Supervisory Program Officer/Senior Advisor
SOLICITATION NO: SOL-#72066918R00009
ISSUANCE DATE: May 11, 2018
CLOSING DATE: May 25, 2018, 5:30 pm
LOCAL TIME
SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (US PSC) for
Supervisory Program Officer/Senior Advisor, USAID/Liberia
To All Interested Applicants
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts - AID 302-3 Form) from qualified U.S. Citizens to provide services as Supervisory Program Officer/Senior Advisor under a Personal Services Contract, as described in the attached solicitation. The place of performance for this position is Monrovia, Liberia.
Submissions to this solicitation shall be in accordance with the attached information, at the place and time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to sbrowne@usaid.gov and amangou@usaid.gov. Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered.
Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be considered. USAID/Liberia will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement.
Any questions or comments regarding this solicitation should be in writing and directed to sbrowne@usaid.gov and amangou@usaid.gov.
Phone calls or e-mail to any address other than the one specified in this solicitation will not be accepted.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Appiah
Supervisory Executive Officer
USAID/Liberia Mailing Address:
8800 Monrovia Pl
Dulles, VA 20189
Solicitation for US Personal Services Contractor (PSC)
Supervisory Program Officer/Senior Advisor, USAID/Liberia, Monrovia, Liberia
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL- 72066918R00009
2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 11, 2018
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME: May 25, 2018 5:30 pm Local Time, Monrovia, Liberia
4. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Program Officer/Senior Advisor
5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION: The position is the equivalent of a GS-15 ranging from $105,123-
$136,659 per annum. Final compensation will be based on
the individual's salary and work history, experience and
educational background, within the above salary range.
6. EVALUATION FACTORS: Evaluation will be based on a 100-point Scale:
Experience (40 Points), Technical knowledge and abilities (40 Points), Team work (10) and Education (10 Points).
7. Period of performance: Three (3) months with an extension option of an additional three (3) months for a total of six (6) months. Extension option will depend on a continuing need for services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Monrovia, Liberia
9. SECURITY ACCESS: (USPSCs) DOS Facility access in lieu of Secret clearance is
acceptable
10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens
11. STATEMENT OF WORK
I. Purpose
Due to the imminent reassignment of U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs) in USAID/Liberia's Program and Project Development Office (PPD), the office is anticipating a heavy turnover in personnel in the months of June through September 2018. This includes the Supervisory Program Officer (SPO) position which oversees PPD and manages staff. While the Mission has secured new USDHs from the regular Foreign Service bidding process to take over from the departing officers, their arrival dates remain uncertain at this time and could occur as late as October. This will leave PPD short staffed during these months when many processes and functions are either occurring (FY 2018 Operational Plan, obligation of FY 2018 funding, and closing out of the fiscal year). Additionally, USAID/Washington selected the Mission as one of six Missions to pilot the new Journey to Self-Reliance Module in the development of its new Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).
Because of these important, high level demands on PPD, the Mission is seeking short-term technical and managerial support to fulfill specific functions as detailed below. Specifically, PPD requires short-term support from an individual who possesses broad and senior level experience working in a Program Office and is knowledgeable of USAID's Program Cycle, strategy development, and design processes. The selected individual will serve as the Acting Supervisory Program Officer for a period of three months (June 17, 2018 to September 17, 2018) until the arrival of the permanent SPO. At that time, the incumbent will transition to a role of Senior Advisor in PPD until the end of the contracted period.
II. Background
USAID and the Government of Liberia (GOL) have made significant progress toward achieving the Mission's Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS)'s goal of strengthening Liberian institutions to drive inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction through the democracy and governance, economic growth, health, and education sectors. Despite this progress, corruption, a 50 percent poverty rate, ramifications of 14 years of civil war, weak economic growth, and lack of basic infrastructure are formidable challenges to the GOL's ability to finance and implement its journey to self-reliance. USAID and the newly elected GOL administration are optimistic about the future as the 2017 presidential and legislative elections marked the first peaceful transfer of executive power within the last 70 years. Of critical importance is USAID's role in guiding the GOL to formulate and implement a new development agenda well-aligned with U.S. Government (USG) policy and assistance priorities. The Mission is focusing on the analytical and concept note phases of strategic planning as the CDCS ends in December 2018. To achieve the Administrator's Transformation priorities of respecting taxpayer dollars and achieving measurable, high-quality and cost effective results, the Mission places a premium on strong financial management, and evidence-based learning and adaptation fueled by innovation, technology and partnerships. Staff manage a $751 million (life of project) portfolio, 77 awards with 65 implementing partners (IPs), and four Presidential Initiatives. An extremely difficult to staff post, there are 104 positions for 47 Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) or Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) and 57 Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs), of which only 88 are currently occupied.
USAID/Washington selected the Mission as one of only six Missions to pilot the Agency's new strategic development process that will use the "Journey to Self-Reliance Module". The Mission conducted the analytical phase of its strategy development and is currently in the concept note phase. The concept note phase is expected to culminate in a video conference with USAID/Washington in September 2018. The selected candidate is expected to play a leading role in this process and liaise with Washington stakeholders to ensure that progress continues before arrival of the permanent SPO.
III. Major Duties and Responsibilities
Leadership and Contextual Knowledge
• Serve as Acting Supervisory Program Officer until the arrival of the permanent SPO.
• Provide leadership on the development of the new CDCS and ensure strong lines of communications are established and maintained with key Washington-based stakeholders for timely completion of tasks.
• Provide direct supervision to eleven staff in PPD, working in the areas of outreach and communication, environmental compliance, monitoring and evaluation, budget formulation and execution, and Global Development lab activities.
• Provide strategic leadership to the Mission on managing the science, technology, innovation, and partnership (STIP) and information, communication and technology (ICT) portfolio.
• Develop and maintain contextual understanding of the region to include political, social, economic and operational issues of Liberia.
• Develop and maintain strong lines of communications with GOL ministries, other USG agencies, donors, and implementing partners.
• Possess a sophisticated understanding of the USAID Program Cycle and strategy development processes.
• Possess an understanding of Washington stakeholders driving the new CDCS development framework and establish strong lines of communications with them.
• Interpret and provide guidance to the USG community and GOL counterparts on the application of U.S. legislation and Agency/Mission policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance and clear organized leadership across PPD to ensure effective completion of Agency and/or Mission program cycle deliverables including but not limited to standard processes and program cycle tasks or last minute information requests that may cut across the program cycle (strategy, budget, planning, monitoring evaluation and learning, VIP briefers, etc.) with short turn arounds.
Portfolio Planning and Management
• Develop and maintain a detailed working knowledge of USAID/Liberia's portfolio.
• Lead the Mission in working with other USG agencies and other relevant bodies to ensure coordination of programs, policies, objectives and priorities.
• Work with Mission Managing to plan and execute effective Mission-wide strategic portfolio reviews, quarterly procurement and financial reviews, and activity design.
• Oversee the completion of USAID program cycle tasks as they relate to the technical teams.
• Conduct and supervise administrative and financial analyses, develop and track budget preparation, and oversee implementation of other budget requirements for the USAID/Liberia portfolio.
• Serve as the guiding force within the Mission on the development of donor coordination in partnership with other development partners.
Reporting
• Ensure compliance with monitoring and evaluation policies and procedures.
• Prepare briefing papers, notes and presentations on the USAID/Liberia portfolio.
• Upon request of the Front Office, provide reports on site visits, meetings, and other issues that impact USAID/Liberia development efforts.
• Contribute to the development of all Mission reports, including the Operational Plan, Performance Plan and Report, portfolio reviews, quarterly procurement and financial reviews, data quality assessments, site monitoring reports, and environmental compliance.
Representation
• Serve as a member of USAID/Liberia's Mission Management Team until the SPO arrives.
• Liaise with GOL counterparts, USG stakeholders, donors and others on a regular basis to further USAID development objectives.
• With guidance from the Resident Legal Officer (RLO) and Front Office (FO), coordinate with the donor community on policy issues affecting development operations.
• Manage, in concert with the RLO and FO, documentation and negotiations with the Government of Liberia on all USAID assistance related issues and agreements.
Mentorship
• Provide mentoring, support, and training, to PPD First and Second Tour Officers and Mission FSNs on activity management, budget formulation and execution, monitoring and evaluation, and environmental compliance.
IV. Key Tasks
• Provide leadership on the development of the development of the new CDCS, in close coordination and collaboration with key Washington stakeholders.
• Manage PPD as Acting Supervisory Program Officer, when required, and until the permanent SPO arrives.
• Support preparation for and execution of activities associated with high-level visits and events planning.
• Oversee the preparation of key budget preparation tasks (Operational Plan, Integrated Country Strategy, Mission Resource Request, and Congressional Budget Justification).
• Assist technical offices with budget and program information requests.
• Support the modification of bi-lateral agreements and development objective agreements, as required.
• Support the design, procurement and implementation of new and existing activities, in coordination with technical offices.
• By request, represent the Mission and the Embassy in Meetings with the GOL, other international donors, implementing partners, private sector companies, NGOs, and other Liberian organizations.
• Review communications products including event-related material, as required.
• Coordinate with technical offices to prepare for the Mission's portfolio review.
• Support the Contracting Officer Representative of the Mission's monitoring, evaluation, and learning award.
• Organize, manage and assist technical offices with activity design and planning, including integration of the bilateral portfolio with activities funded by headquarters operating unit.
V. Period of Performance
The selected individual (hereafter referred to as the "Contractor") will be expected to provide services from approximately June 15, 2018 through December 14, 2018, working according to the standard USAID/Liberia operating schedule and based in Monrovia. Labor days will include pre-departure preparation and travel to and from Monrovia. Most of the work will be accomplished in Monrovia where the contractor will be expected to be located with USAID/Liberia staff at the U.S. Embassy in Monrovia. Occasional travel to locations outside of Monrovia and within Liberia will be authorized as needed.
VI. Supervision
The contractor will be supervised by the Deputy Mission Director when serving in the position of Acting Supervisory Program Officer otherwise s/he will be supervised by the individual designated as Supervisory Program Officer, whether in acting or permanent status.
VII. Supervisory Responsibilities
The contractor exercises supervisory authority only when acting as the Supervisory Program Officer. During that period, s/he is expected to directly supervise the following staff Two Development Outreach and Communications Officers, the Environmental Compliance Specialist, the Science and Technology Advisor, the Budget specialist, any TDY personnel assigned to PPD, and two Foreign Service Officers.
VIII. Skills and Qualifications
Education: The contractor must have an advanced degree or equivalent (six years of post-secondary education) in the social sciences, public administration, International Development, Program Management or other relevant academic field and have completed work that includes research and writing.
Prior work experience: The contractor must have a minimum of 15 years of progressive experience as a development professional including strategic planning, project and activity design and or program monitoring evaluation systems as well as working in a management capacity at a field Mission. Must have a minimum of eight years of prior international experience, either long-term or through short-term assignments, preferably in Africa. S/he must also be able to exercise significant, independent, professional judgment to anticipate both planned and ad hoc activity design, budgeting and operational issues requiring strategic decision-making, policy decisions and innovative solutions. Previous work experience should have involved all aspects of strategic planning, technical design and analysis, supported by strong leadership, professionalism and capacity building.
Skills and Abilities: Successful performance in this position requires demonstrated skills in strategic planning, analysis, program management, and project/activity design. This includes familiarity with major policy, administrative, and technical elements involved in successful donor assistance programs. The contractor must possess responsible program management experience along with strong problem solving, technical and organizational skills. The contractor must have strong proven skills in preparing documents related to strategic planning, analyses, and performance management and budget. S/He must also have a demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, professional judgment and; mentor junior officers and FSNs. Strong written and editorial skills are a must. Must be able to work in fast-paced environment and have strong sense of teamwork and interpersonal skills.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills. The contractor must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely in both speech and writing, including technical reports. S/He must also have demonstrated an ability to work collaboratively in teams, to build consensus, mentor and train colleagues and coordinate activities with external actors in a multicultural setting.
12. START DATE: June 2018, upon necessary clearances is obtained.
13. POINT OF CONTACT:
Sylvester Browne
Human Resource Specialist
USAID/Liberia
Monrovia, Liberia
E-mail: Sbrowne@usaid.gov
B. ADDITIONAL FACTORS
USAID Liberia will consider issues such as conflict of interest, nepotism, budget implications, visa status and whether candidates have a work permit in determining successful candidacy. When equally qualified, American Family Members (American Family Members are defined as adult dependents of U.S. Government employees) will be given first preference.
15. SELECTION PROCESS
After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. References must be 360 degree in nature (supervisors, peers, direct reports) and include Foreign Service Nationals, as appropriate, and must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. Additional references may be requested, as needed. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant's concurrence.
16. APPLYING:
TERM OF PERFORMANCE
The base term of the contract will be for one year, which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-15 position in the USG Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees, will be added.
1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits.
1. ALLOWANCES: as applicable.*
Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).
Living quarters allowance (Section 130) or government furnished housing.
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), and
2. BENEFITS:
Employee's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Increase
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual & Sick Leave
Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service
Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor's salary will be subject to employee's FICA and Medicare contribution.
FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes.
3. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) Pertaining to PSCs.
97- 16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Completion for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less
97-11 (Corrected) 1997 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts
97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services
97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination
96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract
96-19 U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave
96-11 PSC's Annual Health Insurance Costs
96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14
94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)
93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements under a Personal Services Contract (PSC)
List of Required Forms for PSCs
1. Standard Form 171
**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).
Note: Form 5 is available from the requirements office.
_____________
*Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
**The forms listed 2 thru 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
All Applicants must address how they meet the Minimum Qualifications, as described below:
a. Submit a fully completed and hand-signed copy of the form AID 302-3, "Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates your education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Forms are 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. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)
Sylvester Browne
Human Resource Specialist
USAID/Liberia
Email: sbrowne@usaid.gov and amangou@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 Microsoft Word or PDF and should not be zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.
sylvester s. browne, Phone 231777766402, Email sbrowne@usaid.gov
