Program Analyst II (Contract Administrator)

Location: Washington, DC, 20037

Position Overview

The Program Analyst II (Contract Administrator) will assist the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) in the administrative coordination of contract task orders from proposal stage through project close-out, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. This role requires strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills to support contract management, program development, and interagency coordination primarily focused on economic, trade, and investment assistance programs serving sub-Saharan Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the COR in administrative coordination of contract task orders from proposal to close-out in accordance with applicable regulations.
• Organize and maintain Contracts Management folders in SharePoint.
• Review invoices via the online Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) and periodically audit invoices and billing for contract compliance; resolve discrepancies.
• Develop and maintain a Compliance Calendar or tracking system in Excel for contractual reporting due dates, contract renewals, registrations, and action items.
• Support AF/EX/MSD and AF Assistance Enterprise with market research on products, equipment, and suppliers as needed.
• Maintain complete and accurate contract files through eFiling in ILMS to facilitate internal administration and audits.
• Stay current with procurement policies, including end-of-year funding deadlines and customer contract policies and Acquisition Manuals.
• Maintain liaison with operations and funding experts across functional areas.
• Inform Bureau of African Affairs (AF) staff and recommend strategies to optimize foreign assistance resource use at country, regional, and global levels.
• Research and provide oral and written briefings, memos, talking points, and analytical products for AF leadership, Department offices, U.S. embassies, Public Diplomacy Officers, and interagency representatives.
• Identify, recommend, and support development of new programs aligned with AF’s strategic objectives.
• Implement innovative approaches to improve efficiency of AF/A and AF/EX program management and reduce administrative burdens.
• Assist in developing SOPs for project management lifecycle including initiation, planning (e.g., NOFO, SOW), execution, and closure.
• Track and analyze political, economic, humanitarian, and security developments in sub-Saharan Africa to inform program development and strategic alignment.
• Support budget planning for AF, including preparation of foreign assistance materials such as Congressional notifications, allocation requests, and operational plans.
• Organize and participate in strategy and portfolio reviews to assess program impact and performance.
• Develop and support U.S. Government and international coordination mechanisms and strategic program planning.
• Advise AF/A and AF/EX on synchronizing programs with other U.S. Government and international efforts to enhance planning, management, and oversight.
• Coordinate with program practitioners to develop whole-of-government approaches for immediate, medium-term, and long-term objectives.
• Travel periodically to sub-Saharan Africa to enhance program coordination with U.S. embassy representatives and conduct site visits.
• Utilize State Department and interagency databases to track funding and inform foreign assistance decision-making.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute a wide range of events including conferences, town halls, senior-level briefings, interagency meetings, and official representational functions.
• Manage all event logistics including venue selection, audio-visual setup, catering, transportation, and security clearance requirements.
• Develop and distribute event agendas, invitations, and post-event summaries in coordination with stakeholders.
• Serve as point of contact for event vendors, contractors, and facility managers; negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with policies and budgets.
• Maintain event calendars, track RSVPs, attendance, and participation metrics; provide post-event assessments and recommendations.
• Conduct research and analysis on operational and administrative processes; identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Monitor and track action items, deadlines, and deliverables across multiple projects; provide status updates to supervisors and stakeholders.
• Assist in tracking expenditures and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with counterparts across bureaus, posts, interagency partners, and external organizations.
• Represent the office in working groups, planning committees, and coordination meetings related to logistics and operational support.
• Attend bureau, office, and team meetings as required.
• Travel to sub-Saharan Africa locations as required.

Special Knowledge, Experience, and Educational Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• SECRET Security Clearance required.
• Education and Experience:
  • Master’s Degree or equivalent plus three (3) years of relevant professional experience; or
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent plus five (5) years of relevant professional experience; or
  • High School Diploma or equivalent plus nine (9) years of relevant professional experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience as a program analyst.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience managing complex projects requiring interpersonal, customer service, writing, analytic, problem-solving, and computer skills.
• Demonstrated experience designing, managing, and/or implementing economic, trade, and/or investment assistance programs serving sub-Saharan Africa required. Experience encouraging innovation and/or private sector engagement is desired.
• Proven experience leading or participating in meetings to coordinate economic, trade, and/or investment assistance programs among internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, especially advanced skills in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent multi-tasking, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written.

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