US Policy Officer

U.S. POLICY OFFICER JOB DESCRIPTION

Macfadden/PAE seeks a Policy Officer to support USAID’s Office of Food for Peace (USAID/FFP). USAID/FFP is a U.S. Government office that provides life-saving food assistance and supports longer-term development activities that mitigate chronic food insecurity. The Policy Officer will provide dedicated support to USAID/FFP’s U.S. Policy and Partnerships Team.

Depending on the qualifications of the applicant, this position can be filled at the level of Policy Coordinator (minimum bachelor’s degree and 2 years experience) or at the level of Policy Specialist (minimum graduate degree and 6 years experience).

Responsibilities of the U.S. Policy Officer

The Policy Officer will support USAID/FFP’s U.S. Policy and Partnerships Team through a variety of tasks that facilitate the team’s engagement with domestic stakeholders, including Congress, the private sector, and humanitarian partner organizations.

At the Policy Coordinator level:

• Draft talking points, briefing memos, and other documents, with supervision, that clearly convey USAID/FFP’s policy priorities and programs for a variety of audiences.
• Support USAID/FFP’s congressional engagement through drafting preparatory material for congressional testimony and responding to congressional queries.
• Monitor congressional hearings, NGO and think tank events, and other relevant forums.
• Support FFP’s private sector engagement efforts through participation in meetings, outreach efforts, and other activities.
• Manage planning, outreach, and logistics for meetings and events.
• Oversee administrative tasks for the U.S. Policy and Partnerships Team, including preparing travel memos, facilitating clearances, and maintaining electronic filing systems.
• Other duties as assigned.

At the Policy Specialist level:

• Draft talking points, briefing memos, and other documents that clearly convey USAID/FFP’s policy priorities and programs for a variety of audiences.
• Support USAID/FFP’s congressional engagement through drafting preparatory material for congressional testimony and responding to congressional queries.
• Track and analyze relevant legislation and monitor congressional hearings and mark-up sessions.
• Support the development of policy guidance, recommendations, and proposals relating to humanitarian food assistance.
• Communicate U.S. policy positions and information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support USAID/FFP’s private sector engagement efforts through participation in meetings, outreach efforts, and other activities.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Education/Experience:

At the Policy Coordinator level:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs or a related field.
• At least two years of professional experience, including internships.
• Familiarity with Congress and U.S. legislative processes, with familiarity of U.S. legislation and/or policy regarding food aid and/or humanitarian assistance preferred.

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At the Policy Specialist level:

• Master’s degree in International Affairs or a related field.
• Minimum six years of professional experience, including internships.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. legislative processes, with familiarity of U.S. legislation and/or policy regarding food aid and/or humanitarian assistance preferred. 

SKILLS:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills and exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage large and multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to consistently meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to work independently but also function effectively as part of a team.
• Proven ability to manage large meetings and/or events.
• Proven ability to coordinate with diverse stakeholders on complex projects.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

To be considered for this position, you must submit a resume, writing sample, and cover letter. The writing sample must be an original piece, of no more than 350 words (include word count at the end of the sample) on a topic relevant to this position. Please submit these items as attachments to preserve formatting. 

Only applications with a resume, writing sample and cover letter will be considered; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted