Construction and Engineer, Program Design Specialist

Social Impact; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Social Impact, Inc. seeks a Construction and Engineer, Program Design Specialist to support the quality assurance and delivery of large-scale engineering and construction projects, including base camps, airfields, utilities, and other critical infrastructure.

The role emphasizes cost-effectiveness, on-schedule delivery, and adherence to codes and standards. The position is full-time and based in Washington, DC, with requirements for U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field.
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience leading complex U.S. Government task orders, major capital projects, and overseas infrastructure programs.
• Experience in program design, M&E for construction, risk and performance management, schedule/cost control, IGCE, and SOW/PWS writing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support risk management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and engineering assessments for large construction programs.
• Oversee and advise on design-build and design-bid-build projects, remote-site construction, and partner-nation capacity support.
• Develop IGCEs and support SOW and PWS development and requirements definition.
• Ensure QA/QC and code compliance (IBC, NFPA, NEC) across multiple concurrent projects.
• Provide oversight of schedule, cost control, risk, and multi-project coordination with diverse stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

USG standards

QA/QC

SOW writing

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering/Construction

Job description

Construction and Engineer, Program Design Specialist, DOS Office of Security Assistance Support Project, Washington, DC

Social Impact, Inc. (SI) is a global development management consulting firm. We provide monitoring, evaluation, strategic planning, and capacity building services to advance development effectiveness. We work across all development sectors including democracy and governance, health and education, the environment, and economic growth. Since 1997 we have worked in over 100 countries for clients such as US government agencies, bilateral donors, multilateral development banks, foundations, and nonprofits.

Proposal Objective

SI is pursuing a contract to support the DOS Bureau of Political-Military Affairs' Office of Security Assistance's capacity to provide effective program management, design, monitoring and oversight of security assistance. The PM Bureau’s desire to provide consistent oversight of U.S. security assistance programs is vital. In a context of scarce resources, the need to demonstrate clear alignment with U.S. Foreign policy through effective program management is paramount. The Office is composed of multiple regional teams and a dedicated Global Strategy and Oversight (team) that leads on policy, knowledge management and resource management. PM/SA staff includes Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), Civil Servants, third-party contractors, and military detailees.

Position Description

SI is seeking a full-time Construction and Engineer, Program Design Specialist to support the quality assurance and effective delivery of large-scale engineering and construction projects, including base camps, airfields, utilities, and other mission-critical installations. The Specialist ensures projects are delivered cost-effectively, on schedule, and in compliance with all applicable codes and standards.

This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC for duration of the contract, contingent upon contract award. This position requires U.S. citizenship and a security clearance is required.

The overall anticipated period of performance of this contract is as follows:

• Base Period: March 17, 2026 - March 17, 2027
• Option Period 1: March 17, 2027 - March 16, 2028
• Optional Option Period 2: March 17, 2028 - March 16, 2029
• Option Period 3: March 17, 2029 - March 16, 2030

While the Contract will be awarded for the Base and Option Periods, the exercise of the option periods is at the sole discretion of DOS.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support risk management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E), and engineering assessments for complex construction programs.
• Oversee and advise on program design, including Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build methodologies, remote-site construction, and partner-nation capacity support.
• Conduct technical evaluations, develop Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), and support the development of Statements of Work (SOW) and Performance
  Work Statements (PWS).
• Ensure quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) and code compliance (e.g. International Building Code, National Fire Protection Association, and National Electric
  Code) across multiple concurrent projects.
• Provide expert oversight of schedule and cost control, risk and performance management, and multi-project coordination with diverse stakeholders.
• Support the development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks tailored to construction and infrastructure programs.
• Advise on overseas infrastructure delivery, ensuring alignment with U.S. Government standards and host nation requirements.
• Prepare and present reports, briefings, and recommendations to senior leadership and interagency partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• At least 8-10 years of progressively responsible experience in leading complex U.S. Government task orders, major capital projects, and overseas infrastructure programs.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  o Program design and construction program management
  o Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) for construction projects
  o Risk and performance management
  o Schedule and cost control
  o Technical evaluations and IGCE development
  o SOW/PWS writing and requirements definition
  o Overseas infrastructure delivery
  o QA/QC and code compliance
  o Multi-project oversight and stakeholder coordination

Required Security Clearance

U.S. Citizenship. Active Secret-level clearance. A Secret security clearance is required for this position; however, the individual may begin work with an interim Secret security clearance.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• In-depth knowledge of USG construction standards, regulations, and procurement processes.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise reports and briefings.
• Proven ability to work effectively in cross-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proficiency in risk management, M&E methodologies, and engineering assessments.

Preferred Experience

• Advanced Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• Prior experience working within the DOS Bureau of Political-Military Affairs and Security Assistance (PM/SA).

Come join our energetic and innovative team! We offer you the opportunity to play a leading role in the growth of our company, work as part of a creative and committed team, and make a difference in the well-being of our world. To learn more about Social Impact, please visit our website.

SI is an EEO/AA/ADA Veterans Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview. Please, no phone calls.