For more information, please follow this link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/3455931/we-feed-wa-evaluation-equity-specialist

Salary- $58,260.00 – $76,416.00 Annually

This position acts as a designated agency spokesperson and is a specialist regarding its designated ara of focus within the We Feed Washington Pilot Food Program. Through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of Equity, this position will report to the We Feed WA Project Lead and will lead and coordinate with the Director of the Office of Equity, for ongoing advisement on evaluation of outcomes and equity in the We Feed WA Pilot Food Program.

Evaluation and analysis:

Plans, develops, coordinates, and manages the evaluation and analysis of program performance outcomes and equity insights and shortfalls. Compiles and analyzes program performance outcomes and stakeholder feedback.  Identifies gaps and barriers to include BIPOC and socially disadvantaged communities in the We Feed Washington Pilot Food Program and the broader emergency food system, and develops recommendations to inform future programming that enables just and equitable economic opportunity for underrepresented farmers and ranchers through this public purchasing program as well as food access for Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and other socially disadvantaged communities. Establishes priorities and develops policy recommendations as it relates to program implementation, process, and analysis in collaboration with the Office of Equity. Aggregates outcomes reports and compose regular reports that include analysis of program outcomes and assessment of equitable outcomes based on current program model, as well as recommendations for improvement. Coordinates with other WSDA staff focused on advancing equity via WSDA’s activities, including those providing services to farmers (Regional Markets), working on emergency food assistance response (Food Assistance), and implementing the HEAL Act.

Stakeholder and Competitive Solicitation Implementation:

Develops and maintains relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Advises and engages with the Director of the Office of Equity to ensure situational awareness of We Feed WA Pilot Program activities and stakeholder relations. Conducts research in areas relating to pro-equity, anti-racism, implicit bias, equity in agriculture and best practices for operationalizing equity in large state agencies Recruits and convene review panel with diverse expertise in food systems and equity initiatives for future competitive bids for funding through the We Feed WA Pilot Food Program.  Exercises guidance in procurements when the outcome may have a significant operational impact on equity and the department. Lead subsequent competitive solicitation processes for contracts related to the We Feed WA Pilot Food Program, including Q&A sessions and bidder support.

The following experience requirements can be concurrent with each other.

Required Qualifications:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in food systems, community development, business administration, public policy or closely related field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant experiences working in business administration, agriculture, social services, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, participatory evaluation, policy or program development or consulting to local or regional government or an equivalent combination of related education and/or experience.
  • Valid driver’s license or the ability to obtain one prior to employment and the ability to operate a state agency vehicle.

Preferred /Desired Qualifications:

  • Experience with participatory evaluation methods.
  • Knowledge of state purchasing authorities and processes.
  • Ability to prepare and maintain records and materials associated with contracting to provide information to agency customers and management.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors 

  • Requires the ability to direct and prepare professional and influential written materials on a variety of complex and sensitive public policy matters.
  • Requires the ability to present facts and recommendations in a clear, concise, interesting, and logical manner, both orally and in writing.
  • Understand and have a passion to serve communities who have historically lacked a strong voice and influence in government programs, policies, and services.
  • Understand the concepts of institutional and structural racism and bias and their impact on underserved and underrepresented communities.
  • Outstanding interpersonal and communication and customer service skills necessary to establish and maintain effective working working relationships in a remote work environment with all agency staff as well as outside entities.
  • Able to communicate concerns/issues in a productive, professional manner.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, initiative, and judgment with demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written documents, public presentations, meetings, and one-on-one discussion.
  • Develop and maintain positive and influential relationships with community partners and organizations, state policy staff, executive, departments, and elected officials, and all relevant external customers and stakeholders.
  • Conduct research and analysis.
  • Proven judgement and skill in representing an agency or organization in complex policy or and other evolving topics that may be contentious and/or require detailed, accurate, explanation.
  • Intermediate proficiency using Microsoft Office software applications and products including Word, Excel, and Outlook; able to create, edit, modify, save, and delete documents and spreadsheets.
  • Maintains the highest standards of personal/professional and ethical conduct.
  • Self-motivated  and able to work independently as well as collaboratively with a diverse workgroup.
  • Ability to contribute as a member of a team of professionals with varied yet intersecting work plans and areas of expertise.
  • Efficiently perform under time constraints; proficient in time management to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet changing deadlines.
  • Comfortable in a rapid-paced environment with shifting priorities.
  • Energized by a mission and service-driven culture and able to celebrate short term accomplishments on the road to long-term outcomes.
  • Able to operate common office equipment and skilled in Outlook and Microsoft Office.
  • Reliable attendance.
  • Able to drive and travel independently throughout the state, and occasionally nationally for work.
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of judgement, professional discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.