Federal Position Descriptions
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Assistant Administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean

Assistant Administrator (Latin America and the Caribbean), United States Agency for International Development
Responsibility
Management Scope

The assistant administrator for LAC oversees the Haiti Task Team; the Office of Caribbean Affairs; the Office of Latin American Affairs; the Office of Regional Sustainable Development; and the Office of Strategy and Programs.3

Primary Responsibilities

• Directs the formulation of U.S. development programs; approves programs and projects; and authorizes the execution of development assistance agreements with Latin American and Caribbean countries, and regional organizations
• Submits an annual budget and assists in presenting the bureau’s program and budget to Congress
• Ensures the integration — within the region — of economic growth, agriculture and trade; democracy and governance; education and human resources; population and health; and environment resources with USAID-financed resources
• Approves and directs the allocation of available resources among LAC offices and overseas missions; oversees the implementation of programs and projects; monitors performance under loan and grant agreements, contracts and other operating agreements; and takes or recommends required remedial action4

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
Requirements

• Prior government experience; knowledge of the legislative and federal budgeting process
• Experience in foreign affairs and with the region (preferred)
• Strong management experience
• Strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, or ability to form them

Competencies

• Strong communication and public-speaking skills
• Strong leadership and managerial skills
• Ability to work under high pressure and handle sensitive matters
• Energy for frequent travel
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Ability to work across party lines

Past Appointments
  • Marcela Escobari (2016 to 2017): Executive Director, Harvard Center for International Development; Board Member, Root Capital; Director, OTF Group5
  • Mark Feierstein (2010 to 2013): Vice President and Principal, Greenberg Quinlan Rosner; Director, Global Elections, USAID; Special Assistant, Permanent Mission of the U.S.A. to the Organization of American States, Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs, Department of State6
  • Paul J. Bonicelli (2007 to 2008): Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, USAID; Dean, Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Government, Patrick Henry College; Professional Staff Member, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives7
AGENCY

United States Agency for International Development

Mission: To end extreme poverty and promote resilient, democratic societies while advancing our security and prosperity

COMPENSATION

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)1

REPORTS TO

United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator2

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Footnote
  1. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.
  2. https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/organization
  3. https://lo.bvdep.com/OrgChart.asp?curp=1&LDIBookId=19&LDISectionId=201&LDIOrgId=155119
  4. OPM
  5. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelaescobari/
  6. Leadership Directories: https://lo.bvdep.com/PeopleDocument.asp?PersonId=-1&LDIPeopleId=803266&Save=1
  7. Leadership Directories: https://lo.bvdep.com/PeopleDocument.asp?PersonId=-1&LDIPeopleId=639743&Save=1
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