SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Education Advisor
- Notice Date
- 4/28/2010
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-6120
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6120
- Solicitation Number
- 388-S-00-10-00099-00
- Archive Date
- 6/4/2010
- Point of Contact
- Abdus Sobhan Khan, Phone: 88028855500
- E-Mail Address
-
skhan@usaid.gov
(skhan@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Date : 04/28/2010 Subject : Solicitation #388-S-00-10-00099-00 for US/TCN Personal Services Contractor - Senior Education Advisor Type : Personnel Agency Notice Message : USAID/General Notice PERSONNEL USAID/Bangladesh 04/28/2010 Subject: USAID/Bangladesh - Solicitation for US/TCN Personal Services Contractor - Senior Education Advisor ISSUANCE DATE: April 28, 2010 CLOSING DATE: May 20, 2010 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 US/TCN 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 Web site 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 Curriculum vitae (CV) should also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. Applications must be submitted electronically to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov (attention to Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, EXO/Contracting Officer, Executive Office, USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, EXO/Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, (880-2) 885-5500, or Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, (880-2) 885-5500, or Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, (880-2) 885-5500. Any questions concerning this notice may be directed to -- Leslie Vaughn, AA/ASIA, (202) 712-4030. SOLICITATION NO: 388-S-00-10-00099-00 ISSUANCE DATE: April 28, 2010 CLOSING DATE: May 20, 2010 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS, GREEN CARD HOLDERS AND THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCNS) SUBJECT: USAID/ BANGLADESH--SOLICITATION FOR US/TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR - SENIOR EDUCATION 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 should 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-Attar, EXO/ 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-Attar EXO/Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh Tel: (880-2) 885-5500 ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBR: 388-S-00-10-00099-00 ISSUANCE DATE: April 28, 2010 CLOSING DATE: May 20, 2010 POSITION TITLE: Senior Education Advisor MARKET VALUE: $84,697 - $110,104 (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, Office of Population, Health, Nutrition and Education 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: A. BACKGROUND: The USAID/Bangladesh Senior Education Advisor will support the implementation of high priority U.S. Government initiatives under the Mission's Education Portfolio within the Office of Population, Health, Nutrition and Education (OPHNE). The OPHNE Office manages nearly $200 million health and education portfolio. The health portfolio is the largest of the two with an escalating budget up to $77 million alone next year. With the recent integration of education in the OPHNE, there are opportunities to promote joint programming and encourage more health activities within education. Although smaller, the education portfolio is important with an annual budget of about $6 million per year. The education portfolio focuses efforts on: pre-primary school education, basic education, special emphasis on Madrasah education. The selected applicant will provide technical support and take a lead in managing major initiatives under the USAID/Bangladesh's Investing in People: Education portfolio. The selected applicant will assist the Mission with strategic planning, project design, evaluation and monitoring of all education activities. S/he will also provide policy guidance and suggest priority approaches for dealing with fundamental education issues including closer engagement with GOB officials and donors working in the education sector. The period of performance period will be two years. 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: The Mission's Senior Education Advisor will be a key member of the OPHNE team for the Mission's programming and management of the education portfolio and provides expert technical advice to the Office of Population, Population, Nutrition and Education (OPHNE). S/he will report to the Office Deputy Director. The Advisor will work with other team members to ensure timely and effective program planning, oversight and reporting. S/he will provide intellectual leadership, policy guidance and programming advice in the area of education. S/he will work closely with OPHNE staff to ensure coordination and collaborative programming to maximize synergies with health. The Senior Advisor will oversee and mentor other education staff and ensure coordination with other Mission technical and support offices on all aspects of management, reporting and project implementation. S/he will mentor colleagues and supervise unit staff as well as create linkages within OPHNE health activities and with other USAID offices. S/he will also contribute to representing the Mission with other development partners, local counterparts and stakeholders, and program participants. C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. The Senior Education Advisor advises the OPHNE and Mission Management on strategies and processes of improving pre-school and primary education. S/he monitors significant developments in education policies, tracks trends in the education sector and identifies opportunities to promote effective models of pre-school and primary education in Bangladesh. Where possible, the Advisor will identify areas of synergy between the health and education programs to increase synergies between the two sectors. 2. Identifies policy reforms pertaining pre-school and primary education and Madrasah education reform and advises on programming strategies in support of those reforms. 3. Oversee the implementation of major initiatives in legislative strengthening pre-school education; primary education, and Madrasah education reform and nutrition project in support of Mission goals and objectives in the sector. 4. Where possible, build health activities into ongoing education programs and leverage GOB and donor sector funds to replicate successful USAID funded education programs. 5. Ensures proper project management, monitoring and reporting. Oversees the preparation of required financial and programmatic reports for the USAID/Bangladesh senior management and USAID/Washington. Maintains program records and prepares future funding plans and revisions. 6. Advises on program implementation and activity coordination and synergies for optimal resource utilization and results achievement. This will include taking advantage of growing resources in health under the USG new Global Health Initiatives and Food Security Initiative which promote nutrition. 7. Establishes and maintains excellent working relationships with Bangladeshi officials in government e.g. linkages with Ministry of Mass Education; Ministry of Primary Education, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, and Ministry of Local Government. 8. Liaises with government, donors and local development partners in implementation of the Education Sector program and strengthening linkages with USAID investments in education with the sector program. 9. Prepares briefing materials, issues papers, and status and progress reports. Develops performance monitoring plans and monitors their implementation, conducts evaluations and reporting in support of the USAID/Bangladesh's Education portfolio with OPHNE. Participates in the preparation of the annual report to USAID/Washington and special or periodic reports. D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: The applicant must have a Masters Degree in education, science, sociology, development studies, public administration, international affairs, or other related academic discipline. Experience: Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in development programs, with multilateral and bilateral donors, NGOs, and/or government is required. Experience with donor agency/mission organization, procedures, and operations systems (e.g., development approaches; procedures for programming funds, defining objectives, and monitoring results; and procedures for awarding Grants and Contracts) are required. South Asia experience is desired. At least five years experience in education programs with emphasis on pre-school and primary education or related area is required. Experience in education reforms and policy strengthening is an advantage. 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. Written and spoken Bangla proficiency is desirable KNOWLEDGE: Knowledge of a broad range of issues related to democracy building is required. Knowledge of best practices in designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating education program is needed. Knowledge of the Bangladeshi context, government (GOB) organizational culture, structure, policies, programs and operations and development priorities is desired. Knowledge of strategies, programs, and working methodologies of other donor agencies in the education sector is desired. Knowledge of the structure and workings of the US government is desired. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong analytical, management and organizational skills are required. The position requires demonstrated ability in strategic planning, technical and socio-economic analysis, and budget preparation and reporting skills. Considerable confidentiality, sensitivity, poise and maturity are mandatory as the applicant will represent USAID in meetings with Bangladeshi officials and donor partners. The applicant should possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, the ability to work within a team setting and with minimal supervision. Strong leadership and negotiating skills are required. Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in computer office applications are required. E. SELECTION/EVALUATION CRITERIA: Applications will be evaluated and scored utilizing the criteria below. The total possible is 100 points. a. Education: 20% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education as described above. b. Experience: 35% The extent to which the applicant's relevant experience and technical expertise meets or exceeds the requisite levels of professional experience set forth above. c. Language: 10% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required language ability as explained above. d. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 35% The extent to which the applicant's relevant experience meets or exceeds the requisite levels of acquired knowledge, skills and abilities as set forth above. Applicants seeking the 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 the Deputy Office Director, Office of Population, Health, Nutrition and Education. G. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The Personal Services Contract (PSC) will be for two years, with possible extension(s). Extension(s) will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for services, and subject to the availability of funds. H. POSITION ELEMENTS: Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Exercise of Judgment : Activities assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment and decision-making. Authority to Make Commitments : None. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with the host country Government officials, U.S. Embassy personnel, partners, implementers, International Organizations, NGOs and donor counterparts. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The first six months 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 June 2010 to June 2012 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 EXO/Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the EXO/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, 5% Sunday Pay Differential 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 US/TCN PSC is normally authorized the following benefits. 1. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health Insurance: 72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,266 for a contractor or $20,339 for a contractor with family). 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 (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore hire US/TCN PSC 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 EXO/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 must be submitted electronically to: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas-Attar, EXO/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 date. 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-Attar, EXO/Contracting Officer, USAID/Dhaka 2. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/BAN/388-S-00-10-00099-00/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Dhaka, Bangladesh, Bangladesh
- Record
- SN02135423-W 20100430/100428235818-f9a29b6fe441f3120beff950ed237fe8 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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