SOURCES SOUGHT
F -- Regional Water Advisor - Middle East and North Africa
- Notice Date
- 8/27/2006
- Notice Type
- Sources Sought
- NAICS
- 541620
— Environmental Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Egypt USAID-Cairo, Department of State Unit #64902, APO, AE, 09839
- ZIP Code
- 09839
- Solicitation Number
- 263-06-504
- Response Due
- 10/2/2006
- Archive Date
- 10/2/2006
- Description
- Solicitation No. 263-06-504 ISSUANCE DATE: 08/27/06 CLOSING DATE: 4:30 pm Cairo time on 10/02/2006 SUBJECT: USAID/ Cairo, Egypt Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor [USPSC] For Regional Water Advisor - Middle East and North Africa Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from U.S. citizens or U.S. resident alien, interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Applicants must be able to obtain an Employment Authorization security clearance. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 and a written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience Required for the position). Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Nancy Rofael, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Egypt, EXO, who may be reached at fax#: 011-202-522-7197 or 011-202-516-0388, tel.#: 011-202-522-7182, and email address: nrofael@usaid.gov or usaidhr@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 to: EXO/HR - USAID/ Egypt U.S. Mail: Nancy Rofael Human Resources Assistant EXO/HR USAID/ Egypt- Unit 64902 APO AE 09839-4902 Air courier: Nancy Rofael Human Resources Assistant EXO/HR USAID/ Egypt Plot 1/A off Laselki St, New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code 11435 For those who wish to send their application via pouch, please also send your application & CV by Email attachment (nrofael@usaid.gov) or FAX [(202) 522-7197 or (202) 516-0388] to ensure receipt of your application before the closing date. Application forms, USG Optional Form 612(OF-612) can be located at: OF-612: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/of-612.doc Offerors are requested to provide their full mailing address and contact information (telephone, fax or email). The U.S. Government is under no obligation to award a contract based on this notice. Sincerely, Samia Joseph HR Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-06-504 ISSUANCE DATE: 08/27/2006 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 4:30 pm Cairo time on 10/02/2006 POSITION TITLE: Regional Water Advisor - Middle East and North Africa MARKET VALUE: GS-14 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years with possibility of extension. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Cairo, Egypt SECURITY ACCESS: Employment Authorization AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens who are able to obtain the required security clearance. Note: A candidate who is otherwise qualified, but does not meet full requirements of the position, may be appointed as a trainee and be required to serve at a lower grade level for the period of one year. A. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: Although the position requires extensive travel to the Middle East, the incumbent residence will be in Cairo, Egypt. Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Middle East. It has a number of urban problems such as severe pollution, and traffic congestion. However, it is relatively crime-free and offers many cultural and recreational opportunities, including major museums, important historical sites, and most sports. The Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea are easily reachable and provide opportunities for most water sports, especially snorkeling and scuba diving. B. POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The Regional Water Advisor - Middle East and North Africa will be supervised by, and will report to, the Supervisory General Development Officer of the OMEP office (Office of Middle East Programs) at USAID/Cairo, Egypt. C. OVERVIEW: Many countries in the Asia/Near East region, particularly those in the Middle East face a looming water crisis that is a potential source of conflict between countries. Population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and inefficient use of water in agriculture are rapidly reducing water availability, and many countries face chronic water shortages. In the ANE region, agriculture employs more than 50% of the labor force and consumes 85% of the available water. However, decreasing availability of water threatens to constrain agricultural production. Moreover, as urban areas grow, the demand for water resources is likely to increase, requiring shifts of water away from agriculture ? a socially and politically sensitive issue. Financing for water infrastructure is a major challenge. The World Bank estimates that to raise region-wide coverage to 90% for water supply and 80% for sewerage in the Middle East will require investments of $5 billion annually. Public sector donors are expected to meet less than 5% of those requirements. Access to clean drinking water and sanitation for much of the world will only become a reality through substantial municipal and private sector investment. Avoiding conflict and meeting basic human needs for water will require bold, concerted action by governments, water users, donors, and the private sector working in partnership to transform water management. In response, under the overarching framework of the USG Strategy for the Water and Sanitation Sector that was developed in response to the requirements of the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005, USAID intends to launch a ?Blue Revolution? initiative (BRI) to promote water security in the ANE region. This water initiative will introduce new approaches that emphasize integrated water conservation and management, collaborative problem solving of water disputes, more efficient and productive use of water, and development of alternative sources of water. Specifically, the Blue Revolution Initiative will: Promote regional communication and cooperation in water resources development and management; Enhance efficiency and productivity of water use in agriculture Identify and spread innovative infrastructure financing mechanisms (e.g., pooled finance, revolving funds) and disseminate good practices and successes in sustainable water development and management