SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- NA Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor GS-14
- Notice Date
- 12/27/2005
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Georgia USAID-Tibilisi, Dept. of State, Washington, DC, 20521-3180
- ZIP Code
- 20521-3180
- Solicitation Number
- 114-05-17
- Response Due
- 1/17/2006
- Archive Date
- 2/1/2006
- Description
- SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor GS-14 ? USAID/Caucasus ? Baku Azerbaijan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171) from U.S. Citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Submission shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Nata Anjaparidze, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Caucasus, who may be reached at fax No : + 995 32 00 10 13 or email: nanjaparidze@usaid.gov. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures, which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, -s- Fernando Cossich Supervisory Executive Officer International Address: 20, Telavi str Tbilisi, Georgia 0103 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 114-05-017 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 12/27/2005 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 01/17/2005 18:00 HRS local Time 4. POSITION TITTLE: Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($76,193-$99,053) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Baku, Azerbaijan 8. AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: Applicant must be U.S. Citizen 9. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: BAKU COUNTRY COORDINATOR Basic Function of the Position: The Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor (Advisor) serves as the USAID/Caucasus Democracy & Governance (DG) Strategic Objective Team (SOT) Leader, and as such provides substantive input in the design (planning), implementing (achieving), and monitoring (judging) of country program level initiatives in this major area of activity. S/He reports to the USAID Azerbaijan Country Coordinator. The incumbent advises the Coordinator on all issues and programs pertaining to democratic development and DG programming. S/he plays a leading role in strategic planning and donor coordination, report writing, as well as in managing DG resources, working with implementing partners, and supervising the DG team comprising of three Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). USAID/Azerbaijan?s Strategic Objective 2.1 states: ?Civil Society Better Organized and Represented.? The SO focuses on civil society and media development, issue-based and legal advocacy including rule of law activities and judicial independence, public outreach, political party strengthening, election administration, legal education reforms and civic education on a wide range of topics including civic responsibilities, domestic violence, gender equality, economic costs of corruption, the needs and abilities of people with disabilities, etc. The Senior DG advisor is the Team Leader of the DG portfolio, and will provide technical oversight and oversee staff management of all activities, as well as provide expert advice on policy and program activity development in democracy and governance areas to the USAID Azerbaijan Country Coordinator, the USAID/Caucasus Mission Director and the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan. In addition, the Senior DG advisor will serve as Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO), directly responsible for managing activities within the DG program. This position requires broad exercise of individual judgment in setting priorities, managing resources, implementing programs, and coordinating relations with high-level representatives inside and outside the USG. The political and governance issues that the incumbent will be dealing with are one of the top three priorities to the USG Foreign Policy in Azerbaijan and the US Caucasus Mission/Azerbaijan Country Office. The environment is highly complex and frequently unpredictable, and the incumbent must be flexible and able to adjust DG programs to rapidly changing circumstances. The position also has a broad range of complex managerial, analytical and informational responsibilities, including providing overall direction for achievement of USAID DG objectives, as well as data collection, monitoring & evaluation, documentation, reporting, responding to queries from various sources, coordination, advice and management of the Mission?s DG programs. Program Oversight 40% The Advisor develops support services programs, plans, procedures, and methods relevant to a major program area of the organization. S/he analyzes and evaluates the economic impact, feasibility, practicality, and effectiveness of existing and proposed standards, regulations, programs, and policies. S/he works on cross-functional project teams to ensure organizational objectives are achieved. S/he reviews measurement results to determine if strategic plans are achieved. Specifically, s/he provides: overall conceptual guidance on the DG strategy, program and activities; guides the design, implementation and monitoring of activities in this sector. technical leadership for the Mission in analyzing the current political situation in Azerbaijan, identifying constraints to further democratic transition and consolidation, and recommending program interventions to address these constraints. briefings for USAID, State Department, and Congressional delegations on USAID democracy and governance programming in Azerbaijan as needed Engages host country counterparts, implementing partners and other donors in high-level discussions on issues related to democracy and governance programming. In consultation with Mission management and the Country Coordinator, represents USAID DG office in meetings with high-level USG and senior Government of Azerbaijan (GOAZ) officials in connection with program planning and implementation (i.e. GOAZ President?s office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Youth, Ministry of Education, Parliament, Central Election Commission etc.) Program Evaluation 30% The Advisor coordinates the work efforts of technical personnel in conducting conceptual systems analyses, evaluations, or investigations of highly unstructured and interconnected problems involving controversial and complex administrative or programmatic issues and problems. These evaluations serve as the basis for substantive changes in the organization and administration of programs affecting substantial numbers of people. S/he ensures compatibility of recommendations with overall objectives and schedules. The Advisor will provide leadership, (1) ensuring that performance monitoring systems are in place and that periodic, reliable measures/indicators of portfolio impact are established, and (2) enhancing the achievement of results by periodically reviewing the development context, results indicators and activity implementation progress, identifying problem areas and recommending corrective measures. The Advisor originates and establishes inventive new analytical designs or investigative techniques that are of material significance in the solution of important problems with unprecedented or novel aspects, such as developing new criteria for measuring the value of program services and benefits. Integrates