Energy and Critical Infrastructure Program Manager
U.S. Personal Service Contractor (FS-02 equivalent)
U.S. Department of State
Office of the Under Secretary for Political Affairs (P)
Bureau for European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR)
U.S. Embassy in Kyiv
This position is located in the Assistance Coordination Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.
The incumbent coordinates with interagency partners, including the Department of Energy, ECON, the Office of Defense Cooperation, and other Embassy sections, as well as State Department bureaus and federal agencies in Washington, DC. The position requires engagement with high-level Ukrainian government officials, international donors, and private sector stakeholders to advance U.S. policy objectives in energy and critical infrastructure.
We seek dynamic candidates who can think strategically, act decisively and independently, and operate effectively in a team environment. The incumbent will develop, coordinate, and execute activities, initiatives, and projects that strengthen Ukraine’s energy sector and critical infrastructure, ensuring alignment with U.S. foreign policy and security objectives. The position requires the ability to produce timely, high-quality reports and recommendations on a high-profile and rapidly evolving portfolio.
II. Major Duties and Responsibilities
1) Program Management and Oversight (35%)
- Backfill the lead American in the Critical Infrastructure team, ensuring continuity and effective management of the energy and critical infrastructure portfolio
- Oversee and provide proper stewardship of a $1 billion portfolio, ensuring compliance with USG regulations and achievement of program objectives
- Make recommendations for energy and critical infrastructure programs to senior leadership on program strategy, resource allocation, and policy implications
- Work closely with implementors to deliver comprehensive technical, financial, and emergency repair support with the GOU, accelerating investment and restoring infrastructure
- Develop and execute strategies to modernize Ukraine’s electricity, gas, district heating, and related sectors while looking for investment opportunities for U.S. companies
- Identify and mitigate programmatic risks across the portfolio, developing contingency plans for high-priority initiatives
2) Technical and Financial Coordination (25%)
- Provide expert guidance and oversight to implementing partners, ensuring effective delivery of assistance and technical support to the GOU
- Coordinate with USG agencies, Ukrainian government counterparts, international donors (EU, UN, World Bank), and private sector partners to maximize impact and leverage resources
- Analyze complex technical and financial data to assess program effectiveness and recommend course corrections
- Facilitate interagency meetings, working groups, and consultations on energy and infrastructure issues.
3) Program Execution, Evaluation, and Reporting (20%)
- Oversee the execution, monitoring, and evaluation of assigned energy and infrastructure programs, including project management as Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or Grants Officer Representative (GOR)
- Draft and finalize mandatory USG assistance documents, including Congressional Budget Justifications, Performance Plan Reviews, Operations Plans, and budget requests
- Prepare analytical reports, briefing materials, and presentations for Embassy and Washington audiences, using data visualization tools as appropriate
4) Strategic Communication and Stakeholder Engagement (15%)
- Engage with high-level Ukrainian government officials, international donors, and private sector stakeholders to advance U.S. policy objectives
- Develop written materials and coordinate efforts to inform stakeholders, including Embassy leadership, Washington policymakers, and external partners
- Represent the USG at conferences, workshops, and meetings; serve as control officer and/or site officer for delegations and official visits in areas of responsibility
5) Administrative and Other Duties (5%)
- Assist with administrative tasks, visitor scheduling, and note-taking as required
- Schedule and conduct monitoring visits for team activities.Perform other duties as assigned to support the mission and team initiatives
III. Position Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in international relations, political science, economics, engineering, environmental science, public policy, or a related field*
- U.S. Citizenship
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State issued Medical Clearance
- Excellent English communication skills, both written and oral
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and resolve conflicting views to promote cooperation and support for national security objectives
- Knowledge of the theories and principles of political science, international relations, economics, energy policy, engineering, or related disciplines as applied to U.S. foreign policy programs
- Knowledge of U.S. foreign policy objectives and programs, particularly in energy security and critical infrastructureExperience with research and analytical methods to validate, evaluate, and interpret information from diverse sources
- Five years of relevant specialized experience in energy policy, critical infrastructure, international development, or related fields**
*BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
1. Have a bachelor’s or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in international law, international relations, political science, economics, engineering, environmental science, public policy, or a related field; OR
2. Have completed at least 4 years of appropriate experience in one or more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs.
Note: If you are qualifying based on education, you must submit transcripts WITHIN ONE DOCUMENT WITH YOUR RESUME as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement.
IN ADDITION to the basic requirements, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13/FS-02 level in the Federal service, which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position:
- Experience advising on energy, infrastructure, or foreign policy programs
- Experience applying program and project management principles and techniques
- Experience serving as a project manager and primary point of contact for a project or program