SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Project Development Advisor
- Notice Date
- 11/28/2005
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Budapest USAID-Regional Services Center, Regional Contracts Office 5270 Budapest Place, Washington, DC, 20521-5270
- ZIP Code
- 20521-5270
- Solicitation Number
- 169-S-00-05-24915
- Response Due
- 12/16/2005
- Archive Date
- 12/31/2005
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 11-25-2005 CLOSING DATE: 12-16-2005 Ladies/Gentlemen: SUBJECT: Senior Project Development Advisor 169-S-00-05-24915 The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified individuals from US Citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: USAID/Serbia & Montenegro Executive Office Attn: Vesna Milosevic 50 Kneza Milosa 11000 Belgrade, SAM TELEPHONE NUMBER: +381-11-306-4732 FAX NUMBER: 381-11-361-8267 E-MAIL ADDRESS: Belgrade-jobs@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to: Please e-mail or fax if possible. USAID/Serbia & Montenegro Executive Office 50 Kneza Milosa 11000 Belgrade, SAM Sincerely, Heather Armstrong Supervisory Executive Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 169-S-00-05-24915-00 ISSUANCE DATE: 11-28-2005 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 12-16-2005 AT 5:00 PM POSITION TITLE: Senior Project Development Advisor MARKET VALUE: $89,625.00 - $116,517.00 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year with possible 6-month extension PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro SECURITY ACCESS: Minimum of Employment Authorization AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens POSITION DESCRIPTION 1. Introduction: USAID/Serbia and Montenegro (USAID/SaM is recruiting a Senior Project Development Officer in its Program Office to provide leadership, advice and support to the Mission?s technical office/strategic objective (SO) teams for program and project development. USAID/SaM will have its new multiyear strategy in place for FY06 which will require the design of a whole range of new activities. The new Agency strategy process has resulted in a more flexible, long-term strategy framework, that places more emphasis on the activity design stage to ensure compliance with the various policies and rules that govern strategic design and implementation. Accordingly, design work will be even more important and challenging under the Agency?s new strategy process, and guidance has not yet been finalized. At the same time, the Mission is in a critical transition period, moving from its early program (and organizational) stage to a more mature program and organization and also shifting to more integrated design under strategic teams as opposed to office structures. Much of the local staff is still relatively new to USAID and therefore lacks experience in activity design. Further complexity is due to the strong role that the US Embassy is currently playing in program planning and funding which creates additional review processes for the Mission. Finally, during the transition to a new Strategy, there will also be a significant number of activities that need to be closed out ? another area in which Mission staff lacks expertise. The incumbent will provide overall project development support to the Mission?s SO teams in both Serbia and in Montenegro. The incumbent is also expected to do extensive on the job training for CTOs, as well as Program Office staff, in the area of activity design, implementation and closeout. 2. Objective: USAID/SaM desires to hire one, senior Project Development Officer (SrPDO) under an off-shore US Personal Services Contract. This Position Description details required services of this SrPDO who will provide leadership and guidance to the Mission in program and project design, implementation and closeout, as well as overall program planning and policy development. 3. Basic Functions of the Position: The incumbent will be assigned backstopping responsibilities for the entire program portfolio for Serbia and Montenegro and will report to and be supervised by the Program Officer. The primary purpose of the position is to provide professional guidance and assistance to the Mission's SO teams in program actions from design through closeout. This will include providing: 1) extensive training for CTOs, both on an on-the-job and more formal basis; 2) operational coordination and explanation of USAID policies, procedures and regulations to facilitate effective program planning, programmatic operations and an efficient working relationship between the Mission, Embassy, host government officials, grantees, contractors and other diverse private sector interests; and 3) critical consultation and review and quality control for all Mission documentation of program activities. 4. Duties and Responsibilities: In accomplishing the objectives of this position, the SrPDO shall exercise independent judgment, programmatic leadership, problem solving skills and cultural sensitivity in executing duties including, but not limited to the following: A. Activity Design: Assist SO teams in the development and design of programs and projects from conceptualization through authorization, with particular emphasis on providing guidance to SO teams on the scheduling of design activities, securing appropriate technical expertise, reviewing required analyses and ensuring sufficiency of documentation. 1) Coordinate to ensure an integrated approach across SO teams in the development of new activity designs that fall within the new Strategy. 2) Assist Mission SO teams in the development, review and approval of Concept Papers and Activity Approval Documents under the new Strategy. 3) Provide coordination and facilitation on all aspects of project development actions between Technical Offices, Program, Financial Management and Executive Offices, Legal Advisor, Contracting Officer, and other technical experts and consultants. 4) Provide assistance with the critical review, consultation, and quality control of all Mission project development documents to ensure conformity with strategy, Embassy RPA and/or MPP, and USAID regulations, rules and procedures. B. Implementation: Provide implementation support and guidance to SO teams to identify and avoid potential problems and, as required, to resolve them, to ensure that appropriate procedures are utilized, and to ensure that documentation is complete, accurate and in compliance with agency rules and guidelines. 1) Provide support to SO teams to avoid/resolve implementation problems and to assess/improve the quality of implementation activities and processes. 2) Assist project managers with the preparation of correspondence and documentation (e.g. letters, progress reports, action memoranda, MAARDs, etc.). 3) Assist, when necessary, with other project implementation actions such as the preparation of waivers. C. Activity Closeouts: Assist SO teams with the procedures for closeout of existing activities, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with U.S. and local requirements. D. Evaluation and Monitoring: Working with the Performance Monitoring Program (PMP)specialist, assist with the development of the new PMP, and ensure that there are monitoring and evaluation processes in place to address all critical aspects of assessing implementation results, attainment of objectives specified in project documentation, programmatic impact of projects and presentation of lessons learned under the new Strategy. E. Reporting and other duties: Assists SO teams, as necessary, with reporting on achieving the Mission?s overall program; assures that such reporting represents and justifies Serbia and Montenegro?s future program plans to USAID/Washington and Congress; ensures that such reporting contributes to effective management of the development program. 