SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC Turkmenistan Country Office Deputy Director, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
- Notice Date
- 7/15/2013
- 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
- 20-2013
- Archive Date
- 8/20/2013
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana P Rossova, Phone: 7 3272 50 76 17
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 07/15/2013 CLOSING DATE: 08/05/2013 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 20-2013 USPSC Turkmenistan Country Office Deputy Director, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 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 Markus Dausses, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail almaexo_hr@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Markus Dausses Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 20-2013 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 20/2013 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 07/15/2013 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 08/05/2013 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Turkmenistan Country Office Deputy Director 5. MARKET VALUE: $71,674-$93,175 per annum (GS-13 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A)Basic Function of the Position The USAID Regional Mission for Central Asian Republics is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with country offices in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; Dushanbe, Tajikistan; and Tashkent, Uzbekistan; and provides broad programmatic and administrative support to USAID/Kyrgyz Republic in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Central Asia is bordered by Russia, China, Iran and Afghanistan. Due to its substantial oil and gas reserves, 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. 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 $110 million annually. The Mission implements its programs together with more than 80 implementing organizations funded via acquisition and/or assistance mechanisms. The staff manages a program that addresses six program areas 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 Development (ED), Democracy and Governance (DG), and Health and Education (HE) and is in the process of finalizing developing its new whole-of government strategy under USAID Forward and designing of new projects implementing Almaty Consensus for each country and the region that require significant restructuring of our implementation portfolio. USAID Assistance Program in Turkmenistan totaling approx $6 million annually is geared to providing assistance in the development of economic, social and political reforms and helping to build a base for democratization. It is a challenging work environment and this position requires an experienced professional, technically qualified individual who can exercise sound judgment, and can articulate and uphold the Agency's strategic objectives and goals within the broader context of the USG foreign policy objectives in a diverse and constantly changing environment. The incumbent will assist in managing the seven-person Turkmenistan Country Office (TKO) and will be involved in the design, planning and implementation of Turkmenistan's development assistance portfolio. S/he is responsible for analysis of effectiveness and coordinating TKO activities in the areas of democracy, health, education and economic development sectors. In addition, the incumbent ensures proper management and administrative operations for the country office. The incumbent works closely with USAID/Central Asian Republics technical officers, the Embassy Country Team and visiting USG officials and coordinates USAID assistance with other donors, U.S. partner organizations, and host government officials. B) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision and technical guidance of the USAID/CAR Mission Director, the Turkmenistan Country Office (TKO) Director serves as a senior member of an 8-person team within the TKO in Ashgabat. The incumbent participates in the conceptualization, design and overall management of USAID/CAR's Regional Mission policy strategy/portfolio for all Mission's strategic and crosscutting objectives in. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Under the overall direction of the USAID/CAR Regional Mission in Almaty, Kazakhstan and the direct supervision of the Supervisory Program Officer, Turkmenistan Country Office (TKO) Director, the incumbent actively participates in the conceptualization, design and overall management of USAID/CAR's policy strategy/portfolio for the Mission's strategic and cross-cutting objectives in Turkmenistan. The incumbent serves as the defacto Deputy Director in USAID/CAR/Turkmenistan Country Office. In that position s/he is responsible for assisting in oversight and coordination of an approximately $6 million annual assistance portfolio implemented. In this role the incumbent participates in the supervision of six Foreign National Personal Services Contractor (FNPSC) employees. The incumbent is the alter ego of the Office Director and assumes the responsibilities and authority of the TKO Director in his/her absence. This requires that the incumbent is fully familiar with U.S. government policy priorities, as well as all programs and activities, the issues and objectives involved, and the implementation partners and local counterparts. As needed, the Country Office Director may delegate specific responsibilities or assignments to the incumbent, on either a short-term or long-term basis. The incumbent is required to travel frequently within Turkmenistan to monitor USAID activities and to travel, as well, to the USAID/CAR Regional Mission office in Almaty, Kazakhstan to consult with Mission management and technical support office staff. The incumbent will be required to represent USAID at meetings within the highest levels of the U.S. and Turkmenistan governments. Areas of responsibility for the position include but are not limited to: 1) Assist the TKO Director and Country Office staff to achieve the desired outcomes of USAID/CAR's program in Turkmenistan in the most effective and efficient manner. 