SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Low Emission Development Advisor - Package #1
- Notice Date
- 7/23/2012
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-6120
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6120
- Solicitation Number
- 388-S-00-12-00023-00
- Archive Date
- 8/21/2012
- Point of Contact
- Nafeesa Monali Hussain, Phone: 88028855500, Md. Kamruzzaman, Phone: 88028855500
- E-Mail Address
-
nhussain@usaid.gov, mkamruzzaman@usaid.gov
(nhussain@usaid.gov, mkamruzzaman@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- USAID Logo 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 388-S-00-12-00023-00 2. ISSUE DATE: July 24, 2012 3. CLOSING DATE: August 6, 2012 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Low Emission Development Advisor 5. NUMBER OF POSITION: One 6. MARKETING VALUE: GS-14. $84,697 -$110,104 annum Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE Dhaka, Bangladesh 8. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Deputy Officer Director, EG 9. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals 11. SECURITY CLEARANCE: Employment Authorization A. Background In 2010, the U.S. Government (USG) launched a new initiative called Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS) to support LEDS development around the world. The program goals are two-fold: 1. To partner with 20 countries by 2013 to help them plan a more sustainable development path that reduces emissions trajectories while fostering economic growth. 2. To foster a Global Dialogue on LEDS that facilitates donor coordination and peer-to-peer exchange of lessons learned and best practices among LEDS countries. EC- LEDS is an important component of the U.S. commitments to mobilize "fast-start" financing of $30 billion by 2012, and it is a "High Priority Performance Goal" for the U.S Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development. This initiative is co-led by the State Department and USAID and advised by an interagency team of experts from a number of federal agencies, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Treasury, among others. The program has nine confirmed partner countries to date: Bangladesh, Colombia, Costa Rica, Gabon, Georgia, Kenya, Mexico, Philippines and Vietnam, and will be rapidly ramping up in another 13 in the coming months. USAID serves as the lead USG contributor of bilateral assistance on LEDS, GHG accounting, and market readiness, and will leverage its significant technical expertise, network of offices, and program activities to provide leadership on the ground. Bangladesh has only just begun to introduce policies and tools needed to promote low emissions development and to cultivate a viable market for GHG emissions reductions. USAID Bangladesh is helping the country to embark on a low emissions development trajectory through implementing renewable and energy efficiency programs and supporting GOB to develop and implement a Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS). The Mission builds the capacity of GOB and other stakeholder institutions to promote, develop, and sustain forest and waterways and clean energy development. Attention is placed on forestry management and biodiversity, community based adaptation, and creating an enabling environment for low emission growth, scaling up the use of renewable energy sources, and pursuing energy efficiency and conservation in different production and consumption facilities for lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To support meaningful, lasting emissions reductions coupled with robust economic growth to reduce poverty, and plan for climate resilient development, Bangladesh will need to adopt and implement robust GHG accounting, market readiness, and LEDS tools and practices, and strengthen public and private sector capabilities and action to support and sustain these efforts. USAID has long‐standing relationships with the host country government that will enable it to work together to develop shared priorities and implementation plans. Engagement with the GOB, national and local organizations, and international donors is expected to require significant coordination. There is an opportunity to partner with these various stakeholders to help Bangladesh achieve low emissions climate-resilient development. B. Basic Functions of the Position The Senior Low Emission Development Advisor supports planning and implementation of Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS) in Bangladesh. The Advisor will provide assistance and technical support to USAID Bangladesh Mission and Government of Bangladesh (BOG) in formulating and implementing LEDS-related activities; build the capacity of GOB counterparts in designing, implementing, monitoring, and coordinating LEDS related programs in Bangladesh, help GOB to ensure all LEDS-related activities implemented by GOB and international donors are integrated into a cohesive EC-LEDS program; coordinate EC-LEDS with all involved parties, including USAID, host country government agencies, international and regional organizations, and development partners;. The position reports to the USAID Bangladesh, Economic Growth (EG) Office Deputy Director. C. Major Duties and Responsibilities As a key member of the EG team, the Low Emission Development Advisor is responsible for supporting and coordinating the implementation of the Enhancing Capacity for Low Emission Development Strategies (EC-LEDS) related initiatives in Bangladesh, with a view to support GOB to promote an integrated and cohesive approach to the LEDS. The Advisor will provide technical support to GOB and USAID in planning and developing their LEDS-related activities and lead and manage the USAID LEDS-related activities as required. The major duties and responsibilities of the Advisor focus on three areas: Technical Support and Advisory Services to the GOB and USAID; Program Coordination, Communications and Outreach; and Program Management. In carrying out duties in all these areas, the Advisor will be expected to initiate and maintain productive working relations at the executive level, including with U.S. Embassy and USAID in Bangladesh and high level national government counterparts, and executive managers of international organizations and NGO partners. A. Technical Support and Advisory Services 1. Provide technical support to USAID Bangladesh Mission and GOB Ministries in all aspects of planning and implementing activities related to EC-LEDS, including conducting scoping assessments; writing concept papers; preparing Terms of Reference, Scopes of Work and other procurement-related documents; preparing work plans; serving on proposal review committees; and monitoring and evaluating activities. 