ACADEMIC COURSE DELIVERY SPECIALIST

Summary

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS) is an academic institution within the U.S. Department of Defense established in 1999, and funded by Congress for the study of security issues relating to Africa. This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension.

Duties

Major Duties The purpose of this position is to plan and coordinate academic support for delivery of curriculum for the Africa Center's Academic Affairs Division. Specific duties include: The incumbent provides course development and refinement, manages and procures or otherwise acquires instructional and educational materials in support of curriculum, and conducts research support for Academic programs and activities. Works directly with Faculty and Program Managers to support the development and execution of academic curriculum and programs such as seminars, workshops, courses and the research program. Drafts written documents which serve to contribute to the development and refinement of the curriculum and in support of academic programs (letters, research summaries and synopsis, literature reviews). Undertakes guided research on security matters related to Africa, and to U.S. policy towards Africa (e.g., counter-terrorism, national and transnational security strategy, human security, civil-military relations, defense economics, conflict management, arms proliferation, etc.). Assists with the development of section publications, in collaboration with Faculty and Program Leads. Proofreads and formats guest speaker presentations, program highlights, academic syllabi, and other academic materials in English, Portuguese, French and/or Arabic as required. Analyzes program evaluation data and compiles into program evaluation reports. Supports the Academic section by working collaboratively with Faculty to research, identify, contact and invite adjunct faculty, guest speakers, note-takers, and other staff needed to support academic programs. Researches, develops and collates short biographies for adjunct faculty and guest speakers. Reviews and proofreads reports and other documents, editorial and content, for quality control purposes. Develops, manages and updates spreadsheets and databases on publications, potential attendees, faculty and guest speaker presentations, travel and other logistical information. In collaboration with faculty, develops, formats and prepares documents and presentations and complies syllabus binders with attention to prescribed procedures and protocols for branding and quality control purposes, in one or more languages as required. Drafts and finalizes program-related correspondence and after-action reports. Manages academic databases for participant and faculty support including evaluation records, and adjunct faculty and alumni records. Performs occasional translation of documents from English to Portuguese, French and/or Arabic as needed. Serves as the Academic Affairs support staff representative on ACSS project teams, liaising within the Africa Center as well as with other organizations on event planning and preparation of operational matters related to the academic program schedule, adjunct faculty, guest speakers, interpreters, and note-takers. Serves as primary Point-of-Contact for the Academic Section to other organizations, sections and augmented staff (adjunct faculty, guest speakers, note-takers, interpreters) during the development and execution of organizational academic programs to which the incumbent is assigned. Provides oversight and direction to temporary employees and note-takers during the execution of academic programs as needed. Manages the Africa Center's academic program peer-learning system, corresponding processes, and operating procedures in support of curriculum delivery. Develops and disseminates course and program information and resources for current and prospective participants and faculty. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Possess an earned Master's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in international relations, African Affairs, public policy, political science, history, economics, national security affairs or a related area or other appropriate discipline. Possess program management experience supporting the development and execution of academic curriculum and programs such as seminars, workshops, courses and research programs, to include managing, developing, coordinating and executing research projects in support of academic programs. Possess experience using academic literature search engines to conduct research on security matters related to Africa, and U.S. policy towards Africa (e.g., counter-terrorism, national and transnational security strategy, human security, civil-military relations, defense economics, conflict management, arms proliferation, etc.). Possess academic writing experience, such as managing, coordinating, developing, reviewing, proofreading, editing, updating, and formatting publications, administrative and logistical reports, syllabi, letters, literature reviews, research summaries, spreadsheets, databases, evaluations, presentations, and other documents. Possess excellent oral and written communications skills in the English language with a demonstrated ability to express clear, concise concepts and findings to a general foreign policy audience. Must also demonstrate the ability to take notes and coordinate and liaise with other staff members, sections and external organizations. Highly proficient (native or near-native fluency) in oral and written communication in either Portuguese, French or Arabic with a demonstrated ability to express clear, concise concepts and findings, and to edit and perform quality checks on documents written in Portuguese, French or Arabic with experience in the security vernacular. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Deep understanding of Africa's political economy, security challenges, trends, and priorities. Experience and understanding of Maritime Security issues with respect to Africa. Experience engaging with U.S. and African security sector officials. Previous academic or field experience in Africa. Possess strong analytical skills and demonstrable experience analyzing program evaluation data and compiling reports. Experience living and/or working on the African continent. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education Requirement: Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or, international equivalent, (doctorate preferred) in a discipline directly related to international relations, African Affairs, Public Policy, Political Science, History, Economics, National Security Affairs, or a related area or other appropriate discipline. Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above. Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education How You Will Be Evaluated

A screening panel will review your resume and narrative answers to the assessment questions to evaluate your qualifications for the position. NDU uses a multi-tier selection process for academic positions. The following questions will be reviewed by the NDU screening panel https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13069939. The Assessment Questionnaire collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies: Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ [email protected] Other Information

This is a Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment. Appointment is not to exceed 3 years with the possibility for extension. Background or Security Investigation: This is a Non-Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security determination to occupy a Non-Sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Initial Probationary Period: Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a I2 month probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. Reemployed Annuitants: Department of Defense has the authority to hire annuitants without reduction in pay. For more information, go to: https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/policy/retirement/reemployedannuitant All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) leads, directs and manages security cooperation programs and resources to support national security objectives that build relationships that promote U.S. interests, build allied and partner capacities for self-defense and coalition operations in the global war on terrorism, and promote peacetime and contingency access for U.S. forces. The Africa Center serves as a forum for bilateral and multilateral research, communication, and exchange of ideas involving military and civilian participants. The Africa Center does this by expanding understanding of African security issues, providing a trusted platform for dialogue, building enduring partnerships, and catalyzing strategic solutions. The overarching goal is to support processes that foster security for all Africans championed by effective institutions accountable to their citizens. Africa Center programs revolve around the generation and dissemination of knowledge through its research, academic programs, and community engagement. DSCA has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings plan (TSP); health, life, and long-term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. DSCA employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy and situational telework opportunities.