SOURCES SOUGHT
R -- Senior Democracy Advisor
- Notice Date
- 4/21/2006
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Armenia USAID-Yerevan, Department of State, Washington, DC, 20521-7020
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7020
- Solicitation Number
- 111-0406-002
- Response Due
- 5/5/2006
- Archive Date
- 6/15/2006
- Description
- I. Introduction The USAID Mission in Yerevan has program responsibility for the formulation of Country strategy and implementation of a program designed to create a democratic society and market economy in Armenia. The Democracy and Social Reform Office (DSRO) is currently responsible for managing over 30 activities in these program areas, with an OYB of approximately $30 million annually. DSRO staff currently consists of 2 USDHs, 3 USPSCs, 1 Population Leadership Program Fellow, 1 CASU, 1 TCN, and 7 FSNs (including 1 administrative assistant). The DG SO team includes 1 USDH, 2 USPSCs (the incumbent, and 1 GS 14, Civil Society Advisor), and 2 FSN PSCs (FSN 12, Project Mgt. Specialist and FSN 11, Project Mgt. Specialist (Media)). Funding for USAID/Armenia?s DG activities totals approximately $11 million per year. The DSRO portfolio is large, complex and has four major components: 1. In democracy, USAID Armenia?s goal is increased participation in civic life and more open governance institutions through which to channel participation, in order to stimulate the demand side for improved governance and to hold government institutions accountable through the democratic process. 2. In healthcare, USAID Armenia programs focus on reforming the primary healthcare system to expand access to services, improve the quality of clinical care and pharmaceutical management, institutionalize greater transparency and accountability by healthcare managers and providers, and ensure sustainability of services. The programs also aim to reduce urban-rural disparities in healthcare. 3. In social protection, USAID Armenia?s goal is to strengthen national social sector systems through institutional capacity building of responsible GOAM agencies, including the Ministry of Labor. The areas of focus include pension and welfare reform; capacity building of the Labor Inspectorate, Employment Services Agency, and state-subsidized social assistance programs. The social sector portfolio also includes direct support to select NGOs that address the needs of the most vulnerable in society, in particular, orphans, the elderly, the disabled and the unemployed. 4. In humanitarian assistance, USAID/Armenia provides subsistence level support for victims of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, including housing, water and sanitation infrastructure, primary health care, micro-credit and de-mining. Additionally, DSRO has special responsibilities for monitoring and contributing to achievement of the Mission?s cross-sectoral anti-corruption objective. The Mission is committed to integrating anti-corruption efforts and considerations into all of its programs in all sectors. As part of this overall effort, DSRO?s Democracy and Governance (DG) Strategic Objective team will manage a stand-alone activity to support civil society?s mobilization to combat corruption. DSRO must, to varying degrees, coordinate each of these activities with a large group of multilateral donors. These include the World Bank (WB), the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the European Union?s TACIS Program. In addition, there are several bilateral agencies working in Armenia, including Germany?s Gesellschaft f?r Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), the UK?s Department for International Development (DFID), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), among others. Political instability in the government and frequent changes in key counterparts complicate implementation of the DSRO portfolio. Additionally, most key counterparts in the Government of Armenia (GOAM) have been educated in the former Soviet system and have had little international experience or education. A considerable amount of time and resources must be devoted to re-educating them to Western standards. II. Duties and Responsibilities The Senior Democracy Advisor (SDA) functions as the senior technical advisor providing support to the overall Democracy and Governance (DG) portfolio. On a day-to-day basis, the SDA is responsible for designing, managing, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring all components of the Mission?s DG portfolio. The SDA provides the Mission with policy and financial analyses to advance USAID?s DG agenda for Armenia and advises the DSRO Director (FE00) and other Mission senior management on DG technical, programmatic and policy issues. The SDA receives guidance from the DSRO Director and works independently and makes judgments/decisions as specified in this SOW. The incumbent will have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Mission regarding the DG portfolio. The SDA serves as a key Mission spokesperson on matters related to DG in Armenia. The incumbent will serve as the mentor but will not supervise the New Entry Professional (NEP) who is assigned to the DG division of DSRO. A. The SDA has core management responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the DG strategic objectives of DSRO. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: (20%) 1. Providing authoritative policy and operational guidance to the DSRO Director, the DG team leader and technical staff for program design, development and implementation. Providing direction and guidance to team members (including contractors and grantees) to conceptualize, implement, and report on the new and ongoing activities in the portfolios of judicial reform, legislative strengthening, local governance reform, media development, civil society strengthening, elections, and anti-corruption. 2. Overseeing implementation of USAID?s DG reform activities, projects, and programs that contribute to moving Armenia towards a democratic society. 3. Provide input in the formulation of USAID?s country strategy, annual report, program reviews, and other activities and events as requested by the DSRO Director or Mission Management. 4. Providing leadership in establishing performance-based monitoring systems (both at the activity and SO levels) and ensure that such systems can be used as effective management and decision-making tools for achieving the strategic objectives and performance targets. 5. Identifying problems and developing strategies for areas in which USAID and other donor intervention(s) could be useful and appropriate, taking into account the current needs of: a) the judiciary and legal sector; b) parliament; c) local government; d) NGOs; e) media; f) local communities. 6. Designing, developing, implementing and supervising specific interventions to address constraints and barriers to the development of democracy and governance institutions and instruments in Armenia. 7. As requested, and under the direction of the DSRO Director and/or Mission Management, negotiating project assistance with host country officials, both non-governmental and governmental at the Ministerial and parliamentary levels. This will include coordination and exchanges of information with the U.S. Embassy and the Office of the Coordinator (EUR/ACE) within the Department of State. 8. Leading the design and implementation of initiatives that will employ/utilize all types of USG resources, as well as the resources of other donors, to effect changes in the policy, legal, and regulatory framework of Armenia to facilitate democratic development and transparency and openness within government. 9. Maintaining liaison with U.S. and Armenian governments and the donor community to facilitate implementation of the DG team portfolio. Participating in Mission and Embassy dialogue with host government representatives in the areas covered by democracy and governance programs and activities. 10. Representing the Mission in discussions with advisors/analysts from other donors, including the UNDP and OSCE. Liaison with project backstop officers in USAID/W, U.S. Embassy, and government officials in Armenia. 11. Performing all required implementation and administrative duties related to the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) and activity manager roles for the Mission?s Election (a three-year, $5 million cooperative agreement) and anti-corruption awards (to be determined), and possibly future awards. Serving as back-up CTO for other DG awards as required. B. As the Mission?s team leader for the cross-sectoral anti-corruption team, specific activities will include: (20%) 1. Ensuring the integration of anti-corruption measures and consideration into Mission programs. Coordinate the anti-corruption team?s review of scopes of work for all of the Mission?s new activities. Leading the SO teams in program development, implementation, and reporting. Provide input in the formulation of USAID?s country strategy, annual report, program reviews, and other activities and events as requested by the DSRO or EREO Directors, or Mission Management 2. Providing direction and guidance to anti-corruption team members (including contractors and grantees) to implement the diverse functional portfolios related to anti-corruption efforts. The Mission?s 17-member anti-corruption team consists of at least one representative from each strategic objective team and one from each of the support offices. The team currently includes three USDHs, four USPSCs, and nine FSNs. 3. Maintaining liaison with U.S. and Armenian governments, including the President?s Advisor on Anti-Corruption and the Minister Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of Ministers, and the donor community to facilitate implementation of the anti-corruption portfolio. Participating in Mission and Embassy dialogue with host government representatives in the areas covered by anti-corruption programs and activities. Make recommendations to the Mission Front Office and U.S. Embassy related to the GOAM?s anti-corruption efforts and USAID programming. 