across the region; Provide a forum for raising and discussing sensitive issues (e.g., water pricing, reuse of wastewater, regulatory reform) and strengthen technical working relationships between countries around water development issues; Provide a mechanism for channeling assistance to countries dealing with trans-boundary and river basin issues in the Middle East (e.g., Tigris, Euphrates, Jordan) and Asia (e.g., Indus, Mekong) and for promoting cross-border cooperation; Establish a foundation for attracting other donor, private sector, or foundation support and increase opportunities for U.S. private investment. USAID believes that regional solutions will play an important role in promoting water security and resolving the serious water shortages in the ANE region. USAID will work closely with the U.S. State Department and the National Security Council to ensure the success of this regional water initiative. Office of Middle East Programs USAID has established a regional platform to serve the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The Office of Middle East Programs (OMEP) allows USAID to better use its regional resources, expertise, and support services for the seven USAID Missions in the MENA region, and serves as a way for USAID to address regional challenges present throughout the region, including countries without a USAID mission. D. WORK DESCRIPTION: BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The OMEP Regional Water Advisor (RWA), based in Cairo, Egypt, provides leadership, backstopping, and technical support for all USAID water programs in the Middle East and North Africa. Responsibilities include supporting the development and implementation of the ANE Blue Revolution Initiative for the MENA region and supporting the design and management of OMEP?s regional water activities. The RWA will support USAID Missions in the Middle East and their implementing partners, host country national governments, and, as appropriate, other USG agencies, and regional and international organizations that are active in the Middle East. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES A. Strategy and Technical Support 1. Support the development and implementation of the ANE Blue Revolution Initiative in the Middle East/North Africa region, with a focus on: (1) improving water security, (2) expanding water supply and sanitation coverage, and (3) increasing water productivity. 2. Provide leadership and expert assistance to improve water management and increase access to safe water supply and sanitation services in the MENA region. 3. Lead efforts to assess and address policy and institutional constraints impacting on access and use of water in the MENA region, and identify priority issues requiring policy reform, such as water pricing, cost recovery, benchmarking, and regulatory reform. Help improve public understanding and support for policy/operational changes needed to improve water and sanitation service delivery. 4. Analyze and promote policy options for the MENA region aimed at expanding water access and sanitation services, supporting water sector regulatory development, improving water utility management and financing, improving water conservation, and resolving water conflicts. Formulate action plans for reforming priority water supply and resource policies. 5. Lead efforts in identifying key challenges in water security, conservation and management in the MENA region and advise USAID missions on actions to address these challenges. This includes supporting preparation of regional assessments of water management issues that identify potential sources of water conflict and promoting consensus-based collaborative planning and conflict resolution to address both local, national, and trans-boundary water conflicts. 6. Work with USAID missions across the MENA region to ensure that their water-related activities and programs are consistent with the all legislation, policy priorities and regional strategies. 7. Provide expert assistance and backstopping in the development of concept papers, scopes of work, USAID program/project activity design documents and bilateral and multilateral agreements related to the design of water management related programs. Program design requires ongoing and regular contacts with representatives of USAID missions, national governments, NGOs, private sector, and international donor agencies to ensure that there is no conflict or duplication between planned USAID assistance and that of other donors. 8. Compile, analyze, and disseminate, on a regular basis, to USAID mission staff, USAID/Washington, and program partners information on issues, accomplishments, and worldwide best practices in improving water management policies, such as methodologies for water utility regulation and reform. B. Program Management 1. As appropriate, support the design and implementation of an OMEP regional water program and activities. Lead the development of the performance monitoring plan for water-related activities and contribute to data collection and synthesis. Ensure program implementation achieves planned results, document developmental impacts and resolve any implementation issues in an efficient and professional manner. 2. Coordinate activities with appropriate personnel at USAID/Washington, USAID missions, U.S. Embassies and other U.S. government agencies, such as the U.S. Geological Survey. Ensure USAID?s regional initiatives complement bilateral activities. 3. Promote innovative public-private partnerships and increased private sector participation in water development in the Middle East and North Africa in coordination with the USAID Regional Alliance Builder. C. Advisory Services 1. Provide briefings to visitors to OMEP and other actors on the status of water resource management issues in the MENA region and USAID?s programs in this area. Prepare and deliver presentations on the same issues to regional and international workshops and conferences. 2. Develop, maintain and strengthen working relationships with key partners, including national ministries, local governments, international organizations and other donors, private sector, NGOs, universities and the media to identify and implement efforts to increase synergy among the key stakeholders. These contacts are at the senior management level. 