SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Sr. Global Climate Change Advisor (LEDS)
- Notice Date
- 7/26/2012
- 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
- SOL-520-12-000017
- Archive Date
- 8/31/2012
- Point of Contact
- Sofia de Hernandez, Phone: 502-24224103
- E-Mail Address
-
shernandez@usaid.gov
(shernandez@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: July 26, 2012 CLOSING DATE: August 16, 2012 SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NO. SOL-520-12-000017 FOR U.S /TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR Senior Global Climate Change Advisor (LEDS) - USAID/GUATEMALA Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing the US/TCN PSC services as described in the solicitation below. Any resulting award of a PSC contract from this solicitation is subject to approval of NSDD-38. Submittals shall be in accordance with the information below. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Sofia de Hernandez at e-mail shernandez@usaid.gov or telephone (502) 2422-4103. Sincerely, Sheila A. Samuels Executive Officer USAID/Guatemala 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-520-12-000017 2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 26, 2012 3. CLOSING DATE: August 16, 2012 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Global Climate Change Advisor (LEDS) Pending NSDD-38 approval 5. MARKET VALUE: $84,697.00 - $110,104.00 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 18 months 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Guatemala city, Guatemala 8. MEDICAL CLEARANCE: The selected applicant shall be required to obtain a medical certification as a pre-condition for employment. 9. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: The selected applicant shall be required to obtain a minimum of an employment authorization from the USAID Office of Security in Washington, DC as a pre-condition for employment. 10. Introduction Climate change poses one of the century's great development challenges and meeting that challenge is a top priority for President Obama. The United States (US) has demonstrated a renewed commitment to these goals by vigorously reengaging in international climate negotiations. With 97% of emission growth projected by the International Energy Association (IEA) to come from the developing world, the US is working with developing countries to develop and implement low carbon growth plans and nationally appropriate mitigation actions to help guide them on a long term sustainable economic development path. The US international climate change program will take a three pronged approach working to promote (1) sustainable landscapes; (2) clean energy; and (3) adaptation. Additionally as part of the U.S. Government (USG) commitment to the Energy and Climate Partnership of the Americas (ECPA), the administration is seeking to assist up to 20 countries that will be developing a comprehensive "Low Emissions Development Strategy" (LEDS) as part of their commitments to the UNFCCC climate change negotiations The USG's EC-LEDS initiative brings to bear the expertise and experience of multiple USG agencies on the task of helping key developing nations strengthen their ability to plan and implement a low-carbon, thriving future. As an innovative effort working across multiple agencies in two governments, the EC-LEDS initiative offers a strategic opportunity to integrate climate change considerations into many areas of development. Management of the program also, however, calls for specific skills in emerging topics, such as economic modeling with an emissions perspective, cross-sectorial planning, and greenhouse gas inventory building. Guatemala has been identified as a LEDS partner country and is in the beginning stage of formulating their Low Emissions Development Strategy. Guatemala is also home to the Maya Biosphere Reserve (MBR) and other natural areas that serve as important areas for carbon sequestration. Maintaining the health and productivity of these priority landscapes is an essential part of reducing emissions in Guatemala and Central America. Current USAID programs for GCC include using sustainable landscapes funding to continue the Mission's long term commitment to the MBR and other important forested landscapes in the country. The overall program includes a partnership with the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to improve governance in the MBR. 11. Major Duties and Responsibilities of the Position The Senior GCC Advisor in USAID/Guatemala has a lead role in providing strategic, policy, and technical leadership for the GCC program. The Senior GCC Advisor's specific tasks may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Provide expert senior strategic, policy, and technical expertise on global climate change and the environment on issues of national significance, i.e., planning and programming for the GCC Initiative and LEDS in Guatemala. 2. Advise USAID/Guatemala in environmental strategy, project design, implementation, and monitoring of activities in Global Climate change (e.g., LEDS work program, program descriptions or Statements of Work) in such topics as REDD+, sustainable landscapes, forestry, adaptation, particularly the implementation of USAID Forward reforms as they relate to GCC. 3. Serve as primary liaison with high level officials from the Government of Guatemala, particularly the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN), as well as the National Council on Protected Areas (CONAP) and the National Forestry Institute (INAB), on the GCC Initiative and in the identification of country-specific priorities for LEDS. 4. Develop strategic partnerships with high level officials from other donors (such as GIZ, Spain, UNDP, the IDB) in order to develop joint program approaches and/or projects, policy positions, and leverage donor programs in support of LEDS and other environmental programs in Guatemala. 