PRESOL | R | Senior Democracy and Governance Advisior/Team Leader

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF SEPTEMBER 27, 2005 FBO #1401
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Senior Democracy and Governance Advisior/Team Leader

Notice Date: 9/25/2005
Notice Type: Solicitation Notice
NAICS: 541990 — All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
Contracting Office: Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Nepal USAID-Kathmandu, Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-6190
ZIP Code: 20521-6190
Solicitation Number: 367-05-005
Response Due: 10/25/2005
Archive Date: 11/8/2005
Point of Contact: Satish Kumar, Contracts Specialist, Phone 011-977-1-4270144, Fax 011-977-1-4277562, - Pradeep Neupane, Acquisition Specialist, Phone 977-1- 4270144, Fax 977-1-4277562,
E-Mail Address: skumar@usaid.gov, pneupane@usaid.gov
Description: SOLICITATION : 367-05-005 ISSUANCE DATE: 09/25/2005 CLOSING DATE: 10/25/2005 CLOSING TIME: 1600 hrs. Local time Ladies/Gentlemen: SUBJECT: Solicitation for US Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor/Team Leader The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens, 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 herein. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed via an e-mail to Skumar@usaid.gov and pneupane@usaid.gov or via fax at 977-1-4277562. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All offers are contingent on receipt of (a) medical clearance, (b) security clearance and (c) must be made in writing by the Contracting Officer. Sincerely, Joseph T. McGee Regional Contracting Officer Attachment 1: Solicitation Attachment 1 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER : 367-05-005 2. ISSUANCE DATE : September 25, 2005 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS : October 25, 2005, 1600 hrs Kathmandu Time 4. POSITION TITLE :Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor/Team Leader 5. MARKET VALUE :The position is classified at GS -15 level with a salary range of $89,625-$116,517 per annum. Actual salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, educational qualifications and prior salary history of the selected candidate. In addition an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, receives a post differential currently set at rate of 25% of the basic salary. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE :This position is intended for an initial Two (2) Years period. The contract may be extended up to 3 additional years subject to continuing need of the position, performance of the contractor and availability of the funds. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : USAID/Nepal 8. START DATE : As soon as possible, after security and medical clearance are obtained. 9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION : U.S. Citizen 10. SECURITY CLEARANCE : Secret 11. POSITION DESCRIPTION : See below. POSITION DESCRIPTION: Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor and Team Leader A. BACKGROUND The USAID Mission to the Kingdom of Nepal has a 50 year track record of assisting with improving the quality of life of people in the country. Currently, the USAID/Nepal Mission Strategy addresses Nepal’s most pressing development challenges in the context of a ten-year old conflict with political, social and economic elements. The root causes of the conflict have been exclusion, lack of representation, poor service delivery, poverty, and corruption. The key actors – the King, Political Parties, and the Maoist rebels – are at an impasse, which has led to political instability. USAID/Nepal is in the process of developing a three-year strategy (2006-2009) to help achieve the goal of a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic Nepal. Assistance is targeted to address key development challenges in conflict, health, economic growth, and democracy and governance. Democracy and Governance (DG) is a critical area of focus in Nepal, where the restoration of democracy is a major US foreign policy objective. A stable democracy and good governance are essential in creating an environment for peace and a resolution of the conflict. B. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The Democracy and Governance program falls under the management of the General Development Office (GDO), which also includes programs in economic growth and agriculture. The Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor will serve as the DG Team Leader and as Acting General Development Office Director in the director’s absence. The incumbent will advise the USAID Mission on all issues and programs pertaining to democratic development and DG programming. The position plays a leading role in strategic planning and donor coordination, report writing, as well as in managing DG resources, working with implementing partners, and supervising the DG team. The incumbent will report directly to the Director of the GDO, and indirectly with an open channel to the USAID Front Office (Mission Director and Deputy Director) on DG matters. And as DG Team Leader he/she will be responsible for managing the DG team comprising of one high level USPSC and four senior FSNs (Foreign Service Nationals). The current DG program is comprised of the following activities: - Strengthening rule of law and anti-corruption - Supporting elections and political processes - Improving capacity for natural resource management /local governance - Combating trafficking in persons USAID/Nepal envisions expanding these activities in the new strategy period. The Senior DG advisor will be the Team Leader of the DG portfolio, and will provide technical oversight and oversee staff management of all activities. In addition, the Senior DG advisor will serve as Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) directly responsible for managing some of the activities within the DG program. This position requires broad exercise of individual judgment in setting priorities, managing resources, implementing programs, and coordinating relations with high-level representatives inside and outside the USG. The political and governance issues that the incumbent will be dealing with are of the highest priority to the US Mission in Nepal. The environment is unpredictable and the incumbent must be flexible and able to adjust to rapidly changing circumstances. The position also has a broad range of complex managerial, analytical and informational responsibilities, including providing overall direction for achievement of USAID DG objectives, as well as data collection, monitoring & evaluation, documentation, reporting, responding to queries from various sources, coordination, advice and management of the Mission’s DG programs. C. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Major responsibilities include: Program management/oversight: • oversees management and implementation of USAID’s governance activities, which operate at the national and local levels and are complex and sensitive in nature • supervises one high level local USPSC and four high level FSN program managers • prepares procurement request documents, including MAARDs, scopes of work, program descriptions, pipeline analysis and budgets • coordinates with the Mission’s program and financial management offices to obtain additional funding for democracy activities • ensures that all legal, policy and regulatory requirements are met before obligation of funds • analyses proposals and leads selection processes • serves as CTO managing grantees and contractors, providing technical approval of program changes and key staff, checking the accuracy of and approving vouchers • assesses impact and reports on progress to the GDO director and, as required, the Deputy Mission Director, including drafting reporting documents • responsible for drafting and quality check of strategic documents, such as the DG section of the annual report, success stories and correspondence to Congress • responsible for monitoring of accomplishments against annual work plans and performance measurement targets • provides guidance and direction for specific analysis and products produced by USAID/Nepal’s Humanitarian Response and Forecasting Unit (HRFU) on occasion Technical leadership and analysis: • provides overall conceptual guidance to DG strategy, program and activities; guides the design, implementation and monitoring of this sector • leads the development of a new, long-term strategic plan for democracy and governance programming, including planning and contributing substantively to required technical assessments and analyses, including drafting reports and strategic plans • provides technical leadership for the Mission in analyzing the current political situation in Nepal, identifying constraints to further democratic transition and consolidation, and recommending program interventions to address these constraints Team Member • is a member of a team, proactively seeking and providing information, and with open lines of communication to all relevant persons • serves as team leader for purposes of team and program management, and for purposes of representing the USAID Democracy and Governance program to high-level USG officials, senior GON officials, representatives of other donors, and other interested parties as needed • recruits, trains and oversees the daily activities of democracy and governance office staff • supervises and allocates daily work of assigned FSN DG specialists • provides, when warranted, direct training to new DG program partners (civil society and GoN civilians), as well as orientation to new contractors and grantees • plans budgetary allocations and tracks procurement actions • develops work plans and office management strategies • periodically provides both informal and formal feedback to staff on performance Liaison and Communications: • attends donor coordination meetings and maintains up-to-date information on other donors’ activities in the DG sector • in consultation with Mission management and the GDO Director, represents USAID DG office in meetings with high-level USG and senior GoN officials in connection with program planning and implementation • maintains regular communications, and speaks authoritatively for the DG office, with representatives of implementing partners and other non-governmental organizations • engages host country counterparts, implementing partners and other donors in high-level discussions on issues related to democracy and governance programming • provides briefings for USAID, State Department, and Congressional delegations on USAID democracy and governance programming in Nepal, as needed The Senior DG Advisor/Team Leader will work in close coordination with other USG Mission personnel, including (but not limited to) USAID’s Program and Project Development Office, DCHA, Conflict Mitigation Office, and the US Embassy and its Public Affairs Section. Close work with implementing partners as relates to performance monitoring and reporting is required. Productive collaboration with other donors, particularly the European Union, British DFID, UNDP and the World Bank, will be essential to effectively manage the programs listed above. D. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervision Received: General supervision by, and reports directly to the Director GDO, and indirectly to the Front Office (Mission Director and Deputy Director). Available Guidelines: USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Policies, Mission Orders, USAID Technical Handbooks on management and monitoring of Democracy Governance, rule-of-law and anti-corruption programs. Exercise of Judgment: Prompt and individual judgment in areas of expertise; regular use of USAID and partner resources to better inform that judgment. The incumbent will be expected to exercise judgment on a broad range of areas of expertise which fall within the DG portfolio. Authority to Make Commitment: Generally none, however exercises considerable influence in development of commitments by the Mission, within the limits of established regulations, Mission Policies and Mission Orders. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Extensive range of contacts at all levels of Government of Nepal (GoN), US Mission in Nepal, USAID/Washington, locally represented international donor organizations, and INGOs and local NGOs working in program areas. Supervision Exercised: Oversees and/or manages USAID DG programs to include guiding programmatic relationships between USAID and contractors/grantees. Also manages and supervises staff members on the DG team, including a local hire grade 14 USPSC. E. SELECTIVE FACTORS (Minimum Qualifications) 1. An advanced degree such as Masters of International Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, or Regional Studies, Law or relevant academic discipline from a fully accredited university. 2. Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in a democracy and governance-related position, including five (5) or more years overseas experience in any combination of the following: a) Experience in managing, designing, implementing and/or evaluating democracy and governance programs or activities on behalf of USAID, another US government agency, an international donor, an NGO or an international organization. b) Strong technical background and professional work experience in democratic development, democracies in fragile states, good governance, political science, international affairs or a related area. Candidates who meet these qualifications will be evaluated according to the criteria below in Section F. F. EVALUATIVE FACTORS (Ranking Qualifications, 100 Points Total) 1. Previous Work Experience (40 points): • Extensive experience in managing, designing, implementing and/or evaluating a range of democracy and governance activities on behalf of an international donor, an NGO, or an international organization • Relevant developing country experience in following illustrative areas: democratic policy reforms, political processes, political party reform, elections, rule of law, anti-corruption, human rights, trafficking in persons, and local governance • Demonstrated expertise in managing complex portfolios in a conflict or fragile state environment • Prior work experience in Nepal, South Asia or conflict affected countries • Experience and familiarity with procurement, project development, performance monitoring, and report writing 2. Professional Expertise (30 points): • Broad based knowledge and in-depth understanding of democracy and governance issues and democracy development • Expertise and understanding of best practices in political party reform, legal and policy reform, elections and political processes, local governance issues, human rights/civil rights, rule of law, and conflict mitigation and management • Understanding of the political, economic, social, and development issues relevant to a conflict affected or fragile state 3. Skills and Abilities (30 points): • Ability to be a strong team member - the incumbent must be equally at ease with managing a team and taking direction • Strong communication skills demonstrated by the ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including public speaking • Highly developed interpersonal skills and ability to establish strong working relationships with senior representatives of the Government of Nepal, the US embassy and donor community in a productive fashion; this is a high visibility position and the incumbent will be expected to display considerable poise, maturity and discretion • Demonstrated ability to produce technical reports and analyses which inform policies and programs • Ability not only with analyzing developments, but coming up with creative approaches to help resolve problems, both political and practical in nature. • Computer skills in MS-Office and Internet research skills G. DURATION OF CONTRACT Two years, with the option to renew for up to an additional three years. H. WORKING FOR USAID/NEPAL AND LIVING IN KATHMANDU This is a unique opportunity for a USPSC to get involved in some of the cutting-edge DG issues facing a fragile or transitional state. Politically Nepal is at a precarious stage, and targeted, strategic interventions could yield positive results with a huge payoff in terms of restoration of democracy and movement towards peace. The incumbent will lead the DG Team under the soon-to-be implemented strategy, and will have the opportunity to mold the direction of the program and leave his/her personal imprint on it. This is a high-profile position where the incumbent regularly interacts with government officials, US Embassy, other donors, and civic society. Kathmandu is a family post, with an international school (visit their website at: www.lslepal.com ). The local supermarkets are stocked with most of the basics, and specialty items, and Kathmandu also has a US Commissary. Also at post is an American club that has recreation and dinning facilities (swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, gym, baseball field, cafeteria etc.). Kathmandu is a two R&R post, with daily flights to Bangkok and India. For further information about life in Kathmandu, visit: http://kathmandu.state.gov I. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES: The position is open to U.S. Citizens. The selected applicant must be able to obtain a Secret Security Clearance and appropriate Medical Clearance from STATE/MED. The selected applicant prior to departure for post must obtain these clearances. All accompanying dependents must also obtain Medical Clearances prior to departure for post. J. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Qualified potential applicants should submit a Standard Form 171 or OF 612 and a resume 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. 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). 3. 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 we may contact your current supervisor. 4. Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested). 5. References: Applicants are required to provide three professional references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. 6. Statement of Availability: A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. 7. Applications may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing time and date to: Satish Kumar Contracting Office USAID/Nepal Rabi Bhawan, Kalimati Durbar Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 977-1-4270144 ext. 305, Fax: 00-977-1-4277562 Email: Skumar@usaid.gov 8. 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. 9. Please note that whatever method is used for submitting the applications, applications must reach to the Contracts Office, USAID Nepal by the time and date specified on cover page. Application received after the date and time shall be considered late and shall not be considered for award. We suggest you confirm with the Contracts Office 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. 10. The technical committee shall evaluate the applications and highest ranked applicants shall be called for an interview. K. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/ 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). ** ** 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. L. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCs Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Documents (AAPDs) 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/AAPDs apply to this contract. Additionally, Appendix D of the USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR) also applies to PSCs. Appendix D can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf M. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC recruited off-shore 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 & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service Shipment and Storage of Household Effects Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) 2. ALLOWANCES (if applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian 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) N. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. NOTE: THIS NOTICE WAS NOT POSTED TO WWW.FEDBIZOPPS.GOV ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (25-SEP-2005); HOWEVER, IT DID APPEAR IN THE FEDBIZOPPS FTP FEED ON THIS DATE. PLEASE CONTACT fbo.support@gsa.gov REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
Web Link: Link to FedBizOpps document.
(http://www.eps.gov/spg/AID/OM/NEP/367-05-005/listing.html)
Place of Performance: Address: Rabi Bhawan Post Box 5653 Kalimati Kathmandu; Country: Nepal
Record: SN00903745-F 20050927/050925212656 (fbodaily.com)
Source: FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
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R -- Senior Democracy and Governance Advisior/Team Leader