SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Agriculture Policy Advisor
- Notice Date
- 1/11/2010
- 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-00-10-00035-00
- Archive Date
- 2/26/2010
- Point of Contact
- Abdus Sobhan Khan, Phone: 88028855500
- E-Mail Address
-
skhan@usaid.gov
(skhan@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER : 388-S-00-10-00035-00 ISSUE DATE : January 11, 2010 CLOSING DATE: February 11, 2010 POSITION TITLE: Senior Agriculture Policy Advisor NUMBER OF POSITION: One 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: USAID/Bangladesh, Director of Office of Economic Growth 9. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years with the possibility of extension 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCNs) 11. SECURITY CLEARANCE: US Citizen: Secret Level Clearance TCN: Employment Authorization STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FOR SENIOR AGRICULTURE POLICY ADVISOR I. Background Agriculture (crops, livestock, fisheries and forestry), accounts for about 23 percent of GDP and plays a critical role in the overall economic development of Bangladesh, within production agriculture, the GDP shares of individual sub-sectors are about 13% for crops, 3% for livestock, 5% for fisheries and 2% for forestry. The rural non-farm (RNF) sector, which is driven primarily by agriculture through the backward and forward linkages, accounts for another 33% of the GDP. The RNF sector accounts for approximately 46% of rural employment and 50% of rural household income. Over time, the share of production agriculture in GDP has declined. Bangladesh has made many important gains in the last fifteen to twenty years in economic and social indicators, including reducing the prevalence of poverty and child malnutrition. Although still a poor country, with a per capita income of only $470 in 2007, Bangladesh has established a credible record of sustained growth within a stable macroeconomic framework. For a country at a relatively low level of development, Bangladesh has also managed to achieve some major successes in improving several key social indicators and graduating into the medium human development group using the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ranking. Despite these improvements, Bangladesh remains a food insecure country, with improvements needed in food access and utilization. Fifty-six million people (40% of the population were living in poverty in 2005 and 35 million in extreme poverty. The country is also particularly vulnerable to rapid onset natural disasters, including floods, cyclones and storm surges, which have major adverse affects on the economy as a whole as well as on people's livelihoods, food security and health. Bangladesh was hit by three natural disasters in 2007, two major floods and devastating cyclone- within a few months of each other. The seep rise in food prices in 2007-08, including the main staple, rice, was another significant shock, which revealed the risk posed by global price volatility for a net food importing country like Bangladesh. The fact that 43% of the children less than five years of age suffered from chronic malnutrition (stunting) in 2007 is another concrete indicator of the magnitude and persistence of the food security problem. It also highlights the serious implications of the current food insecurity situation for the country's future economic, social and political development. The worldwide Food Price Crisis of 2007-08 brought to the forefront the global hunger and food security problems that the world is facing. At the G8 plus meeting held in L'Aquila in July 2009, a commitment to take decisive action to free humankind from hunger and poverty through improving food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture and to work together to: 1) support 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. Bangladesh is one of three Asian countries that USAID will focus on in this initiative: The Global Food Security Response Initiative. USAID/Bangladesh is developing a one year transitional strategy for FY2010 and then will develop a multi-year strategy starting in 2011. In addition, the Mission will be working on a Global Climate Change strategy that will be closely linked to our agricultural/food security and private sector competitiveness strategies. A. Basic function of positions: The incumbent is a senior USPSC or TCN who serves as the Mission's technical and policy advisor for USAID/Bangladesh's agricultural development programs and projects and help to manage over $18 million worth ongoing and future activities that will address agriculture and food security issues. This involves oversight of implanting agencies, coordination with other development partners, commercial and public institutions involved with enhancing national food security. The incumbent has to possess significant expertise in agriculture development and/or agriculture economics with substantial management experience in agriculture policy formulation, agribusiness value chains development, agricultural production, and food security. The incumbent should be able to provide technical advice and leadership in the conceptualizations, development, design, administration and monitoring of USAID/Bangladesh's agriculture development portfolio and represent the Mission at highest-level inter-agency setting. In this same integrated spirit agriculture/food security will be linked with the new Global Climate Change strategy as well as the Nutrition strategy. The incumbent will be able to speak on the subject matters in various public fora. The incumbent participates in the conception, design, development, and implementation of projects that help expand agricultural productivity; strengthen markets for related goods and services, link communities, manage the resource base; and restore the capacity of small and medium agro- enterprises to produce, process and market agricultural goods and services. The Economic Growth Office in USAID/Bangladesh is comprised of agriculture, energy infrastructure, private sector development, and environment (natural resource management, biodiversity and climate change). S/he also works with other USAID/Bangladesh team members as well as members of other Strategic Objective teams in identifying and operationalizing way to maximize the impact of interventions across the portfolio, that is, identifying opportunities for complementarities in food security, information technologies, nutrition and/or economic growth and poverty reduction programs. S/he is in the Economic Growth Office and reports to the office director or deputy director and will advice US Mission Director, and when called upon by the brief the Ambassador and State Department colleagues. S/he is a member of the Embassy's Food Security Task Force and of special importance is identifying leadership opportunities and potential synergies for nutrition in the Office of Population Health & nutrition office as well as the humanitarian assistance and Title II Programs in the Office of Food, Disaster & Humanitarian Assistance. S/he performs management, supervisory, and representational responsibilities while providing a leadership role within the Office of Economic Growth. B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent will be responsible for: •a) Technical leadership in Strategic Planning, Program Development, and Activity Design •1. The Advisor provides post-wide strategic, technical, and organizational leadership in agriculture development. As a key advisor, the incumbent collaborates with the inter-agency team in managing components of the strategy and meeting measurable objectives. The incumbent's recognized expertise in agricultural development, including host-country agriculture development programs and policies, is a powerful influence on program policy and design. •2. Serves as a key advisor in developing new mission agricultural development interventions. In this s/he is closely involved with the inter-agency team, host country officials and consultants in the development of new projects, writing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Assistance (RFA), and other procurement mechanisms. S/he is also one of the chief architects of the agricultural development team's plans. This entails leading the design and implementation of major components of the plan. •3. Prepares project papers and design documents for agriculture development programs and leads research on social, political, cultural, and economic factors pertaining to the development in Bangladesh. Contributes to the development of the mission's overall conceptual framework and formulates plans for implementation. •4. Develops and sustains close collaborative, professional relationships with highest-level officials of other USG agencies, development partners, host government, key business leaders, other major donors and international organizations. •5. Represents the agriculture and food security ream to USAID stakeholders and external development partners in a wide variety of events sponsored by USAID development partners, including conferences, workshops, donor subgroup meetings, and other relevant forums on economic development. S/he negotiates with host country government on project design and implementation, ensuring that host country officials at the highest level are apprised of program progress. These responsibilities require the incumbent to demonstrate highly developed professional judgment and to provide technical direction and management oversight. •6. Ensures effective coordination of USAID-funded activities with those of other donors working with the Bangladesh's agricultural producers and processors, and agricultural coops and associations. Promotes expansion of effective strategies and approaches that can expand coverage and quality of economic services. b. Program/Project Management and Administration The incumbent will perform the function of contractor officers Technical Representative (COTR) as designated by the Mission Contracting Officer for the management of contracts and grants and reports to the Office of Economic Growth or his/her designee. •1. Supports the Office of Economic Growth Director in managing a $20million portfolio of ongoing and future activities that seek to raise incomes, create jobs, increase household food security, increase agricultural production and lessens malnutrition. •2. Ensures that activities achieve their intended results. S/he provides technical and organizational leadership on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities. S/he ensures that partners meet their benchmark requirements in accordance with USAID regulations. •3. Conducts assessments and site visits to monitor the program and implementing partner, stakeholder, and counterpart progress in the implementation of activities at the local and district level. •4. Provide technical advice to institutional contractors, grantees, Government officials, and other stakeholders as warranted. •5. Collaborates with other donors and organizations in agriculture development to ensure synergy of program activities with those of other organizations. •6. Manages financial matters related to program activities, such as providing administration approval of vouchers, planning and preparing for annual incremental funding amendments, and other financial administrative activities as needed to ensure that fiscal needs of the recipient, U.S. and local contractors are met in a timely matter. •7. Prepares all necessary internal USAID project obligation and implementation documentation for smooth program implementation, including to Modified Acquisition and Assistance Documents (MAARDs) and other required reporting. •8. Prepares and submits the annual evaluation of contractors' performance for inclusion in their central database on contractors. •c. Program/Policy Analysis and Reporting •1. S/he ensures that all activities are appropriately documented in required reports and through regular updates given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including the Annual Report, Portfolio Reviews, annual budget and pipeline analyses, briefs and talking points. •2. Ensures indicators to measure program impact are tracked accurately and used to revise strategy as necessary. Coordinates with other members of Office of Program to ensure data submitted on activities are compete and consistent for reporting in the annual report, portfolio reviews, annual budget, pipeline analyses and other required reporting. •3. Keeps the team abreast