5. Position Elements A. Supervision/Oversight of Others 1) Supervision Received: The incumbent will have a broad development background; therefore, s/he will independently carry out the functions of this position, based on general procedural guidelines and strategic/policy direction from his/her supervisor. S/he will report directly to the Program Officer. 2) Supervision Exercised: Will Supervise 2 FSNs and have technical oversight of an additional 3 FSNs in the Serbia and Montenegro offices. B. Available Guidelines The incumbent works within the broad framework of policy and operating procedures established in USAID?s ADS and policy determinations, USAID/SaM Mission Orders, Activity Approval Documents, strategy documents, grants/contracts and related documents. C. Knowledge The incumbent will serve as the highest level expert in the Mission on USAID ADS and Policies. A minimum of 10 years of directly relevant experience is required in order to have the sufficient knowledge and expertise to function in this position. Incumbent will be responsible for leading and directing a substantial number of other professional/technical staff, in addition to the two professional FSNs directly supervised. Given the innovative and unique character of the USAID program in Serbia and Montenegro, and the challenging transition to a new Strategy with still evolving requirements for design, implementation and evaluation, the incumbent is required to make recommendations and to initiate actions in areas and situations which will not always be covered by available written guidelines. D. Exercise of Independence In discussions with grantees, contractors and representatives of the host government, the incumbent will be asked to explain the USAID program from varying perspectives. These may range from broad program planning and strategy development considerations to detailed procedures, guidelines and policies set forth in USAID documentation regarding project/program development and negotiation, implementation, evaluation and monitoring. Within USAID, the incumbent will play a leading role in project/program development and be a key player in providing advise related to strategic/program planning, implementation monitoring and program evaluation. These roles will require independent evaluation of problems and issues, conceptualization of programs and strategies to attain development objectives, and provision of technical and professional guidance to various offices in the Mission and senior Mission Management. E. Authority to Make Commitments The incumbent does not have the authority to make financial or other commitments on behalf of the USG. However, on occasion he/she will be called upon to explain and interpret to outsiders USAID guidelines and policies in areas regarding the incumbent's range of responsibilities. F. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts Often represents the Program Office at meetings involving all levels of Mission staff, including Office Directors, the Deputy Mission Director and the Mission Director, involving the full range of Mission from program planning and project conceptualization through measuring and reporting on program impact. Incumbent will represent the Mission, as necessary, in discussions with the Embassy to ensure understanding of overall requirements for program design and implementation. Incumbent will represent the Program Office and Mission at meetings and discussions regarding these matters with senior personnel of grantees, and contractors. Incumbent will establish and maintain contacts (phone, e-mail, correspondence, cables) with a range of USAID officials on matters pertaining to these responsibilities. 6. Skills and Qualifications - Selection Criteria To address and carry out effectively the range of duties and responsibilities described above, the incumbent must possess the following: A. Education The incumbent must have at least a bachelor degree in a development field, technical area, management, economics, business or related specialty; Master Degree preferred. B. Prior Work Experience The incumbent must have a demonstrated ability to exercise significant, independent professional judgment to anticipate both systemic and ad hoc program and activity design and operational problems and issues requiring strategy development, policy decisions, and innovative solutions required. A minimum of 10 years managing international development programs, including involvement with program design, planning, reporting and budgeting is required. C. Complexity The candidate must be appropriately sensitive to the requirements of the diverse, multi-cultural/ethnic local environment, and have the demonstrated ability and flexibility to work with NGO's/PVO's, private sector enterprises and government officials with diverse objectives and points of view, and support the transition process to democratic government. Must have the ability to: absorb large amounts of information and accurately report them; make contacts; work productively with teams; take initiative and action; and make on-the-spot decisions which are necessary to guide, support and complete development activities across a broad and complex range of technical specialties. D. Interpersonal and Communications Skills The incumbent must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated analytical skills. S/he must also have displayed an ability to work collaboratively in teams, build consensus, and effectively coordinate with external actors in a multi-cultural setting. Demonstrated ability in exercising independent judgment, scheduling and managing program development and implementation processes, and completing complex tasks with minimal technical level supervision. E. Language and Computer Skills A working knowledge of Serbian would be useful, but not necessary. Must have functional computer skills including word-processing, spreadsheets and helpful to have database and scheduling application skills. The incumbent must demonstrated first-hand experience in project design, implementation and evaluation, with professional experience in results framework development. F. Knowledge and Other Skills Thorough knowledge of basic development principles, program and project development, budgeting, management, and analytical skills to assess activity feasibility required. Relevance of prior experience to that in the statement of work description, procedures and directives related to strategic development, programming, project development, approval, implementation, results review, performance monitoring, evaluation and activity and program close-out desired. The incumbent must have extensive knowledge of the functions and operations of the U.S. foreign assistance program and USAID procedures, policies and regulations. 7. Length of Service It is anticipated that the expertise will be required for period of one year, with the possibility of one or more one year, or partial year extensions. Incremental funding will be made available by the Mission for a full-time position for one year, including related administrative and logistical support. Subsequent year funding will be subject to the availability of funds. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: For USPSCs a 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); For CCNs and TCNs a resume and/or Mission specified forms. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. 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. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 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). ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 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/Serbia and Montenegro, Executive Office, Attn: Vesna Milosevic, 50 Kneza Milosa, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
- Zip Code: 11000
- Country: Serbia and Montenegro
- Zip Code: 11000
- Record
- SN00938069-W 20051130/051128211508 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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