3. Represent the OMEP at meetings, workshops and conferences organized by various organizations, including other donors and international organizations. 4. Prepare and disseminate, on a regular basis, to USAID missions, USAID/Washington, and program partners information on issues, accomplishments and worldwide best practices in environmental impact assessment and environmentally sound design. Document success stories in improving environmental governance. 5. Carry out other tasks to support the achievement of OMEP?s mandate and objectives, as directed by the Director, OMEP. REQUIRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION: The Regional Water Advisor - Middle East and North Africa shall have the following qualifications. Note that in order to be considered those marked ?required? must be met. 1. Education: BA in a discipline relevant to water infrastructure, water financing, integrated water resources management, environmental protection and impact assessment are (required). 2. Prior Work Experience: At least five to eight years of professional experience related to integrated water resources management, water governance, regulatory reform, environmental impact assessment and compliance is (required). Experience in the Middle East/North Africa is required. Experience in human and institutional capacity building is (preferred). Experience working with USG funded projects is (preferred). 3. Language: Excellent spoken and written English is (required). Arabic speaking ability is preferred. 4. Knowledge: OMEP Regional Water Advisor must have the following: - Demonstrated knowledge of viable approaches for identifying critical water supply and resource policy constraints, analyzing policy options, and promoting the implementation of improved water supply and resource policies are (required). - Demonstrated understanding of effective approaches for expanding clean water and sanitation to the urban poor, promoting water conservation, and improving environmental governance are (required). - Demonstrated expertise in forming and supporting partnerships, networks, or coalitions to achieve specific development objectives are (required). - Demonstrated knowledge of water issues specific to the Middle East and North Africa and a familiarity with the political complexities of the region are (required). 5. Skills and Abilities: OMEP Regional Water Advisor must have the following: - Proven outstanding skill in design, management, implementation, and evaluation of development assistance programs is (required). Ability to work effectively under pressure to carry out specific, results-oriented tasks in developing countries given constraints in time, information and logistical support is (required). - Excellent communication and presentation skills, including the ability to persuade and mobilize stakeholders to support efforts to improve water resource policies and environmental governance are (required). - Proven ability to function highly effectively in cross-cultural situations is (required). - Computer and Communication Skills: Excellent computer skills and the proven ability to prepare professional quality reports and presentations are (required). Demonstrated experience supporting, maintaining, and updating web-based training and resource materials to support environmental impact assessment and environmentally sound design is (preferred). 6. Ability to Obtain Security Clearance: A U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien able to obtain an employment authorization security clearance is (required). SELECTION CRITERIA: To be considered, the applicant shall meet those qualifications marked (required). Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Ranking Factors: Factor Points Education 10 Prior Work Experience 30 Language 10 Knowledge 30 Skills and Abilities 20 Total 100 APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: (1) A cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidates? qualifications meet the work requirements; (2) A curriculum vitae which at a minimum, describes education, latest experiences and career achievements; (3) A completed and signed SF-171 or OF-612; (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail) (4) A relevant writing sample, minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages; (5) Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references; (6) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail) The U.S. Government Standard Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/of-612.doc or at Federal offices. 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. Applicants may choose any of the methods in the Cover Page to submit their applications but USAID accepts no responsibility for delay in transit, mis-routing, etc. Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. Given the often intermittent problems people experience in the world with fax and email, all candidates are notified that, should they choose to utilize this method, they should confirm with the USAID/ Cairo Human Resources office that all documentation submitted was received prior to the closing date of this notice. Equipment failures at USAID or by the applicants network are not acceptable reasons for late submission, as candidates have the option of sending their application hard copy by courier. No, repeat no, applications will be considered after the closing time and date, and it is the applicant?s full responsibility to ensure that all their documentation has been received by our office. TYPE AND DURATION OF APPOINTMENT: Employment shall be through an A.I.D. Personal Services Contract for a period of two years with possibility of extension. This Personal Services Contract is subject to the availability of funds. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 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 Annual Increase APO mail service as per post policy 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. 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/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.
- Place of Performance
- Address: Human Resources Assistant, EXO/HR, USAID/ Egypt, Plot 1/A off Laselki St,, New Maadi, Cairo,
- Zip Code: 11435
- Country: EGYPT
- Zip Code: 11435
- Record
- SN01127076-W 20060829/060827220049 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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