SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC for Mission Economist
- Notice Date
- 5/25/2005
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541618
— Other Management Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Dominican Republic USAID-Santo Domingo, Unit #5541, APO, AA, 34041-5541
- ZIP Code
- 34041-5541
- Solicitation Number
- 517-05-007
- Response Due
- 6/17/2005
- Archive Date
- 7/2/2005
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: May 25, 2005 CLOSING DATE: June 17, 2005 Ladies/Gentlemen: SUBJECT: RFP 517-05-007 Mision Economist/ Economic Growth Team Leader GS-14/15 Equivalent The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified individuals from interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Soraya Morillo, Procurement Supervisor E-MAIL ADDRESS: Smorillo@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted only electronically to smorillo@usaid.gov. Applicants must provide: 1. An OF 612 or SF 171 2. An updated CV 3. A statement of availability, how soon could you start? 4. Whether or not you currently hold a Security Clearance and the level of this clearance. 5. Salary History for the last three years. If a Federal Employee or a PSC, please state the grade of your position. Sincerely, Sunil Xavier Regional Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 517-05-007 ISSUANCE DATE: May 25, 2005 CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 17, 2005 12:00 Noon local time Dominican Republic POSITION TITLE: Economist/Economic Growth SO Team Leader MARKET VALUE: GS/14-15 $76,193 - $116,517 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: December 2005 ? January 2007 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic SECURITY ACCESS: Secret AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens only due to need for Security Clearance POSITION DESCRIPTION STATEMENT OF WORK SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFP517-05-007 Position Title/Grade Mission Economist/Economic Growth SO Team Leader /GS-14/15 Organizational Location: General Development Office Position Title/Grade of Supervisor: Mission Director/FE-CM Supervisory Controls: The incumbent is authorized broad latitude to deal with senior government officials, representatives of international financing institutions, donor representatives, senior U.S. Embassy counterparts, members of the Dominican Government?s National Assembly, local government officials, as well as senior leaders in the non-governmental arena. Supervision is minimal and the Mission Economist works independently to meet broad objectives. Introduction: USAID Dominican Republic is headquartered in Santo Domingo. It is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government's economic assistance program that is focused on economic opportunities for the poor, democracy and governance, and health of vulnerable populations. The Dominican Republic shares a border with Haiti. Due to its location in the center of the Caribbean corridor used for trafficking narcotics, arms and people, it is a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. With a total population of 8.3 million, the Dominican Republic suffers from weak public institutions, lack of transparency, and a fragile democracy. On the other hand, a vigorous economy, trade agreements with Central America and CARICOM, and an active civil society open up opportunities for economic and democratic progress in the Dominican Republic that USAID can help to achieve. The Mission Economist reports to the Mission Director and leads the Economic Opportunities Strategic Objective Team. The Team is comprised of 6 persons, including the Mission Economist. The economic growth portfolio includes all USAID activities in economic growth, environment and education. The economy of the Dominican Republic has suffered, and continues to suffer, major setbacks. In May of 2003, the collapse of the Banco International (BanInter), and the collapse of 2 other large financial institutions in the DR, created a $1.2 billion deficit that the GODR was forced to assume. A100% devaluation in the peso, rampant inflation, and a continuing crisis in the power sector, exacerbates an already difficult condition. An IMF agreement was reached, then breached, and only recently reinstated, but with qualification. The combination of the bank crisis, the devaluation, inflation, and the loss of jobs leads economists to believe the DR will experience negative growth this year with only modest prospects for slight recovery in the next two years. The Mission Economist will advise on policy reform measures during this critical period. The Dominican Republic recently completed negotiations to enter the Central American Free Trade Agreement. Implementation of this major new trade agreement will require significant and sustained effort by the Dominican Republic to reform policies and strengthen institutions. The U.S. government must see that the Dominican Republic?s entry into this vital new trade agreement is as smooth as possible and that the Dominican population receives the maximum benefits from this new agreement. The Mission Economist will lead this effort The convergence of the major economic downturn of one of the fastest growing economies in the Caribbean and the advent of the new CAFTA agreement have combined to force major new, and increasingly complex, responsibilities, upon the Mission and therefore upon the Mission Economist. Reporting on the energy sector, the currency fluctuations, monitoring policy measures for revenue generation, coupled with the reporting requirements and the need to meet and brief representatives from the international financing institutions (the IMF, the IDB, the World Bank) while juggling demands for trade capacity development or analysis of textile quotas under new trade agreements has significantly shifted the complexity of the job as well as the visibility of the senior economic policy advisor, the levels of contacts he has within the GODR and the urgency of the work. The Mission Economist is the senior economic policy expert, and is responsible for strategic planning and providing advice on all aspects of economic reform, trade and trade policy. His extensive reporting and detailed analysis forms the majority of substantive economic situation reporting from the U.S. Embassy. Additionally, the incumbent not only analyses the current and future economic situation in the Dominican Republic but also reports how the DR?s economy affects Haiti. As Haiti trade perspectives and economic interests change, these too affect the DR economy and trade policies. Thus, the incumbent is also responsible for advising the Mission on the interrelationship of trade and economic growth as it affects both countries on the island. In summary, this is a demanding, high visibility, high level position, the principal source of expert information advice and assistance to the USAID Mission on economics, finance and trade. Duties and Responsibilities: As the Mission?s Senior Economic Advisor, the Mission Economist provides the Mission Director and senior members of the Country Team expert advice in economics and economic growth, including all aspects of economic policy, trade and trade capacity building, fiscal and monetary reform, export diversification, tourism development, and energy sector reform. He also serves as Team Leader of USAID/DR?s Economic Opportunities Strategic Objective Team where he has principal responsibility for leading strategic planning, activity design and implementation, and impact monitoring of USAID?s programs to achieve economic growth objectives. As the senior technical expert within the Mission on trade issues, economic reform and finance, the Mission Economist takes the lead in liaising with senior level public and private sector partners, as well as representatives of international financial institutions (the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, InterAmerican Development Bank). The Mission Economist is the principal source of expert information, advice and assistance to USAID and frequently to the U.S. Embassy and is responsible for application of high-level knowledge on economic policy reform, advocacy for liberalization of trade, trade issues and free trade agreement negotiations and compliance, and trade capacity building. Additionally, the Mission Economist is expected to analyze and report upon macroeconomic conditions. The incumbent provides senior level expert analysis on economic and economic development policy for the General Development Office, for the USAID Mission Director, and for the US Embassy. She/he provides a full range of consultative, advisory, information-gathering, analytical, and evaluative technical services of broad scope and complexity. As the Economic Opportunities Strategic Objective Team Leader, the Mission Economist provides leadership on identification of economic policies that sustain growth and impact the poor, including competitiveness, trade, fiscal, public investment, environment and education policies, advocating for reform of these policies as needed, and monitoring and reporting on the impact of reforms undertaken. He/she designs and implements strategies and mechanisms to solicit and receive feedback on trade issues, economic reform issues, fiscal and or monetary issues from public and private sector leaders and representatives, economists, and other trade experts. He/she is authorized broad latitude to deal with senior government officials, representatives of international financing institutions, donor representatives, senior U.S. Embassy counterparts, members of the Dominican Government?s National Assembly, local government officials, as well as senior leaders in the non-governmental arena. The SO Team Leader and Mission Economist thinks and operates strategically and programmatically, analyzing complex situations in order to assist in the development and implementation of USAID strategic plans and programs and in assessing the impact of host country policies and practices on USAID programs. He/she establishes, maintains and manages sensitive, high-level relationships with and between national government entities, private sector leaders, non-governmental organizations, other donor agencies and U.S. Mission personnel. S/he is based in Santo Domingo and travels throughout the Dominican Republic and, occasionally, to other countries in the region. The specific duties of the Mission Economist include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Technical Leadership: The Mission Economist will advise the USAID Mission Director, U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington, implementing partners, and other donors on economic policy and will provide substantive technical leadership to achieve economic growth through activities in competitiveness, energy reform, trade, environment and education including: a. Provide technical leadership and direct the Mission?s activities to support trade, competitiveness, economic, energy, environment, and education policy and institutional reform. b. Conduct analysis of current macro and micro-economic trends and key policy and operational constraints that the Dominican Republic needs to overcome to increase competitiveness and achieve broad-based economic growth. c. Based on working relationships with host country counterparts and with other donors, on site visits, meetings with implementing partners, and other sources, conduct independent analysis of economic, political and other developments affecting economic opportunities in the Dominican Republic. d. Monitor and report on key sectors of the economy that impact upon competitiveness and economic growth opportunities. e. Complete technical analysis on specific issues such as trade opportunities, impacts of trade legislation, electricity situation, bank fraud cases, financial sector situation, etc. as requested. f. Conduct analysis of planned and on-going trade negotiations and agreements, advise on trade capacity building measures required and report on strengths and weaknesses of various approaches being examined, support trade capacity building initiatives undertaken. g. Coordinate efforts to inform and influence the opinion of stakeholders and the general public related to the benefits of free trade in general and the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) specifically. h. Engage senior GODR officials, implementing partners, and other donors in high-level policy dialogue and discussions on issues related to Economic Opportunities programming. i. Establish and maintain relationships with appropriate USG agencies (Economic Officers at the U.S. Embassy, representatives of international financial institutions (IMF, World Bank, IADB), visiting consultants from the Department of Treasury, Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, the U.S. Trade Representatives office, etc.). j. Work closely with other donors and contribute to enhancing the coordination of donor activities in the Economic Opportunities arena, seeking to ensure other donor resources complement USAID funding priorities and limitations to the maximum extent possible. k. Prepare situation up-dates, overviews, and economic reports for the Mission Director, the U.S. Embassy and for USAID/Washington. l. Brief USAID, State Department, and Congressional delegations on economic situation and USAID Economic Opportunities programming in the Dominican Republic. 2. Program Management: The Mission Economist and SO Team Leader will ensure that Economic Opportunities activities achieve desired results in an efficient, timely manner, consistent with USAID regulations and policies, including: a. Provide overall conceptual guidance to the Economic Opportunities team to design, implement and monitor strategy, program and activities. b. Draft or coordinate the drafting, and ensure the quality of, documents related to Economic Opportunities strategic objective (e.g., Annual Report, Congressional Presentation/Budget Justification, Program Reviews, Congressional and Technical Notifications). c. Coordinate with the Program Office to justify and support funding for Economic Opportunities activities. d. Provide leadership for performance management and monitoring activities that report reliable measures/indicators of portfolio impact. e. Establish reporting systems to ensure that USAID Economic Opportunities programs and results are publicized effectively internally in the USG, and externally in the Dominican Republic. f. Develop and keep up-to-date relevant briefing materials and public relations documents related to USAID's Economic Opportunities activities in the Dominican Republic f. Incorporate cross-cutting Mission themes (e.g. poverty reduction, civil society, policy reform, local governance, and strategic partnerships) into strategy development for economic reform, trade negotiations, environment, and education to ensure themes are reflected in programming. Supervison/Oversight over others: The following positions report directly to the Mission Economist: 3 Project Management Specialists FSN-11 1 Project Management Assistant FSN-08 1 Secretary FSN-06 QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience required for the position: PhD in Economics with not less than 10 years experience managing economic growth programs in developing countries. SELECTION CRITERIA Evaluation Criteria: 1. Spanish language fluency (writing and speaking) at an FSI rating of 4/4 or higher. 30 points 2. 10+ years experience in International Development project design and management experience and/or management of international donor assistance programs. 35 points 3. Education and technical work experience in the Economics field, or closely related fields. 35 points APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: 1. For USPSCs a U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or 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); 2. An updated CV 3. A statement of availability, how soon could you start? 4. Whether or not you currently hold a Security Clearance and the level of this clearance. 5. Salary History for the last three years. If a Federal Employee or a PSC, please state the grade of your position. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. 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 highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. 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). ** * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** 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. There is no need to submit any of these with your application. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.) BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Santo Domingo
- Country: Dominican Republic
- Country: Dominican Republic
- Record
- SN00815010-W 20050527/050525211512 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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