SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Sr. Food Security Advisor
- Notice Date
- 5/19/2011
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Guatemala USAID-Guatemala City, Amer Emb/Guatemala, Unit #3323, APO, 34024
- ZIP Code
- 34024
- Solicitation Number
- AID-520-11-000007
- Archive Date
- 6/24/2011
- Point of Contact
- Sofia de Hernandez, Phone: 502-24224103, Sofiade Hernandez, Phone: 502-24224103
- E-Mail Address
-
shernandez@usaid.gov, shernandez@usaid.gov
(shernandez@usaid.gov, shernandez@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Position Title: Senior Food Security Advisor Position Grade: GS-14 ($84,697-$110,104 ) Period of Performance: Two years Background : Guatemala's level of food and nutritional insecurity are amongst the highest in the world. Chronic malnutrition rates are 43.4%. Guatemala's per capita income of $2,680 masks extreme inequalities between urban, largely ladino versus rural, indigenous populations. The underlying factor in food and nutritional security in Guatemala is social and economic inequality, which has led to a high rate of poverty due to highly skewed access to productive assets, including land, and little or no access to basic services, making the country one of the most unequal - highly skewed both economically and socially -- in the world. The majority (51%) of the population lives on less than two dollars per day, while 15.2% lives in extreme poverty earning less than one dollar per day. The Feed the Future Initiative, also known as the Global Hunger and Food Security Initiative (GHFSI), is a country-led, multi-stakeholder initiative to reduce global hunger and end poverty that arose out of the G8 "plus" meeting in L'Aquila in July 2009, and in part from the UN General Assembly meeting at the "Partnering for Food Security" event co-hosted by Secretary Clinton and the UN Secretary General in New York, September 2009. For more information, see http://www.feedthefuture.gov. The Feed the Future Initiative builds on five key principles endorsed by participants at the L'Aquila summit: 1) supporting country-led processes; 2) ensure a comprehensive approach to food security; 3) strategically coordinate assistance; 4) support a strong role for multilateral institutions; and 5) sustain a robust commitment of financial resources. Food security is characterized as "access," "utilization," or "availability." Under FTF, "food security" refers to the whole spectrum of possible interventions, from immediate crises in response to drought or natural calamities to longer-term agricultural productivity and market linkages under the value chain (IARNA) approach. In Guatemala, "access" is a key binding constraint but other areas such as "utilization" also impinge on food insecurity in light of Guatemala's high and chronic rates of malnutrition. Guatemala is a focus country for FTF. Under this initiative, USAID/Guatemala expects to receive additional funding to reduce poverty and hunger. In response and consistent with FTF principles USAID/Guatemala is in the process of developing strategies and programs to reduce hunger, advance agriculture-led market growth, raise the incomes of the rural poor, and reduce the incidence of chronic malnutrition. As such, USAID/Guatemala is designing strategies to address core investment areas to: 1) increase sustainable market-led agricultural growth, 2) prevent and treat under-nutrition, and 3) increase the impact of humanitarian food assistance and social safety nets. •A. Basic Functions : The Sr. Food Security Advisor has a lead role in providing strategic, policy, and technical leadership for the Feed the Future (FTF) initiative, including: • Serve as senior USAID advisor in Guatemala for addressing food security under the Presidential Feed the Future (FTF) Initiative; • Serve as a member of the Economic Growth Office (EGO) and coordinate closely with the Food Aid Team (P.L. 480), Health and Education Office (HEO), Democracy and Governance Office, and other USG agencies, particularly Pol/Econ, USDA, and Peace Corps, on all FTF-related matters; • Provide expert strategic, policy and technical advice for the development and implementation of programs under the FTF, including developing multi-disciplinary solutions to food security under Feed the Future; • Develop a plan for impact evaluations, cost-benefit analysis, and mid- and final evaluations for FTF activities in line with USAID's new Evaluation Policy; • Design and implement a robust communications plan for the FTF in Guatemala; • Facilitate the FTF consultative process with stakeholders in the private sector, civil society, universities, and campesino organizations; • Oversee assessments, analysis, and dissemination of agriculture and food security information under the FTF within the Mission and the USG; and • Liaise with the highest level of officials from the Government of Guatemala, other USG agencies, other donor organizations, and private sector. S/he will also represent the Mission in the Food Security Working Group and lead the Rural Development Working Group of international donors, as appropriate. •B. Major Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Serve as liaison to SESEAN for the development final approval and implementation of PLANOCC and transition to the new GOG. 2. Provide expert strategic, policy, and technical expertise on agriculture and food security activities for the FTF Initiative in Guatemala. 3. Advise USAID/Guatemala in project design, implementation and monitoring of agriculture, food security, and nutrition activities, including, as appropriate the implementation of USAID Forward reforms in procurement and M&E, as they relate to FTF. 4. Consult with high level officials from other donors to develop joint program approaches and/or projects, policy positions, and to leverage donor activities in food security and agriculture (such as the EU, FAO, World Food Program, Spain, World Bank and the IDB). 5. Consult with the high levels of officials from the Government of Guatemala on FTF, including developing country-led priorities, mechanisms for coordination, and identifications of needs, such as the Country Investment Plans and reviews outlined in the Feed the Future Guide (as appropriate for Guatemala). http://www.feedthefuture.gov/FTF_Guide.pdf 6. Coordinate with the DCM and Heads of USG Agencies in Guatemala to lead the USG working group for Food Security in advancing the FTF diplomatic agenda with the political/ economic section of the Embassy, including coordination with other USG agencies to leverage developmental impact. 7. Lead the development of a strategy and research agenda to implement USAID Forward Reforms for Feed the Future, particularly in M&E, including impact evaluations and cost-benefit analysis, and new procurement reforms, such as local contracting, host country contracting, fixed obligation grants, etc. 8. Prepare existing analytical reports and make recommendations for future programs based on best practices. •C. Qualifications: 1. Education : A Masters degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline such as agricultural economics, agribusiness, or a closely related field. 2. Professional Experience : A minimum of 15 years of senior level professional work experience in agriculture, food security, and/or agribusiness development programs in developing countries in required. Experience in designing, managing, and evaluating agriculture development projects. Prior experience in a position of similar complexity and recent experience in the area of agriculture development is required. 3. Knowledge Skills, and Abilities : Mastery in the agriculture development field, including complicated multi-disciplinary issues associated with food security (such as P.L. 480, nutrition, and governance). Excellent conceptual, analytical, and reasoning skills are required, as well as knowledge of project design in the area of agricultural development and food security. Experience performing at the highest levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction, including: independent judgment, and strong sense of initiative for work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility. Demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills, plus solid interpersonal abilities. Familiarity with USAID and/or USG development assistance policies and procedures. 