PRESOL | R | Democracy and Governance Officer

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF APRIL 10, 2010 FBO #3059
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Democracy and Governance Officer

Notice Date: 4/8/2010
Notice Type: Presolicitation
NAICS: 812990 — All Other Personal Services
Contracting Office: Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Rwanda USAID-Kigali, Department of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-2130
ZIP Code: 20521-2130
Solicitation Number: SOL-696-10-000007
Archive Date: 5/22/2010
Point of Contact: Colette Munyakazi, Phone: 250-252596400, Robert Kiberu, Phone: 250-0252-596400
E-Mail Address: cmunyakazi@usaid.gov, rkiberu@usaid.gov
(cmunyakazi@usaid.gov, rkiberu@usaid.gov)
Small Business Set-Aside: N/A
Description: Solicitation # SOL-696-10-000007 for US/TCN/PSC Personal Service Contractor - Democracy & Governance Officer in USAID/Rwanda ISSUANCE DATE: April 8, 2010 DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF QUESTIONS: April 30, 2010 CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS: May 7, 2010 CLOSING TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS: 5 PM (Kigali Time) Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified United States citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCN), to provide personal services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation such as (but not limited to): (i) most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; (ii) signed Optional Form (OF) 612; and (iii) three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and e-mail contacts. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Rwanda reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. Form OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected. Applicants should retain for their record, copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted in writing to Colette Munyakazi, HR Specialist via e-mail at cmunyakazi@usaid.gov and to Robert Kiberu, HR Assistant at rkiberu@usaid.gov ; no later than April 30, 2010. Based on submissions received in response to this solicitation, the government reserves the right to extend the due date, if necessary. Method of delivery of applications: Electronic submission is authorized. All application packages are to be submitted by email to: cmunyakazi@usaid.gov and rkiberu@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application. For those who wish to send hard copies of their application by mail: Mailing (least preferred): Via Courier Service: USAID/Rwanda - Executive Office 2657 Avenue de la Gendarmerie - Kacyiru B.P 2848 Kigali, Rwanda (Solicitation # SOL-696-10-000007) Submission by e-mail is the preferred method of delivery. Please note that USAID/Rwanda does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application. Applications received after the closing date and time specified will not be considered. Receipt of an application in response to this solicitation does not constitute an award commitment. Additionally, it does not commit the U.S. Government to reimburse any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Any submission is at the sole risk of the applicant. USAID reserves the right to award, or not to award, the contract herein contemplated, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Hadiza Linganwa Executive Officer USAID/Rwanda Attachment to Solicitation No. SOL-696-10-000007 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-696-10-000007 2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 8, 2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: May 7, 2010 17.00, Kigali, Rwanda, Local Time 4. POSITION TITLE: Democracy and Governance Officer 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($84,697 - $110,104). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with an option to renew for up to three additional years based on continuing need for the position, performance and availability of funds. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kigali, Rwanda 8. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: The apparently successful applicant shall be required to obtain a secret level security clearance as a pre-condition for employment. 9. MEDICAL CLEARANCE: The apparently successful applicant, and any eligible family members who will accompany the applicant to post, shall be required to obtain a Department of State Medical clearance to live and/or work in Rwanda as a pre-condition for employment and/or residence in Rwanda. 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) 11. SELECTION CRITERIA: Grading will be done on a 100-point scale: Technical Knowledge and Work Experience (30%), Management and Leadership Experience (30 pts), Education, Language and Computer Skills (15%), Knowledge and Work Experience in Region (10%), Writing and Analytical Skills (15%). 12. STATEMENT OF WORK: BACKGROUND: Rwanda's government has set an ambitious development agenda that aims to transform the country from a subsistence agriculture-based economy to a middle income and knowledge-based economy. To achieve this vision, the GOR has publicly stated its commitment to strengthening the rule of law, civil liberties, and political rights, and to promoting good governance and greater civic participation in political life and policy-making. These aspirations are articulated in the GOR's Vision 2020 and the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy 2008-2012 (EDPRS), which guides government efforts and donor assistance in the country. As a result of Rwanda's decentralization process, there are now mechanisms and systems in place that have the potential to enable greater participation and empowerment of citizens in the planning and delivery of services. Still, while there is a shift toward greater participation, the GOR has tended to focus on providing information to the general public about government policies, plans and programs. This approach, which often involves radio announcements by the national government or announcements at cell or village-level meetings, has the advantage of getting information out, but offers limited opportunities for obtaining feedback from citizens. Civil society organizations sometimes attempt to expand the breadth and depth of information dissemination and education. However, due to limited capacity and other constraints, opportunities are still limited for citizens and civil society organizations to fully engage government officials