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Minority Serving Institution Engagement Research and Program Coordinator for BIFAD Support Contract (Remote US-based)

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) Support Contract, implemented by Tetra Tech International Development, is accepting expressions of interest for a Minority Serving Institution (MSI) Engagement Research and Program Coordinator. This position is preferably based in Burlington, VT or Arlington, VA with consideration of remote-work from US-based locations.

 

Position Description/Summary: The Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) is a seven-member, presidentially appointed advisory board to the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and works to ensure that USAID brings the assets of U.S. universities to bear on development challenges in agriculture, nutrition, and food security. In response to the recent Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities through the Federal Government, and in alignment with USAID's strong interest in harnessing the unique perspectives and capabilities of underrepresented communities in the United States to enhance international development and humanitarian assistance efforts, BIFAD has prioritized establishing a high-visibility standing subcommittee to advise on enhancing USAID's partnerships and engagement of minority serving institutions (MSIs) in the food security, nutrition, and agricultural development sector. 

 

The MSI Engagement Research and Program Coordinator will support the BIFAD Senior Counselor and Program Associate in conducting initial information gathering and provide information to BIFAD and USAID in order to refine the objectives, membership balance plan, and timeline for the MSI Subcommittee. This position is a short-term consultant position, estimated at 2-5 days of level of effort (LOE) a month April-October 2023 (not to exceed 30 days in total).

 

Responsibilities:

* Organize and/or conduct background research and support key informant interviews to present information to BIFAD and USAID related to areas of opportunity and challenges to be considered by the Subcommittee.

* Support the Senior Counselor and BIFAD Executive Director in drafting the Subcommittee terms of reference (TOR), outlining background, objectives, membership balance plans, and a general timeline for the Subcommittee.

* Build and maintain, through stakeholder consultation, a list of potential Subcommittee members, carefully considering the membership balance plan and in support of BIFAD’s aim to for a representative Subcommittee with diverse views and organizational representation.

* Schedule meetings and interviews, maintain calendar invitations, record and share notes and recordings, and organize files related to the Subcommittee’s work.

* Support the Senior Counselor and Program Associate in planning, hosting, and following up to public meetings or other engagements related to the Subcommittee’s launch, including a BIFAD public meeting in June or July 2023.

* Support activities to explore new partnerships with MSIs and to diversify BIFAD’s communications and outreach to traditionally underrepresented stakeholders.

 

Qualifications:

* Recently completed bachelor’s degree or in-progress or recently completed Master’s degree in agriculture, economic development, business management, international development, or related field.

* Understanding of Minority Serving Institutions required, with direct experience related to at least one area: MSI student life, teaching, research, community or international outreach, or grants management.

* At least one year of work experience desired, including some work, volunteerism or service-learning experience in a developing country or experience working with traditionally underserved or underrepresented groups or communities in the United States on issues related to food security, economic growth, or closely related fields.

* Demonstrated engagement in organizations committed to underrepresented students or young professionals in agriculture, sciences, or other fields (e.g., MANRRS or student government at an MSI) preferred.

* Demonstrated understanding of, academic excellence in, and desire to pursue a career in agriculture, economics, project management, or international relations strongly preferred.

* Knowledge of international donor development projects, especially USAID-funded projects, highly desired.

* Experience in MS Office Suite required, with understanding of SharePoint desirable.

* Ability to work in the US without employer sponsorship. 

*CA ARDc