Economic Assistant

Description
The U.S. Embassy in Kampala is seeking eligible and qualified applicants for the Economic Assistant in the Kampala office. The Economic Assistant is responsible for a broad range of analytical reporting and information gathering – on economic issues as well as trade and investment, science, technology and health issues. Must be able to obtain and hold a Secret clearance for handling classified information; supervised by Political/Economic U.S. Direct Hire.

Duty Station: Kampala, Uganda

Salary: USD 54,485 – 80,013

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Economic Research and Reporting (60%)

Obtains information from a variety of sources and prepares reports on current economic developments and trends, including foreign and domestic policy issues.
Attends legislative sessions or other events and reviews media coverage to identify economic, commercial, and relevant government activities of interest and reports accordingly.
Analyzes and reports on host country’s national budget.
Prepares biographic reports on important economic players.
Develops economic forecasts using econometric techniques; identifies economic indicators and trends; assesses economic impact of tax laws.
Cultivates and develops contacts in the private and public sectors to gain a deeper understanding of how the economy functions and the formation of government policy and its impact.
Grant and U.S. Program Management (15%)

As Grants Officer co-representative, co-manages the Ambassador’s Self Help Fund projects and all other grant programs.
Under general guidance from the Section Chief, solicits and reviews grant applications for the Oversees Ambassador’s Self Help Fund and other grants; makes recommendations for approval of grants, and monitors grantees to ensure that they are in compliance and that the projects are completed on time.
Makes site visits to all grant recipients to verify projects.
Monitors and reconciles all budgets, receipts, and other submissions for approval. Ensures that all work is timely and accurate.
Recommends individuals for U.S.-funded programs and handles logistics for individuals chosen to attend U.S.-funded programs.
Travel Responsibilities (15%)
The incumbent may travel independently especially in Kampala and the surrounding districts and other parts of Uganda as the need arises to keep up to date on economic developments of importance to U.S. interests.
The incumbent also frequently supports travel by Embassy officials and visiting USG officials, including recommending and developing schedules, making logistical arrangements, accompanying officers on trips, and helping produce post-trip reporting under the supervision of the Deputy Economic Chief.
Back up Duties (10%)
Backup Economic Officer as needed, including, but not limited to, reporting on assigned portfolios and participating in outreach activities to explain USG programs and policies.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

EDUCATION:
Two years post-secondary education is required.
Requirements:
EXPERIENCE:
At least three years of work experience analyzing economic trends is required.
JOB KNOWLEDGE:
Good working knowledge of host country’s economy and business environment.
Evaluations: (This may be tested)
LANGUAGE:
English: Good working knowledge – speaking, reading and writing.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Ability to prepare precise, accurate, tactical, and analytical reports and biographical reports on a wide range of economic issues. Ability to maintain an extensive range of mid and high-level contacts in the host government and private sector. Ability to relate economic developments to political and social forces. Ability to organize and execute complex research projects. Excellent writing and speaking skills. Ability to use Microsoft Software Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Basic keyboarding.