Senior ODA Specialist

USAID Vietnam Local Capacity Development Program

Senior ODA Specialist

Consultancy to Support Project Document Development and Approval 

Hanoi, Vietnam

Tentative period of performance: March 2024 – September 2024

Note: This post is open to local candidates only.

Please click here [1] for reviewing the Job Descriptions in Vietnamese

Overview 

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, democratic institutions and stabilization. Based in Washington, D.C., Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Program Description:  

The USAID-funded Vietnam Local Capacity Development (LCD) Activity is a five-year activity with the overall goal to support the capacity of and engagement between local governments and organizations and improve linkages with the national government on local priority issues, leading to more transparent and effective policymaking and policy implementation processes, and better delivery of services to Vietnamese citizens, particularly marginalized or underrepresented groups. 

Position Summary: 

LCD seeks a Senior ODA Specialist (national consultant) to lead support the Academy of Policy and Development (APD), under the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), in developing the Project Document (PD) and other relevant documents as well as supporting the APD in completing the regulated procedures to obtain the project approval decision. The consultant will report to the LCD Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP). The consultant will work in close cooperation and under the guidance of APD during this consultancy.

The Senior ODA Specialist is responsible for ensuring effective consultation with stakeholders, discussion and alignment between APD and LCD in the development and finalization of the Project Document. The draft and final Project Document versions are required to:

• Follow GVN regulations in ODA management.
• Reflect the contents of the project description as discussed and agreed between USAID, LCD and APD; and
• Align with USAID/Vietnam guidance in managing the Mission’s activities in Vietnam.

Reporting: This position reports to the DCOP

Responsibilities: 

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

• Reviewing of relevant documents and regulations including but not limited to the USAID Vietnam Country Development Cooperation Strategy [2]for the period 2020 - 2025, Vietnam’s regulations related to Innovation and Industrial Revolution 4.0, relevant Socio Economic Development Plans, master plans, relevant laws and regulations of Vietnam, relevant researches and analysis in the areas of the project;
• Developing and agreeing with APD and LCD on a specific work plan for project approval process;
• Conducting meetings and consultations with the APD, relevant MPI departments, development partners, other stakeholders, and potential beneficiaries as guided by APD;
• Developing the PD using the relevant template in Decree 20/2023/ND-CP and Decree 114/2021/ND-CP (USAID will provide the template that includes USAID standard language specific requirements) in both English and Vietnamese for APD and LCD review.
• Supporting APD in following up with relevant departments of MPI and other concerned ministries to obtain feedbackand appraisal comments.
• Supporting APD in revising the PD, preparing the report on justification and acceptance of the appraisal comments.
• Supporting APD in finalizing the PD and preparing the appraisal package for MPI approval
• Facilitating the exchange of information between USAID and MPI by ensuring that the PD and its revisions are available in both English and Vietnamese for USAID review and inputs.

Qualifications: 

Experience with ODA Approval Process

• Thorough understanding of GVN ODA project document approval regulations and processes, and 3-5 years experience working on ODA project document approval.
• Experience working on ODA project document approval for projects of at least $8m.
• Experience obtaining project document approval for ODA funded projects including writing and reviewing Project Documents
• Demonstrated ability to diplomatically coordinate work between GVN stakeholders and international organizations.

Knowledge of Sector

• Intensive experience working with APD, relevant departments of MPI, and ministries participating in the appraisal process.
• In-depth familiarity with the legal framework and the dynamic of the innovative ecosystem in Vietnam.

Language and Communication Skills

• Native in Vietnamese
• Good written and spoken English skills required.

Deliverables (all to be delivered in English and Vietnamese)

The closing date for application: April 1, 2024. Selection and interviews will be performed constantly and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Email to receive application: [email protected] [3].

Only finalists will be contacted. No phone calls, please. 

Creative Associates International Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer (gender/race/disability/veteran) and provides equal opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Please view Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here [4].