4. Policy, Diplomacy and Cultural Skills : Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professional counterparts with the highest levels of officials, including those from host country Ministries, private sector, civil society leaders, other U.S. Government agencies, and international organizations and other donors. The candidate must demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity, tact, and poise, as s/he will be called upon to interact with high level officials from a range of cultural backgrounds. 5. Communication and Language Skills : Strong interpersonal skills and superior written and oral communication skills in English are essential. Strong Spanish speaking, reading, and writing ability; minimum FSI level 3/3 (S/R). •D. Selection Criteria (see skills and qualifications): 15 points Education 35 points Professional Experience 25 points Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 15 points Policy, diplomacy, and cultural skills 10 points Communications and language skills E. Position Elements Supervision : The candidate will report to the Director of the Economic Growth Office or his/her designee, and maintain ongoing dialogue with Mission Management, the Food Aid Team, the Health and Education Office, and the Democracy and Governance Office. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a high level of independence, professionalism, judgment and responsibility in work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility in multi-disciplinary solutions to food security under FTF. The candidate must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self-directed. The candidate is expected to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance. Authority to Make Commitments : The candidate will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG) funds on behalf of the U.S. Government. However, the candidate will play a key advisory role in determining the Mission's position on funding for agriculture and food security programs under Feed the Future. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts : To effectively function in this position, the candidate will be required to establish working relationships with the highest levels of officials of USAID and U.S. Embassy staff in Guatemala (including ECON, USDA, Peace Corps, PAO); other international and donor organizations (EU, FAO, WFP, Spain, IDB, World Bank, IFAD, DANIDA); international and local NGOs; private sector representatives and the general public. The candidate may also be asked to develop relationships with the highest-level external partners and Government of Guatemala officials. Exercise of Judgment : In instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, the candidate will consult with the Director of the Economic Growth Office. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the candidate in dealing with USAID/Guatemala personnel, as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve technical, administrative, managerial, and/or policy problems that arise during the course of work from which there is often no clear or immediate solution and or precedence. The candidate will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct. Available Guidelines : The candidate is required to understand Mission and Agency specific policies and procedures which govern project activity management in addition to Department of State established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats. Oral guidance from the immediate Supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out activities. Supervision: The candidate will report to the Director of the Economic Growth Office or his/her designee, and maintain ongoing dialogue with Mission Management, the Food Aid Team, the Health and Education Office, and the Democracy and Governance Office. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a high level of independence, professionalism, judgment and responsibility in work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility in multi-disciplinary solutions to food security under FTF. The candidate must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self-directed. The candidate is expected to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance. •F. Other Requirements : In addition, the candidate must also be: 1. A U.S. Citizen; 2. Able to obtain US Government medical and secret level security clearances; 3. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required/necessary; and 4. Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested. •G. Physical Demands and Logistical Arrangements : The work is generally carried out within an office environment and does not pose undue physical demands. The position includes USG provision of office space, telephone, fax, and email for official purposes. •H. Work Environment and Travel : Work is primarily performed in an office setting within USG offices in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Off-site services may be authorized on a case-by-case basis. •I. Start Date : The award of this PSC is subject to NSDD-38 approval and once necessary security and medical clearances are obtained. •J. APPLYING : Interested individuals are requested to submit the Optional Application for Federal Employment form (OF 612), a two-page letter describing their qualifications for the position, a writing sample and a resume, by the deadline to: Ms. Sofia Hernández Admin. Specialist Executive Office Km. 6.5 Final Bulevard Los Próceres Santa Catarina Pinula Tel. (502) 2422-4103 Email: shernadez@usaid.gov All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. 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: www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html 1. Optional Form for Federal Employment (OF 612) 2. Contractor Employee Physical Evaluation Form (a-1420-62)* 3. Request for Security Action (AID 6-1)* 4. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)* 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258)* 6. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended (AID 500-4)* 7. Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)* * Forms 2 through 7 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs)/Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs: CIBs/AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs/AAPDs apply to this contract. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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.) A. BENEFITS - Employer's FICA Contribution - Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance - Pay Comparability Adjustment - Annual Increase - Eligibility for Worker's Compensation - Annual & Sick Leave B. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable)* - Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) - Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) - Post Allowance (Section 220) - Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) - Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) - Education Allowance (Section 270) - Education Travel (Section 280) - Post Differential (Chapter 500) - Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) - Danger Pay (Section 650) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/GUA/AID-520-11-000007/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: GUATEMALA, Km. 6.5 Final Bulevard Los Proceres, Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala, Guatemala
- Record
- SN02451756-W 20110521/110519234140-7a82a822e6877744c00a6d9373e19a2c (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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