MODIFICATION
R -- Democracy and Governance Advisor
- Notice Date
- 10/31/2010
- Notice Type
- Modification/Amendment
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 58-2010
- Archive Date
- 11/12/2010
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana Rossova, Phone: 7 7272 50 76 17, Natalya Zubkova, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: October 26, 2010 CLOSING DATE: November 11, 2010 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 58-2010 USPSC Democracy and Governance Advisor, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Brent Schaeffer, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Brent Schaeffer Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 58-2010 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 58/2010 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 10/26/2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 11/11/2010 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Democracy and Governance Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: $71,674-$93,175 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) (Final compensation will be based on consideration of individual ‘s qualifications, salary history, work experience and educational background) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Nine months (January 1, 2011 to September 30, 2011 with possibility to extend) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with country offices in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. In addition, USAID/CAR provides technical, financial and procurement support to USAID's Representative Office in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on an as requested basis. USAID/CAR is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government's development assistance program focused on more effective and democratic governance; building a more open democratic culture; advancing economic reforms and expanding economic opportunities to include energy, water and agricultural activities; and supporting social sector reforms, improving access to quality health and education services, and addressing the threat of infectious diseases (HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, and avian influenza). To implement these programs, USAID/CAR is responsible for the programmatic and technical oversight-and associated procurement, financial and administrative services-of over 120 contractor/grantee teams. Central Asia is bordered by Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan. Due to its substantial oil and gas reserves, it is a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. The Democracy and Conflict Mitigation Office (DM) is one of four technical offices in the Mission. Democracy and Conflict Mitigation Office is responsible for project management, technical oversight, guidance and reporting on a range of democracy and governance programs both in Kazakhstan and regionally. Activities included in the DM portfolio include the strengthening of sub-national governance, human rights, civil society, media, civic education, rule of law, electoral frameworks, gender, conflict mitigation, political and civic advocacy, political parties, and combating trafficking-in-persons & migrant labor issues. A total of fourteen DM staff (nine in Almaty, two in Tashkent, two in Dushanbe and one in Ashgabat) are dedicated to work on the USAID's democracy and governance portfolio. B) BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION: The Democracy & Governance Advisor will provide senior level expert leadership and guidance on democracy & governance policies, strategies, programs and activities. The incumbent is responsible for a full range of consultative, advisory, information-gathering, analytical, reporting, and evaluative technical services of broad scope and complexity on democracy & governance issues. The Democracy & Governance Advisor is authorized broad latitude to deal with senior government officials, members of parliament, sub-national government officials, and senior leaders in the non-governmental arena. The Democracy & Governance Advisor must be able to think and operate strategically and programmatically, analyzing complex situations in order to assist in the development of USAID strategic plans and programs, and assessing the impact of host country policies and practices on USAID programs. S/he will be based in Almaty, Kazakhstan and travel about one-third of the time throughout Kazakhstan and to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. C) MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The specific duties of the Democracy & Governance Advisor may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Technical Leadership & Mentoring: In coordination with U.S. Embassies, USAID/Washington, EUR/ACE, implementing partners, and other donors, the incumbent provides substantive technical leadership in Democracy and Governance including: - Provides overall conceptual guidance to DM Office strategy, operational planning & reporting, program and activities, and guides the design, implementation, and monitoring of this sector. - Based on working relationships with host country counterparts and with other donors, on site visits, meetings with implementing partners, and other sources, provides independent analysis of political and other developments affecting DM Office in Central Asia. Drafts documents related to governing justly and peace and security objectives, areas, elements and sub-elements (e.g., Congressional Presentation/Budget Justification, Operational Plans & Reporting, Congressional and Technical Notifications). - Develops and keeps up-to-date relevant briefing materials and public relations documents related to USAID's DM activities in Central Asia. Briefs USAID, State Department, and Congressional Delegations on USAID DM Office programming in Central Asia. - Engages host country counterparts, implementing partners, and other donors in high-level discussions on issues related to DM Office programming. - Provides technical guidance and mentorship to DM Office personnel located both in Almaty and regionally. The mentoring of FSN personnel to manage, provide technical guidance, and develop leadership, project management, and technical skills is critical to this position. 2) Program Management and Program Design: Ensures that DM Office activities achieve results in an efficient, timely manner and are consistent with USAID regulations and policies, including: - Serves as Contract/Agreement Officer's Technical Representative (COTR/AOTR) for contracts, cooperative agreements and manages grants for, programs implementing DM Office activities. - Ensures that all legal, policy and regulatory requirements are met before obligation of funds for DM activities. Drafts or supervises drafting of, and obtains approval for such documents as Project Approval Memos, Operational Plans, Notwithstanding Authority, MAARDS and MOUs. - Coordinates with Program Support and Financial Management Offices to obtain funding for DM Office activities. - Ensures that implementing partners receive needed information on USAID regulations and policies, including audit regulations, USAID and Embassy logistical support services, and assistance with country and regional issues. - Drafts statements of work and program descriptions for new activities, and reviews applications, proposals, project work-plans and budgets from implementing partners. Related, also mentors FSN personnel to design and develop program descriptions & statements of work and monitor and evaluate project work-plans and budgets. - Meets regularly with partners; conducts site visits and inspections; maintains up-to-date information on developments in areas of USAID-sponsored democracy governance and conflict mitigation initiatives; and informs Mission management and relevant offices of significant problem areas that could impede results, and recommends solutions. - Provides leadership and mentoring for monitoring activities, ensuring that performance monitoring systems are in place and that periodic, reliable measures/indicators of portfolio impact are established and used. - Develops effective reporting systems to ensure that USAID DM Office programs are publicized effectively internally in the USG, externally in Central Asia. - Participates on cross-cutting Mission teams (e.g. conflict prevention, gender, youth, anti-corruption, and education and information) to ensure that democracy & governance perspectives are reflected in programming in these areas. 3) Office Management: Assists the DM Office Director with management of the office, as required, including: - Recruits, trains, and provides career development opportunities to DM Office staff both in Kazakhstan and regionally. - Develops and oversees budgeting and management systems to ensure a well-run office and program. - As needed, provide country-level office coverage. - As needed, in the absence of the DM Office Director serve as the acting DM Office Director. - Ensures that DM programs both in Kazakhstan and regionally are in compliance with USAID environmental regulations. D) SUPERVISION AND RELATIONSHIPS Supervisory Control Over Position: This position is supervised by the DM Director (a U.S. Direct Hire employee), who advises on general responsibilities to meet USAID's strategic goals, supervises policy guidance, and reviews work in terms of overall accomplishment of desired results. The incumbent is expected to carry out his/her work independently, providing technical leadership to DM staff and implementing partners in the development, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of program activities. This work will be reviewed quarterly in terms of achievement of established milestones, effectiveness in facilitating teamwork, and appropriateness of program activity. Guidelines Used and Judgment Required in Their Application: Guidelines used, include but are not limited to, the ADS; Mission Orders; EUR/ACE and DCHA/DG Guidance; and standard accounting, auditing and financial management operating procedures. Given that the incumbent may be asked to serve as the DM Office Director in the absence of the Director, s/he must have good judgment in determining appropriate approaches and solutions to problems, exercise his/her own initiative without prompting by the Director, DM, and use discretion in his/her meetings with Senior Mission management, host country counterparts, and implementing partners. Nature, Level and Purpose of Personal Contacts: The nature, level and purpose of the personal contacts include negotiating or coordinating program activities with senior level representatives of the media, NGOs, and private sector representatives; senior level representatives of national, regional and local governments in the region; the U.S. Embassy in each of the countries of Central Asia; and international organizations. The Democracy Advisor requires a high level of negotiation skills to obtain substantive cooperation. The full range of contacts in required, from the individual citizen to the midlevel government official to the highest levels of government. The Democracy Advisor will be expected to present, justify, and maintain positions on democracy issues consistent with the USAID Strategy for Assistance for the Central Asian Republics. E) QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS: 1) PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE: A minimum of four (4) years progressively responsible experience working for a U.S. Government Agency, an international donor organization(s) and/or a USAID-funded contractor or grantee in an international development setting. A minimum of two years experience in the Central Asia and/or a post-conflict environment in two of the following fields: good governance (legislative strengthening, executive function, local governance, etc), political competition (elections, political party development, consensus-building), civil society, media, or youth initiatives. Experience in Central Asia is highly desirable. Knowledge of USAID procurement and program management procedures and regulations including A/COTR certification is highly desirable. 2) MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Proven management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in project/activity implementation and/or staffing issues. Ability to strategically and programmatically conceptualize and design democracy and governance programs. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners and host government contacts are essential. High-level proficiency in oral and written communications including the ability to prepare concise, articulate project status reports and US Government annual reporting documents and programming briefing documents and the ability to represent USAID/CAR's Democracy and Conflict Mitigation portfolio and strategies in a public setting and professional meetings and conferences. 3) LANGUAGE AND COMPUTER SKILLS: Language: Native Speaker (Level 5) in both written and spoken English required. Level 3 (Good Working Knowledge) in both speaking and comprehension of Russian is desired but not required. Computer Skills: Proficiency with computer programs, including those in budgeting, presentations and desktop publishing. 4) EDUCATION: A minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a democracy-related field such as, but not limited to: political science, public administration, public policy, international affairs or international development or related field is required. Although not essential, candidates with a Master's degree in a related field or a law degree is preferred. F) OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 9 months; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Must be able and willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region, as required. G) SELECTION CRITERIA: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Professional Experience and Technical Knowledge 40 points Management, Communication and Interpersonal Skills/Abilities 30 points Academic Qualifications 15 points Language and Computer Skills 15 points Bonus points: C/AOTR certification 5 points Total 105 points Notice to Applicants: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers and other sources relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-2 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) November 11, 2010. As relevant, evidence of a valid A/COTR certification may also be submitted at this time. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for nine-month period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission's website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Optional Form 612. **2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843) or Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCs a) ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) and CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. b) AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/58-2010/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Park Palace, 41, Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakstan
- Record
- SN02319732-W 20101102/101031233027-4c7720139510c8d11d5e1b048bf5c7aa (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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