SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Education and Youth Advisor PSC - Solicitation No. SOL-167-13-000004
- Notice Date
- 2/25/2013
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kosovo USAID-Pristina, Ismail Qemali (Arberia), House no.1, Pristina, Kosovo 10000, Prinstina, Non-U.S., Kosovo
- ZIP Code
- 00000
- Solicitation Number
- SOL-167-13-000004
- Archive Date
- 4/11/2013
- Point of Contact
- Jessica Faber,
- E-Mail Address
-
pristinausaidrcoext@usaid.gov
(pristinausaidrcoext@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- PSC Sr. Education and Youth Advisor Pristina, Kosovo Solicitation Ladies and Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified U.S Citizen, U.S. Resident Alien, and Third Country National (TCN) individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified above. Interested Applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation, which include but are not limited to: 1.A cover letter, inclusive of the candidate's experience in the relevant field, which should address how the candidate meets each of the requirements. The cover letter should not to exceed three (3) pages; 2.A current resume/curriculum vitae (CV) and three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contact information. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. The Applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Kosovo reserves the right to obtain relevant information from previous employers concerning the Applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation; and 3.A completed and hand-signed federal form AID 1420-17. Applicants are required to sign the cover letter, the resume/CV, and the certification at the end of the AID 1420-17. Applications that are received without signatures will not be considered for the position (forms can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/). To be considered for the position, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed under Selection Factors in the solicitation. The complete application must be e-mailed to the submission address specified in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications in accordance with the Evaluation Criteria in the solicitation. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents must be submitted via internet as an email attachment as follows: Send complete applications to pristinausaidrcoext@usaid.gov. Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be formatted in one single PDF document in the following order: (1) cover letter, (2) resume/CV (with references), and (3) signed AID 1420-17. Any questions in response to this solicitation must be directed to: Jessica Faber, Contract Specialist pristinausaidrcoext@usaid.gov This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID and it is subject to availability of funds. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. USAID/Kosovo anticipates awarding one (1) contract as a result of this solicitation, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, GERALD T. SMITH Contracting Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER:SOL-167-13-000004 ISSUANCE DATE:February 25, 2013 CLOSING DATE:March 27, 2013 no later than 16:00 PM Local Time (Kosovo) POSITION TITLE: Senior Education and Youth Advisor Position MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent ($84,697 - $ 110,104 per annum) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:Two years base period with option, subject to the availability of funds and Agency/Mission requirements. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo AREA OF CONSIDERATION:U.S Citizens, U.S. Resident Aliens, and Third Country Nationals SUPERVISORY CONTROL: The incumbent will be expected to work independently with little direction and guidance. I.POSITION DESCRIPTION: Despite a prolonged period of political crises from July 2011 to February 2012, Kosovo and its institutions have made progress. The Government of Kosovo (GoK) has adopted a strategic plan designed to promote long-term economic growth; the basic framework legislation for functional rule of law institutions exists; new Kosovo Serb-majority municipalities are functioning; and Kosovo's relationships with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) are steadily progressing. However, transparency and accountability are major obstacles to better economic performance in Kosovo. The slow pace of inter-ethnic reconciliation also threatens to impede Kosovo's development. USAID programs stimulate economic growth by supporting the private sector, fiscal institutions and the energy sector, foster good governance, rule of law and democracy, and support basic education and employment for Kosovo's youth population. USAID's confidence-building programs address underlying causes of conflict and promote inter-ethnic harmony. Kosovo has the youngest population in Europe, with 50% under the age of 25, and 19.1% considered youth (15-24). Approximately 35% of young people leave school early (10% of those before they reach secondary school). Of those who finish secondary school, 10% to 20% go on to university. The rest look for gainful employment. With unemployment rates ranging from 50% to 75% for youth between the ages of 15 and 24, and the likelihood of employment significantly lower for those who do not finish secondary school, the majority of young people, at some point, enter the ranks of the unemployed. Moreover, according to World Bank estimates, it takes approximately 10 years for young people to transition from school to full-time, permanent work. The growing youth population that is unemployed, disengaged, and disconnected is emerging as an urgent issue of central importance for the newly independent Kosovo state. Their disengagement presents the most immediate risk to stability. Youth are frustrated by an educational system that does not prepare them for the