SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Private Sector Development Specialist
- Notice Date
- 5/13/2010
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- 23-2010
- Archive Date
- 6/16/2010
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana P Rossova, Phone: 7 727 250 76 17, Natalya Zubkova, Phone: 7-727-2507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov, nzubkova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 05/13/2010 CLOSING DATE: 06/01/2010 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor(PSC) No. 23-2010 USPSC Senior Private Sector Development Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Heather Armstrong, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Heather Armstrong Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 23-2010 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 23/2010 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 05/13/2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 06/01/2010 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Senior Private Sector Development Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $84,697-$110,104 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value - salary history may be considered) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) BACKGROUND The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asian Republics (USAID/CAR) is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with country offices in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan; Tashkent, Uzbekistan; Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; and Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Central Asia is bordered by Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan. Due to its substantial natural resource wealth, and its proximity to South Asia and its potential to contribute to stability in nearby Afghanistan and Pakistan, it is a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. The Regional Mission for Central Asia (USAID/CAR) is responsible for the strategic planning, program design and implementation, achievement of results, and reporting for the USAID assistance programs for the five Central Asian republics. USAID/CAR maintains country offices in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. These country offices serve as primary liaison with host governments, as well as with other USG agencies at each post. USAID staff in each of these offices collaborates with USAID/CAR/Almaty in exercising technical and administrative oversight of USAID activities in their respective countries. (USAID/CAR maintains a representative office at the US Embassy in Astana, while USAID/CAR programs in Kazakhstan are managed at a technical and administrative level entirely from USAID's headquarters in Almaty.) The U.S. Government's program of assistance in the region is focused on the growth of small-scale enterprise and trade; building a more open, democratic culture; better management of environmental resources, including energy; and improved primary healthcare. It ranks as one of the Agency's largest programs, with funding levels that have averaged over $100 million annually. The Mission implements its programs together with more than 80 contractor and grantee teams. The staff manages a program principally focused on assisting these former communist states in making the transition to Western-style democracies with viable market economies. The Mission currently has three technical offices: Office of Economic Growth (OEG), Democracy and Conflict Mitigation (DM), and Health and Education (HE). The Office of Economic Growth (OEG) is responsible for the management of a large portfolio under seven Program Areas: • 4.1 Macroeconomic Foundation for Growth • 4.2 Trade and Investment • 4.3 Financial Sector • 4.4 Infrastructure • 4.5 Agriculture • 4.6 Private Sector Competitiveness • 4.7 Economic Opportunity The Senior Private Sector Development Specialist (SPSDS) is being recruited to serve in a management capacity with a high level of responsibility within the USAID/CAR Mission's Office of Economic Growth in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The SPSDS will serve as a technical specialist in the design and management of USAID programs supporting private-sector development and economic diversification throughout Central Asia. In addition, the SPSDS will provide a high level of support to the Office of Economic Growth in a management and administrative capacity. The range of responsibilities and functions are outlined below. B) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the general guidance of the Director of the Office of Economic Growth (OEG), the Senior Private Sector Development Specialist (SPSDS) has the following duties and responsibilities: Activity and Strategy Development (40%): 1. Serves as the Mission's technical lead on private-sector development, advising Mission management on all issues as they pertain to private enterprise development in Central Asia. Where opportunities arise, the SPSDS coordinates the integration of OEG private-sector activities with activities of other technical offices' portfolios. 2. Conceptualizes and designs projects and programs that contribute optimally to long term development of the private enterprise program and impact on Central Asia's move toward a market economy. 3. Directs Mission and various regional embassy dialogue with Central Asian government representatives in the areas of SME development, market environment, financial markets, and financial institutions. 4. Represents the Mission in discussions with private-sector advisors and analysts from other donors, including the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund. 5. Leads the Mission's management of Global Development Alliance and Public-Private-Partnership initiatives, which entails significant effort in outreach to private-sector firms (domestic and international) to development alliances and partner relationships in each of the five CAR countries. 6. Manages all elements of the private sector restructuring portfolio in Central Asia, including liaison with senior technical officers in USAID/Washington, American embassies throughout Central Asia and government officials in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. 7. Ensures coordination and alignment of USAID/CAR Economic Growth activities with those of other USG agencies. 8. Supervises and provides technical direction and guidance to the work of technical advisors in Central Asia to conceptualize and implement new and ongoing activities. 9. Manages planning and selection process of Central Asian participants for all training programs related to private-sector development in Central Asia. 10. Coordinates activities with Mission Director, Program and Project Development Officers to provide continuous reporting on private-sector development to ensure maximum program impact with the available resources and to work in step with market reforms. Office of Economic Growth Portfolio Management, Support, and Representation (20%): 11. On a continual basis, the SPSDS critically reviews USG and other donor activities to ensure maximum coordination and leverage for USG policy initiatives. Based on a thorough understanding and analysis, the incumbent recommends new and/or changes to existing programs and activities. The SPSDS works closely with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance to participate in USAID/Central Asia Design Teams for the development of scopes of work (SOW) and/or program descriptions for new activities, project assessments, evaluations and other related efforts. The SPSDS assures quality control and timely preparation of financial obligating documents and authorizations as required by the USAID/Central Asian Republics regional mission. 12. Takes the lead for the Office of Economic Growth in program management/administration in terms of budget and reporting processes, including tracking and maintaining budget information, as well as coordinating all information for reporting purposes. 13. As delegated by the Economic Growth Office Director, the SPSDS takes the lead in producing annual reporting documents including the Performance Plan Report (PPR), the Operational Plan (OP), Portfolio Reviews, Strategy Reviews, Mission Strategic Resource Plan (MSRP) and related or similar documents. 14. Serves as the primary point person and take the lead within the Office of Economic Growth on ensuring that U.S. Government gender, people with disabilities and environmental compliance regulations are followed and met. 15. Coordinates the Office of Economic Growth's procurement planning processes including serving as a liaison on procurement issues with USAID/CAR's Office of Acquisition and Assistance and USAID/CAR country offices, overseeing the preparation and updating of the annual procurement plan in compliance with USAID/CAR's established deadlines and ensuring that USG procurement regulations including PALT timelines, waivers, statutory checklists, etc are understood, followed and completed by the Office of Economic Growth. 16. Oversees the Public Outreach efforts of the Office of Economic Growth: assisting in the development of briefing materials, newsletters and press releases on assistance programs and ensuring that all outreach and media materials are of a high quality, coordinating with Public Outreach and Communications Specialist in the USAID/CAR Director's Office and establishing a close working relationship with the Public Affairs section in the U.S. Embassies of all five USAID/CAR presence countries. 17. Serves in the absence of the Office of Economic Growth Director as a member of the U.S. Embassy Kazakhstan Expanded Country Team. Program Monitoring, Evaluation, and Management (20%): 18. Provides regular and frequent reporting to the OEG Office Director, the Mission Director, the Deputy Mission Director, and USAID/Asia Bureau desk officer on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to USAID private-sector development programs in the Central Asian Region. 19. Ensures that administrative and accountability requirements related to USAID private-sector development projects are handled in accordance with established policies and procedures, in consultation with USAID Controller and Executive Officer in Almaty. 20. Plans and designs evaluation instruments as needed to make informed program design and management decisions. Conduct or lead data gathering, research and analysis, and dialogue with counterparts necessary to inform program design decisions. Evaluate the costs, benefits and effectiveness of projects. 21. Serves as Assistance Officer's Technical Representative and/or Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (AOTR or COTR), or as alternate AOTR or COTR, for private-sector development programs which he/she designs; or as alternate AOTR or COTR for projects for which supervised employees serve as AOTR or COTR. Mentorship & Supervision (20%): 22. Supervises and mentors two senior LES Project Management Specialists in the administration of their duties. 23. Works with supervised LES Project Management Specialists and other OEG LES on annual individual staff development plans, identifying appropriate training and professional growth opportunities. C) POSITION ELEMENTS: 1. Supervision received: The incumbent will work under the general policy and technical guidance of the Director of the Office of Economic Growth. 2. Available Guidelines: USAID Automated Directives (ADS), USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), State Department's Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), strategic and other general program documents, and contact with contracting and financial management specialists; 3. Exercise of Judgment: In instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, the incumbent will use his own personal, well informed judgment in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected in dealing with Mission and Country office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required in working effectively with officials in the government and the private sector, in overseeing contractor activities and coordinating multi-sector efforts in support of USAID/CAR development objectives, and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct. 4. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will supervise two LES Project Management Specialists. D) REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 1) General: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government "SECRET" security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the five Central Asian Republics. 2) Prior Work Experience: This position requires maturity and a minimum of ten years of relevant experience with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. The candidate must have at least five years of effective international program development experience in areas related to private-sector development or economic policy reform in developing or transition economies. Candidates will be assessed on their leadership in previous positions in conceptualizing, developing, and implementing high-impact international economic-reform and private-sector-development programs. Project or program management experience while residing in a transition or developing country is required. Previous experience in project implementation should include monitoring and evaluating programs' effectiveness and the application of the results of such monitoring and evaluation in refinements to programs to enhance their effectiveness. At least three years of successful leadership experience in a team environment is required. 3) Skills and Abilities: The candidate should have strong analytical and writing skills as evidenced by previous experience. Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment are required. Demonstrated team-mentoring and leadership skills, as well as staff professional development abilities, are also a must. Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, demonstrating a high degree of articulateness both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Given the level of interaction with host-country counterparts required by this position, the SPSDS must also be able to demonstrate strong command of written and oral Russian. A writing sample will be required from candidates for the assessment of written language capabilities. The candidate should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of private-sector development best-practices in developing or transition economies, with a mix of both theoretical and knowledge and practical experience. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to produce professional quality statements of work in the specified technical areas, and be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior USG officials, other donors, the NGO community, and host-country counterparts (government and non-government.) 4) Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional leadership, communications 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 candidates are required to convincingly relate how their experience demonstrates their ability to mentor and develop staff within team environments. 5) Education: A graduate degree in economics, finance, public policy, international relations, or a related field is required. E) Selection Criteria: Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: International Economic Reform and Private-Sector Development Experience: 40 points Program Monitoring and Evaluation Experience: 20 points Writing, Communication and Mentoring Skills: 30 points Academic Qualifications: 10 points TOTAL: 100 POINTS Notice to Applicants: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) June 1, 2010. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. Almaty is a beautiful city nestled against mountains, bursting with parks and fountains, with tree lined streets and flower gardens. The city has the excitement of Kazakh culture with its nomadic and warrior heritage as well as the benefits of the Russian culture ballet, museums, opera, choirs, and circus. It has the charm and challenges of colorful native markets, as well as the convenience of modern supermarkets. Located at an altitude of 650 meters, where steppe meets mountain, Almaty is backed by the snow capped Tien Shan to the South and faced by a vast plain which stretches to Siberia in the North. There are many places for skiing, skating, hiking, rafting, helicopter trips, camping, and other outdoor activities outside the city. The Almaty International School provides American curriculum for children in grades K 12. 12. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission's website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 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). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Optional Form 612. **2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843) or 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). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** 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. 3. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCs a) ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) and CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (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 AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. b) AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/23-2010/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Park Palace, 41, Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakstan
- Record
- SN02149642-W 20100515/100513235925-bdcbe754152bc2446dc2fd6cc9d7b73e (fbodaily.com)
- Source
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