4. Representing the Mission in discussions with advisors/analysts from other donors, including the OSCE, UNDP, OECD, WB, EBRD, and IMF. The OSCE Office in Yerevan chairs a working group of donor organizations and NGOs on GOAM?s anti-corruption efforts. OSCE?s Head of Office holds Ambassadorial rank. Liaison with project backstop officers in USAID/W, U.S. Embassy, other donors, and government officials in Armenia, to ensure the complementarity of anti-corruption efforts. Serves as the Mission?s key spokesperson on matters related to anti-corruption. 5. Serve as CTO for the Mission?s anti-corruption contracts. 6. Prepare, disseminate, and coordinate reports on the impact and results of USAID Armenia?s anti-corruption efforts. C. Supervision and Staff Development activities within DSRO will include, but not be limited to the following: (25%) 1. Serving as first line supervisor for some or all of the DG staff (includes 1 USPSC GS-14, Civil Society Advisor, 1 FSN 12, Project Mgt Specialist (DG), 1 FSN 11 Project Mgt Specialist (Media)and possibly others as DG staff numbers increase) in areas of parliamentary strengthening, ROL/Judicial reform, local government strengthening, NGO development, media strengthening, community and youth involvement, elections support, and combating corruption. 2. Mentoring the DSRO DG staff in technical, programmatic, budgetary, managerial and staff supervisory areas. 3. Assist in the hiring and training of USPSC and FSN staff ensuring that adequate support is provided for efficient and effective office operations and that the DSRO DG staff is fully trained in USAID policies, procedures, and operation. 4. Reviewing work products from the standpoint of ensuring the achievement of overall objectives in the areas for which the incumbent is accountable. 5. Evaluating the technical and/or program managerial performance of subordinates, as well as their compliance with policy regulations and procedures. Initiating or reviewing proposals for all types of personnel actions affecting the office staff. 6. Performing other tasks, as assigned, to further the objectives of the USAID Mission in Armenia. D. Program support and coordination that will include, but will not be limited to the following: (35%) 1. Budget ? Overseeing the development of DSRO?s DG sector project/program-funded budget; working with technical advisors and senior management to determine funding needs and uses. Providing close supervision of project mortgages, pipelines, and funding requirements for signature of the DSRO Director. 2. Procurement ? Managing the procurement planning and implementation for the approximately $11 million annual DG budget, supervising technical advisors and support staff to ensure that all office procurement actions are properly identified, scheduled, developed, and implemented. 3. Mission Coordination ? Coordinating activities with DSRO Director, Mission Director, Controller, Contract Officer, and Program and Project Development Officers to provide continuous reporting on democracy and governance sector developments to ensure maximum program impact. 4. Levels of Contact ? Routinely maintaining contacts at the following levels: a) Parliamentarians; b) Heads of various democracy, Rule of Law, and anti-corruption related committees in the President?s Office and/or Cabinet of Ministers; c) Minister and/or Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of Ministry of Justice, Chairmen of the Constitutional Court and Court of Cassation; d) U.S. Ambassador in Armenia supporting democratic development; e) Chiefs of Party of USAID democracy and governance contractors/grantees; f) Senior executives at the U.S. headquarters of USAID democracy and governance contractors/grantees; g) U.S. PVOs and NGOs (profit and nonprofit) working on democratic development; h) Leaders of NGOs, associations, and presidents of media outlets; i) Other Host Country Officials in democracy, Rule of Law, judicial reform, and parliament; and j) International Donors concerned with the democracy and governance sectors in Armenia. 5. Donor Coordination ? Identifying and developing linkages with other donor programs, particularly in the democracy and anti-corruption sectors. Developing a leadership position among the multilateral and bilateral donors in the democracy development field, and coordinate efforts diplomatically among them. 6. Contractor Management ? Leading and coordinating the work of DG partners (14 contractors and grantees as of 2006), and technical assistance advisors on the DG SO team. The contractors have their separate institutional expatriate and local professional teams. Incumbent must insure that the activities of contractors and grantees are consistent with USAID?s democracy development strategy, programmatic interests, all pertinent legal regulations, and with the U.S. Government?s larger assistance strategy in the region. 7. Liaison with GOAM ? Consistent with the levels of GOAM contact defined in paragraph 4 above, meeting regularly with high-ranking public, nongovernmental, and private sector Armenian representatives. Such officials would include Parliamentarians, President and Prime Minister?s Office, Cabinets of Ministers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayors, Judges, and with representatives of the nongovernmental and private sector in order to promote the programs and overcome problems and difficulties that arise in the planning and implementation of program activities. Defend, justify and promote, as appropriate, USAID Armenia?s position, and negotiate and settle controversial issues to achieve diplomatic and harmonious resolution of issues to the benefit of the program?s strategic objectives. 