Senior MERC Program Leader – Middle East

Credence; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 143,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plan

Retirement plan

Life insurance

Vacation & Holidays

Family leave

Disability insurance

Training & development

Wellness resources

Job summary

Credence is seeking a Senior MERC Program Manager to lead the MERC Program within the DOS NEA bureau. You will oversee strategic planning, budgeting, and grants management for regional assistance, coordinating with posts and partners to advance U.S. interests.

The role emphasizes staff leadership, technical oversight, and cross-border collaboration, including Arab-Israeli research engagements, with security clearances and overseas experience preferred.

Qualifications

• PhD in natural sciences or engineering; AND
• 5+ years of post-graduate experience in foreign assistance.
• Strong background in natural sciences or engineering, preferably in agriculture, natural resources, or water management.
• Experience leading, mentoring, or supervising technical and non-technical staff.
• Experience with the research-funding process, including competitive international grants.
• Experience facilitating cross-country research collaboration, especially in the Arab-Israeli context.
• Foreign assistance experience and overseas work preferred; U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership for the MERC Program, including managing staff.
• Coordinate proposal reviews and convene the MERC Committee for funding decisions.
• Provide technical oversight of MERC activities, including site visits and evaluations.
• Identify partnerships to improve impact and transition research to development solutions.
• Foster U.S. tech leadership and expand opportunities for U.S. businesses in the region.
• Assess barriers to adopting new technologies and ensure ethical research practices.
• Translate technical outcomes for non-technical audiences and report to leadership.
• Advise grants officers on science and tech cooperation across topics like water and One Health.

Skills

Staff leadership

Grant coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Policy communication

Education

PhD in natural sciences or engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

SharePoint

Job description

Credence is seeking a Senior MERC Program Manager to lead the MERC Program within the DOS NEA bureau. You will oversee strategic planning, budgeting, and grants management for regional assistance, coordinating with posts and partners to advance U.S. interests.

The role emphasizes staff leadership, technical oversight, and cross-border collaboration, including Arab-Israeli research engagements, with security clearances and overseas experience preferred.