Salary Info: Equivalent to a GS-12-01 / GS-12-03; $99,200.00 / $105,812.00 per year
Information:
The Program Associate, Portfolio for Impact and Innovation will report to the Managing Director in the Office of Catalytic Investments (OCI). The work of OCI involves:
- underwriting transactions to develop underserved markets and sub-sectors that need catalytic capital or have the potential for outsized development impact.
- supporting DFC sector strategies to catalyze private investment into underserved geographies/markets and nascent sectors.
- leveraging innovative structures and products to pilot and scale across DFC and increase private capital mobilized to underserved markets and subsectors.
- utilizing partnerships to build pipeline, blend finance and de-risk transactions to strengthen DFC’s expertise in deploying catalytic capital.
The Portfolio for Impact and Innovation (PI2) provides specialized funding to bridge the financing gap for early-stage social enterprises with innovative solutions to challenges facing the developing world.
Incumbent of this position serves as a junior officer supporting the ongoing development, administration and reporting of PI2, which is a financing program supporting early-stage companies. The incumbent will also support other officers on the most complex, sensitive, or precedent-setting finance projects. The incumbent is responsible for supporting the full range of activities related to process transactions from business development, initial screening through due diligence, negotiating and structuring, approval, documentation, closing and funding. The incumbent is responsible for independently working on key aspects of PI2 portfolio administration, which will require leading quarterly and annual reporting efforts, providing analysis on the portfolio, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders and leading special initiatives as required. At this level, the incumbent provides critical support that involves business development, analysis of issues, representing the agency when no need for agreements outside of already established parameters is expected, and negotiating with other U.S. agencies, private consultants, or foreign governments on language in documents to which the United States Government is or will be a signatory. Work may be conducted in any country and any sector (including housing, service industries, manufacturing, agribusiness, and on-lending to micro finance and banking institutions).
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Below is a list of the major duties and responsibilities for the Program Associate, Portfolio for Impact and Innovation position:
- Incumbent(s) will perform multiple duties to manage and administer the PI2 program, including work to build and maintain a pipeline of potential transactions; conduct pre-screening evaluations of PI2 projects; prepare quarterly, annual and as need reporting for the PI2 Working Group; prepare presentations for internal and external meetings; coordinate with PMD to set up a reporting systems for PI2 transactions; supporting PI2 marketing efforts to co-investors and clients; work with other DFC departments such as ODP, Legal, OEA and PMD, to develop fact sheets, questionnaires, templates and other documentation to improve program efficiency; and build a system to track and implement lessons learned.
- Supports in-depth analyses of new loan proposals to determine their financial, technical, economic, legal, marketing, and political feasibility. Performs in depth analyses of: the nature of the proposed business ventures; the financial statements provided by the sponsors; country related macroeconomic and microeconomic risks; risks related to project contractual obligations; the eligibility, financial standing and business background of the sponsor; and other related factors. Works with and modifies sponsor provided financial projections to assess logical model construction and adequacy of business case assumptions for the proposed DFC financing. As necessary, as part of the due diligence process, creates financial models and conducts sensitivity analyses to test project assumptions and key economic drivers.
- Supports analysis to negotiate with key interested parties on DFC financing terms, including collateral security and completion support, and policy requirements.
- Consults, as required, with recognized industry experts on the PI2 program and proposed projects. Obtains information through field visits, correspondence with officials of the host country, private firm representatives, U.S. AID and Embassy personnel and other sources needed to analyze applications for DFC financing assistance.
- Prepares recommendations and required papers and correspondence. Supports the presentation of loan proposals to the various approval committees. Reviews and comments on contracts, obtains appropriate agency clearances and obtains investor’s signature and fee.
- Works with OCOO, OCI and other origination departments to develop new PI2 business opportunities. As required, advises representatives of private U.S. firms on the DFC’ s financing programs and initiatives.
- Attends conferences as required, and participates in interdepartmental activities such as Task Forces when directed.
Background:
Leading to the Development (BUILD) Act of 2018, DFC may contract with individuals for personal services (PSC), who shall not be considered Federal employees under any provision of law administered by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management. In accordance with the BUILD ACT, a Broad Government Announcement (BGA) is being used to solicit quotes on positions that will be posted throughout a five (5) year period from the date of posting. Any resulting contracts will be made under FAR 37.104 Personal Services Contracts.
Qualifications:
EDUCATION and CERTIFICATION: The PSC shall have a minimum of an undergraduate degree in international business/studies, international relations, finance, business, economics, or political science, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
EXPERIENCE. The PSC shall have a minimum of 3 years of experience within the last 10 years in the following:
- Some knowledge of international business practices.
- Some experience evaluating or responding to requests for financial support from entrepreneurs or businesses.
- Working, often independently or with minimal supervision, on simultaneous projects, in a complex environment, and under deadlines.
- Excellent English speaking, reading, and writing skills.
- Demonstrated ability to produce written materials that are clear and succinct.
- Delivering customer service and resolving customer queries.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE: Evaluation preference will be given to applicants who have the following special skills or knowledge of a technique, process, operating system, etc. (PWS Section C.3.3.):
- Some academic knowledge of and/or experience evaluating and responding to requests for financial support from entrepreneurs or businesses undertaking business activities in emerging market countries.
- Awareness of key factors to evaluate and respond to requests to a development finance institution for financial support.
- Broad and comprehensive understanding of development finance and the work of development finance institutions.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS: The contractor shall be a U.S. Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
Work location:
Work is typically performed in an office setting. The DFC office is located at 1100 New York Ave NW. Washington D.C. 20527. Once a telework agreement is in place, the PSC may work remotely according to DFC Telework Policy.
Domestic or international travel may be required. PSCs shall expect to travel less than 5% of the time. The Federal Travel Regulation shall be used to determine travel pay rates and per diem.
How to apply
How to Apply:
BGA Announcement: https://sam.gov/opp/73e72c4e5f7e416f95febcca761a2981/view#attachments-links
This position is part of the Broad Government Announcement (BGA) that has been posted to SAM.gov. Follow the link to review the BGA along with related documents about this open position and unsolicited submissions. The requirements for a complete submission are listed in these documents.
The completed submission quote and questions must be submitted to PSCQuotes@dfc.gov; submission deadline is May 17th, 2024
Application requirements:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- College transcript(s) (may be unofficial)
- Any relevant certifications
- 3-5 references (at least two must be supervisors, if able)