SOURCES SOUGHT
F -- Regional Water Advisor - Middle East and North Africa
- Notice Date
- 11/18/2009
- 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, 09839
- ZIP Code
- 09839
- Solicitation Number
- 263-10-500
- Archive Date
- 1/7/2010
- Point of Contact
- Nancy Rofael, Phone: 202-2522-7182, Samia M Joseph, Phone: 202-2522-7180
- E-Mail Address
-
nrofael@usaid.gov, sjoseph@usaid.gov
(nrofael@usaid.gov, sjoseph@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Solicitation No. 263-10-500 ISSUANCE DATE: November 18, 2009 CLOSING DATE: 4:30 pm Cairo time on December 23, 2009, SUBJECT: USAID/ Cairo, Egypt Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor [USPSC ]/Third Country National PSC [TCNPSC] - 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, U.S. resident alien or third country nationals, interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Applicants must be able to obtain an Employment Authorization security clearance. Primary consideration will be given to American Citizen Applicants for this position, in anticipation of an award under procedures in AIDAR Appendix D. In the event USAID finds no U.S. citizen applicants qualify for the position, consideration may be given to Third Country National applicants, and the award of a contract under AIDAR Appendix J. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed 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#: 011-202-2522-7197 or 011-202-2516-0388, tel.#: 011-202-2522-7182, and email address: nrofael@suaid.gov or usaidhr@usaid.gov. If you would like to apply electronically, please send your application & CV as an email attachment to ( usaidhr@usaid.gov ). [PLEASE DO NOT SEND CVs TO nrofael@usaid.gov E-MAIL] 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: EXO/HR C/O Nancy Rofael UNIT 7700 Box 1000 DPO AE 09843-1000 Air courier: Nancy Rofael EXO/HR USAID/ Egypt Plot 1/A Ahmed Kamel 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 ( usaidhr@usaid.gov ) or FAX [(202) 2522-7197 or (202) 2516-0388] to ensure receipt of your application before the closing date. Application form, USG Optional Form 612(OF-612) can be located at: OF-612: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/OF612.pdf 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: 263-10-500 ISSUANCE DATE: November 10, 2009 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 4:30 pm Cairo time on December 15, 2009 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, U.S. resident aliens or third country nationals 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: OMEP will provide technical and programmatic supervision. The Regional Water Advisor (RWA) reports to the OMEP Director and uses professional judgment and skills to plan and carry out assigned activities, projects, or other assignments. S/he develops recommendations to solve difficult problems without precedent, proposes solutions to complex issues and discusses recommendations with his/her technical supervisors. S/he is considered a lead authority for USAID missions and a USAID agency-wide expert on water policy. The incumbent is technically authoritative and almost always accepted without substantive change and is only reviewed for conformance to USAID policy. Annual work plans with regular updates are required. These work plans and updates will be prepared in close consultation with client bilateral USAID missions across the MENA region. Quarterly reports, including individual trip reports, will be submitted to the Director, OMEP. Annual performance evaluations will be conducted by OMEP with input from the ANE BEO and the client bilateral USAID missions in the region. Travel: The incumbent will be required to travel to other Middle East/North Africa countries, including Iraq, if requested, and to Washington, D.C., and other localities in the performance of his/her duties. All travel shall have the prior approval of the Director, OMEP, or his authorized designee. 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. Avoiding conflict and meeting basic human needs for water will require concerted action by governments, water users, donors, and the private sector working in partnership to transform water management. 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. •D. 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 design and management of OMEP's regional water activities, and the provision of technical advice and support to USAID Missions in the Middle East, and, as appropriate, other USG agencies, and regional and international organizations that are active in the Middle East. E. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES •1) Strategy and Technical Support Provide leadership and expert assistance to improve water management and increase access to safe water supply and sanitation services in the MENA region. 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. 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. 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 trans-boundary water conflicts. 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. 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, private sector, and international donor agencies to ensure that there is no conflict or duplication between planned USAID assistance and that of other donors. 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. 2) Program Management As appropriate, support the design and implementation of OMEP regional water programs 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. 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. Promote innovative public-private partnerships and increased private sector participation in water development in the Middle East and North Africa. 3) 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 regional and international bodies focusing on water management/governance, 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 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 water resource management both generally and as they relate to Global Climate Change. Document success stories in improving water resource management. •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: Bachelor's degree in a discipline relevant to water infrastructure, water financing, integrated water resources management, environmental protection and impact assessment. (required). Advanced degree (MS/MA level or above) in the above fields is desired. 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). Prior experience with Global Climate Change issues is (preferred). 3. 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. (required) •- Demonstrated understanding of effective approaches for expanding clean water and sanitation to the urban poor, promoting water conservation, and improving environmental governance. (required) •- Demonstrated expertise in forming and supporting partnerships, networks, or coalitions to achieve specific development objectives. (required) •- Demonstrated knowledge of water issues specific to the Middle East and North Africa and a familiarity with the political complexities of the region. (required) •- Demonstrated knowledge of Global Climate Change issues and adaptation approaches particularly related to water is highly. (preferred) 4. Abilities and Skills: OMEP Regional Water Advisor must have the following: •- Proven outstanding skill in design, management, implementation, and evaluation of development assistance programs (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 (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 (required). •- Proven ability to function highly effectively in cross-cultural situations (required). •- Computer and Communication Skills: Excellent computer skills and the proven ability to prepare professional quality reports and presentations (required). Demonstrated experience supporting, maintaining, and updating web-based training and resource materials to support environmental impact assessment and environmentally sound design is (desirable). 5. Language Proficiency: Excellent spoken and written English is (required). Arabic speaking ability is (preferred). 6. Ability to Obtain Security Clearance: Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. resident alien or a Third Country National (TCN) and be able to obtain Employment Authorization security clearance (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 20 Experience 30 Knowledge 15 Abilities & Skills 15 Language 20 Total Points 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 OF-612; (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. The U.S. Government Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/OF612.pdf 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, the offshore USPSC or TCNPSC are normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution (USPSCs only) 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 (USPSCs only) Annual Increase APO mail service as per post policy (USPSCs only) ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):* (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (not applicable) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (not applicable) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (not applicable) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (not applicable) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (not applicable) (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. CIBs 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 apply to this contract. <form enctype="application/x-www-form-urlencoded"></form>
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/EGY/263-10-500/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/ Egypt, Plot 1/A Ahmed Kamel off Laselki St, New Maadi, Postal Code 11435, Cairo, Non-U.S., 11435, Egypt
- Record
- SN02006939-W 20091120/091119000408-0343c8277c8a25373d480127518a66bb (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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