SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Democracy and Governance Advisor
- Notice Date
- 6/5/2009
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 14-2009
- Archive Date
- 7/20/2009
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana Rossova, Phone: 7 7272 50 76 17, Natalya Zubkova, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 06/05/2009 CLOSING DATE: 07/05/2009 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT:Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 14-2009 USPSC Democracy & Governance Advisor, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Heather Armstrong Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 14-2009 1.SOLICITATION NUMBER:14/2009 2.ISSUANCE DATE:06/05/2009 3.CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 07/05/2009 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4.POSITION TITLE:DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE ADVISOR 5.MARKET VALUE:$70,615-$91,801 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value – salary history may be considered) 6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8.JOB DESCRIPTION: A)Background The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with country offices in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. It is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government's development assistance program focused on more effective and democratic governance; building a more open democratic culture; advancing economic reforms and expanding economic opportunities to include energy, water and agricultural activities; and supporting social sector reforms, improving access to quality health and education services, and addressing the threat of infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and avian influenza). To implement these programs, USAID/CAR is responsible for the programmatic and technical oversight—and associated procurement, financial and administrative services—of over 120 contractor/grantee teams. The USAID/CAR active portfolio is valued at more than $300 million; in FY 2008, the Mission’s program budget was $75 million and its operational expense (OE) budget was $6 million. Central Asia is bordered by Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan. Due to its substantial oil and gas reserves, it is a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. The Democracy and Conflict Mitigation Office (DM) is one of four technical offices in the Mission and the DM Office Director reports directly to the Mission Director. Democracy and Conflict Mitigation is responsible for project management, technical oversight, guidance and reporting on a range of democracy and governance programs both in Kazakhstan and regionally. Activities included in the DM portfolio are assistance in the development of sub-national government reform, human rights, civil society, media, civic education, rule of law, electoral frameworks, gender, conflict mitigation, political and civic advocacy, political parties, and combating trafficking & migrant smuggling. A total of nine DM staff (six in Almaty, two in Bishkek, two in Tashkent, one in Dushanbe and one in Ashgabat) are dedicated to work on the USAID’s democracy and governance portfolio. B)Basic Function of the Position: The Democracy & Governance Advisor will provide senior level expert leadership and guidance on democracy & governance policies, strategies, programs and activities, and help manage the Democracy and Conflict Mitigation Office (DM). The incumbent will provide a full range of consultative, advisory, information-gathering, analytical, reporting, and evaluative technical services of broad scope and complexity on democracy & governance issues. The Democracy & Governance Advisor is authorized broad latitude to deal with senior government officials, members of parliament, sub-national government officials, and senior leaders in the non-governmental arena. The Democracy & Governance Advisor must be able to think and operate strategically and programmatically, analyzing complex situations in order to assist in the development of USAID strategic plans and programs, and assessing the impact of host country policies and practices on USAID programs. S/he will be based in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel about one-third of the time throughout Kazakhstan and to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. The incumbent may serve as Acting Director in absence of the DM Office Director. C)Major Duties and Responsibilities: The specific duties of the Democracy & Governance Advisor may include, but are not limited to, the following: Technical Leadership & Mentoring: In coordination with U.S. Embassies, USAID/Washington, EUR/ACE, implementing partners, and other donors, the incumbent will provide substantive technical leadership in Democracy and Governance including: •Provides overall conceptual guidance to DM Office strategy, operational planning & reporting, program and activities, and guides the design, implementation, and monitoring of this sector. •Based on working relationships with host country counterparts and with other donors, on site visits, meetings with implementing partners, and other sources, provides independent analysis of political and other developments affecting DM Office in Central Asia. •Drafts documents related to governing justly and peace and security objectives, areas, elements and sub-elements (e.g., Congressional Presentation/Budget Justification, Operational Plans & Reporting, Congressional and Technical Notifications). •Develops and keeps up-to-date relevant briefing materials and public relations documents related to USAID’s DM activities in Central Asia. •Engages host country counterparts, implementing partners, and other donors in high-level discussions on issues related to DM Office programming. •Briefs USAID, State Department, and Congressional Delegations on USAID DM Office programming in Central Asia. •Provides technical guidance and mentorship to DM Office personnel located both in Almaty and regionally. The mentoring of FSN personnel to manage, provide technical guidance, and develop leadership, project management, and technical skills is critical to this position. Program Management: The incumbent will ensure that DM Office activities achieve results in an efficient, timely manner and are consistent with USAID regulations and policies, including: •Serves as Contract/Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR/AOTR) for contracts, cooperative agreements and manages grants for, programs implementing DM Office activities. •Ensures that all legal, policy and regulatory requirements are met before obligation of funds for DM activities. •Drafts or supervises drafting of, and obtains approval for such documents as Project Approval Memos, Operational Plans, Notwithstanding Authority, MAARDS and MOUs. •Coordinates with Program Support and Financial Management Offices to obtain funding for DM Office activities. •Ensures that implementing partners receive needed information on USAID regulations and policies, including audit regulations, USAID and Embassy logistical support services, and assistance with country and regional issues. •Drafts statements of work and program descriptions for new activities, and reviews applications, proposals, workplans and budgets from implementing partners. Relatedly, also mentors FSN personnel to design and develop program descriptions & statements of work and monitor and evaluate workplans and budgets. •Meets regularly with partners; conducts site visits and inspections; maintains up-to-date information on developments in areas of USAID-sponsored democracy governance and conflict mitigation initiatives; and informs Mission management and relevant offices of significant problem areas that could impede results, and recommends solutions. •Provides leadership and mentoring for monitoring activities, ensuring that performance monitoring systems are in place and that periodic, reliable measures/indicators of portfolio impact are established and