results of various studies and analyses into comprehensive technical briefings, reports, and technical papers. Provides technical advice and counsel both within and outside the organization as a recognized expert in the field. Democracy and Democratic Development Program/Project Development and/or Management 20% The Advisor is responsible for planning and managing activities in Azerbaijan: (1) identifying achievable development results in collaboration with partners and customers, (2) obtaining and maintaining support from in-country partners, customers, and stakeholders, and (3) obtaining broader USG agreement on development results and related financing. Specifically, s/he: Plans, develops, and manages implementation of the program/project development activities that affect the democracy sector for Azerbaijan. This includes assessing gaps in applied research; interacting with PVOs/NGOs, bilateral and multi-lateral donors, other USG institutions, think tanks, Congressional staff, and others; assessing capabilities and identifying various organizations to serve as change-agents; and ensuring appropriate program/project documentation is professionally executed. Advises Office, Bureau and Mission staff on a variety of democratic program/project issues. Provides programmatic backstopping and management on high visibility projects, consulting with professionals in various sectors. Advises senior Bureau management on key issues/constraints to program/project development; Directs or participates in geographic and central Bureau review of proposed democracy projects and programs, policy, and technical input. Assists in carrying out analyses, feasibility studies, and project design proposals through preparation of terms of reference and making study teams available. Provides project development support on the design and implementation of the portfolio, which includes a variety of sector activities. Leads the design and development of new democracy, and democratic development, programs/projects, including initial reconnaissance of projects; preparation of scopes of work for feasibility studies; selection of study contractors; and review and approval of completed feasibility studies. Reviews program/project proposals for economic, financial, technical, social, and environmental soundness; and recommends or takes appropriate actions; Prepares or oversees the preparation of project papers, project agreements, project authorizations, Congressional notifications, and implementation letters. Manages or oversees the review of contractor selection and approval, including related documents such as invitations for bid, plans, and specifications for professional services. Initiates or coordinates evaluation of democratic projects during or following project completion, to ascertain project and cost effectiveness, including implications for future financing; Oversees and manages the implementation of the current USAID Democracy and Governance Strategy for Azerbaijan and the development and implementation of a new USAID Democracy and Governance Strategy for Azerbaijan, with expanded team and customer input; Ensures that key stakeholders, partners and customers are identified and takes steps to gain their support; Ensures open and timely communication is maintained with Tbilisi-based offices and AID/W on DG activities planned or current; Prepares the Democracy and Governance sections of USAID?s Annual Report and Budget Submissions, the Congressional Presentation, and Section 907 Updates for Congress; and Takes the lead on activity designs and related technical, policy, procurement, gender and budgetary analysis for Democracy and Governance programs. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education Masters degree in political science, international realtions, Public Administration or related field Experience: Five to eight years of experience working on Democracy & Governance issues, with at list 2 years in building civil society and developing the NGO sector and or rule of law activities in international setting is required, providing expert analysis and advice on complex program issues; managing special projects for major office or program issues of broad impact; or managing special cross cutting initiatives or task force groups to accomplish programmatic goals. At least 2 years working experience in overseas is required Language and Communication Skills: Fluent English Speaking, reading and writing to the foreign service institute 5+ proficiency level is required. Must possess strong negotiation, written and oral communication and interpersonal skills. Clearance requirements The selected candidate must obtain medical and security clearance . VI. HOW TO APPLY A. Please send a completed and signed Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612 applications. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants that submit their application by E-mail without an electronic signature must send a fax or scanned copy of their signature in order for their application to be considered for this position. Containing the following information: The Optional Form (OF) 612 is available at http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP The Standard Form (SF) 171 is available at http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=SF 1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with Zip code) day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also, give job series and dates held); 2.)Education: high school name, city and State (Zip code if known) date of diploma or GED, colleges and universities; name city and state (Zip code if known, majors, type and year of any degrees received, if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours); 3) Work Experience: give the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which your are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employers name and address, supervisor?s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; 4) Other Qualifications: job-related training courses (title and year), job related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, job related certificates (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments. For example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking, and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested). B. Names, past and present title, e-mail address, phone number, and mailing address of three professional references, one of which must be a direct or indirect supervisor. C. A signed statement certifying the date and length of time for which the applicant is available for the position. D. Two original, professional writing samples in not to exceed a combined length of two pages. II. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed): A. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment --Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave B. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC 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) Danger Pay (Section 650) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
- Place of Performance
- Address: BAKU
- Zip Code: 0103
- Country: AZERBAIJAN
- Zip Code: 0103
- Record
- SN00958543-W 20051229/051227211520 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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