Rene Rosas Escalona
Los Angeles
Summary
Dynamic Foreign Service Program Officer with a proven track record at the U.S. Agency for International Development, adept in ArcGIS and strategic project management. Successfully directed multimillion-dollar initiatives, enhancing interagency collaboration and influencing budgetary decisions. Recognized for strong analytical skills and effective communication, driving impactful policy recommendations and stakeholder engagement.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Foreign Service Program Officer
U.S. Agency for International Development
Washington D.C.
05.2022 - Current
- Direct the development and evaluation of a $26 million public financial management contract, contributing to program policy implementation and interagency coordination.
- Lead the project design of an $8 million public infrastructure and service delivery project, overseeing regulatory alignment, system design, and coordination with national ministries and donor partners.
- Collaborate with technical offices to develop procurement plans for complex federally funded initiatives, applying U.S. acquisition regulations and budgetary requirements to ensure fiscal alignment.
- Optimize data collection and reporting for operational and performance plans for the U.S. State Department and USAID, directly influencing budget adjustments and strategic decision-making.
- Develop donor-facing briefings, technical content, and communications materials for the U.S. Congress and interagency stakeholders, aligning program narratives with funding priorities and legislative guidance.
Program Manager
International Economic Development Program (University of Michigan)
Ann Arbor
08.2022 - 05.2023
- Managed a $62,000 grant-funded research program on housing and economic development, including budget oversight, grant proposal writing, and interagency coordination with Chilean municipal and development partners.
- Developed economic development and social inclusion policy recommendations to government officials, informed by site visits and stakeholder input, to support regional and strategic planning.
Graduate Field Researcher (Team Lead)
UM Taubman College of Urban Planning
Ann Arbor
02.2022 - 12.2022
- Directed field research on informal housing policy and land tenure systems in rural Colombia, contributing to policy proposals on urban development and housing rights in collaboration with local stakeholders.
- Facilitated participatory planning and served as point of contact for institutional partners; managed documentation and data analysis to support actionable policy guidance.
- Authored stakeholder-informed policy briefs integrating community engagement findings into program recommendations, with relevance to funder reporting and inclusive development practices.
Legislative Fellow
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Del. Stacey E. Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands)
Washington D.C.
06.2021 - 08.2021
- Conducted policy research and tracked federal legislation related to healthcare, disaster recovery, and economic development; drafted policy memos and impact analyses to inform congressional briefings and negotiations.
- Led legislative tracking and policy analysis for U.S. territories; authored fiscal impact memos and drafted hearing materials, talking points, and briefings to support floor statements and committee strategy.
Legal Secretary II - Complaints & Calendaring
Knight Law Group
Los Angeles
05.2020 - 06.2021
- Managed legal scheduling and coordinated documentation for 18 litigation attorneys, supporting complex compliance processes under California consumer protection law.
Education
Master of Public Policy - International Economic Development Policy Concentration
Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan (UM)
Ann Arbor, MI05.2023
Bachelor of Arts (Honors) - International Development Studies (Labor Studies & Global Health minors)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA06.2019
Skills
- ArcGIS
- R
- STATA
- Canva
- Microsoft 365
- Google Workspace
Websites
Skills
ArcGIS, R, STATA, Canva, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Advanced - Certified by U.S. Peace Corps & International Center for Language Studies, Active Top Secret Security Clearance, Worldwide Medical Clearance
Timeline
Program Manager
International Economic Development Program (University of Michigan)
08.2022 - 05.2023
Foreign Service Program Officer
U.S. Agency for International Development
05.2022 - Current
Graduate Field Researcher (Team Lead)
UM Taubman College of Urban Planning
02.2022 - 12.2022
Legislative Fellow
U.S. House of Representatives, Office of Del. Stacey E. Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands)
06.2021 - 08.2021
Legal Secretary II - Complaints & Calendaring
Knight Law Group
05.2020 - 06.2021
Master of Public Policy - International Economic Development Policy Concentration
Ford School of Public Policy, University of Michigan (UM)
Bachelor of Arts (Honors) - International Development Studies (Labor Studies & Global Health minors)
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
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