5. Coordinate with the DCM and Heads of USG agencies to help coordinate the whole-of-government approach to GCC, for example: the Embassy's POL/ECON section, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Peace Corps, Department of the Interior, U.S. Forest Service, and other USG agencies involved in the interagency scoping trip for EC-LEDS in Guatemala, as appropriate. 6. Lead planning for environmental analysis, baselines, impact, and performance evaluations, and assessments for GCC and EC-LEDS in Guatemala (such as the adaptation assessment), and make recommendations for future programs based on rigorous analytical findings and best practices. 7. Report on the performance and outcomes of the environmental projects and programs with which s/he is involved, such as the Performance Plan and Report and other strategic communications in order to effectively communicate programmatic impact and results and raise awareness to Washington audiences, host country stakeholders, and project beneficiaries. 8. Advise EGO management on budget/financial/procurement planning and tracking, particularly monitoring the appropriate use of earmarks for adaptation, sustainable landscape, and biodiversity. 12. Required Skills and Qualifications: To be considered, the applicant must have: 1. Education: An advanced degree(s) (masters or higher) in a relevant discipline such as Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Climate Change, Biology, or environmental-related field. (15) 2. Professional Experience: A minimum of 15 years of senior level professional work experience in international public environmental programming and/or implementation. Experience in designing, managing, and evaluating environmental development projects. Prior experience in a position of similar complexity and recent experience in the area of the environment is required, particularly Global Climate Change, EC-LEDS, and REDD. (35) 3. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Mastery in the environmental field, including complicated multi-disciplinary issues associated with global climate change. Excellent conceptual, analytical, and reasoning skills are required, as well as knowledge of project design. 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. (25) 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 countries' Ministries, private sector, civil society leaders, other USG agencies, international organizations and other donors, as well as community and local organization leaders. The candidate must demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity, tact, and poise, as s/he will be called upon to interact with high level officials and community level officials from a range of cultural backgrounds. (15) 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). (10) 13. Selection Criteria 15 points Education 35 points Professional Experience 25 points Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 15 points Policy, Diplomacy, and Cultural Skills 10 points Communication and Language Skills 14. Position Elements a) Supervision: The candidate will report to the Director of the Economic Growth Office or his/her designee. 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 global climate change and environment. 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. b) Authority to Make Commitments: The candidate will have no independent authority to commit USG funds on behalf of the USG. However, the candidate will play a key advisory role in determining the Mission's position on funding for Global Climate Change programs. c) 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, U.S. Embassy officials, and Washington-based agencies (including DOI, U.S. Forest Service, USDA, Public Affairs Office Peace Corps); other international donor organizations (such as GIZ, Spain, UNDP, and the IDB); international and local NGOs; and the general public. The candidate may also be asked to develop relationships with the highest-level external partners and Government of Guatemala officials. d) Exercise of Judgment: In the 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 representative 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. e) 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. 16. Other Requirements: In addition, the incumbent must also be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested. 17. Physical Demands and Logistical Arrangements: The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. The position provides for USG provision of office space, telephone, fax, and email for official purposes. 18. 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 very limited and case-by-case basis. 19. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC 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 Guatemala 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. A. Instructions to Applicants: LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTORS: For initial consideration: 1. Application Form OF-612 at http://inside.usaid.gov/forms/of612.pdf 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, American Embassy or in USAID/Washington). 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 20. APPLICATION PROCESS: Application stating your 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: Guatemalavacancies@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. 21. Point of Contact: EXO and/or Administrative Specialist - Sofia de Hernandez, USAID/Guatemala. Allowances and benefits may vary depending if it is an off-shore hire or local hire, US or TCN.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/GUA/SOL-520-12-000017/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Guatemala, Km. 6.5 Final Blvd. Los Proceres, Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala, Guatemala
- Record
- SN02817225-W 20120728/120727001006-3ea775fc2cbb1b2a632020b99933d34c (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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