Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is USAID?
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency for the U.S. Government providing economic development and humanitarian assistance to people around the world. As an active partner of the Government and people of Senegal, USAID listens to local concerns and priorities, and then responds with joint activities to help reduce poverty, promote democracy and economic growth, recover from disasters, and prevent conflicts.

Why does USAID provide assistance?
The U.S. has given substantial economic assistance to developing countries through USAID. Sometimes this aid is purely humanitarian in nature, such as aid for disaster relief and emergency food programs. In other instances, assistance is provided because of special historical or security relationships. But most often, economic assistance is just one element of U.S. relationships with developing countries -- relationships that also include mutually beneficial trade and investment flows and educational and cultural exchanges.

USAID programs are financed by the American taxpayer. Many Americans feel that the U.S. has a responsibility to help developing countries make life better for their people. Providing development assistance helps the U.S. build closer ties with developing countries. The U.S. also benefits economically because economies that are developing and growing are better trade and investment partners.

• Bilateral grants to support programs in private sector development; economic growth and agricultural development; population, health and nutrition; natural resource management; democracy and governance; human capacity development; and humanitarian assistance.
• A variety of other programs, including food aid (P.L. 480 Title II) managed from USAID headquarters in Washington, D.C. Visit the Agency's web site.

In addition to USAID assistance, the U.S. supports Senegal's growth and development through programs of other U.S. government agencies such as the departments of Treasury and Agriculture. It also contributes to multilateral development institutions such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, and to the many United Nations agencies active in Senegal.

Which sectors does USAID focus on in Senegal? USAID/Senegal and the Government of Senegal (GOS) have mutually agreed on projects in the following focus areas: private-sector development, especially small and medium-sized enterprises; democratic local governance; health; basic education; and conflict resolution in the Casamance. See the activities section for more details.

How does the USAID program work in Senegal?
The USAID mission in Dakar consults extensively with the Government of Senegal, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, and other stakeholders in Senegal and the United States to develop an assistance plan. The USAID staff, 90 percent of which is Senegalese, works with counterparts in government, civil society and the private sector to develop projects. USAID calls for competitive offers from American, national and international organizations to carry out the projects. Once the plan is approved, the USAID mission is fully empowered to make all decisions in Senegal -- from project design through completion. This approach speeds the pace of development and reduces bureaucratic bottlenecks. As Dakar-based staff issue contracts and handle the funding, USAID has been successful in moving resources efficiently to the benefit of the Senegalese people. In 2003, for example, USAID disbursed a record 87 percent of available project funds.

How can I or my organization receive funding from USAID?
USAID generally awards grants and contracts on a competitive basis but will consider unsolicited proposals from organizations that are consistent with its ongoing program when funding is available. To be considered, unsolicited proposals or requests must meet the following criteria:

• Contribute to the achievement of the 1998-2006 Strategic Plan objectives:
• Target quantifiable and sustainable results;
• Include a counterpart contribution of at least 25 percent; and
• Be unique, innovative, sustainable, and results oriented.

Does USAID fund higher education, conferences, training and research in Senegal, other countries, or the United States for Senegalese?
USAID/Senegal has no program or funds available to provide scholarships, grants or loans directly to individuals for education, training, conferences, seminars and research in the Senegal, other countries, or the United States.

Can USAID help me obtain visas to the U.S.?
USAID is a development agency and has no jurisdiction over the application, review, or approval process of obtaining visas or other entry documents to the United States for either American or Senegalese citizens. Please contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Dakar directly for information and assistance in this matter.

How can I get a job with USAID/Senegal?
Job vacancies are advertised in major Senegalese local newspapers. If you have Senegalese citizenship and you wish to apply for an announced Foreign Service National (FSN) job when a job is advertised, please follow the instructions in the advertisement.

If you are a U.S. Citizen and are interested in a career with USAID, please contact the Office of Human Resources Management (M/HR), Recruitment Branch, United States Agency for International Development, Second Floor, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20523, USA. You can also find additional information on the Employment Opportunities page of the Agency's web site.

How can I do business with USAID/Senegal?
USAID-funded activities in Senegal are carried out through contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements with American, Senegalese, and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and for-profits firms. For more information on available opportunities, please visit the Agency's business opportunities page.

How do I contact USAID?
USAID is located in Dakar, at Petit Ngor (behind Hotel Ngor Diarama).
B.P. 49 - Dakar
Telephone: (221) 869-61-00
Fax: (221) 869-61-01
Email: usaid-senegal@usaid.gov