Program Planning Specialist (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA))

I.M. Systems Group, Inc.(IMSG) http://www.imsg.com/ is looking to hire a Program Planning Specialist to work at the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS), National Ocean Service, Silver Spring, MD. The position performs program planning and evaluation in support of science supporting coastal and ocean management. A primary duty will be representing NCCOS on the Ecosystem Research Program to assist in the development of Government initiatives in the framework of the Program Planning Budgeting and Execution System (PPBES). The person holding this position will develop a broad knowledge of ecosystem research programs within NOAA, present funding status of those programs and future programs needed to fulfill the agency’s mandates and mission.

Job Duties:
· Coordinate and conduct aspects of program planning and evaluation
· Track program performance, including budget and financial information
· Responsible for supporting NCCOS in assessing effectiveness of current initiatives and use of resources, advocating for NCCOS in internal planning processes as the primary representative to PPBES for the Ecosystem Research Program (ERP) and communicating between the ERP and NCCOS staff and providing NCCOS input to ERP as requested.
· Identity opportunities for improved collaboration within and outside of NCCOS through the development of annual NCCOS Topical Activity Plans (TAPs)
· Ensure comprehensive TAPs are submitted and updated in a timely manner and in the correct format by the responsible individuals
· Review comments on TAP format and implement changes where warranted.

Specific activities and deliverables to be accomplished over the time period are as follows:
· Working with NCCOS leadership to develop, assess and evaluate NCCOS programs to determine effectiveness in meeting NOAA and NCCOS strategic goals.
· Working with others to develop documentation for initiatives and monitor progress toward attaining goals.
· Developing and tracking program activities and budgets related to broad NCCOS programmatic areas through coordination of the development of TAPs, identifying opportunities for improved collaboration.
· Coordinating with management and program managers to develop and maintain documentation of information associated with long-range program plans

Qualifications:
· Masters Degree recipient or candidate, or equivalent experience in marine or environmental sciences
· Experience or interest in program planning and evaluation
· Proficiency in oral and written communication
· Ability to work independently to meet short deadlines with minimal guidance
· Flexibility, a positive attitude, and excellent organization skills and attention to details
· Experience working across offices and disciplines, effectively representing and advocating for a diverse scientific organization
· Experience working with coastal managers and Principal Investigators to design research projects to meet user needs and to apply science to management
· Experience measuring performance
· Ability to utilize NOAA systems/databases to develop responses to information requests
To Apply:
Qualified candidates may apply by e-mailing a cover letter, resume, and 3 references (MS Word format strongly preferred) to the following email: jobs@imsg.com with the subject heading: NOA08004 – Program Planning Specialist. IMSG is an equal opportunity employer

Qualifications:
· Masters Degree recipient or candidate, or equivalent experience in marine or environmental sciences
· Experience or interest in program planning and evaluation
· Proficiency in oral and written communication
· Ability to work independently to meet short deadlines with minimal guidance
· Flexibility, a positive attitude, and excellent organization skills and attention to details
· Experience working across offices and disciplines, effectively representing and advocating for a diverse scientific organization
· Experience working with coastal managers and Principal Investigators to design research projects to meet user needs and to apply science to management
· Experience measuring performance
· Ability to utilize NOAA systems/databases to develop responses to information requests