SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Advisor, USAID/Zambia?s MCA Threshold Program
- Notice Date
- 2/10/2006
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Zambia USAID-Lusaka, Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-2310
- ZIP Code
- 20521-2310
- Solicitation Number
- 06-02
- Response Due
- 3/9/2006
- Archive Date
- 3/24/2006
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER: USAID/ZAMBIA 06 - 02 ISSUANCE DATE: 2. 10. 06 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 3.09.06 POSITION TITLE: SENIOR ADVISOR MCA THRESHOLD PROGRAM MARKET VALUE: GS ? 13 equivalent ($65,832 to $85,578 per annum) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: (24 months, May 1, 2006 through April 30, 2008 PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: LUSAKA, ZAMBIA SECURITY ACCESS: YES AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens Only (Security Clearance Required) I. SCOPE OF WORK A. Introduction Since independence in 1964, Zambia has struggled to stay on a steady, broad- based path of economic, political and social development. Zambia faces daunting challenges as a transformational development country. Some 78% of its people live below the poverty line with little access to basic health and education services. The HIV/AIDS pandemic takes its toll on all aspects of Zambia?s social, political and economic structures. Economic growth has lagged behind population growth and basic needs. Zambia?s key political issues are constitutional reform (including electoral reform), combating corruption (grand and petty), and decentralization. Many Zambians perceive the present constitution to be a constraint, in particular in its broad authorities vested in a Presidency with few ?checks and balances?. Civil society is likely to make this a major issue during the 2006 election campaign. Parliament struggles to assert itself following decades of subjugation to the executive branch. A poorly funded judiciary seeks to strengthen the independence and efficiency of the legal system. Weak accountability and financial integrity in public office and the civil service in general exacerbates corruption. The lack of effective and inclusive local governance impedes Zambia?s democratization and broad-based economic growth. Zambia?s narrow economic base constrains its development. Historically, the economy depended on copper exports, concentrated ownership of assets, limited foreign and domestic investment, with widespread corruption. Zambia?s key macroeconomic challenges include sustaining economic growth; reducing inflation and interest rates; stabilizing the exchange rate; improving the weak balance of payments position; reducing the budget deficit; and addressing the debt burden. Constraints in its key agricultural sector include high transport costs; weak market infrastructure; uneven production and inconsistent quality; lack of market access information, inputs and credit; and cyclical drought. As Zambia?s long-term growth is tied to an export-led strategy, addressing these key constraints is fundamental. Some regions of Zambia are prone to food shortages due to a preference for water-intensive maize, monoculture cropping, and the abandonment of drought resistant millet. Within the education sector, HIV/AIDS has created an acute shortage of teachers, resulting in the progressive deterioration of pupil/teacher ratios and persistent classroom overcrowding. The narrow gender gap at the time of Grade 1 admissions widens in favor of boys in the upper primary grades. A host of global health issues led by HIV/AIDS, TB and malaria hinder Zambia?s development. HIV/AIDS is destroying families, institutions, and the country?s ability to achieve sustainable development. Challenges associated with HIV/AIDS include: 1) loss of economically active adults in their prime earning years, including the loss of well-trained people encumbering top positions; 2) increased number of orphans ? some 1.1 million in Zambia, of which an estimated 750,000 orphans lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS; and 3) increased costs of treating the ill and the dying, further straining the GRZ?s health system and draining any family savings. Malaria represents the second greatest challenge to Zambia?s health after HIV/AIDS. The incidence of malaria has tripled in the last 20 years and is the leading cause of death for children under age 5. Other concerns include high rates of maternal and infant mortality and falling rates for fully immunized children. Despite the overwhelming challenges, there are some promising signs. The GRZ is taking positive ? albeit deliberate - steps to fight corruption at all levels. A variety of positive factors have converged to promote a more robust economy. Specifically, the mining industry is enjoying the benefits of high copper prices. Small businesses and the agri-business sectors are showing continuing signs of development and expansion. Successful privatization has paved the way for much of this recent improvement. During 2005, Zambia secured debt forgiveness under Highly Indebted Poor Country criteria by pursing ambitious monetary and fiscal policies that have reduced government debt levels and stabilized inflation to below 20%. These factors all bode well for the future of Zambia. All of these factors have led to a recent and precipitous climb in the value of the Kwacha against major world currencies, including the dollar. Such appreciation over the long run may significantly adversely affect the competitiveness of the export sector in the Zambian economy. This calls for careful monetary management by the GRZ. The U.S. is well-positioned to support Zambia?s aspirations to tackle the significant development that it faces. USAID/Zambia has designed programs that address these challenges and support U.S. strategic and foreign policy priorities and interests. The newly designed MCA Threshold Program complements and leverages these existing programs in economic growth and democracy and governance. B. MCA, Economic Growth and Anti-Corruption Program Overview The governments of Zambia and the United States are in the process of finalizing a Threshold Country Plan (TCP) for Zambia under the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). This two-year program of activities will facilitate Zambia?s entry in the group of nations eligible to receive full MCA Compact Country funding. Approval of the TCP is expected early in 2006. In May of 2005 the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) approved the Zambian Concept Paper for the MCA Threshold Program. The Concept Paper outlined three areas of concentration: Petty corruption and administrative barriers to economic growth Private sector development, including the establishment of the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) Trade facilitation with a focus on streamlining border procedures The submitted TCP maintains the tight focus on the three areas outlined above and approved by the MCC in the original concept paper. Given its short time horizon (2 years), the program recommends targeting a limited number of pilot activities that can have a definitive, but effective impact within the life of the program. These include such activities as streamlining land titling and registration processes (a source of considerable and high-profile corruption), introducing new technologies and procedures for registering new businesses, and modernizing border management at two key transportation nodes (a second area rife with corruption). The MCA Threshold Program will be a high-profile and intense activity. Success will be measured within a limited duration of 24 months. Presently, the Zambia MCA Threshold Program is under review by the MCC. This position is contingent upon approval of the program as proposed by the government of Zambia. C. Duties and Responsibilities 1. Summary As USAID/Zambia?s Senior MCA Threshold Plan Advisor, the individual will support the achievement of the Mission?s Special Objective ? Strengthening Economic Governance by Reducing Barriers to Trade and Investment. The advisor will provide policy-level, technical and management assistance to USAID, the U.S. Embassy, the GRZ, private sector and NGO/PVO contacts. The advisor will manage and evaluate USAID/Zambia?s MCA Threshold Program, and support other economic growth and anti-corruption activities as required. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in managing economic growth and anti-corruption-related projects, in addition to investment and trade facilitation, including an in-depth understanding of USAID contracts operations and services. He/she should have a clear understanding of a broad range of economic reform issues in such areas as customs reform, investment promotion, and pro-growth administrative, legal and regulatory reforms. 2. Program and Project Management 1. Serve as Project Manager for the MCA Threshold Program. Manage, monitor, and evaluate the full range of these activities. Maintain vigilant fiduciary oversight and approval of project expenditures and budgeting to achieve agreed-upon results. 2. Provide expert advice as a key member of the 7-person USAID/Zambia ?SpO Team? on strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation under the MCA Threshold program. This may include problem identification, data collection and analysis, and program options development and evaluation. 3. Serve the Mission?s SO teams as an advisor in the following subject areas: reducing administrative barriers to trade and investment, anti-corruption activities, and legal and regulatory reform. 4. Prepare analysis and documentation required under the USAID Annual Reports process. 5. Provide USAID/Zambia Mission with technical and administrative support as deemed appropriate by Mission management. 3. Supervision and Technical Oversight Responsibilities Once approved, the MCA Threshold SpO will be a small and streamlined operation. The advisor will provide partial supervision for two local office support staff. The advisor will provide technical oversight for USAID-funded consultants and contractors that fall under the MCA Threshold Program, as required for assigned activities. The advisor will report to the Supervisory General Development Officer at USAID/Zambia. D. Minimum Qualifications In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to a resume, OF-612 or SF-171 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors listed below. The post of Senior MCA Threshold Program Advisor is a senior level position requiring a well-developed understanding of US foreign policy interests in general and Zambia in particular. Knowledge of southern Africa political culture, negotiation skills, conflict resolution techniques, and experience in contract management, country program operation and project management, and superior political analysis and reporting skills are critical. Knowledge of, and experience working with, international development agencies, the World Bank, other donors, and local communities is essential. Prior field experience in developing countries and overseas assignments with U.S. Government agencies, or other large international relief agencies, is important. The successful candidate will also possess excellent communications and analytical skills, and the ability to operate with high levels of autonomy, flexibility, responsibility and authority, while exercising sound judgment in a politically charged and challenging security environment. Minimum Qualifications - GS-12 EQUIVALENT a. Minimum of three (3) years of overseas professional experience in USG foreign affairs agencies or large international organizations. b. Minimum of three (3) years experience with one or more of the following: Economic Development Trade and Investment Administrative Corruption and Governance c. Undergraduate degree. d. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance. Minimum Qualifications - GS-13 Equivalent a. Minimum of five (5) years of overseas professional experience in USG foreign affairs agencies or large international organizations. b. Minimum of five (5) years experience in one or more of the following areas: Economic Development Trade and Investment Administrative Corruption and Governance c. Graduate degree, or undergraduate degree with minimum of four years of demonstrated experience showing increasing responsibility. d. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance. E. Evaluation Factors The following evaluation factors are listed in their descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation all applications that meet the Minimum Qualifications. All applications will be evaluated and scored based on the application, documentation submitted with the application, and the following factors. The evaluation committee may conduct interviews by phone or in person. (25%) Demonstrated experience in management of similar trade and investment and administrative anti-corruption programs in a developing country context; (25%) Demonstrated ability to consistently perform in a high visibility, high-pressure environment, with a particular focus on producing results within a limited time period; (20%) Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, displaying excellent interpersonal skills; (10%) Demonstrated ability to motivate and guide local staff, contractors and collaborate with local counterparts in complex situations; (10%) Excellent written and oral communication skills; (5%) In-depth knowledge of current dynamics in southern Africa, and Zambia in particular; (5%) Active U.S. government security and medical clearance; Eligible family members are encouraged to apply and will be considered if they are within the competitive range of applicants. The successful candidate must be available to begin work at post no later than May 1, 2006. II. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed): A. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance ( --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $7,750 for a family and $3,410 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $500 (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment --Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave --Vacation Leave is based on previous USAID PSC Service and/or US Government direct hire service ? civilian and/or military as follows: 0 ? 3 Years = 4 hours every two weeks 3 ? 15 Years = 6 hours every two weeks (10 hours in last pay period) 15+ Years = 8 hours every two weeks --Sick leave is 4 hours every two weeks B. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance or USG-provided housing (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Danger Pay (Section 650) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. Special Benefits: None D. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. III. APPLYING: A. Qualified Individuals should note that: 1. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for receipt of applications is 4:00pm on the date specified in the covering letter. You are directed to Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15.208 ?Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals? for further information. 2. 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, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation. 3. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary. B. List of REQUIRED Forms for PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. (U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 are available at the USAID web site, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at USG offices.) Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. 2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843). 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). IV. 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 web site http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.
- Place of Performance
- Address: P.O. Box 32481, 351 Independence Avenue, Lusaka
- Zip Code: 10101
- Country: Zambia
- Zip Code: 10101
- Record
- SN00985125-W 20060212/060210211707 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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