8. Reporting ? Providing regular and frequent reporting to the DSRO Director , the Mission Director, the Deputy Mission Director, the E&E Bureau Offices, EUR/ACE, and the U.S. Embassy on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to USAID-financed democracy and governance programs/activities in Armenia. 9. Quality Control ? Ensuring that DG team activities are administered in accordance with established policies/procedures, in consultation with USAID Controller, Contracting, Executive, and Legal Officers in Armenia. Ensuring that DG team reporting, documentation, and written communications are responsive, comprehensive, sound, accurate, and timely. 10. Audit ? Directing the overall management, internal controls, and audit follow-up activities and keeping the DSRO Office Director informed concerning progress, problems, and remedial action required that are beyond his own authority. III. Skills and Qualifications A. Education ? At least a Master?s in political science, international relations or J.D in law. B. Prior Work Experience ? A minimum of five years of experience with a PhD degree, or seven years of experience with a Master?s degree, of long- or short-term overseas work, in democracy/civil society, political development, local government, or elections is required. Long-term, on-the-ground experience is highly desirable as well as experience in the NIS region and familiarity with regional development issues. C. Complexity ? Incumbent must have demonstrated ability to manage a series of highly complex activities (both new and ongoing) and processes to a satisfactory conclusion under varying degrees of ambiguity. The incumbent must be articulate and capable of responding appropriately to rapidly varying situations, requirement, and inquiries. D. Interpersonal skills ? Demonstrated ability to work within a team framework and positive interpersonal skills are required, including demonstrated ability to communicate and negotiate with tact and diplomacy with a variety of individuals in a complicated political context. S/he must be able to operate effectively as a mentor and supervisor with the ability to motivate, guide, and manage both senior and junior staff. E. Language and communication skills ? Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, are required. Ability to communicate in Armenian or Russian is preferred, but not required. IV. Supervision A. Supervision received ? The SDA reports to the DSRO Director (FE00) or Deputy Mission Director (FE00) or Mission Director (FE00). B. Supervision exercised ? The SDA has core responsibility for day-to-day DG team operations and as such supervises up to 1 USPSC (GS-14), 2 FSNs (FSN 11 and 12), and serves as the CTO for a large group of contractors and grantees. The latter are involved in providing technical assistance, training, and limited commodity support for policy reform, and capacity building. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: (Under Automated Directives Systems (ADS) http://www.usaid.gov/ads.html 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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). ** Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) 3. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS 06-01 Medical Evacuation Insurance 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Debt Collection Process 03-05 Revised Requirements for Posting of Federal Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) Opportunities 03-02 ES-06 Salary Rate for 2003 01-13 Posting USAID Solicitations and other Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) documents on the Business & Procurement Internet Site 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation R&R) Policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 00-05 Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs. 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts(PSCs) 99-22 PSC Policy 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations. 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements. 98-19 Home Leave under U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCSs 97-20 Requirements for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses to USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs. 97-17 PSCSs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other than Full & Open competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Service Contract (USPSC) Leave 96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSC) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 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)** ** 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. Subject to Funds Availability
- Place of Performance
- Address: 1 American Avenue, Yerevan
- Zip Code: 375082
- Country: Armenia
- Zip Code: 375082
- Record
- SN01032390-W 20060423/060421220049 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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