of current events in Bangladesh that impact on its mission or cooperation. Advises Mission senior management and other office staff of development relevant to the program's implementation. Conducts consultations with stakeholders and tracks legislative developments. Collects, analyzes, and synthesizes information to inform and strategically guide program planning. •4. Prepares concept papers and other relevant documents and initiates and describes project ideas and initiatives in accordance with the sector strategy, the current environment in Bangladesh, the institutional capabilities and purposes of potential; USAID recipients, resource availability, and funding sources. C. EVAULATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: •1. Education: (10 points- Masters plus 5 points for PhD) A minimum of a Masters degree in the fields Agriculture Economics, Economics, Public Policy with emphasis on agriculture or technical Agriculture related field in the areas of agricultural policy, food security policy, production, marketing, finance and/or trade (agronomists, agribusiness, soil science, etc) •2. Work Experience: (40 points) The incumbent is required to have a minimum of ten years of agricultural development experience- including at least eight years of employment as a program manager with large international organizations-with significant project management, project design, and project development experience. South Asian or Bangladesh experience is highly desired. Prior supervisory and management experience in a position of similar complexity is required. Recent experience in the area of agricultural development as applied to economic growth and economic reform programs is transition economies is required. The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional and interagency bureaucratic challenges while maintaining collaborative relations. Experience in initiating and brokering policy dialogue and work plan development and bring such dialogue with senior government officials, policy makers, NGOs and private sector representatives to closure is required. •3. Knowledge: (15 points) Knowledge of project development, management, performance monitoring and reporting, and procurement policies and procedures is required. Prior experience and/or technical knowledge in evaluating donors economic development activities are preferred. A thorough understanding of major problems frequently faced by food insecure and poverty stricken environments experience is preferred. The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in the analysis of statistical data, public policy and market-related data for decision making. The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional and interagency bureaucratic challenges while maintaining collaborative relations. •4. Skills and Abilities: (30 points) Proven, demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed upon parameters with minimal supervision or guidance and while exercising sound judgment is required. The following skills and abilities are also sought: interpersonal skills, operational and management skills; computer skills including ease and skill in using word processing and power point programs, email, databases and spreadsheets; and the ability to conceptualize both strategically and programmatically. Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage more than one activity at a time in the performance of project management. Demonstrated communications skills are critical. Candidate must be fluent in English and have a proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including in preparation of technical reports and presentations and briefings. The applicant should have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and deliver authoritative, persuasive oral presentations to senior USG officials from multiple agencies, other donors, foreign government, and local governments. The applicant must also have the ability to explain USAID agricultural program polices, objectives and procedures as well as U.S. government legislation relating to agricultural development to technical and non-technical colleagues. D. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will be supervised by Office Director of Economic Growth Office. E. 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 one year of employment will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. F. TERM OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The term of the contract will be for two years on/about March 2010 to February 2012 with an option for extension subject to the availability of funds and the continued need for the position. Within 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 bas 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 (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 a USG secret level security clearance; and a Department of State medical clearance. The Third Country National 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: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance: 50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for contractor with family; and $3,410 for contractor only. 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. 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health 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 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. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1. OF-612 or SF-171 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 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). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal. Applicant's detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, EXO Contracting Officer and be emailed to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date. Applications received after the closing date 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. Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, EXO Contracting Officer, USAID/Dhaka 2. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka 4. Nafeesa M. Hussain, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka
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- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Bangladesh
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