SUBJECT:
Solicitation for a Resident U.S. Personal Services Contractor –
Special Program Assistant for USAID/Guinea
Ladies/Gentlemen:
The United States Government,
represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),
Guinea is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified
U.S. citizens to provide services as a Special Program Assistant
under a local hire personal services contract, as described in the
attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the
attached information at the place and time specified.Interested
applicants must submit: (i) a complete and signed Form set of U.S.
Government OF 612 – Optional Form for Federal Employment;
(ii) a most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; and (iii) three
references, who are not family members or relatives, together with
working telephone and email contacts. (iv) a cover letter (3 pages
maximum) addressing how they meet the required qualifications for
this position (see Qualification section of this Solicitation).
Each of the expected qualifications should be addressed in the cover
letter. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification
at the end of the OF-612. Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered.In
order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the
minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration
and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications
vis-à-vis the evaluation criteria.Applications and the required
documents in response to this solicitation must be e-mailed to:Conakrypscjobs@usaid.govor
hand delivered to: USAID/Guinea, c/o American Embassy, Conakry,
Guinea. Attention: Executive Officer.Applicants should retain for
their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.
This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of the
USAID. 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 reserves the
right to award or not the contract contemplated herein, subject
to availability of funds.Any questions regarding this solicitation
may be directed to Mahamane Tandina, Executive Officer, USAID Guinea,
who may be reached by phone at 224-67-10-40-29 or by email at mtandina@usaid.gov.
Sincerely,Lawrence Bogus
Contracting Officer
Solicitation for a Resident U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC)
SPECIAL PROGRAM ASSISTANT 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 675-09-112. ISSUANCE
DATE: MAY 18, 20093. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:
MAY 29, 2009 AT 13H30 LOCAL TIME 4. POSITION TITLE: SPECIAL PROGRAM
ASSISTANT 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-11 ($49,544.00-$64,403.00). Final
compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based
upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational
background.6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:
Conakry, Guinea, with frequent travel to Sierra Leone.
8. STATEMENT OF WORKA. INTRODUCTION:USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone
has a single technical office which manages all activities in governance,
health, education, economic growth and biodiversity. It is currently
staffed by a single U.S. Direct Hire Office Chief, reporting directly
to the Mission Director, one Third Country National PSC, three FSN
professionals, one of whom will depart in May 2009, and two administrative
assistants. This position is for the local-hire, USPSC, who will
function as a Special Program Assistant. The Mission also has oversight
responsibility for its Country Office in Sierra Leone, staffed by
one USPSC, three FSN professionals and one administrative assistant.
The Technical Office must provide technical guidance to both USAID
and Embassy staff working in Sierra Leone. The Mission's assistance
programs draw from several accounts to support key goals in a coordinated,
interagency effort, with mutually reinforcing elements. Developmental
Assistance (DA) supports government institutions and civil society
organizations focused on democracy and governance. Child Survival
and Health (CSH) funding contributes to economic growth and development
through combating HIV/AIDS, and fostering maternal/child and reproductive
health. Health projects also are structured to increase accountability
and effectiveness in local service providers. Economic Support Funds
(ESF), when available, are used to build and reinforce institutions
allowing for free and fair elections. P.L. 480 will support effective
engagement on agricultural initiatives as well as health and nutrition.
Governing Justly and Democratically (GJD): In Guinea, funding in
this area at present supports preparations for legislative and presidential
elections, expected to take place in 2009 or early 2010. Longer
term GJD work in both Guinea and Sierra Leone promotes good governance
and anti-corruption, seeking to build more effective and accountable
governmental and non-governmental institutions. In both countries,
local government and decentralization programs aim to increase the
ability of local governments to govern effectively, transparently
and democratically, and improve service delivery. U.S. assistance
here also increases citizen awareness of and demand for government
transparency, accountability, and effectiveness by strengthening
civil society’s capacity to participate more actively in governance
and public affairs. These efforts are integrated with the work of
other sectors such as education, health and natural resource/agricultural
management. Assistance for anti-corruption activities to support
national and local level initiatives is aimed specifically at combating
the endemic corruption in both countries. Assistance is also used
to strengthen the consensus-building processes at the national,
regional and local levels. The funding structure allows the flexibility
to support programs relevant to the changing political environment,
permitting support for institutional development assistance for
government institutions, and funding for civil society groups to
conduct consensus-building forums and uphold democratic processes
related to the transition. Funding to support an independent media
involves developing and strengthening rural radio networks, training
media professionals, and media advocacy to improve the enabling
environment. Investing in People: Guinea and Sierra Leone are at
the bottom of the UN’s human development index. CSH and P.L.
480 funding for maternal and child health, reproductive health and
HIV/AIDS programs will continue to reduce maternal and child mortality
rates, improve reproductive health and help both countries maintain
their low HIV/AIDS prevalence rate while addressing key governance
and transparency issues in the health sector. Communication efforts
will address HIV-related stigma, harmful traditional practices such
as female genital cutting, early and forced marriages and gender
equity. These activities, together with anti-trafficking programs,
also support Embassy objectives in human rights.
Economic Growth: Though richly endowed with minerals, Guinea and
Sierra Leone are two of the poorest countries in the world, with
the latter at the absolute bottom in 2008. The U.S. programs promote
a more positive environment for economic growth and ease conditions
of poverty by supporting agricultural sector productivity and an
improved investment climate, both with DA and P.L. 480 funds. The
Mission also seeks to help both countries take full advantage of
the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by encouraging development
of export opportunities.
Environment & Biodiversity: While presently suspended in Guinea
as a result of the December 23, 2008 coup d’etat, Mission
programs in the past have promoted more responsible use of natural
resources and preservation of biodiversity, especially as it relates
to ensuring sustainable economic growth. This has involved better
community management of classified forests, reclamation of lands
damaged by artisanal mining, and better cross-border coordination
of national forest management programs. Guinean forests are the
source of most of the major rivers in West Africa and are an essential
part of the biosphere in the region. If Guinea successfully holds
elections and moves to democratic rule, the Mission anticipates
that its programs addressing the environment and biodiversity will
be resumed. B. SCOPE OF WORK: Overview C. Scope of Work: This position
is for the Guinea and Sierra Leone Special Program Assistant who
will assist the team in the design and implementation of Guinea
and Sierra Leone's development assistance portfolio funded approximately,
$40 million annually. S/he reports to the Technical Office Chief
or his Deputy and assists in activity monitoring and report writing
for Guinea and Sierra Leone activities in the areas of governance,
human rights, health, economic growth, biodiversity, humanitarian
assistance, and office operations. The incumbent works closely with
other technical officers, Guinea and Sierra Leone Embassy officials,
other donors, U.S. partner organizations, and host government officials.
. The Special Program Assistant will be required to travel frequently
within Guinea and Sierra Leone to monitor USAID activities, but
this will not exceed 30% of time in any month. Depending on the
incumbent’s background, s/he also may work as an advisor in
a specific sector covered by the Guinea and Sierra Leone programs
and a manager for specific activities.
I. Duties and areas of responsibility for the position of Special
Program Assistant include: • Assist the Technical Office Chief
, his Deputy, and Country Office staff in Sierra Leone to achieve
the desired outcomes of USAID’s programs in Guinea and Sierra
Leone in the most effective and efficient manner.• Provide
technical advice and coordination in developing and implementing
USAID projects/activities in Guinea and Sierra Leone as well as
monitoring the progress of these activities.• Through field
observation, analysis, and consultation with host government and
other local entities, identify needs for USAID assistance in areas
consistent with USG assistance program and foreign policy objectives.
Advise the Guinea and Sierra Leone Technical Office Chief and Deputy
of these needs, and as required, develop concept papers outlining
the potential USAID response. Incumbent keeps the Technical Office
Chiefs and the Mission management appraised of issues, problems,
successes and solutions in the management of USAID’s programs
in Guinea and Sierra Leone.• Assist the Technical Office Chief
to maintain effective liaison and communication between the USAID
offices, the U.S. Embassies in Guinea and Sierra Leone, USAID grantees
and contractors, other donors, the Government of Guinea and Sierra
Leone, and USAID/Washington.• Serve as technical and programmatic
resource person in accordance with the incumbent’s professional
background.• Assist in tracking of quality of performance
data. Ensure partners receive needed information on USAID procedures
and policies. • Assist in the preparation of USAID reporting
documents including the Operational Plan and Performance Report,
Washington-driven requests and other documents as required. •
Coordinate with government officials and donors to avoid duplication
of activities. • Work closely with and provide technical assistance
on cross-cutting issues, for example with respect to HIV/AIDS, nutrition,
civil society strengthening and combating female genital cutting
and early and forced marriages.• As a team member, actively
participate in meetings and joint activities between USAID, host
country counterparts, other donors, Peace Corps and the U.S. Embassies.
• Make periodic site visits and inspection of USAID funded
activities. • As needed, draft all documentation necessary
to obtain approval of obligation (SOW, Action Memoranda, pipeline
analysis, MAARDS). • Provide input regarding annual resource
requirements and budgets, and track expenditures for selected activities.
• Actively participate in team building and strengthening
activities. • Participate with other Mission teams in searching
for opportunities of collaboration. • Attend international
technical conferences and meetings, as judged necessary by Mission
management. • Such other duties as may be assigned.
Supervision Exercised:None. Supervision Received: The incumbent
will work directly under the supervision and technical guidance
of the Technical Office Chief or his Deputy. Under broad guidance
from the Office Chief or the Deputy work is performed with some
degree of independence.
LEVEL OF CONTACTS:The incumbent actively engages in official personal
contacts with a broad range of individuals and organizations in
Guinea & Sierra Leone and beyond. The purpose of these contacts
is to promote USAID’s development assistance objectives and
to increase his/her understanding of the dynamics of local society
as they affect USAID’s programs. Contact also serves to gain
insights from the procedures, methodologies, and experiences from
host country counterparts and implementation partners as they affect
USAID’s implementation effectiveness. It is expected that
personal contacts will include, but not be limited to, the following:
• Various social sector committees in the GOG and GOSL.
• USAID funded contractors and grantees;
• Host Country officials responsible for assistance matters;
• Representatives of international donors;
• USAID Office Directors and staff;
• USAID/Washington representatives; QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION
CRITERIA:
• Education (20 Points): A Bachelors degree in a field related
to development.
• Experience (35 points): (1) At least two years of experience
in the design and implementation of development programs in a sector
or sectors related to USG programs in a developing country, preferably
Francophone Africa. Experience with monitoring and evaluation and
in coordinating programs with bilateral and multilateral donors
such as the UN agencies as well as public sector and NGOs entities.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (30 points): Knowledge of
the design, management, and evaluation of projects to improve their
quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness; Strong communication
and interpersonal skills and ability to work in teams; Familiarity
with and understanding of development programs and implementation
procedures is desirable. Strong writing skills, with the ability
to produce concise reports and use word processing, spreadsheets
and graphic programs; Ability to work independently; ability and
willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment;
sensitivity to others; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment;
ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically;
and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners.
• Language (15 points): (1) Native English; French at S-3+/R-3+
level or higher. (2) Ability to produce well-written documents under
tight deadlines.
The following skills and qualifications will be preferred, but not
required:
• Particular experience with programs in the areas of democracy-building,
health or economic development.
• Familiarity with USG policies and priorities and means of
delivering assistance in developing nations.
• Experience and knowledge of the political, social, and economic
characteristics of francophone Africa.
• Training (or experience) in relevant USG administrative
policies and procedures
I. TERMS OF PERFORMANCE:The contract will be for a period of twenty
four (24) months. The contract may be extended for up to an additional
two years subject to performance, continuing need for the Advisor’s
services, and availability of funds.
K. WORKING ENVIRONMENT:Work is primarily performed in an office
setting. In-country & occasional international travel is required.
L. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.M.
POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.
N. APPLYING:
Qualified individuals are requested to submit:
A U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website,
http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet
http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); (ii) a most current
curriculum vitae (CV) or resume; and (iii) three references, who
are not family members or relatives, together with working telephone
and email contacts. (iv) a cover letter (3 pages maximum) addressing
how they meet the required qualifications for this position (see
Qualification section of this Solicitation). Each of the expected
qualifications should be addressed in the cover letter. Applicants
are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of
the OF-612. Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered.
Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the
address specified in the cover letter.
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. The highest ranking applicants
may be selected for an interview.Applicants should retain for their
records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.
O. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:
Forms outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html
1. Optional Form 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). **
** 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.
P. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS
AAPDs and 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.
Q. BENEFITS:This is a local hire position, as such no offshore benefits
will be provided.
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a resident PSC is normally
authorized the following benefits:
Employee's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Increase
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual and Sick Leave
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes,
FICA, and Medicare.Note: The selected individual must be eligible
for a U.S. government security clearance and obtain a full medical
clearance for service.
