Background

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was created in 1961 with the passage of the Foreign Assistance Act by Congress which brought together several existing foreign assistance organizations and programs. USAID’s objective is to support international partners in becoming self-reliant and capable of leading their own development journeys. This is accomplished by programs that aim to reduce the reach of conflict, prevent the spread of pandemic disease, and counteract the drivers of violence, instability, and other security threats.

Project Description

USAID has contracted with the National Academy of Public Administration (the Academy) to provide guidance in the design and implementation of an innovative personnel system for the Bureaus for Global Health and Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance under the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Demonstration Project Authority. In this study, the Academy will (1) convene a Panel of Subject Matter Experts to share OPM Demonstration Project best practices and (2) provide guidance on successful union, congressional, and OPM engagement. The Academy will provide expert advice and recommendations to the USAID Mobility and Flexibility team on:

1. Components of successful personnel Demonstration Projects;
2. Design and implementation features of a successful Demonstration Project; and
3. Lessons learned from engaging in the OPM Demonstration Project Authority process.

The Academy has formed a five member Panel of Fellows to oversee the work of the study team, provide guidance on project approach and issue recommendations for USAID to consider in the design and implementation of the Demonstration Project.