SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor
- Notice Date
- 5/7/2009
- Notice Type
- Combine Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Dept. of State Washington DC 20521-6120
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6120
- Solicitation Number
- 388S00090005900
- Response Due
- 6/1/2009
- Point of Contact
- Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, Phone 88028855500, Fax 88028823648
- E-Mail Address
-
skhan@usaid.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Date: 05/07/2009 Subject: Solicitation No. 388-S-00-09-00059-00 for US/TCN Personal Services Contractor – Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, Dhaka, Bangladesh Type: Personnel Agency Notice Message: USAID/General Notice PERSONNEL USAID/Bangladesh 05/07/2009 Subject: Solicitation No. 388-S-00-09-00059-00 for US/TCN Personal Services Contractor – Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor, Dhaka, Bangladesh ISSUANCE DATE: May 07, 2009 PRIMARY CLOSING DATE: June 01, 2009 Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing USPSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant's CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. Applications should be submitted electronically to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov (attention to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, Executive Office, USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This solicitation will remain open until June 01, 2009. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Leslie Vaughn, AA/ASIA, (202) 712-4030. SOLICITATION NO: 388-S-00-09-00059-00 ISSUANCE DATE: May 07, 2009 CLOSING DATE: June 01, 2009 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS, GREEN CARD HOLDERS AND THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCNS) SUBJECT: USAID/ BANGLADESH--SOLICITATION FOR US/TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR – SENIOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION ADVISOR Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing personal services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant’s CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications, and late submissions will not be considered. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2) 885-5500. The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances. The US Citizens should obtain USG Secret Level of clearance and Third Country Nationals should be able to obtain employment authorization. For medical clearances, the US Citizens should obtain Department of State Medical Services Clearance; Third Country National should obtain a Post Medical Clearance issued by the U.S. Embassy Bangladesh Health Unit. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Sincerely, Penelope A. Thomas Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh Tel: (880-2) 885-5500 ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBR: 388-S-00-09-00059-00 ISSUANCE DATE: May 07, 2009 CLOSING DATE: June 01, 2009 POSITION TITLE: Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor MARKET VALUE: $83,445 – $108,483 (GS-14). Compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Deputy Office Director, Program Office SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The initial contract is two years with an option for possible extension upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. SECURITY CLEARANCE: US Citizen: Secret Level Clearance TCN: Employment Authorization STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FOR SENIOR MONITORING AND EVALUALTION (M&E) ADVISOR A. OVERVIEW: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a key partner with the Government of Bangladesh over the past 30 years in all major development sectors. Currently, USAID/Bangladesh’s development portfolio includes programs in Health, Education, Democracy and Governance, Food Security and Food Aid, Private Enterprise, Environment, Infrastructure, and Disaster Mitigation, Response and Reconstruction. The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor has overarching responsibility for Mission-wide monitoring, reporting and evaluation. S/he will supervise one Foreign Service National (FSN) M&E Specialist and provide technical support and training to Program Office Program Specialist Backstops on M&E. The initial performance period will be two years. Based on the programmatic results achieved and possible required programmatic follow-up, an extension of this Contract will be considered based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. B. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: This position is located in the Program Office of the USAID Mission in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The position is supervised by the Deputy Program Office Director and reports directly to this person. The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor will lead and coordinate monitoring, reporting, and evaluation activities on USAID programs in Bangladesh. S/he will ensure that appropriate mechanisms are in place to measure program effectiveness and assess the potential for focused efforts to develop and/or employ more efficient or more powerful methods for empirical data-gathering, analysis, and reporting than those currently in place. S/he ensures that project/activity information systems accurately monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress and impact of development programs. This expert utilizes recognized, current means of collecting and interpreting data in order to ensure interventions are evidence-based. S/he performs analytical tasks to provide essential performance information needed by the Mission to strengthen the quality of programs/activities; and assists Technical Office staff in setting appropriate performance targets according to USAID’s reporting requirements. The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor reviews results packages and program components in all development sectors with the goal of improving the ability of all parties participating in development activities funded or supported by USAID to monitor and report on progress toward a defined objective or set of objectives. In carrying out these duties, s/he is responsible for the transfer of information on social science analysis methods, for developing program monitoring and evaluation concepts which are relevant to time frames normally faced in USAID-supported activities, and for assisting the USAID Mission, host government, NGOs, and other customers to apply data results appropriately and cost-effectively. The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor will provide substantive leadership in the area of performance monitoring and assessment of program impact evaluation across the Mission portfolio and will: 1) recommend refinements to programs and adjustments to indicators according to research findings, 2) develop Mission systems to ensure that M&E data collected by the Mission and its partners is effectively used to help achieve Mission’s development