Uniform Position Description for USAID Employees

The UPD is designed for use by all categories of USAID employees, including direct-hire employees, personal services contractors, and others. The form is intended to replace existing position description forms, such as Optional Form 8, the Overseas Position Evaluation Form, and Scopes of Work. The UPD is a comprehensive document that captures essential information about a position, including its classification or job ranking standards, duties and responsibilities, knowledges and skills required, supervisory control, and physical demands. The form is divided into several sections, each addressing a specific aspect of the position. Section 1 requires the entry of basic information, such as the agency position description number, employing office location, and duty station. Section 2 asks for the reason for submission, which can be a redescription of an existing position, a new position, or other. The UPD also includes a certification section, where the supervisor and classification authority must sign and date the form to confirm its accuracy and completeness. The classification authority is responsible for determining the occupational series code and grade, as well as the employment category. The supervisor must certify that the position description accurately reflects the duties and responsibilities of the position and that it is necessary to fulfill the functions of the organization. The UPD requires the completion of several sections, including Major Duties and Responsibilities, Knowledges/Skills Required, Supervisory Control Over Position, and Physical Demands and Work Environment. The form also includes instructions for completing the UPD, which provide guidance on how to fill out each section. The UPD is an essential tool for position management, as it provides a standardized framework for describing positions and their requirements. By using the UPD, managers and supervisors can ensure that positions are accurately classified and that employees are properly assigned to roles that match their skills and qualifications. The UPD also facilitates the filling of vacated positions with any category of employee, as the face sheet can be revised to reflect the new employment category. The UPD is a critical component of the REFORM initiative, which aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of USAID's position management processes. By standardizing the position description form, the UPD helps to reduce errors and inconsistencies, and ensures that positions are accurately classified and filled with the right candidates.