SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Supervisory Program Officer
- Notice Date
- 7/17/2012
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Armenia USAID-Yerevan, Department of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7020
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7020
- Solicitation Number
- 111-12-001
- Archive Date
- 8/31/2012
- Point of Contact
- Narine Jo J. Sarkisian, Phone: 374 10494364, Armen E. Yeghiazarian, Phone: 374 10494 466
- E-Mail Address
-
nsarkisian@usaid.gov, ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov
(nsarkisian@usaid.gov, ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Solicitation for US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) - Offshore Hire, Supervisory Program Officer (SPO), USAID/Armenia SOLICITATION NUMBER : 111-12-001 ISSUANCE DATE: July 17, 2012 CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 8, 2012, 17:00 PM Local Time POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Program Officer at USAID/Armenia MARKET VALUE: GS-15 ($99,628-$129,517 per annum) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, educational background, work history, and qualifications. This position is taxable. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 year PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : Yerevan, Armenia SECURITY ACCESS : The Candidate must be able to receive Secret clearance access. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens MISSION BACKGROUND: USAID/Armenia stands at the forefront of the U.S. foreign policy agenda, and plays a vital and integral part in US foreign policy objectives to maintain regional stability and security in the South Caucasus, to build democracy, to develop a sustainable and broad-based economy, and to improve health and social services in Armenia. Closed borders with Turkey and Azerbaijan continue to isolate Armenia, taxing its fragile economy, and impeding regional stability and economic integration. The aftereffects of the global economic downturn and financial crisis continue to negatively affect Armenia, shrinking its economy and increasing poverty significantly, and further exacerbating the need for health and social services. The US Government (USG) is among the largest donors to Armenia with a current annual budget of US$40M, and USAID is the principal agency for managing USG assistance. The Mission consists of the Director's Office, a Program Office, two technical offices (Economic Growth and a recently merged Democracy, Health, and Social Reform), and two support offices (Acquisition and Assistance, and Financial and Administrative Management). The Mission currently has seven (7) U.S. Direct Hire (USDH) employees, of which three (3) are DLIs, one (1) a US/personal services contractor, and approximately thirty (30) Foreign Service National (FSN) employees; the Mision staff oversees the work of approximately thirty (30) implementing partners. I. BASIC FUNCTION: The successful candidate will perform the following representative duties and responsibilities: Based in USAID/Armenia, Yerevan, the Supervisory Program Officer (SPO) serves as Chief of the Program and Project Development Office (PPDO), and facilitates the programming of approximately US$26M in FY12 funding. The SPO reports directly to the Mission Director and/or his/her designee. The SPO advises the Mission Director and Technical Office Chiefs and staff on country strategy, program budgeting options, budget allocations, and priority setting. As SPO, the candidate provides leadership and support for program/project/activity development, monitoring and evaluation of the USAID/Armenia Assistance Objectives (AOs) (More Competitive and Diversified Private Sector, More Democratic Governance through Increased Civic Participation, and Improved Effectiveness of Health and Social Protection Services), and assist t he Director, Office Chiefs, Team Leaders, and others with overall annual program conceptualization and design. The USAID/Armenia program focuses on five main areas: economic growth; democracy and governance; health; social reform; and, energy and water. As SPP, the candidate advises senior Mission Management, and provides guidance on program and project issues, while providing overall project development support to the Mission technical offices. The SPO plays a lead role in conceiving and managing program monitoring, tracking, and evaluation systems designed to assist Mission management in tracking and assessing overall program results. The SPO liaises with USAID/Washington, the US Embassy in Yerevan, the community of bilateral and multilateral donors, and Mission implementing partners. This senior-level professional position requires advanced, hands-on state-of-the-art knowledge, well developed interpersonal and managerial skills, sound judgment, and the ability to develop credible relationships within USAID, State Department and the Embassy, with senior-level Armenian government counterparts, and with other donors. The SPO exercises a high degree of personal initiative, and must set and meet deadlines in a complex organizational structure. Duties and Responsibilities: The SPO, in consultation with the senior Mission Management, provides strategic and management direction for the USAID/Armenia country program of roughly US$26M. More specifically, the SPO provides leadership for strategy development, budget planning and implementation, program reporting, public information, donor coordination, and monitoring and evaluation. The SPO is responsible for coordinating the review of concept papers, Project Appraisal and Project Authorization Documents, new activity designs, amendments, and all related statements of work, on a continuing basis. The SPO takes a leading role in drafting and/or revising components of the USAID/Armenia Results Framework, and other documents, as necessary. The SPO works with the Public-Private Alliance builder to ensure successful development and implementation of the Mission Public-Private Alliance building strategy. Description of Principal Tasks: The Supervisory Program Officer: (1) Is responsible for timely submission of the FY 2012 Performance Plan and Report (PPR). PPR-related tasks include coordinating with the Embassy and managing PPR data collection, reviewing and editing to ensure accuracy and completeness, as providing/obtaining written documentation of operating unit-wide narratives, as required. (2) Works closely with Technical Offices to prepare the Country Operational Plan, and manages and conducts the Portfolio Review (PR) process in conjunction with the PPR submission. And, ensures the PR data collection process is complete and organizes Mission-wide discussions of the current portfolio and its future directions. (3) Manages public outreach activities, including dissemination of public information, such as press releases, talking points, and scene setters, and management and coordination of official site visits and information reporting to the Embassy and USAID/Washington. (4) Provides leadership and strategic direction in the Mission design process for new programs/projects/activities, to ensure clear linkages to and support of USAID/Armenia Development Objectives, and that the structure and design of new programs/projects/activities meet ADS standards, and will achieve expected results. (5) Leads USAID/Armenia in implementation of the new USAID Evaluation Policy, ensuring that the annual Mission evaluation inventory and longer-term evaluation plans meet new policy requirements, that programs/projects/activities designs incorporate evaluation standards, that evaluations are properly scoped, and that an appropriate budget allocation is made for evaluation processes. (6) Maintains responsibility for providing support to the Annual Budget Review (ABR) and Straw-man 2013 process. Budget implementation tasks include implementation of the Operating Year Budget, submission of Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ) narratives, Annual Resource Requests, F Memos, and F Change Notices; and, leading and coordinating the final stages of the CDCS (Country Development Cooperation Strategy) process. (7) Is responsible for managing the USAID/Armenia cross-cutting portfolio, consisting of a Peace Corps Inter-Agency Agreement, as well as emerging themes such as gender. (8) Is involved in the planning and preparation for the annual, joint Economic US and Armenia Task Force, chaired by the State Department EUR/ACE Coordinator, and participates as needed. (9) Coordinates with the Embassy Assistance Coordinator to manage interagency assistance issues, and attends meetings as required. (10) And, reviews and approves GLAAS requisitions. Other Factors for Consideration: Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position: Work requires mastery of the theory, principles, concepts, and practices of programming skills to complete very advanced and difficult assignments; generate and develop new hypotheses and theories; and execute, administer, and/or coordinate studies, analyses, and activities having significant impact on changes in USG program policies with regard to Armenia. The position requires the ability to write effectively in order to develop policies and standards for Mission-wide activities, and the ability to deal tactfully and convincingly with others regarding the coordination of policies and procedures. Work requires expert knowledge of USG, international, and host-government laws and regulations, and documentation and reporting requirements sufficient to make decisions and/or recommendations significantly changing, interpreting, or expanding important USAID programs in a very sensitive environment. Knowledge at this high level is required in order to fully capture the myriad variety of program activities in Armenia, and to conceptualize national and sub-national solutions and recommendations. Factor 2, Supervisory Controls: The Mission Director provides administrative direction and sets the overall assignment objectives in broad terms that define program emphasis and resources available. The SPO and the supervisor, in consultation, develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be done. The SPO, having advanced expertise in program development and management, has continuing responsibility for planning and carrying out analysis independently; determining the approach to be taken and the methods to be used; resolving most of the conflicts that arise; coordinating the work with others as necessary; and, interpreting theory, practice, and policy in terms of established objectives. The SPO keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, and problems with far-reaching implications. Completed work is considered technically authoritative and is normally accepted without significant change. Review is normally limited to fulfillment of program objectives, and the effect of work on the overall program. Factor 3, Guidelines: Guidelines consist of broadly stated and nonspecific policy statements, statutes, court decisions, etc., that require extensive interpretation. The SPO uses judgment and ingenuity in determining the intent of, and in interpreting and revising existing policy and regulatory guidance for use by others within or outside USAID (e.g., technical experts, Mission staffs, US Embassy officials, and GoAM officials). At this level, the SPO is recognized as an authority in these fields with responsibility for the development of policies and guidance for use by technical specialists, other professional personnel in these sectors. Factor 4, Complexity: The SPO must have the ability to absorb large amounts of information and accurately report them; make contacts; work productively with teams; take initiative and action; and make on-the-spot decisions which are necessary to guide, support and complete development activities across a broad and complex range of technical specialties. Factor 5, Scope and Effect: The purpose of the work is to plan, develop, and carry out vital Agency and Program Office activities. The work affects the consideration of major aspects of crosscutting USAID and USG programs/projects/activities; the work of other offices, NGOs, implementers, GoAM personnel; important Mission goals and programs; and/or, the well-being of substantial numbers of people. Recommendations often result in official USAID and USG positions, or affect substantial program resources. Factor 6, Personal Contacts: The persons contacted include high-ranking officials from outside USAID, including GoAM officials of Ministerial and Deputy Ministerial rank and high-level politicians in highly unstructured settings. Contacts include high-ranking officials of other donor countries and multilateral organizations, both within Armenia and at international meetings. II. SKILS AND QUALIFICATIONS - Selection Criteria: (1) Education (10 points): A minimum of Master's Degree in a development field, technical area, management, economics, business, or a related activity is