2. Build GOB counterparts capacity in EC-LEDS that will include providing on-job training and coaching to the assigned GOB Ministry personnel on variety of EC-LEDS related issues. 3. Assist USAID and GOB Ministries in preparing for meetings or presentations by identifying key issues, providing technical or country information that addresses them, and drafting any necessary talking points, background documents, memos, and meeting reports. 4. Research relevant issues in the region, including institutional, policy, and legal frameworks as well as capacity needs in Bangladesh. B. Program Coordination, Communications and Outreach 1. Support GOB and USAID to coordinate EC-LEDS plans, activities, and events with all involved parties in Bangladesh including international and regional organizations; and development partners. 2. Support GOB to develop coordination mechanisms and communications materials for EC-LEDS that integrate the activities of GOB and international donors and promote a cohesive program. 3. Develop, maintain, and strengthen working relationships with key partners, including national ministries, local governments, international organizations and other donors, the private sector, NGOs, universities and the media to identify and implement efforts to increase synergy among the key stakeholders. These relationships are at the senior management and executive levels. On a regular basis, prepare and disseminate information on issues, accomplishments, and worldwide best practices to Mission staff, program partners, and GOB. Document development impacts and success stories in these areas. Contribute program updates to USAID Mission weekly reports, and report program progress to the USAID/Washington as necessary. 4. Liaise with the EC-LEDS interagency team and relevant USAID and Department of State offices in both Washington and in the EC-LEDS partner countries to ensure smooth communications and information flow. C. Program Management 1. Serve as the Contracting/Agreement Officer's Representative (C/AOR) for any USAID Bangladesh EG Office contracts, cooperative agreements, grants that support the EC-LEDS initiative. 2. Provide administration and oversight for LEDS-related programs and activities, including monitoring activities through site visits and the review of work plans and progress reports; tracking expenditures and accruals against obligations; making recommendations to implementing partners to increase project impact and enhance sustainability; and reporting project results. 3. Draft official USAID documents required for reporting the status of activities, such as the Congressional Budget Justification, Annual Reports, Action Memos, and acquisition documents. COR/AOR responsibilities include ensuring compliance with USAID environmental regulations and providing oversight and direction to senior management of implementing partner organizations. 4. Participate and when required lead the development of the performance monitoring plan for LEDS-related implementation instruments, and contribute to data collection and synthesis. Guide and monitor activities of contractors and grantees with established USAID guidelines, policies and procedures. Resolve any implementation issues in an efficient and professional manner. 5. Provide strategic direction and oversight to contractors and grantees to ensure their LEDS-related activities support the strategic objectives of the USAID. Ensure program implementation achieves planned results. 6. Maintain up-to-date records of the financial status and benchmark performance indicators for LEDS-related activities and report this information upon request to USAID/Washington, State, OMB, Congress, and other USG agencies. 7. Carry out other tasks to support the implementation of the EC-LEDS initiative in Bangladesh as directed by the supervisor. D. Supervision and Relationships 1. Incumbent works under the direct supervision of the EG Office Deputy Director, USAID Bangladesh. 2. This is not a supervisory position; however the incumbent will be providing guidance to the Mission on the issues related to LEDS. 3. Incumbent will maintain regular contact with the appropriate individuals, including at the executive level, in USAID Mission, U.S. Embassy, U.S. Participating Agencies (e.g., USEPA), GOB government agencies, regional networks and organizations, donor organizations, NGOs, and the private sector. D. Required Qualifications: Education: Minimum Post-Graduation degree, from a recognized university, in a relevant subject dealing with public policy, economics, climate change or natural resources management, with solid understanding of environment issues relating to emissions from various sources and their macro-economic impact and mitigation is required. Prior Work Experience: Minimum 6-8 years of increasingly responsible relevant work experience, at least 5-6 years of which should be a responsible management position in the environment, Greenhouse Gases (GHG) and natural resources sector. Besides programmatic management, this experience should include managing and supervising professionals of multidisciplinary backgrounds. Experience in global climate change is required. Should have proven track record of professional involvement and achievements, particularly in climate change, GHG