FSM Program Coordination Specialist for Clean Cities Blue Ocean Project – STTA

The USAID-funded Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) activity, implemented by Tetra Tech International Development (International Development Jobs – Tetra Tech), is currently accepting applications for a Program Coordination Specialist for the Federated States of Micronesia for a short-term technical assignment (STTA). The assignment has an LOE of up to ninety-six (96) days, preferably starting in March 2024 to complete services on or about April 2025.

Position Description: CCBO is a five-year initiative of USAID which will serve as USAID’s flagship program to target ocean plastics directly at their source in cities and towns. The project works to prevent ocean plastic pollution by building capacity and commitment for Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling (3Rs) and solid waste management (SWM) in urban and peri-urban settings, particularly in riverine and coastal areas. CCBO works with multiple USAID missions on country-specific implementation of national and local activities, and with USAID/Washington on global-level activities.

In the Pacific Islands, USAID CCBO will provide regional and country-level support in engagement sites in three Pacific Island countries—the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, and Papua New Guinea (PNG). CCBO’s holistic strategies will help address each step in the waste value chain—from production to end use—prioritizing the most inclusive, economically viable, and environmentally sustainable solutions. At each engagement site, the program is piloting localized approaches to address waste management challenges and avert irreversible damage to our oceans, reduce plastic and waste-linked contributions to the climate crisis, and advance other priority development objectives.

Responsibilities:

The CCBO FSM Program Coordination Specialist is responsible for providing coordination support to the day-to-day CCBO in-country operations in FSM and to implement the agreed workplan for the Pacific region. The FSM Coordinator will serve as the main point of contact with local stakeholders, i.e., USAID government agencies, private sector, civil society, development partners, and donor assisted programs. The FSM Coordinator will report to the CCBO Asia Regional Director based in Manila, Philippines. The FSM Coordinator will also work closely with the technical team members assigned to support the CCBO Pacific activities.

Specific tasks include the following:

*Provide guidance and coordination to CCBO FSM in-country program to maximize success and impact of the CCBO project.

* Act as the main point of contract to stakeholders including USAID, local and national government, grantees, subcontractors, other donors, and the private sector.

* Keep the Asia-Pacific Regional Director and the Virginia-based Chief of Party (COP) and other HQ staff periodically informed of implementation status, risks, and opportunities in the CCBO country operations.

* Ensure programs and related costs are following Tetra Tech policies and procedures, USAID rules and regulations, and country of implementation laws and regulations.

* Monitor and report status of grantee program implementation and as appropriate advice/assist grantees to overcome constraints and barriers to timely implementation.

* Conduct necessary groundwork and preparatory activities for planned CCBO activities in-country.

* Provide technical assistance as needed and ensure smooth operations of ongoing activities.

Deliverables:

* Biweekly reports to be submitted to the Regional Director and Regional Program Specialist.

* Field trip reports after the conduct of visits and inspections of grantee and partner activities.

* Readouts from in-person and virtual meetings with stakeholders, i.e., USAID, development partners, and others.

Qualifications:

* Master’s degree in any field.

* Minimum of 7 years’ experience in international development, primarily on projects/activities funded by USAID.

* Project management and oversight experience.

* Technical skills in environmental programs around monitoring and evaluation, communications, recycling, waste management, training, governance, etc.

* Advanced proficiency in speaking and writing in English and PNG native language.

* PNG Nationals are strongly encouraged to apply.