Agroclimatology Advisor

Job Description

Description

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC, http://www.saic.com) is seeking an Agroclimatology Advisor (AA) to be part of the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET)  Management Team (FNMT) at the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).  The position is under the USAID-NASA Inter-Agency Agreement that we support on the HBS contract at NASA/GSFC.  The successful candidate must quickly develop an understanding of the full range of activities carried out by FEWS NET contractors and the other US Government partners that implement FEWS NET: the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The AA works to assure the integration of agroclimatological and water availability information from NASA, NOAA, USGS, and university partners into analyses of emergency food insecurity and livelihoods that underpin FEWS NET food security scenario development. Additionally, the AA provides technical support and coordination for issues concerning the FEWS NET Data Warehouse, FEWS NET website content, and ad hoc topical matters that may arise.  Consistent with responsibilities in the above-mentioned technical areas, the AA coordinates as appropriate with USAID operating units beyond BHA, such as the Bureau for Resilience and Food Security and USAID overseas Missions.

Working closely with FNMT Senior Agroclimatology Advisor, the AA provides technical consultation and expert guidance on agroclimatology and water availability for the conception, planning, scheduling, and implementation of FEWS NET activities over the entire globe. The AA helps integrate FEWS NET information into the USAID decision-making processes for programming of emergency food assistance, resilience, and development responses.

The AA also will be responsible for routine coordination and communication with the USAID FNMT through participation in weekly team meetings, biweekly one-on-one meetings with the Team Leader, and monthly agroclimatology meetings dedicated to ensuring the FNMT is kept up to date on the status of that portfolio of activities. This includes ensuring that FEWS NET agroclimatology research is routinely shared with the FEWS NET Communications team, to be translated for public consumption, as well as other communications and engagement activities that require interpersonal communication, engagement, and cooperation with FEWS NET Management Team and other USAID/BHA colleagues, as well as other FEWS NET mechanisms.

Qualifications

TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelors and five (5) years or more experience; Masters and three (3) years or more experience; PhD and 0 years related experience

Job Requirements:

• At least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in agroclimatology and water resources in support of early warning systems, humanitarian response, or international development

• Computer skills that include knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, e-mail, scientific data portals, and interactive web mapping services

• Knowledge of the physical processes underlying satellite acquisition of Earth Observation data and characteristics of atmospheric and land surface models

• The ability to clearly communicate complex technical concepts and information in writing and orally to technical audiences, as demonstrated through authorship of publications and performance of public presentations

• The ability to clearly and comfortably translate and communicate to general audiences complex technical concepts and information in writing and orally, for example through the practice of Sci-comm (science communication) and other forms of outreach and interpersonal engagement with colleagues and decision makers in BHA, particularly those whose primary expertise resides outside of the domain of agroclimatology

• The ability to understand and navigate the complex interrelationships among multiple scientific and technical organizations, and put forward helpful guidance to enhance the coherence and coordination of joint activities

• US Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree from an accredited U.S. or internationally recognized institution with significant study in, but not limited to: geography, hydrology, atmospheric science, agriculture, civil engineering, international development, disaster management, or other related field;

Overview

SAIC® is a premier Fortune 500® technology integrator driving our nation's technology transformation. Our robust portfolio of offerings across the defense, space, civilian, and intelligence markets includes secure high-end solutions in engineering, digital, artificial intelligence, and mission solutions. Using our expertise and understanding of existing and emerging technologies, we integrate the best components from our own portfolio and our partner ecosystem to deliver innovative, effective, and efficient solutions that are critical to achieving our customers' missions.

We are approximately 26,000 strong; driven by mission, united by purpose, and inspired by opportunities. SAIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which is core to our values and important to attract and retain exceptional talent. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $7.4 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For ongoing news, please visit our newsroom.