impact on macro-economic development and natural resources management. Experience in designing projects, strategic planning as well as institutional capacity building planning is desirable. Experience in developing GHG emission reduction policy, environmental policy and procedural guidelines is desirable. Research experience related to Masters or PhD degree may substitute in part for prior work experience. Knowledges: Advanced knowledge of climate change science and art, Bangladesh's economic sectors, development issues related GHG emissions and institutions working in the field required. Incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of climate change, GHG emissiosn and natural resources problems, policies and issues in Bangladesh and familiarity with regional climate change and conservation issues and environmental problems and activities. The incumbent must be fully acquainted with environmental compliance issues and also be conversant in writing environmental assessments. Knowledge of gender in development principles and demonstrated experience in their application are needed. Skills and abilities: Must have strong project or research management skills in emissions models and forest carbons. Ability to analyze program needs in the global climate change and GHG sectors and how USAID assistance can be targeted. Must have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with Washington counterparts and at all levels within USAID and the US Mission in general, as well as with the GoB, Bangladesh institutions, local governments and institutions, and private sector. Must have the ability to develop and maintain senior level contracts with the government and USG officials and private sector and NGO representatives in Bangladesh and in the region. Must have the ability to provide technical and policy guidance to project managers/contractors as and when needed, clearly and diplomatically. Must also be able to write analytical reports on environment, climate chang, GHG and natural resource management issues. Advanced computer skills (e.g., emissions and carbon forest modelling, MS Office, LAN environment) required. E. Period of Service: The period of performance is from o/a September 2012 to September 2014. F. Position Elements: Available Guidelines: Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent does not have formal authority to financial commitment unless authorized by his/her American Supervisor. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are according to the regulations and procedures of USAID/Bangladesh, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, partners, implementers and institutional contractors. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The first six months will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. G. Term of Performance, Compensation and Living Conditions: The term of the contract will be for two years, 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS 14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-14 band. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform the GS-14 equivalent, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-14 pay band. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance, FICA and Sunday pay differential (for USPSC only) and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. Medical and Security Clearances: The selected candidate must be able to obtain Employment Authorization clearance and medical clearance. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC/TCN is normally authorized the following benefits. 1. Benefits: (i) Employee's FICA Contribution (ii) Health & Life Insurance: Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for contractor with family; and $7,266 for contractor only. The Contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 72% against the actual costs of the Contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution as announced periodically by USAID's Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The Contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. (iii) Medical Evacuation (Medevac) Insurance: 100% Medical Evacuation Insurance annual premium for contractor with family will be reimbursed to the contractor, if not covered by Health Insurance. (iv) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for US Government employees and US Personal Services Contractors. Currently this Pay Comparability Adjustment is frozen until further notice. (v) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (vi) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. H. Instructions to Applicants: LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTORS: For initial consideration: 1. Application Form OF-612 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer, the finalist candidate will complete and submit the following forms: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Medical Clearance Form (DS 6561) 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). APPLICATION PROCESS: Application stating their interest along with updated OF-612 (Application for Federal Employment), a current resume, and a cover letter. Please send your application package to this e-mail account: Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov. The candidate must sign the completed OF-612, the resume, and the cover letter, and scan and send them to the above-mentioned e-mail account. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Brent Schaeffer, Supervisory Executive Officer, USAID/Dhaka 2. Nafeesa Hussain, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Md. Kamruzzaman, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/BAN/388-S-00-12-00023-00/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USIAD/Bangladesh, C/O American Embassy, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Record
- SN02811304-W 20120725/120723234711-16b9439168516fbd3f5e2dadf14058ec (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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