Air Quality Specialist, USAID TOPS

The Technical, Operational, and Program Support (TOPS) project is a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded institutional support contract for USAID’s Bureau of Resilience, Environment and Food Security (REFS), designed to help the Agency meet the pressing challenges caused by climate change. TOPS aims to help USAID meet the increasing complexities of global development by recruiting top-notch technical assistance providers to work in USAID’s offices and provide direct support to USAID teams.

EnCompass is seeking an Air Quality Specialist to support the Green Cities Division of REFS. The Specialist will provide technical support to Missions that have ongoing or new programs to improve air quality, synthesize learning and best practices from Agency air quality work, and assist in implementing air quality programs.

As urbanization is a driver of environmental crises that we face today, the USAID Green Cities Division works to help developing countries and cities address issues like climate change, waste, and pollution in order to create more sustainable, healthy, and equitable cities for all.

This full-time position will be based in the US and fully dedicated to supporting USAID. Applicants outside of the Washington DC metro area will be considered, but only if the candidate resides in a state where EnCompass is currently registered.

For US-based positions: Must be legally authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions include:

• Serving as a point of contact for USAID Mission requests for assistance with air quality-related issues in order to enable new programs or strengthen ongoing work
• Assisting with drafting technical briefs and/or presentations summarizing the extent of the problem and the most feasible, cost-effective, and impactful solutions
• Supporting the USAID Air Quality Working Group (a community of practice made up of USAID staff based at Missions and Washington DC) by assisting with meeting planning, drafting key messages documents, helping to expand the Working Group, and developing content for members
• Supporting the implementation of centrally managed air quality programs, including the Clean Air Catalyst
• Producing technical summary documents that incorporate key articles, case studies, and cutting-edge innovations to inform development of air quality and climate change mitigation programming in Green Cities and across USAID more broadly
• Assisting with developing air quality indicator(s) to capture impacts of programs
• Participating in internal and external air quality forums with USAID, the inter-Agency, other donor groups and other international partnerships/coalitions
• Conducting international travel to priority countries to support existing air quality programs and provide technical assistance with development of new programs
• Advancing Green Cities air pollution-related strategy documents, including technical building blocks and communication strategies
• Assisting with developing an air quality learning strategy and training content for USAID Washington and overseas staff
• Assisting with other tasks, as assigned

Position Requirements

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of relevant experience. Or Master’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience. Preferred areas of study include Environmental science, atmospheric science, environmental engineering, climate science and policy, environmental policy, public health, international development or related discipline.

Experience and Skills

• Deep familiarity with air quality science, including research on the impact of air pollution on health, climate, or other sectors, potentially including experience with emission inventories and source apportionment studies.
• Experience providing technical assistance for programs related to air quality and climate change; experience supporting projects in low and/or middle-income countries strongly preferred
• Understanding of how to improve air quality via government policy and programs including in the transport, waste burning, household energy, and electricity generation sectors is strongly preferred
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively communicate technical subject matter to non-technical audiences
• Strong research skills, with ability to absorb and synthesize a broad range of qualitative and qualitative information
• Skills and experience synthesizing technical reports and data from assessments, project reports, and other analytic material into talking points, fact sheets, case studies, blog posts, and other communication products for different audiences and users, both technical and non-technical.
• Experience with US government programs, and with USAID (in particular) is a plus
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as needed, while also having excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively and engage effectively in a team environment, including with teams that span organizational divisions
• Willingness to travel internationally, as needed (approximately 1-2 trips a year)
• Willingness to travel to Washington DC (if not based in the area), as needed (approximately 1-2 times a year)
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a facilities security clearance

How to Apply

Please submit CV and cover letter and complete the online application.

The pay range for this role allows for the wide variety of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, certifications, and other business and organizational needs. At EnCompass, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $85,000to $98,000.

EnCompass LLC is a progressive Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote, celebrate, and support a diverse and inclusive organizational culture and workforce. We are committed to providing all of our employees with an environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all are treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate, and explicitly prohibit, discrimination or harassment of any kind, at any time, in all aspects of employment. This includes recruitment, hiring, promotions, disciplinary measures, terminations, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and training. EnCompass also does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment. Our continuing commitment to the principle of Equal Opportunity Employment for all means all employment decisions are based only on the job requirements, the candidate’s qualifications, and the needs of EnCompass as a business—not on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, belief, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, HIV status, family/marital/parental status, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we work.

For US based positions: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.

If you require accommodations in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete your application, please call 301-287-8700, provide your contact information and a description of your accessibility issue. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case-basis, and we will call you back within approximately 3 business days.

EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement, Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision

VEVRAA Notice

At EnCompass, our internal motto is "work that fits your life". Among other things, we offer the following Total Rewards Benefits* to eligible US Staff:

• Multiple options on Healthcare insurance
• Company paid Dental & Vision coverage
• Company paid term life insurance, AD&D Insurance, and Disability insurance
• Supplemental life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (Health care and Dependent care FSA)
• 401K with an Employer match
• Hybrid/Remote work privileges
• Flexible work schedules
• Free EAP & ERP
• Paid Parental Leave
• Training and Professional Development resources and funds
• Generous PTO, increases with years of service
• 11 paid Holidays (2 of which are floating), including Juneteenth
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Charitable Donation Match
• Pet insurance
• Equity & Belonging support
• Commuter Benefits

*Certain benefits are subject to restrictions depending on location, job requirements and employment status