Project Approval Specialist

Project Approval Specialist

USAID Learns

Hanoi, Vietnam

Apply here

https://phg.tbe.taleo.net/phg02/ats/careers/v2/viewRequisition?org=SOCIIMPA2&cws=39&rid=4460

Subject:        Scoping

Act:               3.141 - Project Approval support for a USAID Activity in Higher Education

About Social Impact

Social Impact (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity-building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Project Objective

SI is implementing the USAID/Vietnam Learns Contract. The scope of the five-year project is to support USAID/Vietnam staff and its implementing partners to implement more efficient, effective, and sustainable programs by (1) improving staff knowledge and skills in Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) and Collaborating, Learning & Adapting (CLA); (2) advancing evidence-informed decision-making; (3) strengthening strategic collaboration between staff and local stakeholders.

Position Background

USAID is collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) to accelerate Vietnam’s Higher Education modernization and upgrade training programs in selected areas.

USAID Learns seeks a consultant to act as a Project Approval Specialist to support in coordinating the process of Project Document development, stakeholder consultation, and submission for approval. The consultant will report to a staff from USAID Learns and will work closely with the point of contact from USAID during this consultancy.

**Please note: This is a local position. Only Vietnamese citizens are eligible to apply* *

Responsibilities

Specific activities to attain project approval include (but are not limited to):

• Desk review of key documents, including (but not limited to):  USAID Project Description, Decree 114 and related guidance on Official Development Assistance (ODA) management, project approval,
• Coordination of meetings with Vietnam Government stakeholders to understand project approval document submission requirements, and agree on the plan for Project Document development.
• Facilitate the exchange between the Ministry of Education and Training - MoET (International Cooperation Department, Planning and Finance Department, and Higher Education Department) and USAID Higher Education Office in drafting the Project Document.
• Draft Project Document that follows GVN regulations in ODA management, and reflects the contents of the project description, and USAID guidance in managing the mission’s activities in Vietnam.
• Facilitate the process of stakeholder consultations and revision of the Project Document for submission.

Deliverables

1. A plan for obtaining project approval for the new Activity, including specific tasks and timelines, as the result of the consultation with MoET, USAID, and related stakeholders (in English and Vietnamese)
2. Draft project document that is signed off by both USAID and MOET for sharing with other GVN institutions (in English and Vietnamese)
3. Notes of consultations meetings and exchanges with related stakeholders (in English)
4. Revised/Final Project Document taking into account the inputs and comments from related stakeholders (in English and Vietnamese)

The anticipated level of effort is an average of 16 person hours per week over a period of up to 06 months.

Qualifications

• Experience working on ODA projects, especially in facilitating ODA project approval, preparing and reviewing Project Document.
• Have experience writing official reports requiring GVN review.
• Understanding of GVN ODA project approval regulations, preferably having experience in obtaining project approval for ODA funded projects.
• Have experience working with MoET preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to diplomatically coordinate work between GVN stakeholders and international organizations.
• Fluency in Vietnamese and in-depth knowledge of the operating environment in Vietnam.
• Demonstrated excellent writing and spoken English skills are required.

The closing date for application: May 05, 2023. Selection and interview will be performed constantly and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To apply, please merge both your CV and a cover letter (one-page briefly outlining your qualifications and motivations for applying) into one pdf file and submit it through the online portal.

To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website: http://www.socialimpact.com.

SI is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls and/or office visits.