The Office of the Procurement Executive (A/OPE), Office of Acquisition Policy (OAP), Strategic Communications and Policy Division (SCPD) is seeking a senior acquisition policy analyst to provide analytical functions in reviewing and evaluating Department of State procurement programs, policies, and procedures.

This position will support A/OPE's strategic framework for a determined and high performing, knowledgeable workforce that rises to the occasion and is supported by the community and systems needed to perform and excel. The contractor, a senior level policy analyst must align with A/OPE's mission-centric duties to leverage the Department's Joint Strategic Goal 4: Ensuring Effectiveness and Accountability to the American Taxpayer and to the A Bureau's Strategic Goal 1: Improve the customer experience.
The individual will work closely with OAP leadership to support a quality assurance program (Program). The Program is focused on continuous improvement of contracting procedures and processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness of the Department's global contracting operations. As a part of this Program, individuals will conduct contract file reviews for compliance with applicable acquisition statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures. The contract file reviews are mainly focused on pre-award contract file documents; however, contract administration may be considered. The results of reviews will be used to improve the Department's acquisition programs and provide guidance and recommendations to acquisition and program personnel on various acquisition areas. Analysis and review of internal and external acquisition data may be required to make informed decisions and recommendations for any Department acquisition guidance, trainings, or other resources. Components of the workload may include drawing conclusions, drafting reports, preparing briefings to senior officials, and performing logistical functions in support of future office reviews.

Skills/Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have experience and familiarity with the following technical knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Self-motivated
• Ability to work with an international, multicultural workforce.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Experienced in business process improvement and analysis.
• Proficiency with the Federal Acquisition Regulation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word (to include scheduling), Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Experience using SharePoint
• Experience with Adobe (Acrobat) and PDF documents.
• Experience using MS Teams, to include scheduling.
• Exposure to Microsoft Forms is preferred
• Must be organized, detail-oriented, timely, and customer service oriented.
• Skills in managing and prioritizing multiple assignments with strict deadlines and ability to coordinate efforts among many offices.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written). Skilled in preparing and presenting information via oral briefings and written reports is critical to this position.
• Ability to implement continuous improvement process for acquisition programs, including the ability to develop effective program performance metrics and execute internal controls.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree that includes 24 hours in business field
• A Master's Degree or higher is preferred.
• Ten (10) years of experience in the acquisition field, including an intimate familiarity with Federal Acquisition and surrounding Policies, Best Practices, and innovative techniques
• Former experience as a Department of State acquisition professional will be highly considered
• Former experience as a federal employee is preferred
• Current or previously held FAC-C Professional or DAWIA Contracting Professional certification

Clearance Requirement: This position requires an active SECRET security clearance. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Travel: May be required in support of this position.

Physical Requirements: In addition to the skills and qualifications mentioned above, candidates must, at a minimum, be able to meet the following physical requirements.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to use stairs without assistance
• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer
• Ability to stand, sit, walk, lift, carry, reach, kneel, crouch, bend and climb a step stool/ladder