Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-669-16-000013 ISSUANCE DATE: August 15, 2016 CLOSING DATE: September 2, 2016, at 4:00 pm, local time in Monrovia, Liberia POSITION TITLE: Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Advisor MARKET VALUE: ($87,263 - $113,444 per annum). The market value for this position is equivalent to GS 14 level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the range will not be entertained or negotiated. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Monrovia, Liberia PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with one option year, to start on or about Mid-October 2016. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens/Third Country Nationals SECURITY/MEDICAL CLEARANCES: Selected applicant must obtain security clearance (Employment Authorization/ Facility Access) and Medical clearance within a reasonable period of time. USAID/Liberia will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The M&E Advisor will report directly to the Supervisory Program Officer but will be expected to work independently with only broad direction and guidance I. POSITION DESCRIPTION: BACKGROUND: The global economic slowdown and sharp decline in iron ore and rubber prices have hit Liberia's economy hard, a further shock following the 2014-15 Ebola Virus Disease outbreaks. With GDP growth hovering around zero, a substantial budget shortfall, and scaling back of new investments, Liberia's prospects to achieve its goals for equitable economic growth are not encouraging. Facing a worsening economy and security concerns associated with the United Nations peacekeeping mission drawdown, the Government of Liberia (GOL) is focused on delivering on key priorities before the 2017 national elections. The goal of USAID's FY 2013 - 2017 Country Development Cooperation Strategy is: "Strengthened Liberian Institutions Positioned to Drive Inclusive Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction." USAID is Liberia's largest and most influential bilateral development partner, implementing a program portfolio which covers democracy, rights and governance, economic growth, health, education and six Presidential/multilateral initiatives. Cross-cutting themes of conflict mitigation, youth, and jobs are also emphasized. The current portfolio comprises 38 directly managed active awards with a total value of more than $600 million. In addition, the Mission shares management oversight with headquarters of approximately $150 million of Ebola recovery activities. The Mission's staffing is capped at 104 positions of which 88 are currently filled: 28 U.S. Direct Hires (USDHs), 13 Personal Services Contractors (PSCs)/Participating Agency Service Agreements (PASAs), and 47 Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). PPD is a nine-person office that is charged with ensuring that USAID/Liberia (the Mission) implements and maintains a coherent and adaptable framework for development. It is responsible for leading, coordinating and providing policy, managerial, and technical support for the Mission's strategic planning and adapting processes; operational learning and analysis; project design and approval; performance monitoring and evaluation; budget formulation and tracking; communications and outreach; and compliance with Administration and Congressional priorities and requirements. In addition it provides direct guidance and support to the Mission's four technical teams and works closely with the Office of Financial Management on budget tracking and compliance. PPD is also the Mission's primary point of contact for the development, coordination and reporting of activities funded under the Ebola Emergency Act of 2015. In that regard, it works closely with all Washington Operating Units supporting the implementation of the U.S. Government's Ebola Strategy in Liberia, including the Africa Ebola Unit, Global Health Ebola Team, Global Development Lab, and the Office of Food for Peace. As the M&E Advisor, the incumbent provides leadership and serves as the principal advisor to the Mission on all M&E related activities with the Mission's four Development Objective (DO) technical team - Education; Economic Growth; Health; and Democracy, Rights & Governance. S/he will support the M&E work by liaising with all Mission staff and implementing partners in the development and implementation of project and activity M&E strategies and plans. The incumbent will lead the drafting, maintenance and update of the Mission Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). S/he will also assist with the development and management of performance indicators, targets and monitoring systems for all Mission activities and provide expertise on the development of performance indicators. Position will require extensive support to and collaboration with as these offices make budget allocations, plan and design future programs, and conduct ongoing efforts to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of USAID investments in Liberia. The incumbent also serves as a principal advisor to the Mission on Automated Directives System (ADS) guidance in the areas of performance monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent provides assistance to the entire Mission, directing and coordinating activities related to analysis, M&E planning, and reporting, including leading the Mission's annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR) process. S/he will also contribute to representing the Mission with other development partners, local counterparts and stakeholders, and program participants in the M&E sector. The individual should possess extensive knowledge of USAID programming, reporting, and performance monitoring and evaluation activities. The incumbent may serve as the Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for the Liberia Strategic Analysis (LSA) Contract, which supports the Mission with a broad range of monitoring, evaluation, learning, and analytical services. The incumbent will assist the Collaborating Learning and Adapting (CLA) Advisor who is the full-time COR for the LSA contract and be the principal point of contact to LSA on the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation component of the contract. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The M&E Advisor will: 1) Lead the Mission's portfolio review process, specifically the annual strategic portfolio review. Participate in Quarterly Procurement and Financial Reviews and Government of Liberia bilateral reviews. 2) Lead the Mission's annual results reporting process, the Performance Plan and Report (PPR). 3) Serve as Mission support to DO teams on all M&E activities, including but not limited to project and activity design, design and carrying out performance and impact evaluations, identifying appropriate performance monitoring indicators, targets, and data sources; 4) Maintain and track progress towards the Mission's long term strategy utilizing the Mission's Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). 5) May serve as Alternate Contracting Officers' Representative (A/COR) for LSA with specific focus on the Performance Monitoring and Evaluation component of the award. A/COR duties will include but are not limited to: approval of annual program work plans, approval of branding and marking plans, maintaining records of official program and financial reports, ensuring implementing partners adhere to sound financial management practices, liaising with USAID's Office of Acquisition and Assistance on program implementation issues, establishment and implementation of a program Performance Monitoring & Evaluation Plan (PMEP), arrange for program evaluations, and conduct regular field site visits. 