with their priorities and concerns pertaining to local development and service delivery that government undertakes and/or implements for their benefit. USAID/Rwanda's Democracy and Governance activities, including the Rwanda Threshold Program, are designed to reinforce and extend efforts already underway by the GOR, USAID/Rwanda, and other donors to promote civil rights and civic participation, contribute to the achievement of the GOR's goals for good governance and reconciliation, and accelerate its progress in strengthening the rule of law, citizen participation, civil society, and media freedom. In addition, the DG Team works with and manages activities funded by other USAID/Rwanda programs, such as Health (particularly the President's Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS, USAID/Rwanda's largest program), Economic Growth, and Education. BASIC FUNCTION: The Democracy and Governance Officer will serve as the Team Leader of the USAID/Rwanda Democracy and Governance Team and as the principal consultant to USAID/Rwanda senior management on all issues and programs pertaining to democracy and governance development. The DG Officer will be responsible for: 1) managing the USAID/Rwanda Democracy and Governance Team; 2) devising appropriate strategies and plans for supporting the development of democracy in Rwanda; 3) leading the design and implementation of cost-effective programs that produce meaningful results in strengthening DG; 4) facilitating the proper coordination and integration of USAID democracy activities within the Mission's portfolio and with other USG Agencies including the Embassy and MCC; 5) ensuring that all Mission DG activities are coordinated with, complementary to, and supportive of similar assistance activities of other U.S. government agencies; 6) manage the activities developed under the MCC Threshold program pertaining to Democracy and Governance; 7) ensuring that the design and implementation of all DG activities are fully coordinated with international organizations and bilateral donors active in this area; and 8) providing policy advice and analyses to senior Mission management on topics related to democratic development in Rwanda. The DG Officer will serve as a principal technical resource on democracy and governance development and as the Mission's primary point of contact on matters related to programming under USAID's Strategic Objective, "Improved Governance through Increased Citizen Participation," and the Rwanda MCC Threshold Program, which was designed and is being implemented in partnership with the GOR and in close consultation with the MCC and the U.S. Embassy. The DG Officer will also serve as a day-to-day liaison with other U.S. Government agencies (mainly the Embassy and MCC) and international organizations and foreign donors engaged in providing assistance for civil society DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The DG Officer's major duties and responsibilities include: a. Program Management - Plan and develop new DG projects and activities as a leader of USAID's DG Team. - Manage the Mission DG portfolio on a day-to-day basis, including manage or oversee all democracy and governance projects funded by USAID/Rwanda; identify and resolve program issues, assure that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, assign responsibility for program management and implementation matters to subordinates, and assure that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. [May also be called upon to be the manager (Contracting or Agreement Officer Technical Representative) of specific activities in the DG portfolio.] - Plan, implement, participate in, comment on, or prepare USAID/Rwanda views on evaluations, assessments, or audits of DG activities. - Manage and oversee the DG Team budget and finances in coordination with the USAID/Rwanda Controller's Office. b. Strategy Development - Provide analysis, advice, and recommendations to senior Mission management and staff regarding the formulation of Mission strategy for assistance in the area of democracy and government and on the management and implementation of those related activities in the Mission's portfolio. - Participate, as required, in the development of Mission strategic plans, results analysis, resource requests, and other strategic planning and reporting documentation. - Determine the additional analyses, assessments, or reviews required for the development of Mission DG strategy or activities; design and oversee the implementation of such analyses or assessments; and follow up as necessary. c. Office Management and Supervision - Serve as Team Leader of the Democracy and Governance Team, and supervise a staff of four Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). - Assist in the mentoring of junior Foreign Service Officers, particularly during occasional rotation assignments to the DG Team. - Conduct staff performance evaluations; review and revise position descriptions; manage staffing issues and determine staff assignments; approve requests for leave and travel; develop and manage the DG Team training plan; and determine the need for TDY assistance. - Provide technical, administrative and managerial leadership for the DG Team, convene team meetings, ensure information sharing and collaboration among DG staff and projects, and raise issues with senior management as necessary. - Provide technical and administrative oversight of all DG projects. - Ensure proper management of the DG budget, including procurement planning, use of program funds, and monitoring pipelines to avoid funding gaps. - Oversee the DG Performance Monitoring Plan including collection of performance data and reporting of results, - Ensure response by DG Team to Program Office requests for information or participation, such as participation in strategic planning exercises, or providing project information for USAID/Washington inquiries, etc. d. Coordination, Technical Advice and Policy Dialogue - Participate in, coordinate, or manage USAID inputs into assessments conducted in conjunction with other USG Agencies (especially the Embassy and MCC), international organizations, or other donors. - Maintain close contact, provide technical advice, and engage in policy dialogue as appropriate with staff and senior representatives of international organizations, the Rwandan civil society community (including local NGOs, media outlets, journalist and broadcast associations), Private Voluntary Organizations and foreign donors active in providing assistance, Rwandan governmental structures (including the legislature, local governments, and the judiciary), USAID assistance providers, and other U.S. Government agencies. e. General Management - Continuously gather information about, and keep current on, developments pertaining to DG in Rwanda and reporting such developments as required to Mission management and staff. - Carry out such other tasks related to Mission democracy and governance activities as might be assigned from time-to-time by Senior Mission Management. - The incumbent will handle all assigned work either independently or, as required, as part of teams, according to established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, as in effect and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance as provided in the USAID ADS and elsewhere. - The incumbent is expected to make independent judgments that can be defended as necessary. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance is placed on the employee to independently plan and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. - The employee will resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; developing, coordinating, and clearing proposed solutions with all necessary parties; and then taking appropriate actions necessary to resolve the problem. - Travel within Rwanda will be required. 3. Reporting Requirements The DG Officer will be required to prepare and provide reports as required to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities described above. She or he will also provide, orally or in writing, such reports on work progress or advice on democracy and governance issues as may be required from time-to-time by Senior Mission Management or other senior USAID or USG officials. The employee will also submit trip reports on all travel performed inside and outside of Rwanda during the contract period. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS • A minimum of a Masters Degree from an accredited institution in a field directly related to the position; • At least five years experience in public administration, policy analysis, local government, legal reform, or other related area, with a significant amount of that experience gained from working in developing countries. At least two years of prior experience in managing USAID contracts and grants is highly desirable. • Experience in the design and management of democracy and governance programs, preferably in a few of the following areas: civic participation, civil society development, rule of law, media freedom, decentralization and local government, human and institutional capacity development, conflict management and reconciliation, and/or political party development. Some of this experience should be gained from work overseas. • Previous experience in Africa and/or knowledge of Rwandan institutional structures and civil society organizations is highly desirable. • Oral and written fluency in English with strong writing and editing skills are required. Spoken fluency in French is desired. • Strong conceptual and analytical abilities. • Special Skills. Strong analytical and management skills, as well as the ability to multi-task. Must be able to effectively use word processing and data management systems and applications, including Microsoft Office applications. SELECTION CRITERIA Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: A. Technical Knowledge/Work Experience (30 points) Experience in the design and management, or implementation of activities in areas such as: - civic participation, - civil society development, - rule of law, - media freedom, - decentralization and local government, - political party development - human and institutional capacity development - conflict management and reconciliation B. Management and Leadership Experience (30 points) - supervisory experience (U.S. multi-cultural environment) - experience managing/supervising multiple projects/activities for results with USAID or other similar organization - contracts/grants management experience - interpersonal skills/experience with team management - project design and development - budget/financial management experience C. Education/Language/Computer Skills (15 points) - education and/or training - language skills (Oral and written fluency in English with strong writing and editing skills and spoken fluency in French.) - knowledge of computer programs/applications D. Knowledge/Work Experience in Region (10 points) - experience in/with region E. Writing and Analytical Skills (15 points) - Professional report, paper, other publications writing - Application/resume F. Medical and Security Clearances The individual shall be required to obtain a medical clearance and a secret security clearance. Supervision Received: All work will be carried out under the supervision of the General Development Officer and general guidance of the Mission Director. The Team Leader will also be a member of USAID/Rwanda's senior management team. Available Guidelines: Broad administrative and program policy statements, and basic legislation, related court decisions, or treaties and international agreements that require extensive interpretation. The employee is recognized as an expert in the development and/or interpretation of guidance on program planning and evaluation in a specialized area. Exercise of Judgment: The employee uses judgment and discretion in determining intent, and in interpreting and revising existing policy and regulatory guidance for use by others within or outside USAID/Rwanda. Decisions concerning planning, organizing, and conducting studies are complicated by conditions, such as conflicting program goals and objectives. Assignments are complicated by the need to deal with subjective concepts. Authority to Make Commitments: None. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The DG Officer will maintain contact and interact technically and professionally in a highly collaborative manner with a wide range of parties, including high-level officials of the Government of Rwanda (GOR) and other international organizations; heads and senior members of Rwandan political parties; media experts and civil society specialists; members of the elected Rwandan assembly, as well as local government officials; Rwandan judges, prosecutors, advocates and other legal professionals; and experts provided under assistance programs sponsored by Private Voluntary Organizations and local non-governmental organizations, as well as bilateral government and multi-lateral donors. The employee will also be required to interact with senior officials of the Department of State, and to work closely and collaboratively with U.S. Embassy Officials. The employee will also closely coordinate with the Mission's other technical offices and Program Office on all matters of mutual programmatic interest. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent may provide technical leadership to three U.S. direct-hire (DLI) staff and may supervise up to four local professional employees. Selection Process: After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accord with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the minimum educational and work experience requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, final candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at the committee's discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter. The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by the interview committee with respect to their applications. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection. 13. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary security and health clearances are obtained. 14. POINT OF CONTACT: Colette Munyakazi at cmunyakazi@usaid.gov and Robert Kiberu at rkiberu@usaid.gov. 15. HOW TO APPLY: Applicants are required to address each of the above Selection Criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email, cover letter and any other attached pages. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for interviews. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Applications received after the date and time shall be considered late and shall be considered at the discretion of the Government. We suggest you confirm that all documents submitted were received prior to closing date and time of this notice. Equipment failures at USAID or by the applicant's network are not acceptable reasons for late submission as applicants have the option of sending hard copy via courier. QUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT: A US Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices). Applicants are also required to forward a 1) resume or curriculum vitae, 2) a brief annex to the resume or curriculum vitae that demonstrates how prior education, experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation factors by which applicants will be initially ranked, and 3) a brief writing sample, containing the following information: 1. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held). 2. Applicants are required to address each of the Selection Criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to the selection criteria described in the selection criteria section of this solicitation. 3. Applicants are required to provide a three to five page writing sample as part of their application to demonstrate their written English language ability. The writing sample may be an excerpt of a larger work and need not be specifically written for this solicitation. 4. Work Experience: Provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if Federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if the USG may contact your current supervisor. 5. Education: Colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours). 6. References: Applicants are required to provide three professional references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. 7. Statement of Availability: A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. 8. Applications must be submitted by email, US Post, DHL, FedEx or other international courier by the closing time and date to: USAID/Rwanda - Executive Office: 2657, Avenue de la Gendarmerie - Kacyiru B.P 2848 Kigali, Rwanda (Solicitation # SOL-696-S-10-000007) Fax Number: 250-596442 E-mail Address: cmunyakazi@usaid.gov (Colette Munyakazi) or rkiberu@usaid.gov (Robert Kiberu) with copies: hlinganwa@usaid.gov (Hadiza Linganwa). The subject line should read "Solicitation No. SOL-696-S-10-000007. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html 1. Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622 Forms). ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or ** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. - Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622): Upon notification of eligibility as USPSC you will have two (2) weeks to submit your completed Medical Forms in accordance with the instructions in Attachment A of subject forms. NOTE: (DS 1843 and DS 1622) STATE/MED is committed to processing all USPSC medical clearances within 30 days of receipt, except when additional medical testing is required. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES The position is open to U.S. Citizens and to Third Country Nationals (TCNs). The selected applicant must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance and appropriate Medical Clearance from STATE/MED. The selected applicant must obtain these clearances prior to departure for post. All accompanying dependents must also obtain Medical Clearances prior to departure for post. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/businessopportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. 17. BENEFITS, ALLOWANCES AND PAYMENT OF TAXES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1) BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual and Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service Cost of Travel to/from Post Shipment of Unaccompanied Baggage Shipment and Storage of Household Effects Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) 2) ALLOWANCES (if applicable, as found in the Standardize Regulations for Government Civilians Foreign Areas): Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Educational Allowance (Section 270) Educational Travel (Section 280) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and Danger Pay (Section 650) FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA and Medicare.
Web Link: FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/RWA/SOL-696-10-000007/listing.html)
Place of Performance: Address: USAID/Rwanda - Executive Office:, 2657, Avenue de la Gendarmerie - Kacyiru, B.P 2848, Kigali, Rwanda, KIGALI, Rwanda
Record: SN02116952-W 20100410/100408235510-3e65f0587fc97c9c250b18906ce3b06b (fbodaily.com)
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R -- Democracy and Governance Officer