Executive Officer USAID/MERP - USPSC

I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-280-17-000002 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 8/18/2017 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 09/08/2017 COB Middle East Regional Platform (MERP)/Frankfurt time 4. POSITION TITLE: Executive Officer NUMBER OF POSITIONS: One 5. MARKET VALUE: $103,672.00 to $134,776.00 equivalent to GS-15. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Frankfurt, Germany. The incumbent must be willing to travel to client missions currently located in Lebanon, Tunisia, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The incumbent may be asked to perform temporary duty travel to other USAID offices in the Middle East and Northern Africa region as needed. Approximately 25% travel may be required. 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES The USPSC Executive Officer will report directly to the Supervisory Regional Executive Officer (R/EXO), MERP. The primary responsibility of the incumbent is to provide the MERP and supported operating units with the full range of support services and oversight assistance in the complex daily operations of the MERP/Executive Office. The EXO will be expected to provide leadership, guidance and professional expertise and knowledge and collaborate closely with recently hired but MERP/EXO staff in all administrative and logistical EXO functions. In addition, s/he will provide technical guidance to recently hired administrative staff in supported operating units. The MERP was created in 2014 and began to be staffed with USDH personnel in 2015. The current staffing in Frankfurt includes 2 HR Assistants, 1 IT Systems Administrator, 1 Computer Assistant, 1Training & Conference Coordinator and 2 Administrative Assistants. Only the Systems Administrator has prior USAID experience. All other positions began working in the past six months. As a result, training and mentoring is a critical component of this position. In addition to the two USDH personnel (Supervisory Regional Executive Officer and a Deputy Regional Executive Officer), there is a TCNPSC HR Advisor providing support remotely and in Frankfurt up to six months per year. Responsibilities also include direct support to limited presence and non-presence USAID operating units in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. In Tunisia and Lebanon, USAID has created positions to provide on-site support as an extension of the MERP in those locations. It is possible that similar positions will be added in the future as portfolios are expanded or additional locations are supported by MERP. The incumbent will be expected to provide technical guidance to these positions as needed. The Executive Officer may serve as acting Supervisory Regional Executive Officer for MERP during periods when the USDH Supervisory R/EXO and Deputy R/EXO are absent from post on official Travel/TDY, training, home leave and/or annual leave. When serving in an Acting capacity, the incumbent will report directly to the Deputy Mission Director and administer the day-to-day operations of the Executive Office. The incumbent will be delegated signatory authority for designated functions to be determined by the Supervisory R/EXO. This authority will not include the authority to sign purchase orders and contracts unless an appropriate warrant authority is extended by the Office of Acquisition and Assistance. When serving in an acting capacity, the incumbent will ensure all procurement documents are properly prepared and in full compliance with laws and regulations, and will include/attach all required supporting records and documentation, prior to sending it to the Regional Office of Acquisition and Assistance for signature. The MERP EXO manages an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity Contract. The incumbent will not serve as the COR for this contract; however, s/he may be asked to perform tasks related to personnel working as independent contractors as needed. Specific Duties and Responsibilities: In coordination with the existing Deputy Regional Executive Officer, provide direct support for one third to one half of the supported positions (currently 130 positions) through supervision of staff in Frankfurt and at supported locations and through advice and guidance provided directly to supported staff. Provides direct supervision of locally hired staff in Frankfurt and at supported missions. Specific supervisory duties will be assigned based on the expertise and experience of the incumbent and distribution of the overall portfolio. Develop appropriate policies and procedures in supported functions as necessary. Often, there will be none currently in place and the incumbent will develop them in cooperation with other responsible offices. Provide expert advice to the Regional Executive Officer and supported operating units on services provided by the State Department through the International Cooperative Administrative Support Services (ICASS) system. Monitor the adequacy of such services in terms of quality and quantity. In coordination with Financial Analysts in Frankfurt and other locations, manage the operating expense budget for the assigned portfolio in coordination with the Regional Executive Officer and the Controller in Frankfurt. Directs administration of the operating expense budget, ensuring prompt and legal obligation of funds; Prepare reports as needed and required by USAID/Washington for operating units in Frankfurt and at supported locations. Liaise with appropriate offices in USAID Washington and State Department personnel at supported locations as appropriate; Perform responsibilities related to support for independent contractors working under the IDIQ as requested. These responsibilities might include requesting Embassy Access, requesting security clearances, requesting the transfer of security clearances, collecting data, conducting customer satisfaction surveys, etc. Provides advise on best practices for planning, implementing, and evaluating management functions of the USAID offices and staff in Frankfurt and supported operating units; Provides policy advice and guidance on management and support functions and services required for effective program implementation; Participates in project planning and review, in evaluating support implications, feasibility, and projected costs, and drafting or advising on appropriate support budgets; The Contractor will report to the Supervisory Regional Executive Officer. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance/employment authorization which involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency. The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive medical clearance to work worldwide including random drug test for illegal drug use. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection. COMPENSATION This position has been classified at GS-15 grade. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band depending on qualifications and previous earning history. TRAVEL The position requires travel to supported USAID offices in the Middle East/North Africa region. Travel is likely to Lebanon, Tunisia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. Travel may be required to other locations in the Middle East/North Africa region where USAID has personnel working, such as Libya and Yemen, if travel is authorized for U.S. Government employees in the future. Depending on regional needs, the incumbent may be required to travel to other locations where USAID has personnel assigned to perform temporary duty. These countries may include but are not limited to Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, West Bank/Gaza, and Morocco. Government Furnished Information, Facilities, Property and Services The employee will be provided housing in Frankfurt. When performing temporary duty (TDY) travel, the employee will be provided lodging and per diem as authorized for the TDY location in accordance with agency regulations. 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. 12. POINT OF CONTACT: For any additional question you may contact Diane Moore, dimoore@usaid.gov, Jeff Sharp, jsharp@usaid.gov. All application packages are to be submitted via email to: frankfurthr@usaid.gov. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Education (Pass/Fail) A Master's degree is required. Relevant majors include Economics, Finance, Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration, International Development, Business Administration/Management or related fields. Experience (20 points) Minimum of ten (10) years work experience, of which five (5) years must include experience in progressively complex operation management or administrative management positions that have included human resources, travel, administrative procurement, space planning, personal property management, records management, security, and other related functions, of which three (3) of these years must have been overseas working in a development context, and in a supervisory management capacity. Work experience must demonstrate proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance. Proven ability to understand and resolve complex administrative issues. Demonstrated successful experience in the field of management and administration including personnel administration, management analysis and planning, general services and travel, with a demonstrated knowledge of commodity purchasing and management, procurement, budgeting, planning and contract management aspects of administrative management operations is required. Knowledge (50 points) The incumbent is expected to train newly hired staff on US government systems and assist them in applying that knowledge in their daily work. Expert knowledge of the broad range of administrative management issues including human resources, procurement, property management, physical security, general services, budgeting, records and correspondence is required. Demonstrated understanding of programming policies, regulations, budgeting, and documentation is required. Familiarity with financial management and human resource management is required. Because the transfer of knowledge is a key component of the position, knowledge of implementation of US government systems at the practical level is required. Skills (30 points) Strong mentoring and training skills are required to work with newly hired staff in Frankfurt and at supported operating units in the region. Must possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills enabling him/her to establish and maintain strong contacts with customers both within and outside USAID. Proven leadership and management skills particularly with respect to administrative issues are required. Proven ability to lead, train, and supervise required. Proven ability to analyze, conceptualize, negotiate, exercise sound judgment, and originate ideas required. Proven ability to identify problems, and develop creative solutions required. Proven interpersonal skills to manage requests with patience and tact are required. Incumbent must have experience working in a team setting. Ability to establish and maintain professional and effective contacts within the Mission and in an interagency context is required. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS Education (Pass/Fail) Experience (20 points) Knowledge (50 points) Skills (30 points) Reference Verification: (Pass/Fail) Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). 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. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID does not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre- authorized. Reference checks will 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. The factors listed below will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants who meet Required Qualifications and Selection Criteria for the position. All applicants are scored based on the documentation submitted with the application. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the following Evaluation Factors PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner. In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/Frankfurt reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. IV. APPLYING Submission of a r'sum 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. Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following: 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit: Offer form AID 302-3, - Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts, available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. Cover letter and current r'sum/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/r'sum must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing. Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. 2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 12. 3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position. Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES Once the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms will be provided. http://www.usaid.gov/forms (1) AID 302-3 can be downloaded from:: Employment form AID 302-3 (2) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)* (3) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)* (4) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)* (5) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended* (6) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974* (7) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)* *The above listed forms (2 through 7) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS: (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave (g) Medevac insurance (h) Access to Embassy medical facilities when in Frankfurt 2. ALLOWANCES: (if Applicable) The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/: (a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) (b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) (d) Post Allowance (Section 220) (e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (f) Education Allowance (Section 270) (g) Education Travel (Section 280) (h) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, - Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad, including contract clause - General Provisions, available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf. 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. 4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the - Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch, available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations