SOLICITATION NOTICE
L -- DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND GOVERNANCE ADVISOR
- Notice Date
- 11/29/2016
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Washington D.C., USAID/Washington, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Room 7.10-006, Washington, District of Columbia, 20523, United States
- ZIP Code
- 20523
- Solicitation Number
- SOL-OAA-17-000024
- Point of Contact
- Benjamin Duodu, Phone: 2025674799, Gwendolyn P Ruffin, Phone: 202-5675089
- E-Mail Address
-
bduodu@usaid.gov, gruffin@usaid.gov
(bduodu@usaid.gov, gruffin@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- SOLICITATION NUMBER:SOL-OAA-17-000024 ISSUANCE DATE:November 29, 2016 CLOSING DATE: December 29, 2016, NOON, 12:00 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) POSITION TITLE: Asia Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Advisor MARKET VALUE: GS-14, Step 1 Equivalent (GS 14, Step 1:$108,887.00 -GS 14, Step 10: $141,555.00). The final compensation will be negotiated within the market value based on the successful candidate's salary history, work experience and educational background. Candidates who live outside the Washington, D.C area will be considered for this contract, but relocation expenses will not be reimbursed. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC, USA. (Overseas travel will be required.) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:Two year base period with option to extend for three additional one-year periods. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:U.S. Citizens NO. OF CANDIDATES:One (1) SECURITY ACCESS LEVEL:TS SCI POSITION DESCRIPTION:See below ASIA DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND GOVERNANCE ADVISOR I.SUMMARY The USAID/Asia Bureau provides overall leadership for Agency programs across a region that is at the top of the U.S. foreign policy agenda, covers the largest geographic coverage of any Regional Bureau, and is home to more than half of the world's population. The USAID/Asia Bureau carries out development efforts in 14 field missions covering 30 countries from Central Asia to the Pacific. The Office of Technical Support (Asia/TS) is one of six offices in the Asia Bureau along with the Front Office, the Office of South and Central Asia, the Office of East Asia and the Pacific, the Office of Administrative Services, and the Office of Strategic Planning and Operations. The Office of Technical Support provides leadership on development issues in Asian countries through analysis, strategy development, program design, technical assistance and information dissemination in the areas of democracy and governance, peace and security, natural resources management and environment, economic growth, agriculture, education, and global health. II.BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance Advisor (DGA) is a member of the Democracy, Governance, Peace, and Security (DGPS) team in the Asia Bureau's Office of Technical Support (ASIA/TS). As part of a three-person team the DGA provides regional intellectual leadership and technical support in the areas of Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG) and Peace and Security (PS). Technical areas include: A. Peace & Security 1. Counter Violent Extremism (CVE) 2. Counter Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) B. Democracy, Governance, Peace, and Security 1 Rule of Law 2 Good Governance (including Legislative Strengthening, Local Governance, and Anti-Corruption) 3 Elections and Political Competition 4 Civil Society 5 Media 6 Human Rights The DGA is expected to have experience in two or more of the DRG technical areas as well as with CVE (or related fields such as conflict mitigation or gang prevention). It is strongly preferred that the DGA has experience in Good Governance and Civil Society, as the majority of the region's country Missions has programming in these sectors. Ideally the three-staff of the DGPS Team provides complementary expertise in technical areas for the entire Asia region. The DGA will directly support the Asia Bureau and its missions by providing technical assistance in all areas related to democracy, good governance, and peace and security, identifying approaches to overcome obstacles to progress in these sectors. (See www.usaid.gov/where-we-work/asia for a breakdown of countries and missions in the region). Areas of work may range from good governance, civil society, elections, and judicial strengthening, to cross sectoral areas such as counter trafficking in persons, countering violent extremism, public financial management, and political economy analyses. The core functions of the position include: provide state-of-the-art support to USAID missions and US Embassies in the field; represent the Bureau on DGPS issues in intra and interagency processes and/or provide advice for Senior Leadership to participate in these processes; design programs and act as administrator or activity manager for programs/projects that affect broad mission areas including leading analytical DGPS research agenda and pilot projects for the Asia Region. The DGA will work closely with relevant bureaus and offices within USAID, the Department of State, and other USG and non-USG actors as needed to achieve DGPS goals. The incumbent will travel internationally approximately 2-3 trips per year, each for 2-3 weeks' duration. S/he is supervised by the DGPS Team Lead. III.DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Principal responsibilities for the DGA include: A. Providing expert technical analysis to Asia Bureau and missions by: 1. Analyzing DGPS indicators and data; identifying priority concerns in the sector; developing reports or briefs on relevant information; and making recommendations for action by the Bureau or missions, as appropriate. 2. Analyzing and interpreting DGPS data, leading to the development of programs related to the design, development and evaluation of DGPS sector activities. 3. Developing analytical, strategic and program recommendations which demonstrate and/or take into consideration US Government (USG), USAID and Asia Bureau policies approaches and interests. 4. Reviewing project proposals, requests for funding, interim and final project reports, annual assessments of program impact, scientific and policy papers, and other documents for DGPS programming in Asia. 5. Developing and maintaining up-to-date information on DGPS developments in the Asia region, and providing regular updates, information and briefs on technical issues to Bureau staff, missions and program partners. 6. Visiting missions to provide program development, evaluation, monitoring and mission support. B. Providing technical leadership, support and guidance to: 1. The Asia Bureau and within the DGPS team on the review and response to mission strategies, performance reports and other strategic and program documents. This may include writing reports, drafting strategies and other documentation, preparing written communications to USAID missions, and providing written reviews and recommendations of projects and activities. 2. Asian missions by providing regular virtual and onsite support on DGPS-related issues including budget and program planning, policy compliance, assessments and evaluations, technical updates, visits from the field and coordination with other bureaus of USAID and external agencies and partners. 3. USAID and/or external staff undertaking assignments, rotations or short-term assignments to Asian countries. 4. The Asia Bureau and missions by developing and providing mentoring and capacity building activities. C. Serving as a liaison and advocate to: 1. The DCHA/DRG Center, other USG agencies, cooperating agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, foundations, private sector organizations and others working in DGPS in the region. 2. The Asia Bureau for DGPS-related issues. This will include working closely with other Asia/TS staff, country desk officers, program analysts and budget and operations staff to ensure that the DGPS perspective is communicated effectively and that needs of DGPS programs are met. D. Developing, collaborating with, and maintaining effective working relationships with: 1. DCHA Bureau's Asia Leads (DRG Center, CMM, OTI, new CVE Secretariat), non-governmental organizations, and other partner organizations to organize and facilitate meetings and briefings on DGPS related projects in the region. 2. The Asia Bureau, missions in the region, and other relevant parts of the Agency, as well as the State Department, the Department of Defense, and other USG counterparts. E. Managing DGPS sector programs. Advisor will also assist missions in designing, procuring and implementing DGPS sector programs. S/he may also serve as the Contract Officer's Representative or the Assistance Officer's Representative. International Travel: Approximately 2-3 trips per year, each for 2-3 weeks' duration. IV. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS/SUPERVISION POSITION ELEMENTS 1. Supervision Received: The incumbent will be supervised by the Democracy, Governance, Peace and Security Team Lead. The supervisor will set overall objectives. The incumbent and supervisor will develop deadlines, projects and work to be completed. The incumbent will be expected to independently plan, design, and carry out the duties of the position. Completed work will be reviewed for effectiveness of results and compliance with prevailing policies, regulations, directives and objectives. 2. Authority to Make Commitments: The DGA has no formal authority to make commitments on behalf of the USG; however, recommendations are given substantial weight by USAID officials who exercise that authority. DGA will have significant responsibilities and some discretion with respect to program expenditures which includes oversight of budget and budget formulation, expenditure reviews and approvals. The DGA is authorized to initiate correspondence and discussions with relevant counterparts and to articulate USAID strategy and implementation issues specifics to the program sectors specified herein. 3. Available Guidelines: Management guidelines available include the Automated Directives System and other important reference documents such as the current Operational Plan, Congregational Budget Justification and relevant contract and grant agreements, auditing and financial management operating procedures and systems requirements. 4. Exercise of Judgment: The DGA must exercise a high degree of sound judgment in dealing with colleagues and other USG officials, external counterparts, contractor and grantee staff and others. In particular, the DGA must not exceed boundaries set by USAID rules and regulations and, in dealing with colleagues and counterparts and has to understand the limits of his authority in this particular situation. 5. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: In order to perform the duties and responsibilities, the DGA will require regular contact with USAID, contractor and grantee staff. Contacts will be for the purpose of negotiating the direction of implementation of the Bureau programs. The DGA must be able to work and communicate effectively with persons from all areas of the DGPS portfolio. 6. Supervision Exercised: The DGA may provide some oversight to junior DGPS Office members, when and if the team expands. DGA will evaluate and recommend suitable recognition for outstanding performance, takes action to improve staff performance as required. The DGA will serve as the key manager for ensuring the smooth implementation of a complex and highly visible DGPS program. V. EVALUATION CRITERIA The successful applicant must have the following qualifications and experience: 1. Education (10 Points) • A Master's or higher Degree in political science, law, international relations or regional studies with an emphasis on Asia is required. (10 Points) 2. Knowledge and Skills (50 Points) • Knowledge of regional political, social and cultural context, characteristics and history is required; this could be in Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia/Pacific or a combination. (8 Points) • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in two or more of these DRG areas: civil society, legislative strengthening, local government, rule of law, human rights, elections, or media. Experience in Good Governance areas and Civil Society are strongly preferred. (8 Points) • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Countering Violent Extremism programming or related sectors such as conflict mitigation or gang prevention. (8 Points) • Strong analytic skills, including ability to collect data and analyze trends in ways that are meaningful for program development. (8 Points) • A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments or agencies in a large bureaucracy and in an interagency context, as well as with high level government officials, implementing partners, international donors and other counterparts. (8 Points) • Excellent interpersonal skills, including directing and working in teams (5 Points) • Excellent written and oral communication skills.(5 Points) • Knowledge of a regional language is desirable but not required. (0 Points) 3.Experience (40 Points) • A minimum of eight years of relevant professional experience in democracy and governance and/or peace and security development programming, including CVE. (20 Points) • A minimum three years of experience working on democracy, governance, peace and security development issues and programs in the Asia Region. (20 Points) NB: US Citizenship required. VI. INSTRUCTION TO APPLICANTS: (a) Interested individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612) (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices); (b) Applicants must submit a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. (c) 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. (d) Please note all applications must be signed - unsigned applications shall/ NOT be considered. (e) The highest ranked applicants may be selected for an interview and will be required to provide a writing sample. (f) Reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. (g) Applicants are required to provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last ten years of the applicant's professional life. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's knowledge of democracy, governance, peace, and security work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or telephone numbers for all references. VII. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Applications are due no later than 12:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST), December 29, 2016. Submission by email: Applicants must submit their application via e-mail to the contact person listed below. No other means of submissions would be considered. Primary Point of Contact Person: Benjamin Duodu, Contract/Agreement Specialist United States Agency for International Development (USAID) M/OAA/RM/MHCA/USAID, SA-44 301 4th Street SW, Room #534B Washington D.C. 20547 e-mail: bduodu@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this invitation may be directed to the above. Note: Signature pages of e-mailed applications must be scanned and submitted with the application. Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of an application in response to this solicitation. Award under this solicitation is subject to the availability of funds. VIII. SELECTION FACTORS: (Determine 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 U.S. citizen; * Completed and signed Federal Form OF-612 is submitted; * Supplemental documents, especially a resume and/or additional information addressing the Evaluation criteria, is submitted; * Ability to obtain a "Top Secret" level security clearance, as provided by USAID; and * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. IX. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC: Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ 1. Optional Form for Federal Employment (OF 612). 2. 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). * 6. Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) * * Forms 2 through 6 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OP/WashingtonDC/SOL-OAA-17-000024/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Washington DC 20523, Washington, District of Columbia, 20523, United States
- Zip Code: 20523
- Zip Code: 20523
- Record
- SN04338103-W 20161201/161129234225-d41323f8a965d82bdae3bf3c0451f37c (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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