Project Officer
Job Description
Background
With the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Energy (DOE) launched the Clean Energy Corps to hire people eager to deliver equitable clean energy solutions to all Americans. At the Office of State and Community Engagement Programs (SCEP), we are looking for people from all backgrounds across America for various permanent and temporary (up to four years) positions. To become part of the Clean Energy Corps, send your résumé to the DOE Applicant Portal and use the referral code #SCEP.
Addressing the climate crisis will require a large, ambitious, and talented team of America’s best and brightest. The Clean Energy Corps is dedicated to fighting climate change through public service and supporting American competitiveness on a global scale. To meet this challenge, DOE is hiring a team of industry veterans, experienced technical experts, and the next generation of climate leaders. We’re looking for individuals who are ready to act at this critical moment, we need YOU.
Introduction
This position is in the Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). SCEP, within the Office of the Under Secretary for Infrastructure, works with state and local organizations to significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, catalyze local economic development, create jobs, reduce energy costs, and avoid pollution through place-based strategies involving a wide range of government, community, business, and other stakeholders. The Office is responsible for managing a portfolio of nearly $16 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and annual appropriations.
The incumbent will represent the Department of Energy and SCEP. The Project Officer (PO) role involves technical, administrative, and financial management, and effective internal and external communication with grantees and their stakeholders. Activities include monitoring and management processes, ensuring the effective and efficient deployment of funds, and ensuring grantees comply with legislative requirements specific to the program. Develops and maintains relationships with assigned grantees and advises them on grant compliance and project development. Synthesizes insights gained from interactions with awardees and recommends program technical assistance and strategy. Oversees grantee projects/programs; monitors milestones and funding requirements and makes recommendations to keep projects/programs on track and within funding constraints. Actively mitigates the potential of waste, fraud, and abuse of grant funds.
Description of Duties
· Serves as a PO, and provides training and assistance to grantees, and ensures quality work products. Ensures work products are consistent with statute requirements, and overall DOE policies and objectives and conducted in accordance with program-established processes. Based on established performance measures, the PO monitors and assesses the performance of the project portfolio and ensures compliance with statutes, regulations, and requirements, and that financial assistance is executed in compliance with established administrative and financial assistance policies and procedures, and sound business practices. Responsible for evaluating financial assistance methods and processes and providing advice and guidance on improvements, as needed.
· Works with Contracting Officer (CO) to prepare grants and other financial assistance documents (e.g., funding opportunity announcements, technical and budget evaluations, and other award-related documents). Solicits applications for funding and serves as a liaison between the DOE and the recipient organization.
· Reviews, analyzes and evaluates tribal energy grants/assistance applications, plans, and estimates. Plans and facilitates merit review committees. Provides written input and advice before and during negotiations, including costs, schedules, and oversight responsibilities. Helps DOE applicants and recipients develop adequate project plans and budgets to assure project success reasonably. Prepares reports and other documentation required in conjunction with assigned projects. Reviews reports submitted by recipients and note deficiencies; directing necessary changes and aiding when required.
· Work performed by the employee has a significant impact on the Departments and SCEP programs.
Preferred experience related to this position is described below:
· Grant management experience is desired.
· Familiarity with Active Project Management (APM) principles is desired.
· Experience engaging with the rural, urban, distressed, Tribes, or historically disadvantaged communities is desired.
· Skill in evaluating and reviewing energy or other environmental programs is desired.
· Customer service experience.
· Knowledge of governments and their organization, codes, ordinances, policies, strategies, constraints, and the unique relationship which tribes have with Congress and the federal government, in general, is desired.
· Knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of energy programs work.
· Ability to research, interpret, and apply energy policies and regulations.
· Ability to communicate effectively orally.
· Ability to identify, define, and resolve critical problems in the specialty area and apply new developments in making decisions and recommendations which significantly change, interpret, or develop important public programs.
· Ability to analyze and resolve problems.
· Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
Company Description
The Department of Energy, Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). SCEP, works with state and local organizations to significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, catalyze local economic development, create jobs, reduce energy costs, and avoid pollution through place-based strategies involving a wide range of government, community, business, and other stakeholders. The Office is responsible for managing a portfolio of nearly $16 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and annual appropriations.
The Department of Energy, Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP). SCEP, works with state and local organizations to significantly accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies, catalyze local economic development, create jobs, reduce energy costs, and avoid pollution through place-based strategies involving a wide range of government, community, business, and other stakeholders. The Office is responsible for managing a portfolio of nearly $16 billion in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, and annual appropriations.