required. Training in the areas of program management, project design or USAID policies and procedures is a plus. (2) Prior Work Experience (30 points) : The SPO must have a minimum of at 10 years progressively responsible experience in strategy development, and managing international development programs with large international organizations. Experience in the NIS region and familiarity with regional development issues is preferable. (3) Knowledge (30 points) : A t horough knowledge of development principles, programs/projects/activities development, budgeting, management, and analytical skills to assess activity feasibility is required. Knowledge of policy issues, project management, performance monitoring and reporting, and procurement policies and procedures are required in the relevant field, as well as thorough knowledge of procedures and directives related to strategic development, programming, results review, performance monitoring, and evaluation of programs/projects/activities, in order to provide leadership and make recommendations regarding public policy and programs. (4) Communication skills (15 points): Demonstrated communications skills are critical to the position. The 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 candidate should have demonstrated ability to produce professional-quality analytical pieces, and to deliver authoritative, persuasive oral presentations to senior USG officials from multiple agencies, other donors, the GoAM, and to local government representatives. Likewise, the candidate must be able to transmit and interpret host-country government and non-governmental sector program-related concerns to senior USAID officials and Mission management. (5) Abilities and Other Skills (15 points): The work requires proven, demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed-upon parameters with minimal supervision or guidance, while exercising sound judgment. The SPO must be able to provide strategic and management directions for the USAID country program of approximately US$27M. The SPO must have demonstrated the ability to exercise significant, independent professional judgment to anticipate both systemic and ad hoc program and activity design, budgeting, and operational problems and issues requiring strategy development, policy decisions, and innovative solutions. The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve bureaucratic institutional and interagency challenges, while maintaining collaborative relations. Strong interpersonal skills are required in order to establish and maintain these collaborative relations with counterparts, both inside and outside of USAID. The Mission is seeking a self-starter to be responsive to client needs, with the ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure, and to adapt to the existing management team. Supervision/Oversight The SPO reports to the Mission Director and serves as a member of the senior staff. The SPO has direct supervisory responsibilities, leading a professional team of seven (7) consisting of one (1) USPSC, four (4) FSN Professionals, one (1) FSN Administrative Assistant, and one (1) temporary EFM hired for CDCS strategy development support. III. TERM OF PERFORMANCE/Compensation: The base term of the contract will be for 1 year. The position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS 15. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform at the GS-15 equivalent level, 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 at less than the GS 15 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees, will be added. IV. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES: The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a background security clearance and a worldwide available medical clearance. The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency. Details on how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit clearance and security clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. V. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore US PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: A. BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (if applicable) B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and Danger Pay (Section 650) Educational Allowance (Section 270) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Educational Travel (Section 280) C. FEDERAL TAXES : USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. VI. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: A completed and signed U.S. Government Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171 available at the USAID websites: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal offices (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail). Applicants are encouraged to include additional pages to OF-612 to provide complete information on their work experience; A curriculum vitae and a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria; Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application. Applications may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing time and date to: Narine Sarkisian Acquisition Specialist USAID/Armenia 1 American Avenue Yerevan 0082, Armenia Fax: + (37410) 46-47-28 Or e-mail: Narine Sarkisian, Acquisition Specialist at nsarkisian@usaid.gov and Armen Yeghiazarian, Acquisition Specialist at ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. Applications received after the submission date and time shall be considered late and will not be considered for award. Equipment failures by the applicant networks or potential employer are not acceptable reasons for late submission. 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. The selection will be based on the panel evaluation of the applicants vis-à-vis selection criteria mentioned previously. Only qualified candidates meeting all the requirements for the position will be contacted. Applicants should also note that the salary history for the purpose of the OF-612 is the salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the forms. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. USAID reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ARM/111-12-001/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Armenia, 1 American Avenue, Yerevan 0082, Armenia, Yerevan, Armenia
- Record
- SN02806271-W 20120719/120718000807-aa6f7029820cd701788dc53bfa4f29f4 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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