Partner Specialist- USAID Africa Trade and Investment (ATI) at DAI Kenya - Development Alternatives, Inc.

ROLE’S PURPOSE:

• The Partner Specialist will support the Partner Manager and contribute to the day-to-day management and administration of ATI procurement activities, ensuring compliance with USAID regulations and best practices. With guidance from the Partner Manager and other members of the Operations Team, the Partner Specialist will work closely with USAID, Technical Teams, and the Procurement and Partnerships Team to understand technical buy-in priorities, translate them into procurements that meet the technical needs of the ATI team, and support procurement processes to award work to partners that bring new, innovative approaches to increasing trade and investment across the African continent.

OBJECTIVES AND DUTIES:

Contracts and Procurement

• Support or lead as directed buy-in technical procurement processes from solicitation development to subcontract execution. Includes developing and/or revising solicitation documents including scopes of work and statement of objectives, coordination and facilitation of technical evaluation committees (TEC) comprised of voting members from ATI and USAID, collection and evaluation of required compliance documentation from successful offerors, and subcontract drafting and finalization working in close coordination with successful offerors
• Support new and underutilized firms through the USAID subcontracting process including collection and evaluation of required compliance documentation from successful offerors; support cost/price analysis and document/certification due diligence required to maintain Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) compliance during subcontracting efforts; draft, issue, and finalize subcontracts. Draft required Source Selection Memos and Consent to Subcontract documents and all post award evaluation summaries for unsuccessful offerors
• Work with awarded partners (who may be working with USAID for the first time) to ensure a seamless onboarding process by explaining the role of ATI and DAI, USAID, and the contractual and financial requirements of DAI’s subcontract, and develop and lead an orientation for the firm in collaboration with the Partner Manager (as needed) and the ATI technical team
• Provide support in developing, improving, and managing technical procurement-related processes and procedures for DAI
• Support client check-ins and meetings, as well as required and/or requested reports, as needed

Partner Network Development

• Support or lead as directed outreach to Partner Network members. Outreach efforts may include new partner onboarding, meeting in person or holding teleconferences with prospective or visiting partners.
• Update the ATI procurement forecast to reflect the latest planned procurements with ATI technical members
• Support or lead as directed in expanding the Partner Network, which may entail vendor research in different technical sectors and geographies, as determined by the needs of the program
• Support engaging the members of the Partner Network in a variety of ways, including but not limited to data collection and analysis, debrief teleconferences, and coordination with other ATI teams on partner performance
• Conduct data analysis and strategize on the Partner Network, including but not limited to identifying gaps within the partner network; strategizing on how to expand the network; continuing to systematize the network; and developing ways in which to engage the network in the work that ATI and USAID are doing

Operational Innovations

• Work with the communications team to provide inputs for thought pieces on procurement innovations and partner network developments
• Work with the Communications Team to provide inputs to external communications materials to increase the awareness of and participation in ATI and the Partner Network
• Support the onboarding, training, and guidance of buy-in/technical team members in all aspects of procurement and partner engagement
• Maintain administrative records for project procurement by supporting the project’s saving protocol and norms and ensuring its execution
• Support USAID or ATI project requested reports or data pulls, as needed

Compliance

• Ensure procurements are managed in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI procurement policies. Maintain procurement records in ATI and DAI Home Office systems, ensuring quality of procurement and contracts records in compliance with USAID and DAI regulations.
• Support internal audits including but not limited to finding requested documents and correcting files as necessary.
• Support the maintenance of the ATI CRM system that assigns points of contact, technical expertise, geographic presence, contact information, and other information necessary to streamline network expansion efforts.
• Support the development and usage of ATI’s data gathering and analytics, specifically as it relates to procurement and partner network related data.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 9 years of experience working in international business and subcontract management, with experience in complex USAID procurement and subcontract management preferred
• Significant experience in procurement, operational, and process management relevant to USG program implementation;
• Demonstrated knowledge of internal controls and audit processes (e.g. procurement, local subcontract agreements, etc.)
• Proven project management, communications, writing and interpersonal skills including strong experience with client management;
• A well-organized organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus;
• Ability to work in a fast-moving, fluid team setting with multiple stakeholders
• Excellent communication skills including writing, speaking, and reading skills in English.