grant agreements (Compacts) with MCC that include a plan for achieving shared development objectives through the partnership. MCC’s model is defined by the agency’s core principles of competitive selection, country ownership, transparency, and a focus on results.

MCC’s 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 Compact Operations (DCO) of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). DCO is responsible for developing and implementing MCC’s compact programs. The department ensures that MCC compacts are designed and implemented in compliance with agency standards for procurement, financial management, environmental and social performance, and gender integration. The Principal Deputy Vice President works closely with the Vice President to provide overall leadership, guidance, and coordination to DCO’s divisions and teams.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Provides administrative and programmatic support to the PDVP, including preparation of materials for meetings, events, conferences, and travel.

Assists the PDVP in developing and managing tracking and reporting tools to monitor progress of the portfolio.

Develops presentations, drafts remarks and talking points, and creates data visualization tools for meetings, events and travel.

Undertakes special projects at the request of the PDVP in support of departmental and divisional priorities.

Manages PDVP schedule including logistics and delivery of meeting materials.

Reviews documents prior to PDVP review and/or approval.

Manages the PDVP’s travel, including supporting itinerary development, timely delivery of briefings and related materials and preparation of required documents prior to and following travel.

Prepares and tracks internal and external correspondence.

Works closely with Africa Region Managing Directors to ensure clear lines of communication and coordination of the division.

Provides research and analysis related to MCC and broader foreign assistance topics.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Factor 1 - Knowledge Required by the Position

Knowledge of the interests, concerns, issues, and processes associated with MCC program goals and objectives in order to provide advice to management officials and staff on sensitive operational issues of interest and/or on the progress of a variety of operations initiatives.

Knowledge of the goals, policies, organizational structure, and the statutes, regulations, and policies governing the activities of the Department of Compact Operations to recommend and coordinate Department initiatives.

Knowledge of and skill in project management in order to plan, organize, and direct the administrative programs and operations in a fast-paced environment.

Knowledge of the practices efficient workload management to receive and understand assignments, analyze required actions, simplify tasks, and organize and file completed actions and products for future reference in a timely manner.

Ability to plan, organize, and manage administrative processes assigned by the DCO PDVP.

Knowledge and understanding of organizational policies and procedures necessary to ensure appropriate decision-making protocols are followed and participates in ongoing policy development related to department operations.

Knowledge of techniques associated with objective reviews of information to analyze conflicting data, summarize recommendations, consider various points of view, and specify reasons for acceptance or rejection.

Knowledge of the principles of effective communication and correct English usage to express ideas effectively, encapsulate essential concepts for the benefit of busy policy-makers, and communicate complex and voluminous information quickly under the pressure of short deadlines.

Ability to draft comprehensive reports to inform management of progress being made or issues that need to be addressed in department functions.

Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft SharePoint, Power Point, Excel, and other commonly used office software.

Factor 2 - Supervisory Controls

The supervisor provides administrative direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions of the organization. The incumbent independently plans, designs, and carries out programs, projects and studies. The work is reviewed for fulfillment of program objectives, and the overall effect of advice and influence on implementation projects/programs. Recommendations for new projects and alterations of objectives are evaluated for such considerations as availability of funds and other resource issues and corporate priorities.

Factor 3 - Guidelines

Guidelines consist of broad administrative and program policy statements, basic legislation, related court decisions that require extensive interpretation. The employee uses judgment and discretion in determining intent, and in interpreting and revising existing policy and regulatory guidance for use by others within or outside the department.

Factor 4 - Complexity

Assignments are complex, varied, and broad in scope. The work often involves several phases pursued with the support of others within and outside the organization. Decisions regarding what needs to be done include largely undefined issues and elements and require probing and analysis to determine the nature and scope of issues and problems. The incumbent is expected to exercise considerable imagination, initiative, and independence to carry out projects. Strong judgment will be necessary for interpretation of findings. Analytical and evaluative duties require attention to detail.

Factor 5 - Scope and Effect

The work involves project managing activities and issues which are considered essential to the mission of the department. The purpose of the work is to provide specialized expertise to assist in the planning and execution of sensitive and complex activities, as well as promoting efficiency and effectiveness in these activities. Recommendations, when adopted, have a significant impact on the department’s efforts and policies.

Factor 6 – Personal Contacts

Contacts include individuals or groups inside and outside the corporation, including consultants and contractors. Contacts also include agency officials who are managerial levels above the employee. The incumbent must recognize or learn the role and authority of each party during the course of the meeting.

Factor 7 – Purpose of Contacts

The purpose of contacts is to influence and persuade employees and managers to accept and implement findings, advice, guidance, and recommendations. May encounter resistance as a result of issues such as organizational conflict, competing objectives, or resource problems. Must be skillful in approaching contacts to obtain the desired effect and seeking assistance from the corresponding manager when resistance occurs; e.g., gaining compliance with established policies and regulations by persuasion or negotiation.

Factor 8 - Physical Demands

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

Factor 9 - Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting.