SOLICITATION NOTICE
A -- Agriculture/Food Security Advisor, GS-14
- Notice Date
- 3/1/2016
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical 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
- SOL-388-16-000006
- Archive Date
- 4/15/2016
- Point of Contact
- Ismat Zerin, Phone: 880255662501, Abdul Kayum, Phone: 55662502
- E-Mail Address
-
izerin@usaid.gov, akayum@usaid.gov
(izerin@usaid.gov, akayum@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Competitive 8(a)
- Description
- AGRICULTURE/FOOD SECURITY ADVISOR BACKGROUND: The USAID/Bangladesh Feed the Future (FTF) Agriculture/Food Security Advisor will support the implementation of high priority U.S. Government initiatives under the Mission's Economic Growth (EG) portfolio. The principal function is to support FTF programming and directly oversee implementation of activities to achieve measurable results in improving food security in Bangladesh through Increases in productivity, strengthening market systems and improving nutritional outcomes for women and children. Bangladesh is the most densely populated country in the world, with 162 million people living in a land area roughly the size of Iowa. Demographic trends indicate this number will grow to around 220 million by 2050 with population growth threatening to outpace food production. Furthermore, poverty, lack of access to agricultural land, and poor eating habits contribute to one of the highest undernutrition rates in the world. Agriculture accounts for an estimated 48 percent of employment in Bangladesh, however, per unit yield for most crops is one of the lowest in the world. Nonetheless, Bangladesh is progressing and the Mission's FTF FY 2010-15 strategy builds on evidence-based experience, successes, and on-going agriculture, health, and Food for Peace programs. The FTF Bangladesh program is working to intensify staple crop production while simultaneously encouraging diversification into higher-value, nutrient-dense products in order to increase incomes along with the availability, accessibility, and utilization of nutritious food. This is complemented by programs which undertake messaging to encourage dietary diversification and increased consumption of nutritious foods. As the Mission begins shaping the next multi-year FTF strategy, highly specialized knowledge is needed to improve program development and implementation around on-farm productivity, market systems and nutrition leading to improved food security in Bangladesh. The performance period for this position will be two years. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION: The Agriculture/Food Security Advisor serves as the USAID Mission point of contact for the mission's expanding portfolio under the Feed the Future Initiative. S/he provides strategic leadership in identifying and applying innovative approaches and best practices to achieve measurable results in the areas of agro-inputs, crop productivity, agribusiness, trade, finance, livestock, aquaculture, nutrition and private sector and small enterprise development activities that improve food security in Bangladesh. The principal function is to provide state-of-the art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in developing USAID Bangladesh's complex, national, and district level activities under the FTF Initiative. The Advisor also provides senior level mentoring and guidance on project management, AOR/COR responsibilities, agricultural productivity, market systems, nutrition/livestock and state-of-the art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing and focusing private sector engagement to improve food security to newer staff members. The Advisor will be a member of the Mission's Office of Economic Growth. This is a challenging and exciting position located in one of USAID's largest development programs. The Feed the Future team is a 19-person, multidisciplinary team which manages USAID's largest food security program. The Advisor will be expected to complete assigned duties with little direct supervision, exercising extensive independent judgment as he or she works with diverse teams. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Advisor will provide strategic and technical guidance and leadership in food security-related topics for the Economic Growth team; serve as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) I Agreement Officer's Representative {AOR) for major food security grants or contracts; and develop strategic partnerships with the public and private sector to improve food security in Bangladesh. This work will include the following: A. Strategic and Technical Guidance and Leadership (35%) The Advisor will serve as a key advisor in developing new Mission agriculture strategies, including: 1. Develop new hypotheses and theories of change and lead the design and implementation of new agriculture activities aimed at improving productivity, market systems and nutrition. 2. Conduct strategic analysis and research; review reports and technical proposals; and prepare substantive reports and briefing materials on issues related to technical and programmatic approaches to sustainably enhance food security. 3. Advise the Office Director of Economic Growth, the Deputy Director/FTF Team Leader, the EG team, the Program Office, USAID Mission Management, and the Embassy on food security and related agricultural policy in support of USAID-funded food security activities. B. Program Management (35%) The Advisor will be responsible for managing a complex portfolio including the direct management of several food security activities and advising on numerous others. S/he will also: 1. Conduct and supervise administrative and financial analyses, develop and track budget preparation, and oversee implementation and other budget requirements for the EG portfolio. 2. Manage, monitor, and oversee the activities of grantees and/or contractors implementing USAlD's food security activities. Keep contractors, recipients, and grantees informed of USAID requirements and priorities. 3. Develop performance monitoring plans and monitor their implementation. Conduct evaluations and reporting in support of the EG portfolio. 4. Liaise with implementing contractors, recipients and grantees, and undertake visits to project sites on a regular basis. 5. Contribute to development of all mission reports, including Country Operational Plans, portfolio reviews; semi-annual and annual reports; quarterly financial reports; quality assessments; site monitoring reports; etc. 6. Make recommendations to the Mission on program directions and management. C. Build Strategic Partnerships (20%) The Advisor will be responsible for developing new and innovative partnerships and maintaining working relationships, including: 1. Foster and maintain strategic partnerships with new and existing private sector partners, mid to senior level GOB officials, the donor community, and civil society to enhance collaborative efforts that achieve mutual goals and objectives. 2. Serve as member of USAID technical working groups and other relevant forums in planning and improving the USAJD and USG food security portfolio. D. Mentor to Junior Officers and FSNs {10%} The Advisor will provide senior level support, training, and mentoring on project management, AOR/COR responsibilities as well as state-of-the art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing food security to new and junior US Direct Hire and FSN staff working on the FTF portfolio. OTHER ITEMS A. SUPERVISION The Advisor will be supervised by the EG Office Deputy Director/FTF Team Leader. B. SUPERVISION RESPONSIBILITIES The Advisor is expected to supervise one or two junior or mid-level FSN employees. C. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE The Personal Services Contract {PSC) will be for 24 months, starting on/around June 2016 and ending in June 2018. D. SECURITY CLEARANCE The selected applicant must be able to obtain and maintain an employment authorization security clearance and appropriate medical clearances. QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested only from the top scoring candidates. Please note that not all applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are preauthorized. Reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Applicants are required to write a brief cover letter to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria listed below. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The following factors will be the basis for the evaluation of all applications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. Applicants are required to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each criterion below and submit three to five professional references with complete contact information. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (listed in descending order of importance): 1. 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 agricultural development programs is required. 2. 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 mid to senior level Bangladeshi government officials and with private sector 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; in particular the demonstrated ability to work with new private sector partners, technical and senior GOB officials, USAID Implementing Partners, donors, and civil society. Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel are required. Familiarity with Microsoft Access and PowerPoint is desired. 3. Knowledge: Broad knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing food security is mandatory. This may include demonstrated knowledge in the areas of non-farm agricultural sector/market-led job creation, mobile money; digital business solutions, entrepreneurial innovation, and/or DCA credit applications in agri-business. Knowledge and skill in conceptualizing programming, policies, and plans, and developing strategies for their implementation is required. Significant knowledge of current USAID program management and monitoring and evaluation methods as well as a broad range of issues related to agricultural development is required. Knowledge of the structure and workings of the US government is desired. Knowledge of the Bangladeshi context, government {GOB) organizational culture, structure, policies, programs and operations and development priorities is desired. 4. Education: The applicant must have at least a Master's Degree in a field relevant to the duties described above such as in economics, agronomy, agricultural economics, business, international development, sociology, anthropology, management, public administration, or other related social sciences, or a related discipline. In cases of exceptional work experience, other relevant graduate degrees and/or work experience will be taken into consideration. 5. 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. Candidates meeting 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. Candidates meeting 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. OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS The selected applicant must be able to obtain an employment authorization security clearance and appropriate medical clearances. (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) · Applicant is a US/Third Country National; · Completed and signed Federal Form AID-302-3 is submitted; · Supplemental documents, especially a resume and/or additional information addressing the Evaluation criteria, is submitted; · Medical Clearance; and · Ability to obtain a security clearance or employment authorization clearance, as provided by USAID. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS : Interested individuals are requested to submit fully completed and hand-signed copy of an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (Form AID-302-3), cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria: 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); Education: High school, name, city and state, date of diploma of GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours); 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, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; 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, tools, machinery typing speed, 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). 5. Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years of the applicant’s professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge of contracting work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. Date of availability to begin assignment in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Forms are available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the Form AID-302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time specified in this solicitation in order for you to be considered for this position. Please note all applications must be signed – unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. Interested candidates should send above electronically to Dhaka-jobs@usaid.gov, to the attention of the addresses indicated below. 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. E-mail applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation. Address: Supervisory Executive Officer Executive Office USAID/Bangladesh C/O American Embassy Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka,, Bangladesh Only qualified and shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Additionally, only candidates that are interviewed will be notified if the position is filled. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS Employer’s FICA and Medicare Contribution* Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability and Adjustment Annual Salary Increase Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation (USPSC only) Annual & Sick Leave Shipment and storage of household effects Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle) Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service Defense-based Accreditation and Medevac insurance *Note: If a US citizen, the contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution. ALLOWANCES: TCNs will be paid allowances in accordance with the Bangladesh Mission Order. Details are available on request. USPSCS will be eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below – if applicable. 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) Danger Pay (Section 650) Consumables Allowance VIII. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC: Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms 1. Federal employment form (Form AID-302-3). * 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).* 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National 4. Security) (SF-86), or * 5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). * 6. Finger Print Card (FD-258). * * Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/BAN/SOL-388-16-000006/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Bangladesh, C/O American Embassy, Madani Avenue, Baridhara, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Record
- SN04034986-W 20160303/160301234200-901d421b25dd1eff63ef46b1b509ce10 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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