Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF JUNE 27, 2004 FBO #0944
MODIFICATION

B -- Solicitation for a PSC, Senior Policy Advisor (SPA) , for USAID/Ethiopia, Solicitation # 663-04-006

Notice Date

6/25/2004
 

Notice Type

Modification
 

NAICS

541611 — Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services
 

Contracting Office

Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Ethiopia USAID-Addis Ababa, Dept. of State, Washington, DC, 20521-2030
 

ZIP Code

20521-2030
 

Solicitation Number

663-04-006
 

Response Due

7/9/2004
 

Archive Date

7/24/2004
 

Point of Contact

Douglass Arbuckle, Supervisory Executive Officer, Phone 011-251-1-510088, Fax 011-251-1-510043,
 

E-Mail Address

darbuckle@usaid.gov
 

Description

Attachment to the USPSC Solicitation for a Senior Policy Advisor USAID/Ethiopia SOLICITATION NUMBER: 663-04-006 ISSUANCE DATE: June 21, 2004 CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 9, 2004 POSITION TITLE: Senior Policy Advisor MARKET VALUE: $74,335-$96,637 (GS-14) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two Years (with possible extension) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals POSITION DESCRIPTION If you require detailed background information, we can e-mail you through your e-mail address. New Points of Departure: Since 2000, the GOE has instituted several significant policy and strategy changes. The government agrees that it must address the root causes of the growing food insecurity. For the first time in 2003, the GOE agreed with all major donors on a detailed policy agenda, under the Sustainable Development and Poverty Reduction Program (SDPRP) and the World Bank-led Poverty Reduction Support Credit (PRSC) policy matrix, needed for poverty reduction and food security. This process, now formalized under the PRSC, is encouraging, and will continue and deepen. The government has welcomed investors, both foreign and local, through streamlined processes for permits and licenses, and through easier access to (still state-owned) land. The federal government established a regular public-private dialogue process with key private sector actors, while regional governments have set up industrial zones to attract investment in their regions. The GOE is proceeding with its World Trade Organization application, and is scrutinizing needed changes within its own systems to open up the economy and trade to be eligible for WTO accession. More immediately, the government is taking action to join the Common Market for East and Southern Africa (COMESA) free trade area. The GOE has recognized that famine vulnerability, hunger and poverty are a matter of national security, and that the country?s political stability rests on the ability of the government, in cooperation with international donors, NGOs and local groups, to address these issues. Also, the GOE has begun to allow non-state actors, specifically the private sector and civil society, to expand and play a much greater role in the Ethiopian society and economy. There is a nascent, but growing, Ethiopian private sector, especially related to agriculture and a growing Ethiopian civil society capable of articulating and managing new issues USAID Strategic Components: The new USAID strategy (soon to be available on the Internet) has the following goals, objectives and intermediate results, relevant to this position: USAID/Ethiopia?s Long-term Goal: A More Peaceful, Prosperous and Healthy Ethiopia USAID/Ethiopia?s Five-year Strategy Goal: Foundation Established for Reducing Famine Vulnerability, Hunger, and Poverty Strategic Objectives (SOs) and Intermediate Results (IRs) particularly relevant to the SPA role: SO 13: Capacity to Anticipate and Manage through Shocks Increased: IR 13.3 Selected crisis management policies reformed and implemented SO 14: Human Capacity and Social Resiliency Increased: [Various IRs and Sub-IRs related to policies for health, nutrition, population, HIV/AIDs, and education] SO 15: Capacity for Good Governance Increased: IR 15.1. Accountability by Regional and Local Governments Improved; IR 15.2. Civil Society Capacity to Engage Government Strengthened; SO 16: Market-led Economic Growth and Resiliency Increased: IR 16.1 Selected Essential Policy Reforms Implemented PSO17: Knowledge Management Coordinated and Institutionalized: IR 17.1: Collaboration and coordination for support to strategic decisions enhanced IR 17.2: Ethiopian and international institutions contributing to decisions to reduce vulnerability, increase resiliency, and promote growth IR 17.3: Information needed to manage shocks timely and appropriately disseminated IR 17.4: Rapid analysis and evaluation supports Mission program implementation The PSO 17, Knowledge Management Program Support Objective, plays a cross-cutting coordinating role for the overall strategy. It is under the Program Office for that reason, but will be mainly funded through activities under the other SOs. Duties and Responsibilities of the Position: Based in Addis Ababa, the Senior Policy Advisor (SPA) will report to senior USAID management in Ethiopia on technical and policy matters related to all aspects of macroeconomic development policy, associated institutional reforms, and market-led development, and on program management and coordination issues. He/she will be responsible for broad oversight of USAID?s involvement in economic development policy and related institutional reforms in Ethiopia. The SPA will serve on, and may lead, the Program Support Objective 17, Knowledge Management Coordinated and Institutionalized Team. He will be supported by the Mission?s Foreign Service National (FSN) Macroeconomist and a Program Assistant in the Program Office. The SPA will have the following duties and responsibilities: Implementing the new Integrated Strategic Plan: Act as prime mover and catalyst to ensure the PSO 17 objective and intermediate results are achieved, in particular, with regard to strengthening the role of policy think tanks in strategic decision making and providing rapid analytical research for the overall Mission portfolio. Work with the SO 16 Economic growth and resiliency SO Team to ensure that the IFPRI Rural Economy Knowledge Support System efforts are coordinated with overall mission efforts, and the intermediate result to improve policy dialogue is achieved. Work with the SO 13 Capacity to manage shocks to ensure that selected policy reforms are identified, and progress tracked. Work with the SO 15 Capacity for good governance in its efforts to improve public sector accountability and increase the role of civil society organizations. Work with SO 14 Human capacity and social resiliency team to track progress on population and nutrition policy implementation, and other necessary reforms. Advise the Supervisory Program Officer, Mission Director and Deputy Director, technical offices and SO teams, and other staff regarding economic reform related issues affecting policy, strategic planning, technical direction, programming, activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, managing for results, and other USAID program matters. Interpret economic and social policies of the GOE and assess their immediate and long term impact on USAID programs under SOs and for cross-cutting themes of the strategy; guide the work of the FSN Macroeconomist and coordinate with staff in the technical offices to ensure a coherent picture is drawn of the likely impact of the policies. Establish internal USAID Policy Coordinating Working Group comprised of representatives of each SO team, and support offices; identify specific research/analytical agenda for ISP implementation and policy dialogue. Working with contracting officers and other PRM staff, arrange for technical assistance/rapid analyses studies, as research/analytical policy agenda dictates. As part of the PSO 17 policy tracking system, analyze and write a monthly update of progress in USAID policy dialogue for dissemination through USAID to broaden the audience and increase GFDRE, donor and NGO involvement. Working with other stakeholders in policy dialogue: Coordinate USAID?s involvement with the World Bank and Direct Budget Support (DBS) Poverty Reduction Support Credit (PRSC) efforts to effect policy reforms. Represent USAID regarding policy dialogue through the Development Assistance Group (DAG) of multilateral and bilateral donors, as well as other appropriate forums, including the Technical/Thematic Working Groups of the DAG. Participate in and (in the absence of the Dir or DDIR) represent the Mission in Government-Donor Policy Steering Groups; provide talking points, proposed agenda for the High Level Forum (DAG and GOE). Meet as necessary, with State Ministers, and with the Mission Director or Deputy Director, with Cabinet Ministers to discuss policies and institutional reforms, issues, and problems (All meetings at this level approved by Director or Deputy, in conformance with Delegations of Authority Mission Order.) Represent the Mission in policy fora and steering committees at regional and district level to promote the USAID policy agenda, including meetings with Presidents of Regional National States. Facilitate information dissemination of USAID policy agenda to all levels of Government, regions, zone, woreda, and kebelle. Meet regularly with and keep apprised of issues, progress, and reporting of American Embassy officers focusing on policy, i.e. POL/ECON, PAO, and ORA. General policy reform leadership, interpretation, and support: Analyze and supervise formulation of economic, finance and private sector related reform policies and programs which promote stability and growth in the Ethiopian economy. Conduct continuing policy dialogue with high level GOE counterparts (minister, deputy prime minister, heads of agencies, regarding economic reform measures. Under the general policy direction of USAID/Ethiopia senior management, guide the development of the USAID program and project strategy related to economic policy, institutional reform and market-led development in Ethiopia. Under the general policy direction of USAID/Ethiopia senior management, guide, coordinate, and institutionalize USAID/Ethiopia?s involvement in: o macroeconomic policy formulation and implementation; o economic policy research and advocacy; o private sector research and advocacy; o monitoring and reporting on progress on the GOE?s poverty reduction economic reform agenda; Coordinate and manage reporting activities related to economic policy and institutional reform under USAID program and projects. Prepare or oversee the preparation of periodic status and progress reports, and other reports or documents on economic policy reform and private sector development as required by USAID. Oversee the development and maintenance of a management and results information system for the economic reform program. Prepare economic reform related briefing and informational documentation for official purposes. Perform other tasks, as requested by Mission management, and which are consistent with the advisory, managerial, and reporting requirements of the position of Senior Policy Advisor for USAID/Ethiopia. Supervision/Oversight Over Others: Supervise one FSN-10/11 Program Management Specialist - Macro Economic Advisor. C. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The contractor will report to the Supervisory Program Officer, the Chief of the Program Officer, USAID/Ethiopia. S/he will be expected to provide in depth briefings on policy issues for the Ambassador, Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director and may receive guidance from them as the situation warrants. The Supervisory Program Officer will provide operational guidance, including developing a quarterly work plan based on Mission requirements. The contractor will be expected to work independently with minimal supervision over extended periods, within the framework of the work plan. The incumbent will have direct supervisory duties. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience Required for the Position: This is a senior level position in a high profile USG foreign assistance program that requires knowledge, experience, maturity, and an ability to function in a complex, highly demanding, and often uncertain environment. The ideal candidate will have depth of experience in all aspects of economic policy analysis, advocacy and implementation. A masters degree in economics or public policy with a strong emphasis on economics (or very closely related field) is required (PhD is preferred), with 10 years of experience, at least five of which spent in a developing country context. An additional five-years of related professional experience may be substituted for the Masters? Degree requirement. In addition, the successful candidate should have: Demonstrated skills in successfully leading and managing multi-sectoral and complex projects, and supervising contractors in emerging market situations. Knowledge of and practical experience with Household Food Economy/Livelihood approaches to analyzing and tracking poverty and the impact of shocks. Knowledge of and practical experience in working with a variety of stakeholders to effect policy-institutional reforms in a developing country context. Working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems as a tool for spatial mapping, targeting, and analyses. Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels. Strong communications, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills. Ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs sometimes with short deadlines. Experience with the management and leadership of teams. Ability to interact and work effectively with organizational management and support offices. Experience and comfort with management information systems. Knowledge of the sub-Saharan Africa Speaking and reading ability in Amharic is highly desirable. SELECTION CRITERIA Experience: Prefer 10 years of experience, at least five of which in a developing country context, and in all aspects of economic policy analysis, advocacy and implementation and in successfully leading and managing multi-sectoral and complex projects, and supervising contractors in emerging market situations. Experience in designing and executing small-scale research or evaluation projects to address policy areas is highly desirable. Technical Skills: Demonstrated ability in word-processing, spreadsheet analysis, and working knowledge of data-base management tools (such as Microsoft Access); Knowledge of and experience in field-level surveys for monitoring and evaluation or research is highly desirable, as are experience working with Household Food Economy/Livelihood approaches, and GIS. The position may require oversight of work in these areas. Education: Applicants with a masters degree in economics, public policy, or closely related discipline, with a strong emphasis on economic development will be given priority (PhD is preferred). Extensive experience may be considered in lieu of post-graduate degrees. The position requires dialogue with host country officials and other stakeholders at all educational levels. Communication and Management Skills: Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels. The position requires strong communications, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs sometimes with short deadlines. Ability to interact and work effectively with organizational management and support offices. Experience and comfort with management information systems. Administrative Knowledge: Knowledge of USAID program management procedures, and experience with USAID financed projects is preferred, but similar experience with another development assistance donor will be considered. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); Applications must be received by the closing date as follows: Via express courier: Via post: R. Douglass Arbuckle R. Douglass Arbuckle Executive Officer Executive Officer USAID/Ethiopia USAID/Ethiopia Riverside Building, off Haile G/Selassie Road 2030 Addis Ababa Place Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Washington, DC 20521-2030 PH: 251-1-510088 Via email: darbuckle@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. Late applications may not be considered. USAID is not responsible for applications received late or incomplete as a result of transmission errors. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/. Only the first should be submitted with the application. The others (#2-5) should only be submitted at the request of the contracting officer. 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or ** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.) BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.
 

Place of Performance

Address: USAID/Ethiopia, Riverside Building, off Haile G/Selassie Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,

Zip Code: 1014

Country: Ethiopia
 

Record

SN00610030-W 20040627/040625230355 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

---

| FSG Index  |  This Issue's Index  |  Today's FBO Daily Index Page |