Digital Frontiers DECA Specialist I/II

BACKGROUND
Digital Frontiers is a $90 million buy-in mechanism available to USAID
Bureaus and Missions from 2017-2024. DAI implements the Digital Frontiers
project, which works closely with USAID’s Innovation, Technology, and
Research Hub (ITR), USAID Missions, the private sector, and international and
local development organizations to identify successful and sustainable
digital development approaches and scale their impact globally.

Digital Frontiers has played a key role in supporting the development and
launch of the USAID Digital Strategy in April 2020 and continues to play an
integral role in the implementation of the Digital Strategy. This strategy
will further USAID’s objectives to (1) improve development and humanitarian
assistance outcomes through the responsible use of digital technology; and
(2) strengthen the openness, inclusiveness, and security of country digital
ecosystems.

The Digital Strategy’s flagship initiative is the Digital Ecosystem Country
Assessment (DECA). Digital Frontiers provides support to the USAID ITR team
in the iteration and scale-up of DECAs and to USAID Missions around the globe
interested in carrying out a DECA

DAI and Digital Frontiers are committed to infusing anti-racism throughout
DAI by attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and
backgrounds and grow as a result of expanded perspectives. Through these
efforts, DAI will become a better development partner, evolving into a strong
community advocate and building dynamic partnerships to facilitate positive change.

OVERVIEW
Digital Frontiers is recruiting a DECA Specialist I/II to help manage DECAs
and to contribute to DECA technical research. The DECA is a six-month
assessment that informs the development, design, and implementation of USAID
Mission’s strategies, projects, and activities. It is organized around
three research pillars: digital infrastructure and adoption; digital society,
rights, and governance; and digital economy. Read more on USAID’s DECA webpage.

The DECA Specialist I/II must have U.S. work authorization and an ability to
keep EST hours, DAI is unable to sponsor visas.

TASKS
The DECA Specialist I/II will be dedicated to managing Digital Frontiers
DECAs Specific tasks are detailed below:

Project Management (40%)
Manage the implementation of multiple and simultaneous DECAs with guidance
from the Senior DECA Manager ensuring adherence to the approved work plan,
troubleshooting deviations, and overseeing independent consultants and subcontractors.
Serve as the primary point of contact with USAID Missions that are conducting
DECAs through Digital Frontiers. From start to finish this includes preparing
work plans, organizing project folders and documents, initiating project
kickoff, and monitoring consultant and subcontractor engagement with the
Mission, demonstrating the appropriate level of flexibility and
professionalism throughout. This requires scheduling and leading client
meetings and taking notes.
Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and management of consultants, or in
some cases subawardees. This includes developing scopes of work, sourcing
candidates/firms, coordinating and carrying out candidate interviews,
reviewing writing tests, and communicating with Digital Frontiers Finance and
Operations team to ensure timely onboarding.
Monitor and update DECA budget(s) regularly to ensure all consultant or
subcontractor work is tracked against the planned budget. Provide updates to
Senior DECA Manager and to the Digital Frontiers Operations team.
Manage in-country logistics and in-person key informant interviews as needed.
This may include traveling internationally, coordinating travel arrangements,
procuring drivers and translators, planning in-country daily schedules and
logistics, among other related tasks in adherence with DAI and Digital
Frontiers travel and procurement policies.
Manage finalization of DECA reports including reviewing consultants’
writing, incorporating client feedback, coordinating with the USAID Missions
on clearances, and working with the Digital Frontiers Communications Advisor
for copy-editing and design.
Contribute to DECA process and content iteration by sharing learnings and
feedback with the Senior DECA Manager.
Report DECA progress and upcoming issues/needs to the Senior DECA Manager,
Digital Strategy Project Director, Digital Frontiers core staff, and USAID as relevant.

Technical Research (40%)
Manage the review of all technical deliverables (desk research, report
outlines, draft reports, final reports) with specific attention to ensuring
written materials are high quality and research is technically sound and
remains within the scope of the DECA.
Provide short-notice technical support to the DECAs including conducting
research and analysis, writing substantial sections of the report,
participating in key informant interviews, taking detailed (transcript level)
notes during meetings and key informant interviews, editing, and other tasks.
Share technical learnings and thought leadership with the DECA team for
adaptation and iteration purposes.

Operations and Reporting (20%)
Manage operational matters related to DECAs, including but not limited to
contractual, operational, MEL, reporting, and financial matters.
Liaise with communications, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), and
operations and finance support teams within Digital Frontiers.
Ensure activities are managed in accordance with USAID regulations and DAI
Procurement policies. 

REQUIREMENTS
Must be located in and eligible to work in the United States; DAI is unable
to sponsor visas.
Ability to keep US Eastern Time working hours

QUALIFICATIONS
At least 5 years of experience and a bachelor's degree or 3 years of
experience with a master's degree in international development or comparable
work in another industry
Knowledge of digital development topics
Experience conducting qualitative research studies including conducting desk
research and key informant interviews
Experience coordinating multiple activities effectively and simultaneously
Experience working in a client-centric role with excellent customer service
and client relationship management skills
Experience developing, managing, and tracking budgets
Proven experience in managing sub-awards, contractors, or independent consultants
Experience working respectfully in diverse teams and communities around the globe
Ability to interpret and communicate quantitative data
Strong critical thinking capabilities with an ability to rapidly assess
situational needs, develop problem-solving strategies, and implement
sustainable solutions
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Willingness to travel internationally if necessary

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
At least 6 years of experience and a bachelor's degree or 4 years of
experience with a master's degree in international development or related
field, or comparable work in another industry
Experience implementing government or donor-funded programs in developing countries
Experience working on USAID projects
Demonstrated technical expertise in digital development topics either across
the DECA pillars, or deep expertise in one or more of the DECA pillars
Knowledge of U.S. government regulations, policies, and procedures
French and/or Spanish language skills are a plus

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE
October 2022 – August 2023, with likelihood to extend through July 2024
Reports to Susannah Horton, Digital Strategy Senior DECA Manager

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Submit a resume and cover letter with your application at the link below.