workforce, hiring practices perceived as heavily reliant on nepotism, political leaders who provide no vision, and a lack of outlets for social and civic engagement. The combination of a youth bulge with slow economic growth, weak governance, poor education, and a history of conflict contribute to a situation where negative forces, such as extremist religious groups or nationalistic political movements, can manipulate youth to create instability in the region. The serious issues faced by youth in Kosovo are inextricably linked to the systemic failures of Kosovo's education sector. A USAID assessment in June 2009 found that the education sector is plagued by poor governance, politicization of leadership positions, a weak management structure that does not promote professionalism, lack of quality assurance and teacher evaluation and licensing mechanisms, poor curriculum development, and a dire lack of learning materials that would develop practical skills, such as textbooks focused on applied learning, laboratory and physical equipment. The assessment noted wide disparities in per-student funding across municipalities, leading to questions about equitable access to education. There are also considerable and increasing differences in drop-out rates among girls and boys, and for students from ethnic minorities or with disabilities. Constructive engagement with the education sector will be critical for addressing some of the root causes of youth disengagement. The USAID/Kosovo strategic plan for 2010-2014 has a Youth Assistance Objective (AO) of "Youth are more productive and engaged members of a stable Kosovo". USAID/Kosovo is currently completing a new five year strategy. It is anticipated that one Development Objective of this strategy will focus on education - both higher and basic education including institutional capacity building - and that youth will continue to be a cross-cutting theme. The current youth and education portfolio consists of two awards: on-going $9.7 million basic education project that is jointly funded and managed with the Government of Kosovo through its contribution of an additional €5 million; and a $6.3 million young entrepreneur's project which will end in September 2013. USAID Kosovo is currently designing a new higher-education program tentatively named the Transformational Leadership Program with $15 million in USG foreign assistance funds and a Government of Kosovo commitment for an additional €10 million. USAID/Kosovo is a medium-sized Mission with 109 staff positions (17 U.S. Direct Hires [USDHs]), 8 U.S. Personal Services Contractors [USPSCs], and 84 Foreign Service Nationals [FSNs]) working in six offices: Program and Project; Economic Growth; Democracy and Governance; Financial Management; Executive; Regional Contracting; and Director's Offices. The Mission manages an active portfolio valued at $206 million implemented through 37 partner organizations. FY 12-13 OYB was $48.5 Million plus seven million euros (approximately $10 million) of GoK and other donor funds. The candidate selected under this statement of work will lead the Youth and Education Team within the Economic Growth Office (EGO) of USAID/Kosovo in Pristina, Kosovo. Travel within Kosovo will be routinely required. The Advisor will report directly to the EGO Director and directly supervise two professional FSNs who comprise the Youth and Education Team. II.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Education and Youth Advisor will lead the Youth and Education Team within the Economic Growth Office (EGO). The Advisor will provide leadership, technical design skills, and direction on the execution of USAID activities related to youth and education in Kosovo. Specifically, s/he will guide the Mission's education and youth initiatives by managing current policies and programs, as well as completing the design and procurement of new programs under development and mentoring FSNs. Overall, the Senior Advisor will provide technical advice for the linkages of all activities with the Mission's Youth Assistance Objective (and upcoming education Development Objective), and with the EG Office Director, help manage the Mission's senior contacts within the Kosovo civil, political, education, and business spheres and within the broader USG Mission - as related to USAID's investments in education and youth. Specific job duties are as follows: A.Technical Advice, Policy Dialogue, and Coordination (30%) •Serves as Advisor to USAID Mission management on policy and programs related to education and youth, including the decentralized delivery of education services, professional development of teachers, assessment of learning outcomes, higher education institution system, and workforce development and participation initiatives for youth. •Maintains a range of contacts with government, educational institutions and private sector, as well as other multilateral and bilateral donors in moderately unstructured settings. The Advisor will specifically assist in clarifying the role and authority of each party under the new higher education program. Can be called upon to represent USAID at donor coordination meetings, government briefings, and other events on issues related to the education and youth sector. •Interacts with other USAID and USG offices on all issues related to education and youth. Also coordinates with other USAID/Kosovo Mission offices on cross-cutting issues affecting the Youth and Education sectors, i.e. (a) increased focus on youth in all assistance activites; (b) increased focus on education to support the private sector as the engine of growth; and (c), increased focus on education to support capacity building for enhanced democracy and governance. B.Strategy and Program Development (20%) •Participates in strategy and program planning for project activities related to the Education and Youth Assistance or Development Objective. The Senior Advisor will ensure all youth and education activities are consistent with the Mission's 2010-2014 Strategy and subsequent Country Development Cooperation Strategy, respond to the various stakeholders' priorities, and adequately incorporate requirements for long-term sustainability and host-country ownership. •Leads the development and design of new projects and activities to support achievement of Mission education and youth goals. Under EGO Director's guidance, will initiate studies and analyses on relevant development topics necessary to inform and advance strategic and program development in youth and education. C.Program Management (50%) •Manages the youth and education portfolio on a day-to-day basis, including making decisions on activity implementation matters, identifying and resolving program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, assigning responsibility for program management and implementation matters to subordinates, and assuring that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. •Supervises local hire FSN employees and mentors these employees to ensure the technical integrity and sound execution of the education and youth programs. May also be called upon to be the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for specific activities in the portfolio. •Assures adequate oversight for financial planning and accountability to achieve the education and youth goals of the USAID/Kosovo Strategy, including procurement planning, use of program funds, and monitoring pipelines for efficient use of funds. •Assists the Mission in collecting information, monitoring and evaluating the impact of education and youth sector activities. This responsibility encompasses: a) completing, on an annual basis, sections of the Operational Plan, the Performance Plan and Report, and other required reports; b) participating in evaluation efforts of current and completed projects, including the performance of contractors and grantees; c) ensuring that relevant recommendations are implemented and taken into consideration in the design of new initiatives; and d) evaluating audit report findings and recommending and participating in corrective action. •Continuously gathers information about, and keeps current on, developments pertaining to education and youth in Kosovo and reporting such developments as required to Mission management and staff. III. SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES •The Advisor will report directly to the Economic Growth Office Director and will directly supervise two senior FSNs. •The Advisor will handle all assigned work either independently or, as required, as part of a team, according to established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, as in effect from time-to-time; and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance as provided in the USAID ADS and elsewhere. •The Advisor shall independently plan and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The employee will resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; developing, coordinating, and clearing proposed solutions with all necessary parties; and then taking appropriate actions necessary to resolve the problem. •The Advisor will carry out such other tasks as might be assigned from time-to-time by supervisor or Senior Mission Management. IV.POSITION ELEMENTS •The Advisor is expected to make independent judgments that can be defended as necessary. •The Advisor establishes and maintains solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel. S/he will have frequent high-level working contacts with Mission senior managers, U.S. Embassy/Kosovo officers, host government officials, implementing partners, and private sector entities to fulfill the major duties and responsibilities of this contract. Often these contacts will be of a sensitive nature, and discretion is required. •The Advisor must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of stressful situations and when dealing with personnel to resolve challenges that arise during the course of the work, for which there often is not a clear solution. •Time required to perform full range of duties: none. The incumbent is expected to be an expert in Education. •Travel within Kosovo will be routinely required. V.QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA A.Experience (40 points): •A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience is required. The experience should include such areas as designing and managing basic and higher education programs, use of information technology in education, and the systemic adoption of reform throughout large governmental institutions. •Four years' experience working in developing countries is required. Experience in Eastern Europe or with other multi-ethnic countries is desirable. •Managing/monitoring contracts and/or grants is required; in the area of higher education is strongly preferred. •Experience working with donor institutional structures is required. Knowledge and/or experience in SWAP and/or Multi-Donor Trust Fund arrangements with other donors is highly desirable. B.Technical Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (30 points): •Technical knowledge of education reform, the meaning of education indicators in a country context, fundamental concepts of the role of basic and higher education in a country's development, and using information technology in education required. •Comprehensive knowledge of education as a tool of development assistance, including the education sector overseas, project management, and knowledge of other donor acquisition and assistance processes is required. •Knowledge of government education institutions (i.e., Ministry of Education) and of donor institutional structures is required. C.Interpersonal and Communication Skills (20 points): •Excellent interpersonal skills are required; the candidate should have a good record of establishing and maintaining relationships with counterparts, government officials, and international organization representatives. •Excellent English writing, editing, and speaking skills, as well as an ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished documents is required. •Albanian language skills are desirable but not required. D.Education (10 points): A master's degree in Education or a directly related field such as adult learning, early childhood studies, instructional design and technologies, educational administration. VI.REQUIREMENTS A.Security Clearance The final selected candidate must obtain an Employment Authorization, if a Third Country National, or a Top Secret clearance, if a United States citizen, within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding the clearance to the selected candidate). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer. B.Medical Clearance The final selected candidate must obtain a medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding this clearance to the selected candidate). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer. C.DUNS Number The successful Applicant will be required to provide their Duns & Bradstreet Number (DUNS). If the successful Applicant does not have a DUNS, s/he must apply for one at http://www.dnb.com/get-a-duns-number.html. VII.INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Interested Applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation. These documents include a cover letter [not to exceed three (3) pages]; a current resume/CV containing the information contained in items A - F below which clearly demonstrates the Applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and accomplishments as they relate to the evaluation criteria outlined in Section II., Duties and Responsibilities, as outlined above; and a hand-signed federal form AID 1420-17 (forms can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/). A.Personal Information: full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held); B.Education: Colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received; C.Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (includes series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, basic salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of form AID 1420-17 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.; D.Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, job related certificates and licenses (current only), job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested); E.References: Applicants must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contact information. The Applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Kosovo reserves the right to obtain relevant information from previous employers concerning the Applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation; and F.Date of availability to begin assignment in Pristina, Kosovo. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents must be submitted via internet as an email attachment as follows: Send complete applications to pristinausaidrcoext@usaid.gov. Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be formatted in one single PDF document in the following order: (1) signed cover letter, (2) signed resume/CV (with references), and (3) signed AID 1420-17. Interested candidates must send the documents outlined above via the internet, to the attention of the address indicated above. E-mail must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate's salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. NOTE: This position requires the submission of complete forms and/or supplemental materials as described herein above. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. The Applicant must sign the cover letter, resume/CV, and the AID 1420-17. Please note that incomplete and/or unsigned applications will NOT be considered. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. VIII.ALLOWANCES AND BENEFITS PSCs are eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below - only as applicable. A.Allowances •Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) •Living quarters allowance (Section 130) •Post Allowance (Section 220) •Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) •Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) •Education allowance (Section 270) •Educational Travel (Section 280) •Post differential (Chapter 500) •Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600) •Consumables Allowance B.Benefits •Employee's FICA Contribution •Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance •Pay Comparability Adjustment •Eligibility for Worker's Compensation •Annual & Sick Leave •Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service Note: If the selected Applicant is a US citizen or US Resident Alien, the Applicant's salary will be subject to employee's FICA and Medicare contribution. PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes IX.LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs (to be provided to the selected Applicant) 1.Contractor Physical Examination Form(s) 2.Questionnaire for National Security Positions 3.Authority for Release of Information 4.Foreign Residence Data 5.Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended 6.Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974 7.Fingerprint Cards 8.Request for Security Action These forms shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
- Web Link
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/KOS/SOL-167-13-000004/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/KOSOVO, ARBĖRIA, ISMAIL QEMALI STREET, HOUSE NO.1, Pristina, Non-U.S., Kosovo
- Record
- SN02995398-W 20130227/130225234557-b02505a896bd794fca42720281bfcfbc (fbodaily.com)
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