objectives, and 3) participate in all Mission activities, including strategy development and program design, as appropriate. The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor will also work with the Program Office to manage internal information relevant to the Operational Plan process and related indicators, and provide guidance on data collection and reporting systems for ongoing monitoring of programs and results. The Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor will supervise the Mission’s initiative to develop and utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to strengthen its programmatic monitoring, coordination, and evaluation. C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Annual Portfolio Performance Monitoring Systems Analysis and Improvement: 1. On an annual basis, the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor will be responsible for providing an executive briefing and status report of less than 20 pages, including all annexes, in which the databases, tools, and instruments being used by the Mission as part of its performance monitoring and evaluation system should be listed. If the databases and tools are in development, their status and progress is to be reported. The first part of the report will be an assessment, based on a set of criteria to be developed, of the extent to which the Mission is successful in using performance information to guide programming decisions. The report will outline observed deficiencies or weaknesses in the Mission’s M&E systems, procedures, and information dissemination practices, and make specific recommendations to the Mission’s Senior Management Team (SMT) on focus areas for improvement, costs associated with the recommendations, as well as propose an action plan for the following year. For the first year of the contract, an M&E action plan will be developed within 30 days after the M&E advisor begins work. Through the preparation of the action plan the M&E Advisor will identify and analyze program performance for the Mission and submit recommendations for evaluations of critical sectors and programs for USAID. The action plan will focus on improving the Mission’s ability to use performance information to guide both implementation of our existing programs and the design of our new programs. The plan, to be approved by the Senior Management Team (SMT), will propose the assignment of responsibility for implementation to various Mission offices and individuals as appropriate. Overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the approved action plan will constitute a significant part of the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor’s work plan each year. 2. Develop information and communications tools to assist with Mission management of performance data. Work with Mission technical staff and program office backstops to adopt these new tools and to incorporate their use in program management decision making. 3. By the end of the first year, document the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor and other M&E unit position responsibilities in a position binder to contain the following: an inventory of tasks, an annual calendar for accomplishing these tasks, written procedures and relevant references and resources to be used, performance standards, and any other relevant supporting information related to the position. Coordination of Mission Performance Review and Reporting: 1. Annual Mission Performance Plan and Report: Develop Mission guidelines and annual calendar for the production of the annual performance report, in conformance with the Agency guidelines issued each year. Provide editorial support for the performance report writing process; and assist in compilation and submission of the performance data and the narrative sections of the final Performance Plan and Report document. 2. Mission Semi Annual Portfolio Reviews: issue Mission guidelines on a semi-annual basis to guide the execution of the Mission’s Semi-Annual Portfolio Review process. Develop and implement new procedures as necessary to ensure that the objectives of the Mission’s Semi-Annual Portfolio Review exercise, as outlined in the Agency’s Automated Directives System (ADS) are met; set standards for and work with Program Office backstops to meet the standards for the documentation of the review meetings. 3. Technical Office Performance Monitoring Plans (PMP) and Data Quality Assessments (DQAs): Ensure that Technical Office’s Performance Monitoring Plans are reviewed and updated at regular intervals as part of the Mission’s annual performance monitoring and evaluation cycle. Develop new procedures as needed to integrate the Mission’s PMP maintenance process into the new Performance Planning and Reporting process. Ensure that project PMPs capture impact data, as well as all required input/output data for annual agency reporting requirements. Project level PMPs must be appropriately linked into Technical Office Sector PMPs, and important data from implementing partners should be incorporated into USAID’s PMPs and captured in the Agency’s performance reporting exercises. Monitor and ensure that the Mission fulfills required Data Quality Assessment (DQA) procedures. 4. Evaluation Activities: Serves as technical expert on evaluation activities and assists technical offices and backstops with stages of the evaluation process to ensure that evaluations incorporate best practices and obtain optimum results for the Mission. These steps may include: reviewing and assisting with the design and drafting of a scope of work; selecting contracting mechanisms and participating in the selection of contractors that best suit activity objectives; creating and chairing evaluation selection committees; participating in evaluation execution; reviewing evaluation reports, and resolving critical budget and scheduling issues. For implementing partner-managed evaluations, review the Terms of Reference (TOR) or evaluation designs and provide technical input. Mission Technical Assistance, Systems Development, and Training: 1. Provide technical guidance and training to the Mission Program Office backstops, as well as Technical Office program managers, on subjects related to program monitoring and evaluation, including: how to use Mission performance data monitoring and analysis systems, communicating with USAID partners on program performance, how to conduct data quality assessments, how to evaluate project PMPs and indicators, how to evaluate targets set by implementing partners, writing evaluation statements of work, developing results frameworks, selecting and developing impact indicators, etc. A minimum of 4 training hours should be provided to Mission staff twice a year. Program Office backstops should receive an additional 4 hours of training twice a year. 2. As part of the Mission’s annual action plan on Monitoring and Evaluation, conduct at least two presentations a year to newcomers and/or new employees to orient them on: i) the Mission’s M&E systems and the role and responsibilities of various offices and managers within the Mission with regard to performance monitoring, and ii) the Mission’s current year action plan highlights. 3. At least once a year, conduct an orientation/training/presentation on USAID’s performance monitoring and evaluation requirements for implementing partners. This can be done either as a stand-alone event, or as part of a larger partners’ event, such as the annual partners’ retreat. 4. Develop and vet new performance monitoring and communication tools and data systems as appropriate and institutionalize their use through training. As part of the development of new M&E tools, the Senior Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor will supervise the Mission’s initiative to develop and utilize Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to strengthen its programmatic monitoring, coordination, and evaluation. 5. Manage USAID/Bangladesh's information flow of program materials from the Mission to the Development Experience Clearinghouse and coordinate as needed with the new Central Evaluation Unit within the Management Bureau. Records Maintenance: Maintenance of Official Documentation related to position responsibilities: Ensure that official documentation is maintained, filed and disposed of in compliance with the agency records management policies. Specific files related to this position include: SAPR documentation, Annual Performance Reports, and Mission Performance Management Plans. D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: The applicant must have a Masters Degree in international development or a related field is required. A Ph.D. is preferred. EXPERIENCE: This is a senior level position that requires maturity and a minimum of ten years of relevant experience with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement. The candidate must have a minimum of 5 years of demonstrated practical experience in the following areas: i) Development of program related project evaluation and statistical analysis ii) Project or program management experience while residing in a transitional or developing country iii) Successful leadership experience in a team environment iv) Supervision, staff development and mentoring v) Program policy development in the area of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for international development programs vi) M&E systems development and maintenance, to span the development of program impact indicators, data collection and analysis, performance reporting, and development and utilization of Geographic Information System (GIS) in programmatic monitoring, coordination, and evaluation. LANGUAGE: Excellent English writing and speaking ability is required. The candidate should have a demonstrated capacity to communicate complex policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: The candidate should have strong management skills as evidenced by previous experience. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment are required. Must be fluent in English and demonstrate the ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, complex technical subjects in simple language targeted toward general audiences. Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional leadership, communication and inter-personal skills are critical. In addition, the incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position. E. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: Applications will be evaluated and scored using the criteria below. The total possible score is 100 points. • Technical Leadership and Relevant Experience (both international and domestic): 35 points • Project Management, Staff Supervision and Mentorship: 30 points • Writing and Communication Skills: 25 points • Educational Qualification: 10 points Total: 100 points Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants. F. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will be supervised by Deputy Office Director of Program Office. G. SUPERVIOSRY CONTROL OVER POSITION: The incumbent will supervise one Bangladeshi locally employed Monitoring & Evaluation Specialist and provide technical support and training to Program Office Program Specialist Backstops on M&E. H. POSITION ELEMENTS: Available Guidelines: Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent does not have formal authority to financial commitment unless authorized by his/her American Supervisor. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are according to the regulations and procedures of USAID/Bangladesh, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, partners, implementers and institutional contractors. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The first one year of employment will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. I. TERM OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The term of the contract will be for two years on/about August 2009 to July 2011 with an option for extension subject to the availability of funds and the continued need for the position. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-14 band. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform the GS-14 equivalent, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-14 pay band. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance, and FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. Medical and Security Clearances: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance; and a Department of State medical clearance. The Third Country National must be able to obtain Employment Authorization clearance and medical clearance. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits. 1. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance: 50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for contractor with family; and $3,410 for contractor only. The contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health Insurance. (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 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (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) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1. OF-612 or SF-171 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal. Applicant’s detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer and be emailed to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Dhaka 2. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka NOTE: THIS NOTICE WAS NOT POSTED TO FEDBIZOPPS ON THE DATE INDICATED IN THE NOTICE ITSELF (07-MAY-2009); HOWEVER, IT DID APPEAR IN THE FEDBIZOPPS FTP FEED ON THIS DATE. PLEASE CONTACT 877-472-3779 or fbo.support@gsa.gov REGARDING THIS ISSUE.
- Web Link
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Link To Document
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/BAN/388S00090005900/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Bangladesh
- Country: BD
- Country: BD
- Record
- SN01811809-F 20090509/090508101122 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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