The Africa Center is the pre-eminent Department of Defense institution for strategic security studies, research, and outreach in Africa. The Africa Center engages African partner states and institutions through rigorous academic and outreach programs that build strategic capacity and foster long-term, collaborative relationships. This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension.

Duties

The Director of Engagement leads the five-person Community and Alumni Affairs (CAA) Section. The Community and Alumni Affairs section conducts participant recruitment and registration, manages alumni relations, manages the alumni database, prepares and compiles course evaluations, and conducts key stakeholder outreach for the Africa Center for Strategic Studies. He/She works closely with the ACSS alumni to create and catalyze alumni chapters and communities of interest as dynamic vehicles for ongoing professional education, peer-to-peer engagements, and security sector governance norms reinforcement. He/She serves as a member of the Leadership Team of the Africa Center for Strategic Studies and as such represents and interfaces with members of the diplomatic community, colleagues and students at the National Defense University, and other key stakeholders in the U.S. Government and elsewhere. The incumbent supervises the CAA team to recruit and manage participants for all academic and outreach programs, maintain participant and alumni databases, sustain alumni relationships, support alumni community chapters, and build networks with US Embassies and US government stakeholders necessary to manage the Africa Center's participant affairs. Develops internal operating procedures, checklists, milestones, and metrics for the CAA section to effectively plan and coordinate across Africa Center sections to execute program requirements. Works closely with faculty to develop recruiting strategies and profiles to promote diverse, engaged participants who are, or will be, leaders in African security sector institutions. Oversees the development and implementation of alumni and outreach programs. Manages the CAA section to accomplish all assigned tasks in support of the Africa Center's mission and vision. He/She develops and executes engagement strategies to interact (both virtually and in person) with alumni, partners, and stakeholders. This includes designing and executing events and engagements for alumni and key stakeholder audiences such as the African diplomatic community in Washington, D.C., U.S. government interagency and congressional colleagues working on Africa, and the National Defense University community. He/She will leverage the ACSS alumni network to create and enhance alumni chapters and communities of interest to be force multipliers in strengthening security sector institutions on the continent. He/She provides guidance and direction for conducting program evaluations to include the evaluation content and questions, compilation of responses, and analysis of responses. He/she contributes to strategic planning and assessing ACSS mission impact through timely analysis and reports on enrollment, participation trends, and changes in stakeholder interests and priorities. Proposes and develops innovative approaches and tools to enhance engagement, recruitment of participants, and sustainment of relationships. He/She is a member of the Leadership Team for the Africa Center. He/she represents the Africa Center at external events as requested by the Director. He/She may moderate sessions and serve as a subject matter expert speaker or panelist during Africa Center programs, and may serve as a facilitator for small group discussions. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or be exempt from Selective Service (see http://www.ssa.gov/)
• Direct Deposit: All federal employees are required to have direct deposit
• The position is governed by 10 USC 1595 and NDUI 1416.0l dated March 2017.
• Must be able and willing to travel both domestically and internationally. Travel is seldom required. 20-30% of the time.
• The incumbent must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must: Possesses an earned Master's degree in International Relations, Public Policy, African Studies or a related field. Experience as a leader and supervisor with at least 10 years experience managing a team of at least 5 or more subordinates. Supervisory experience administering and conducting performance counseling, career counseling and professional development for team members, and preparing performance appraisals. A minimum of 10 years professional experience working on African political, security, or development issues. Extensive knowledge of U.S.-Africa policy. Experience living and working on the African continent. Possess excellent oral and written communications skills in the English language with a demonstrated ability to express clear, concise concepts and findings. Preferred qualifications include: Possesses a PhD in International Relations, Public Policy, African Studies or a related field. Established network of professional contacts, especially with African security sector institutions, think tanks, universities, NGOs, strategic centers, diplomatic community. Fluency in French or Portuguese. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education Requirement: Must possess an earned Master's degree in International Relations, Public Policy, African Studies, or related field.

Official Transcripts: Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if the position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment, if selected for the role.
* An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence PRIOR to appointment.

• • Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.
  • For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education.

Contacts

• Address DSCA - DEFENSE SECURITY COOPERATION AGENCY Apply Online Indianapolis, IN 46249 US
• Name: HR Customer Care Center
• Phone: (317) 212-0454
• Email: [email protected]