Mission Support Specialist

Overview:
**Join the HJF Team**

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine (HJF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing military medicine. We serve military, medical, academic and government clients by administering, managing and supporting preeminent scientific programs that benefit members of the armed forces and civilians alike. Since its founding in 1983, HJF has served as a vital link between the military medical community and its federal and private partners. HJF's support and administrative capabilities allow military medical researchers and clinicians to maintain their scientific focus and accomplish their research goals.

This position will be in support of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Partnerships and Innovations Directorate (DPAA PI). The DPAA is the US Department of Defense Agency responsible for the recovery and identification of fallen US service members from WWII to the gulf war. Its mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting of missing personnel to their families and the nation. To accomplish this, the DPAA sends out organic and partner investigation and recovery missions worldwide, and recovered material is analyzed in the state-of-the-art DPAA laboratory. DPAA expands its recovery and identification capacity and capabilities through various innovation initiatives, and partners with research and academic institutes to address research requirements.

**Responsibilities**:
HJF is seeking a **Mission Support Specialist** to support the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) in Miesau, Germany. This position will be hybrid. HJF provides scientific, technical, and programmatic support to the DPAA. The Mission Support Specialist will be primarily responsible for managing supplies and equipment, while also equipping, maintaining, and coordinating bicons to support DPAA partner missions in the Europe/Mediterranean region.

**Responsibilities**
- Monitors DPAA partner field activities in Europe in real-time to ensure on the ground support, relaying any/all information to PI Operations, provides immediate updates to the PI Operations and PI Leadership regarding any issues/conditions/emergencies that could affect PI missions in Europe-Mediterranean area.
- Ensures that optimal and sufficient equipment for partner field activities is continually assessed, acquired, and available for use on an annual or as-needed basis in a timely fashion.
- Conducts ongoing market research and secure cost-effective and dependable transport services for equipment needs for partner field activities within Europe, as well as makes the arrangements for bicons and other needed equipment to get to the site on time.
- Provides additional logístical support as required for partner missions and organic missions and assists with permitting, permissions, planning, evidence transport, and assessments as needed.
- Visits sites as needed for pre-deployment surveys, monitoring problems, assisting with other issues that may arise as directed by the PI Operations Manager.
- Maintains data related to bicons (status, shipment, costs), evidence transfer, Host Nation permits, and landowner permissions for PI missions in EM area and ensures transportation invoices are received and routed for payment.- Engages in and supports partner development at the direction of PI management.- May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

**Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities**
- Ability to communicate clearly, work well with others, identify and resolve problems, and deliver results as a team.
- A demonstrated knowledge of the DPAA accounting practices and processes
- Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule, and coordinate activities to meet deadlines
- Working knowledge of a variety of software including but not limited to Microsoft Office.
- English fluency (reading, writing and speaking) is required.

**Physical Capabilities**
- Lifting: Requires lifting materials up to 25 lbs.
- Ability to stand or sit at a computer for prolonged periods.
- Ability to climb, pull, and lift heavy objects.
- Operating motor vehicles, machinery, and/or power tools.

Qualifications:
**Work Environment**
- This position will take place primarily in an office setting.

**Education and Experience**
- Bachelor's Degree; Master's Degree preferred
- Minimum of 6-8 years experience required

**All HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.**

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, education and credentials, a criminal background check, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check if applicable.
- Any qualific