used. •Develops effective reporting systems to ensure that USAID DM Office programs are publicized effectively internally in the USG, externally in Central Asia. •Participates on cross-cutting Mission teams (e.g. conflict prevention, gender, anti-corruption, and education and information) to ensure that democracy & governance perspectives are reflected in programming in these areas. Office Management: Assists the DM Office Director with management of the office, including: •Recruits, trains, and provides career development opportunities to DM Office staff both in Kazakhstan and regionally. •Periodically provides both informal and formal feedback to staff on performance both in Kazakhstan and regionally. •Develops and oversees budgeting and management systems to ensure a well-run office and program. •As needed, provide country-level office coverage. •As needed, in the absence of the DM Office Director serves as the acting DM Office Director. •Ensures that DM programs both in Kazakhstan and regionally are in compliance with USAID environmental regulations. D)Supervision and Relationships 1)Supervisory Control Over Position: This position is supervised by the DM Director (a U.S. Direct Hire employee), who advises on general responsibilities to meet USAID’s strategic goals, supervises policy guidance, and reviews work in terms of overall accomplishment of desired results. The incumbent is expected to carry out his/her work independently, providing technical leadership to DM staff and implementing partners in the development, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of program activities. This work will be reviewed quarterly in terms of achievement of established milestones, effectiveness in facilitating teamwork, and appropriateness of program activity. 2)Guidelines Used and Judgment Required in Their Application: Guidelines used, include but are not limited to, the ADS; Mission Orders; EUR/ACE and DG Center Guidance; and standard accounting, auditing and financial management operating procedures. Given that the incumbent is expected to act as the DM Office Director in the absence of the Director, s/he must have good judgment in determining appropriate approaches and solutions to problems, exercise his/her own initiative without prompting by the Director, DM, and use discretion in his/her meetings with Senior Mission management, host country counterparts, and implementing partners. 3)Nature, Level and Purpose of Personal Contacts: The nature, level and purpose of the personal contacts include negotiating or coordinating program activities with senior level representatives of the media, NGOs, and private sector representatives; senior level representatives of national, regional and local governments in the region; the U.S. Embassy in each of the countries of Central Asia; and international organizations. The Democracy Advisor requires a high level of negotiation skills to obtain substantive cooperation. The full range of contacts in required, from the individual citizen to the midlevel government official to the highest levels of government. The Democracy Advisor will be expected to present, justify, and maintain positions on democracy issues consistent with the USAID Strategy for Assistance for the Central Asian Republics. E)Required Qualifications 1)General: Must be a U.S. citizen capable of securing a U.S. Government “secret” security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the five Central Asian Republics. 2)Education: Advanced degree in public administration, political science, international affairs, public policy, law or conflict mitigation is desirable. Alternatively, a BA/BS in any of the above academic areas with at least 5 years of international development project management experience is also acceptable. 3)Work Experience/Technical Knowledge: Because the Democracy & Governance Advisor will serve as the alter ego to the DM Office Director, s/he must be a recognized professional with a proven track record overseeing democracy and governance activities. S/he must have at least five years experience in managing and designing democracy & governance related activities with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement. Prior international development project management or oversight experience in more than one of the democracy and governance discipline areas including decentralization, rule of law, human rights, election, media, civil society, conflict mitigation or anti-trafficking-in-persons. A minimum of two years of supervisory experience, preferably in an international setting. Prior experience with strategic planning and analysis related to democracy and governance initiatives. Preference will be given to those with experience in Central Asia, other post-Soviet republics or Central and Eastern Europe. Preference will also be given to individuals with knowledge of USAID procedures and systems for strategic planning, results frameworks, activity design, program monitoring and evaluation. 4)Language and Communication Skills: Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Must have a demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces. Must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, to USAID and other USG officials. 5)Teamwork/Interpersonal/Mentoring Skills: Exceptional leadership, communications and inter-personal skills are critical. In addition, the incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multidisciplinary and multifunctional team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Ability to mentor. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position. 6)Computer Literacy: Strong spreadsheet and word processing skills are needed to manage activities. F) Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Education: 20 points Work Experience and Technical Knowledge: 35 points Language and Communication Skills: 20 points Teamwork/Interpersonal/Mentoring Skills: 20 points Computer Skills: 5 points Total: 100 points 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) July 5, 2009. As for the written work this must be a technical piece related to one of the democracy and governance discipline areas including decentralization, rule of law, human rights, election, media, civil society, conflict mitigation or anti-trafficking-in-persons. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Tel: 7 727 2507612 ext. 6345, Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for one-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings, will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Almaty is a beautiful city nestled against mountains, bursting with parks and fountains, with tree lined streets and flower gardens. The city has the excitement of Kazakh culture with its nomadic and warrior heritage as well as the benefits of the Russian culture ballet, museums, opera, choirs, and circus. It has the charm and challenges of colorful native markets, as well as the convenience of modern supermarkets. Located at an altitude of 650 meters, where steppe meets mountain, Almaty is backed by the snow capped Tien Shan to the South and faced by a vast plain which stretches to Siberia in the North. There are many places for skiing, skating, hiking, rafting, helicopter trips, camping, and other outdoor activities outside the city. The Almaty International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12. 12. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission’s website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. 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. 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs 98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs 98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/14-2009/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Park Palace Building, 41, Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakstan
- Record
- SN01838075-W 20090607/090606000210-52e5d87419ed7898a9a0385ab3ab4999 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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