Federal Position Descriptions
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Assistant Administrator for the Middle East

Assistant Administrator (Middle East), United States Agency for International Development
Responsibility
Management Scope

The assistant administrator for the Middle East oversees the Office of North Africa and Arabian Peninsula Affairs; the Office of Middle East Affairs; and the Office of Technical Services.3

Primary Responsibilities

• Formulates, approves and authorizes U.S. development assistance programs and projects; presents the Middle East Bureau’s program and budget to Congress; and approves and directs the allocation of resources among Middle East offices and missions
• Implements Middle East programs and projects; monitors performance under loan and grant agreements, contracts and other operating agreements; and takes or recommends required remedial action
• Serves as the USAID representative on joint commissions, subcommittees and working groups involved in the Middle East region4

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
  • Paige Eve Alexander (2014 to 2017): Assistant Administrator for Europe and Eurasia, USAID; Senior Vice President, IREX; Acting Deputy Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Europe and Eurasia, USAID5
  • Mara E. Rudman (2011 to 2013): Deputy Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, Department of State; Deputy Assistant to the President, National Security Council, The White House; Executive Secretary, National Security Council, The White House6
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=310740
  4. OPM
  5. https://votesmart.org/public-statement/832380/president-obama-announces-more-key-administration-posts#.WP-rvNLyuUk
  6. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mararudman/
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