Environment, Science, Technology, And Health Advisor

Summary:

The Environment, Science, Technology, and Health Advisor will be one of a seven-person regional Economic and Environment, Science, Technology and Health (ESTH) Team in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs’ Office of Security, Transnational Affairs, and Assistance (SCA/STA), which is responsible for developing and advancing the Bureau’s region-wide and cross-cutting goals. The position provides subject matter expertise, analysis, and policy advice on assigned topics related to U.S. ESTH interests in the region. The incumbent provides timely assistance to country desks, the Bureau, and other Department officials by contributing to the development and implementation of policy initiatives, agreements, and projects. Success requires developing and maintaining close and collaborative working relationships within the Economic Team, and with the Regional Climate Officer, others in and outside of the Bureau (particularly with colleagues in the Oceans, Environment, and Science (OES) and Energy bureaus), and with contacts in other agencies and outside of the U.S. government.

POSITION DUTIES:

Under the direction of and as assigned by the Government Technical Monitor (GTM), the Regional Science and Economic Specialist:

Areas of particular focus and responsibilities (“the Portfolio”) will evolve to reflect Department priorities and are likely to include collaborating to advance and implement the Indo-Pacific Strategy, efforts to promote infrastructure development and connectivity in the region, and efforts to counter the Belt and Road initiative. Areas of focus will be assigned by the Government Technical Monitor, may change as policies/workload evolve, and are likely to include:

• Provide advice on global and regional health issues.
• Provide advice on water resources, climate policy, oceans, and environmental sustainability throughout the SCA region.
• Provide advice on the ESTH-related aspects of regional energy, infrastructure, and connectivity projects.
• Provide advice on air quality issues within the SCA region.
• Provide advice on food security issues within the SCA region.
• Collaborate with, back up, and support the Climate Officer to coordinate Bureau-wide efforts to advance U.S. climate policy and environmental sustainability objectives in the SCA region.
• Monitor and provide expert advice on foreign policy implications for the SCA region regarding emerging technologies and scientific developments. These might include, for example, artificial intelligence, data management, and space policy.
• Support and, as needed and assigned, coordinate SCA participation on ESTH issues in relevant bilateral, regional and international organizations, forums and dialogues. The Specialist Duties and Responsibilities are:

1. Proactively monitor developments in the assigned Portfolio. Provide timely assessments and analysis. Provide technical advice and serve as the coordinating action individual on designated portfolio topics.
2. Support and coordinate USG policy and program recommendations for presentation to appropriate officials, which may include the SCA/STA Director, Deputy Director, and Economic and Assistance Team Leads; and the SCA Front Office.
3. Provide a wide range of persuasive, timely, and well-written products on topics within the Specialist’s portfolio or as otherwise assigned.
4. Prepare, coordinate, and clear briefing memos, press statements and press guidance, remarks, Congressional testimony, and backgrounders on topics within the Specialist’s portfolio or as otherwise assigned.
5. Coordinate clearances with appropriate DOS bureaus and embassies, and interagency partners.
6. As assigned, prepare and implement strategies and/or work plans on designated portfolio topics.
7. Participate in interagency working groups and meetings and make recommendations to these bodies and to Department management on new policies or approaches that will assist in achieving policy objectives.
8. Provide subject matter expertise to SCA/STA officers administering assistance and other programming. In accordance with Department guidelines regarding identification of contractors (see, for example, Procurement Information Bulletin 2008-20), may represent the Bureau (and, as necessary, the Department) in assigned meetings and engagements with other agencies, foreign governments, and nongovernmental organizations on issues in areas of expertise.
9. With guidance from the director, deputy director or other senior officials, establish and maintain relationships with key interlocutors including within the Department, the interagency, Development Banks, think tanks, academia, international organizations, the private sector, and non-U.S. entities to ensure that scientific, economic, environmental, health, and technology considerations are taken fully into account when policy is formulated, developed, and implemented.
10. Travel occasionally to posts, international conferences, and meetings as required.
11. As assigned, collaborate with STA and other colleagues to draft, implement, and monitor strategies relating to portfolio topics. • Provide weekly (or as otherwise requested) updates to the on-site government Technical Monitor (GTM) on pending projects and planned engagements.
12. Provide a monthly (or as otherwise requested) update to SCA officials highlighting key science and ESTH articles, developments, and items of interest.
13. Support senior leadership for meetings and travel, including preparation of briefing materials and logistics support.
14. Oversee preparations for conferences and meetings of SCA officials, including the related logistics.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree from accredited institution.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Demonstrated knowledge, either by a degree or prior work experience, in a science and/or a technology field pertaining to the portfolio.
• Active Top Secret security clearance.
• At least 5 years of expert knowledge of the Department of State and the foreign policy process.
• Superb written and oral communication skills; ability to be concise, focused, and timely.
• Familiarity with Department of State operations and overall office management experience.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and general administrative practices.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight/short deadlines.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office product suites: Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint.