Social Solutions International, Inc. is hiring a
Social Solutions International, Inc. (Social Solutions) is a Hispanic and woman-owned business emphasizing quality research and evaluation, training and technical assistance, and institutional support services. We are a mission-driven organization that believes that superior science can improve the world. Social Solutions is dedicated to the creation of social and health solutions to improve the welfare of underserved populations worldwide.
Social Solutions is a large, thriving business with a fun atmosphere that encourages creativity, new ideas, and employee health and well-being. We put our employees first and use empathetic leadership, taking a genuine interest in our employees’ lives and the challenges they face in and out of the workplace. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) are integral to our company culture, and we are continuously striving to enhance our DEIA efforts across our company. You will feel like a contributing member of a growing team and company that has flexibility to enhance processes and procedures quickly to improve performance and growth. We help our employees carve out a professional pathway that has mutual benefits for them and Social Solutions. Social Solutions also offers exceptional compensation and benefits, detailed below.
This position is located with the Development Innovations Ventures (DIV) program in USAID’s Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation, in the Innovation, Technology and Research (ITR) Hub, which leads USAID in experimentation and innovation to transform development. The ITR Hub takes smart risks to test new ideas and partners with others to scale impact, bringing together diverse partners to transform how we save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people progress beyond assistance. Working collaboratively with the Agency and external partners, ITR's mission is two-fold:
To produce breakthrough development innovations by sourcing, testing, and scaling proven solutions that impact millions of people; and
To transform development by opening it to people everywhere with good ideas, promoting new and deepening existing partnerships, bringing data and evidence to bear, and harnessing scientific and technological advances.
DIV is USAID’s tiered, evidence-based, open innovation grantmaking program that provides risk-calibrated funding for cost-effective, scalable solutions to development challenges. DIV’s principles-based funding approach has proven immensely successful: its early portfolio has already returned $17 in social benefit for each dollar awarded.
This position serves as a Program Manager for ITR/I/DIV. In this role, the Program Manager:
Manages the Venture Assistance / Venture Advisory Program and support innovators with:
customized technical assistance that addresses critical business challenges in order to reach more end-users, secure financial sustainability, and maximize the potential of each innovation. Acceleration technical assistance is geared for innovations that can demonstrate that they have the potential for significant impact.
non-financial support through connections and partnerships to USAID operating units, private sector, and public sector partners to apply innovative solutions around the world.
Serves as a Portfolio Manager, participating in DIV’s selection process and providing direct support to a subset of grantees:
Conducts initial screening of some DIV proposals. Provides technical feedback and guidance to the applicants.
Executes rigorous due diligence of proposals; assesses the commercial or technical viability of a product or service; reviews business and scaling plans; assesses competitive landscapes, solicits feedback from experts within and external to USAID and from customers; actively engages with applicants to shape high-potential projects; presents analysis and funding recommendations to the Investment Committee.
Supports the preparation of award packages in compliance with procurement policies and best practices.
Provides strategic advice and technical support for a portfolio of organizations that receive DIV grant awards, including assistance to technical staff and recipient organizations to ensure that financial and technical reports are prepared and submitted as required.
Serves on key working groups and committees, and provide guidance and direction to team members working at lower performance levels.
Supports DIV’s data systems and processes, including:
Oversees and manages DIV’s data system/platform (e.g., Salesforce)
Oversees and manages DIV’s relationship with data systems-related service providers
Recommends and develops key process improvements for the DIV program, from application receipt through selections and award management
Develops reports and provides insights to support management of the DIV program
Provide technical program management guidance to ITR leadership Agency staff to improve program design, implementation, performance, and other areas.
Independently manages relationships with a set of portfolio entities and other USAID and external stakeholders.
Provide the full range of program management duties related to ITR/I/DIV.
Provide direction and oversight to project teams to design, develop, deploy, and sustain solutions that meet applicable business requirements.
Manage interdependencies between multiple project areas within and outside scope of responsibility.
Responsible for project deliverables, cost, schedule, and quality, facilitated by allocating and directing resources.
Responsible for resolving issues and mitigating risk, escalating when appropriate.
Manage project teams which may include vendor team members.
Stakeholder engagement, including interactions with applicants, grantees, other donors, to ensure meeting program and development objectives
Draws on their current network, knowledge, and connections to position the ITR Hubas a critical, exciting, global convener.
Validates the ITR Hub within the global community by socializing and gaining buy-in from recognized entities, organizations and individuals.
Generates new partners for ITR/I/DIV
Personally evaluates and/or identifies and collaborates with appropriate subject matter experts to support the Acceleration program.
Promotes collaborative relationships within the Agency, and with local organizations and private sector partners.
Works with a wide array of entities to solicit the expertise they can provide in expanding the U.S. government’s reach and impact in development.
Promotes operational innovation by working with staff throughout the agency
Manage mechanisms for procurement of consulting services on behalf of grantees
Cultivate relationships with private sector to provide technical assistance to grantees.
Other duties as assigned.
Master's degree and 10-15 years’ relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Social Solutions offers competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits. Please submit your resume online at www.socialsolutions.biz.
Social Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.