2) Provide expert advice, technical leadership, and coordination in the conceptual design, development and implementation of USAID/CAR projects/activities in Turkmenistan as well as monitoring the progress of these activities. 3) Serve as a liaison official for USG assistance with the Government of Turkmenistan, the American Embassy in Ashgabat, local and international nongovernmental organizations, institutional contractors and international donor organizations, and the private sector. 4) Take the lead for the Country Office in program management/administration in terms of Turkmenistan's budget and reporting processes, including tracking and maintaining budget information, as well as coordinating all information for reporting purposes, with responsible Almaty staff as well as Embassy personnel, as appropriate. This includes the annual Strawman and 653a planning and reporting processes. 5) As delegated by the Country Office Director, the incumbent will take 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. 6) The Incumbent will be the primary point person and take the lead on ensuring that U.S. Government gender, people with disability and environmental compliance regulations are followed and met. 7) Through field observation, analysis, and consultation with host government, international donor organizations and other local entities, identify needs for USAID assistance in areas consistent with U.S. Government Strategic Goals and policy priorities. Advise the Turkmenistan Country Office and USAID/CAR's Regional Office of these needs, and as required, develop concept papers and project designs outlining the potential USAID response. Incumbent keeps the Country Officer apprised of issues, problems, successes and solutions in the management of the country office and of USAID's program in Turkmenistan. 8) Take the lead for the Country Office in the overall conceptualization and implementation of assigned activities within TKO portfolio and supervise local staff responsible for such activities. 9) Assist the TKO Director to maintain effective liaison and communication between the USAID/CAR's Regional Office in Almaty, the U.S. Embassy in Ashgabat, USAID grantees and contractors, other donors, the Government of Uzbekistan, AID/Washington and the Office of the Assistance Coordinator for Asia. 10) Coordinate TKO's procurement planning processes including serving as a liaison on procurement issues with USAID/CAR's Office of Acquisition and Assistance and technical 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 TKO. 11) Supervise the Public Outreach efforts of the Country Office: 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 Almaty and establishing a close working relationship with the Public Affairs section in the U.S. Embassy. 12) Serve in the absence of the Country Office Director as a member of the U.S. Embassy/Ashgabat Country Team, and the USAID representative to the Donor Working Groups and with the Government of Turkmenistan. 13) Serve as the Primary and/or Alternate Agreement/Contracting Officer's Representative (AOR/COR) in one or more sectors. 14) On a continual basis, the incumbent 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. He/she 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. He/she assures quality control and timely preparation of financial obligating documents and authorizations as required by the USAID/Central Asian Republics regional mission. 15) Ensures that all administrative and accountability requirements related to USAID operations and activities are handled in accordance with established policies and procedures, in consultation with USAID/CAR Regional Controller and Regional Executive Officer in Almaty. 16) Contributes to regular and frequent reporting to the USAID/Central Asian Republics Mission in Almaty, the Mission Director, the Deputy Chief of Mission, the Asia Bureau Offices on progress, successes, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to USAID-financed programs in Turkmenistan. 17) Monitors other donors' programs in Turkmenistan to make sure that programs are complementary and consistent, and informs USAID/CAR/Almaty on other donors' plans and activities in Turkmenistan. C) Supervision Received The incumbent will work under broad guidance of the U.S. Direct Hire Supervisory Program Officer (Turkmenistan Country Office Director), work is performed with a high degree of independence. When serving in the capacity of acting Country Office Director the incumbent will report directly to the USAID/CAR Mission Director or his/her designee; also as acting Country Office Director the incumbent will be under parallel supervision from the U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan. D) Supervision Exercised The incumbent will have direct supervisory responsibilities for FSN staff, as will be determined by the Country Office Director. When serving in the capacity of acting TKO Director, the incumbent will assume full supervisory responsibility for the entire Turkmenistan Country Office (6 FSNPSC employees). Aas assigned the incumbent may be also responsible for directly supervising and monitoring the Chiefs of Party and the activities being funded by USAID. E) Levels of Contacts The Incumbent actively engages in official personal contacts with Host-Country high ranking officials (at the Ministerial level), different U.S. Agencies, international organizations, private groups, U.S. or foreign private groups, etc. In Turkmenistan it is expected that personal contacts will include, but not be limited to, the following: Head of State, Republic of Turkmenistan Speaker of Parliament, Republic of Turkmenistan Ministers and Deputy Ministers in Turkmenistan The heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatuses in Turkmenistan U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Chiefs of Party of USAID-funded IAA, contractors, and grantees Senior officials and executives at U.S. Headquarters of USAID-funded IAA, Contractors, and Grantees PVOs, NGOs Host Country Officials International Donors Visiting USG Officials (Congressmen, Senators, CODELs, Staffdels) F) QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 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 Turkmenistan. Must be willing to travel throughout Turkmenistan and occasionally to other countries in Central Asia. 2) Prior Work Experience: Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience demonstrating knowledge and competency in the design and management of international donor-funded development programs/projects, and evaluation of such projects to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. At least five years of effective international program development/management experience including strategic planning and analysis while residing in a transitional or developing country as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. Preference will be given to those with experience in Central Asian Republics or other post-Soviet republics. At least two years of successful leadership experience in a team environment. Minimum three years professional experience managing and overseeing donor funded programs in one or more of the following relevant sectors, economic growth, democracy and governance, health, education, conflict mitigation, and/or energy. 3) Knowledge and Technical Skills: Practical knowledge and demonstrated competency in the design, management, and evaluation of projects to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. Familiarity with USG's policies and priorities and means of delivering assistance in developing nations. Comprehensive knowledge of the political, social, and economic characteristics of the former-Soviet countries and Central Asia particularly. Management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in project/activity implementation; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; and the ability to conceptualize - both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners. Exceptional proficiency in oral and written communications, demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and to report on the status of activities and projects; to establish and maintain effective relations with all levels of people in former-Soviet countries; and, to represent USAID/CAR's projects and strategies in professional meetings and conferences. Must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG officials. Proficiency with computer programs, including those in budgeting, presentations and desktop publishing. Knowledge of USAID portfolio management requirements and experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation is preferred. Preference will also be given to individuals with knowledge of USAID procedures and systems for strategic planning, results frameworks, activity design, program monitoring and evaluation. Hands-on experience with and knowledge of Agency-provided computer software and hardware used in the USAID system. 4) Interpersonal and leadership skills: Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability and willingness 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. Proven ability to work as a team member, successfully lead teams and effectively build teams. Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting USAID staff with expedient program implementation. Must exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy especially when dealing with politically sensitive issues, 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. Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position. 5) Education: Bachelor's degree in one of the social sciences, economic, or in public/ business administration, political science, international relations, international development, public policy, or other relevant subject area. A graduate degree is preferred. 6) Language Skills: Must be fluent in English (Level IV) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports and strategic, conceptual documents. Good Working Knowledge of Russian Language (minimum FSI proficiency S3/R3). D) SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Education: 05 points Experience: 25 points Knowledge and Technical Skills: 25 points Interpersonal and Leadership Skills: 25 points Language Skills: 20 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) August 5, 2013. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or http://transition.usaid.gov/forms/OF612.pdf. 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: almaexo_hr@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 o/a September 01, 2013, subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. 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. 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.
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FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/20-2013/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Ashgabat, Turkmenistan
- Record
- SN03117099-W 20130717/130715235411-ba659a052bb30e25a9339c390ebd0822 (fbodaily.com)
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