6) Facilitate coordination between LSA, the DO teams, and the Mission's Implementing Partners (IPs) to ensure that IP's performance monitoring data is entered into the Mission's Performance Indicators Database System (PIDS) in a timely manner and certified by the DO teams. II. QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA 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. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested only from the top scoring candidates. Please note that not all applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are preauthorized. Reference checks may 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. Applicants are required to write a brief cover letter to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria listed below. III. EVALUATION CRITERIA: The following factors will be the basis for the evaluation of all applications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. Applicants are required to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each criterion below and submit three to five professional references with complete contact information. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (listed in descending order of importance): 1) General: This is a Personal Services Contract. The incumbent must be willing to reside in Monrovia, Liberia for the duration of the contract period. 2) Education An undergraduate degree and completion of graduate studies in Public Policy or Administration, International Development, or other closely related field relevant to monitoring the performance of development assistance activities. 3) Prior Work Experience a. At least 5 years professional experience in performance monitoring and evaluation of development assistance activities. 4) Technical Knowledge a. In-depth understanding of concepts, systems, tools and best practices for foreign assistance program performance management, including: design and implementation of logical frameworks (log frames) and performance management plans/ activity M&E plans; selection of appropriate indicators for project inputs, outputs, outcomes and impacts; and design of high quality performance and impact evaluations. b. Familiarity with current USAID policies, regulations and procedures relating to performance management, including the Automated Directives System (ADS). 5) Language Proficiency Verbal and written fluency in Standard English is required. 6) Skills and Abilities Demonstration of strong: a. communication, teamwork and inter-personal skills in a multi-cultural work environment; b. organizational and management skills; c. leadership, initiative, and the ability to meet deadlines and complete tasks while working independently under limited supervision; d. Computer skills, including the ability to work efficiently with computer spreadsheet and database software. Skills and experience in survey design and implementation and knowledge of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methodologies (including knowledge of statistical methods and statistical software packages for data analysis) are desirable, but not required. 7) Evaluation Criteria a. Education: College Degree & advanced studies. Pass/Fail b. Experience: i. In performance management 25 points ii. In related USAID systems, rules, and requirements 25 points c. Skills and Abilities iii. Communication and teamwork in a diverse, multi-cultural work environment 25 points iv. Organization, management (including leadership, initiative and self-direction) 25 points IV. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Interested individuals are requested to submit fully completed and hand-signed copy of an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (Form AID-302-3), cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates their education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria: 1. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held); 2. Education: High school, name, city and state, date of diploma of GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours); 3. Work Experience: Provide the following information for your paid and non- paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (includes series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; 4. Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery typing speed, job related certificates and licenses (current only), job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested). 5. Reference: Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years of the applicant's professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's knowledge of contracting work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. 6. Date of availability to begin assignment in Monrovia, Liberia Forms are available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the Form AID-302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. NOTE: Submission of a resume 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. 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. Please note all applications must be signed - unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. Interested candidates should send above electronically to sbrowne@usaid.gov and amangou@usaid.gov to the attention of the addresses indicated below. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. E-mail applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation. Address: Supervisory Executive Officer Executive Office USAID/Liberia C/O American Embassy 502 Benson Street 1000 Monrovia 10 Liberia Monrovia, Liberia Only qualified and shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Additionally, only candidates that are interviewed will be notified if the position is filled. V. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS - Employer's FICA and Medicare Contribution* - Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance - Pay Comparability and Adjustment - Annual Salary Increase - Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (USPSC only) - Annual & Sick Leave - Shipment and storage of household effects - Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle) - Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service - Defense-based Accreditation and Medevac insurance *Note: If a US citizen, the contractor's salary will be subject to employee's FICA and Medicare contribution. ALLOWANCES: TCNs will be paid allowances in accordance with USAID policy and regulations. Details are available on request. USPSCS will be eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below - 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. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) 6. Education allowance (Section 270) 7. Educational Travel (Section 280) 8. Post differential (Chapter 500) 9. Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600) 10. Danger Pay (Section 650) 11. Consumables Allowance VI. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC: Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms 1. Federal employment form (Form AID-302-3).* 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).* 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National 4. Security) (SF-86), or * 5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). * 6. 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. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.