Contract Specialist Jobs

Contract Specialist

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Contract Specialist to support a high-visibility USAID program focused on grant terminations, financial administration, and award closeout activities. This position is hybrid in Washington, DC (on-site 3 days per week) and requires the ability to work closely with Agreement Officers, legal counsel, technical teams, and grant recipients to ensure full compliance with USAID and U.S. Government regulations. This role is ideal for a contracts or grants professional with strong federal grants experience-particularly in closeout, terminations, financial review, and compliance -who thrives in a detail-driven, mission-focused environment. Public Trust Clearance Required FAC-C (Professional) or CFCM Certification Required

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide expert grant administration support with a focus on grant terminations and closeout actions in accordance with USAID and Federal regulations
• Perform financial administration tasks including expenditure review, reimbursement processing, and financial accuracy verification
• Collaborate with Agreement Officers (AOs) and grant recipients to ensure all closeout actions are completed correctly and on time
• Draft and disseminate closeout letters and official communications to recipients
• Review and process all actions required for proper closeout of Federal awards
• Enter, track, and process actions within USAID grants and financial management systems
• Request and review final indirect cost rate agreements as needed
• Conduct final award reviews and provide recommendations to the AO
• Review financial reports submitted by recipients and recommend follow-up actions
• Ensure completeness and accuracy of grant files and maintain closeout tracking
• Monitor the de-obligation of Federal funds and ensure proper documentation
• Coordinate with AOs when issues arise that may impact timely completion of work
• Maintain strong attention to detail while managing multiple priorities in a hybrid environment

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of U.S. Government grant management experience
• At least 1 year of experience terminating grants and negotiating final award budgets
• Bachelor's degree in Business or related field
• Strong knowledge of Federal grant regulations and USAID policies
• Experience processing actions in government grants and financial management systems
• Ability to quickly understand complex award mechanisms (e.g., Government-to-Government, Title II, Interagency Awards, Public International Organizations)
• Strong analytical, financial review, documentation, and communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid environment
• Public Trust clearance (or ability to obtain)
• FAC-C (Professional) or CFCM certification

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range $70,000 - $87,000
• Full-time position with long-term contract potential
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, and 401(k)
• Hybrid work environment (Washington, DC - on-site 3 days/week)
• Minimal travel