Contract Specialist

The Contract Specialist provides contract administration support to MSH projects under the primary supervision of the Senior Contract Officer. The Contracts Specialist has primary responsibility for daily contract administration of small and medium sized contracts, and works under limited supervision by senior contracts staff. Guidance will be provided related to policy, program objectives, and priorities, and the Contracts Specialist is expected to determine and develop approaches to solutions. The Contract Specialist is aware of, adheres to, and helps educate staff on procurement integrity/organizational conflict of interest standards in all activities. International and domestic travel may be required. Contract Management

Perform and manage all contract administration functions for small contracts/agreements as assigned or delegated.
Provide substantial support to senior contracts staff in the administration of large and complex contracts/agreements.
Prepare various contract specific approval/deviation/waiver requests for senior contracts staff or for own signature, as assigned or delegated.
Correspond as necessary with prime contractors and/or other donors for assigned projects, as assigned or delegated.
Research and document donor related contractual, regulatory clauses/provisions including Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), standardized regulations, standard provisions, 2 CFR 200 requirements, and other types of donor research as applicable, and prepare written responses to queries.
Prepare responses to audit questions in coordination with Senior Contract Officers.
As needed, formally and informally educate project staff on contractual compliance issues and operational topics.
Negotiate compensation rates for consultants proposed to work on projects. Subaward/Subcontract Administration
Negotiate subawards/subcontracts, draft the contractual instrument using, and/or adapt corporate templates to comply with donor requirements for contracts/subcontracts/subagreements/grants, etc.
Draft amendments to subawards/subcontracts as needed.
Educate subawardees/subcontractors on donor regulations, monitor compliance, perform spot-checks, and provide follow-up training as necessary.
Monitor regulatory mandated reports and disclosures from subawardees/subcontractors.
Advise and assist project staff on applying and complying with the applicable regulations governing their work.
Provide guidance and resolution to a diverse range of complex issues.
Interpret terms and conditions; advise on regulatory requirements.
Responsible for the distribution of contract-related information and the maintenance of contract files for assigned projects.
Keep abreast of, interpret, and provide guidance to staff on donor regulations and policies. General
Attend Corporate Office meetings.
As time and duties allow, keep current on regulations and other pertinent information about the various donors and funding organizations currently and potentially funding MSH projects.

Education: Bachelor's degree and 4-6 years of experience, or Master's degree and 2-4 years of experience, or Doctorate and 0-2 years of experience. Experience: Demonstrated U.S. government contract management and budget development experience. Knowledge and Skills:

Strong microcomputer skills and knowledge of spreadsheets and advance word processing: MS-Excel and MS-Word skills preferred.
Ability to write clearly and concisely.
Strong organizational skills for managing and coordinating a variety of tasks simultaneously.
Good interpersonal skills.

English fluency required (including speaking, writing, understanding, and reading, and the ability to work with contractors, staff, and internal and external stakeholders). Working knowledge of French preferred. Competencies:

Flexibility to assume a workload which frequently necessitates an adjustment of priorities.
Firm understanding and sense for the importance of paying attention to detail.
Ability to provide solutions to a diverse range of complex problems.
Ability to use judgement within defined policies and practices.

Ability to work independently as well as in a team-oriented environment. Physical Demands: