99 -- USPSC-Supervisory Commodity MGT Officer

Solicitation No. RFP# 263-04-018 ISSUANCE DATE: January 26, 2004 CLOSING DATE: 4:30 pm Cairo time on March 1, 2004 SUBJECT: USAID/ Egypt - Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor [USPSC] For Supervisory Commodity Management Officer/Division Chief Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from U.S. citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 and a written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience Required for the position). Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Samia Joseph, Human Resources Officer, USAID/Egypt, EXO, who may be reached at fax#: 011-202-522-7197, tel.#: 011-202-522-7180, and email address: sjoseph@usaid.gov. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to: EXO/HR/US - USAID/ Egypt U.S. Mail: Virginie Gabra, Human Resources Clerk, EXO/HR/US, USAID/ Egypt- Unit 64902, APO AE 09839-4902. Air courier: Virginie Gabra, Human Resources Clerk, EXO/HR/US, USAID/ Egypt, Plot 1/A off Laselki St, New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt, Postal Code 11435. For those who wish to send their application via pouch, please also send your application & CV by Email attachment (vgabra@usaid.gov) or FAX ((202) 522-7197) to ensure receipt of your application before the closing date. Application forms, USG Standard Form 171(SF-171) and Optional Form 612(OF-612) can be located at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/SF171/sf171.pdf http://inside.usaid.gov/forms/formsnumeric.html Offerors are requested to provide their full mailing address and contact information (telephone, fax or email). The U.S. Government is under no obligation to award a contract based on this notice. Sincerely, Samia Joseph HR Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFP# 263-04-018 ISSUANCE DATE: January 26, 2004 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 4:30 pm Cairo time on March 1, 2004 POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Commodity Management Officer/Division Chief MARKET VALUE: GS-15 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with an option to renew for two years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Cairo, Egypt. SECURITY ACCESS: SECRET AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens. POSITION DESCRIPTION I. Introduction: Organizational Location of the Position: The position requires residence in Cairo, Egypt. Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Middle East. It has a number of urban problems such as severe pollution, and traffic congestion. However, it is relatively crime-free and offers many cultural and recreational opportunities, including major museums, important historical sites, and most sports. The Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea are easily reachable and provide opportunities for most water sports, especially snorkeling and scuba diving. USAID/Egypt Program: USAID/Egypt manages the largest and one of the most diverse programs in USAID. The program is highly visible and consequently attracts intense State Department interest, Embassy oversight, and Congressional scrutiny. The Mission is currently restructuring its portfolio to accommodate a planned reduction in the program budget by one-half and the staff by two-thirds over the next seven years, and a new country strategy that is designed to support Egypt's efforts to compete successfully in the global economy. The incumbent will serve as the Chief of the Commodity Management Division in the Economic Growth Directorate. The Commodity Management Division oversees the Private Sector Commodity Import Program, currently funded at $200 million per year, and scheduled to be reduced to $150 million over the next seven years. II. Basic Functions The incumbent serves as Director of the Division of Commodity Management, a component of the Economic Growth Office, the largest office in the Mission. The Division of Commodity Management is the focal point within USAID/Egypt for all aspects of policy, administration, and operations of the Private Sector Commodity Import Program (PRCIP). The PRCIP is statutorily maintained at the minimum level of $200 million annually, which corresponds to over 30% of the total program yearly obligations. The thrust of the program is to support the private sector as Egypt's primary engine of growth by expanding and deepening financial services, and by introducing new technologies. In addition, the PRCIP supports mission objectives by means of special incentives for investment in Upper Egypt, and for exporting companies. Through special promotions, the Division seeks to direct PRCIP funds into fields associated with other Mission objectives, such as pollution abatement and medicine. The incumbent manages a staff of one deputy and 19 FSNs. Program partners include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank of Egypt, 31 participating Egyptian banks, and 10 U.S. correspondent banks. Program customers are the private sector importers that use the program. With great sensitivity regarding USAID and USG goals and interests, the position demands an ability to deal effectively with all partners, customers, and others within a complex environment in accomplishing the goals of the division. III. Specific Duties and Responsibilities 1. The incumbent utilizes professional staff and exercises principal responsibility for coordinating, administering, and managing the operations, management, and implementation of the PRCIP, including: a. Oversees approvals of applications for financing submitted to the banks, using expert and in-depth knowledge of import/export procedures, and letter of credit operations. Ensures consistency with USAID regulations, particularly competition, compliance with cargo preference requirements, source/origin, etc. b. Evaluates the performance of participating banks. Consults with them on a regular basis with a view to achieving optimum results. c. Manages an accounting staff and an Oracle based software system to track applications, approvals, issuance of financial documents, shipments, according to the participant bank and bilateral grant. Generates reports showing type of commodity, origin by state, type of importer, etc. d. Manages a staff physically located in Alexandria accounting for the arrival of all USAID financed commodities including project commodities. Participates with FM in supervising end use checks. e. Creates and maintains productive relationships with private Egyptian business people using the PRCIP and assisting U.S. suppliers and Egyptian importers to develop lasting trade links. Plans and engages in PRCIP program promotions, aimed at improving outreach, encouraging small and medium firms to participate in the program, and directing program resources to private sector importers who can use them to enhance the Mission's strategic objectives. 2. Advises mission on the interpretation of USAID commodity financing policies and procedures applicable to program procurement. S/he works with the executive core team for Strategic Objective No. 1 to provide a continuous exchange of information on private sector developments to ensure maximum program impact with the available resources, and to work in step with economic reforms. 3. Advises the responsible Egyptian Government agency and other participants in the PRCIP, maintaining liaison with the Egyptian Government, with banks, and with private sector importing firms. Negotiates and coordinates program and other agreements, in particular Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Circular No. 1, with the MFA, Egyptian private sector importers, and with Egyptian participating banks. 4. Participates in program planning, including the identification and development of assistance targets and strategic objectives. Drafts activity justification papers and Program Assistance Approval Documents (PAADs) for the PRCIP. Basic qualifications and selective factors 1. U.S. Citizenship. 2. Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance as provided by USAID. 3. Minimum of a four year college degree, preferably in business, finance, or public administration, with coursework in international trade. 4. Minimum of 6 years overseas work experience. 5. Minimum of 8 years of experience in international trade/commodity management. An advanced degree in one of the fields mentioned above may substitute for one year of experience. Some of the work experience should have been in international development, and some of that should have been with private sector commodity import programs. 6. Excellent writing skills. 7. Excellent knowledge of AID Regulation 1, and a good working knowledge of AID Regulation 8, and AID Regulation 28, as well as pertinent ADS chapters dealing with commodity procurements. Ranking Factors 1. Experience working with CIPs (emphasis on running a private sector CIP, or working in a private sector CIP). 0-35 points 2. Prior overseas experience. 0-10 points 3. Interpersonal and communication skills. Continually dealing with people on complex and confusing issues. 0-15 points 4. Knowledge of USAID regulations and policies dealing with commodity procurements. 0-15 points 5. Organizational skills showing ability to prioritize among multiple tasks. 0-10 points 6. Supervisory ability. 0-15 points TOTAL: 100 points IV. TYPE AND DURATION OF APPOINTMENT: Employment shall be through an A.I.D. Personal Services Contract for a period of two years with an option to renew for two years. This Personal Services Contract is subject to the availability of funds. V. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service Annual Increase APO mail service as per post policy ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):* (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10)Educational Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. VI. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: (1) A Cover Letter of no more than 3 pages that describes how the applicant meets the required qualifications and skills described above; (2) A curriculum vitae which at a minimum, describes education, latest experiences and career achievements; (3) A completed and signed SF-171 or OF-612; (4) Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references; (5) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. The U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ or at Federal offices (Note: applicants who submit the SF-171 will be considered as having submitted the proper forms for consideration. However, since the SF-171 has been updated through the OF-612, candidates should strive to submit using the OF-612 and attaching a resume). Note: Only US citizens may apply for this position. This position requires the applicant to obtain - secret clearance. 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 may choose any of the methods in the Cover Page to submit their applications but USAID accepts no responsibility for delay in transit, mis-routing, etc. Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. Given the often intermittent problems people experience in the world with fax and email, all candidates are notified that, should they choose to utilize this method, they should confirm with the USAID Human Resources office that all documentation submitted was received prior to the closing date of this notice. Equipment failures at USAID or by the applicants network are not acceptable reasons for late submission, as candidates have the option of sending their application hard copy by courier. No, repeat no, applications will be considered after the closing time and date, and it is the applicant's full responsibility to ensure that all their documentation has been received by our office. VII. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or 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. VIII. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.