Program Specialist

This is a TERM appointment (not-to-exceed 1 year and 1 day). Term appointments are non-status, nonpermanent appointments of limited duration. Term employees are eligible to earn leave and generally have the same benefits as permanent employees including health and life insurance, within-grade increases and Federal Employees Retirement System and Thrift Savings Plan coverage. Term appointments may be extended without further competition.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provides specialized technical input and administrative direction on the development and implementation of comprehensive plans and strategies for the internal and external integration of day-to-day and long-range projects, actions and activities. Coordinates the creation and submission of BHQ annual reports and strategic plans, with input from leadership and senior investigators. Writes summaries and narratives; sets goals and develops timelines; and ensures accuracy and efficiency. Serves as the point of contact for on-going information exchange and tracking for project operations across sites and projects. Assists in the organization, evaluation, and maintenance of project research and education materials, correspondence, references, and mailing/communication systems. Identifies programs weakness and/or flaws and develops new local standard operating procedures to enhance results and remedy deficiencies, submitting the new ideas to the supervisor for approval and implementation. Develops procedures and systems for establishing, operating, and assessing the effectiveness of administrative control systems and operating programs. Coordinates proposals, both prior to submission of formal applications and during post-award grant administration. Reviews and analyzes all new grant Request for applications (RFA) material and the

SF-424 VA-ORD

Application Guide to identify any changes or updates to the instructions for each grant submission cycle. Works with investigators to compile necessary documents; inspects each grant submission package for completeness and to ensure accurate formatting; and identifies and corrects any problems or issues in the proposal prior to submission. Generates and monitors tracking systems to ensure progress on identified projects and grant proposals, timeliness of required responses, and the status of any unresolved actions. Acts as the liaison concerning travel-related matters for multi-site projects. This includes travel budget formulation, justification, and execution; financial management; and financial reporting for project travel. Maintains administrative systems and prepares research paperwork. Analyzes and evaluates, on a quantitative or qualitative basis, the effectiveness of programs or operations in meeting established goals and objectives and analyze program performance data to identify issues and make recommendations for improvement. Conducts formative evaluations to identify and render administrative recommendations and/or decisions to implement efficient service management resources and products. Gathers and synthesizes information including briefing materials and other documents for presentation, policy analysis, and meetings with stakeholders and high-level officials for internal and external discussions and decision making. Performs other related duties as assigned.