R -- General Development Specialist

RFP no. 493-04-004 ISSUANCE DATE: January 26, 2004 CLOSING DATE: February 20, 2004, 4:00 p.m. Thailand Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC); USAID General Development Specialist -- Thailand To All Interested Applicants: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171's or 612's) from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information and delivered to the undersigned in Thailand at the place and by the time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to: kjenchiewchan@usaid.gov. Applications, which shall include salary history for the prior three years and the names and contact points (telephone/fax numbers) for at least two references with knowledge of the applicant's prior work skills) may be faxed, mailed, emailed, or hand-carried to the undersigned. To ensure delivery by the due date it is recommended that applications be sent in as email attachments or by fax if possible. If an applicant does not have ready access to a Form 171 or 612, the same information may be initially submitted in resume form so long as the items stated earlier in this paragraph are covered. Late applications may be considered in USAID's sole discretion. The award of a contract hereunder is subject to the availability of funds. Any questions regarding this position may be directed to the email address noted above, or sent to the undersigned at fax no. (662) 263-7498. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Sincerely, Carey N. Gordon Regional Contracting Officer USAID Regional Development Mission Bangkok, Thailand Mailing Address: USAID, RDM/A Box 47 APO AP 96546, USA or USAID, RDM/A Diethelm Towers A, 10th Floor 93/1 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330, Thailand ATTACHMENT 1 TO SOLICITATION NO. 493-04-004 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 493-04-004 2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 26, 2004 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: Feb. 20, 2004, 4:00 p.m. local Bangkok time. 4. POSITION TITLE: USAID GENERAL DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST - THAILAND 5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-14 (approx. $72,381- $94,098; the US dollar range for GS-14 is subject to change). Salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history of the selected candidate. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Thailand (currently set at the rate 10% of base pay), housing, international travel and shipment benefits. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start o/a June 1, 2004 for a period of two years, with the possibility of extensions. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand with regular travel within the Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia, as required. 8. JOB DESCRIPTION A. Position Title: USAID General Development Specialist - Thailand. B. Organizational location of the position: USAID Regional Development Mission/Asia (RDM/A), Bangkok, Thailand. C. Position Title of Direct Supervisor: General Development Officer, USAID Regional Development Mission, Bangkok, Thailand, or his/her designee. D. BACKGROUND The Regional Development Mission/Asia (RDM/A) based in Bangkok, Thailand is seeking a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) to work as a General Development Specialist in RDM/A's Office of General Development (OGD). Only United States citizens should apply. Based on the Specialist's skill mix, RDM/A will work with the Specialist to design a portfolio that falls within the OGD's responsibilities. The OGD oversees regional and country specific programs in mainland East Asia including Burma, China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam in the areas of economic growth, governance, cross border and migrant populations, humanitarian assistance, trafficking in persons, and education. These programs command a significant share of RDM/A's development resources. The Specialist will be responsible for: 1) helping to devise appropriate strategies and plans for supporting the development of his/her portfolio; 2) contributing to the design, implementation, and management of cost effective programs that produce meaningful results; 3) helping to facilitate the proper coordination and integration of his/her portfolio into all RDM/A programs and the activities of other U.S. government agencies, international organizations, and bilateral donors; 4) providing policy advice and analyses to the Director of the Office of General Development and as appropriate to other senior Mission management on topics related to his/her portfolio; and 5) working collaboratively with members of the Office of General Development, Mission staff, the Department of State, other U.S. Government agencies, international, private sector, and non-governmental organizations, and foreign donors. Development Challenges: The East Asia region faces major development challenges including corruption, weak or oppressive governance, the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases, large mobile cross-border populations, poorly regulated financial sectors, and persistent environmental degradation. These challenges hinder the prospects for equitable economic growth and human well being. A lack of transparency in economic and legal institutions as well as severe restrictions on human freedoms in some countries demonstrate the region's democratic weaknesses. Extrajudicial killings, torture, forced labor, and other abuses occur throughout Burma and have contributed to growing numbers of Burmese refugees in neighboring countries. Parts of the region harbor terrorists often linked to radical Islam who pose significant risks to the United States. Any illusions that this region would - naturally be spared the HIV/AIDS endemic tragedy that Africa experiences are gradually being dispelled. In the Asia and Pacific region, each day approximately 1,192 people die of AIDS and about 2,685 people become infected with HIV. Population increases, rapid industrialization, and unsustainable energy policies are straining the region's natural resources and environmental systems. Urban air pollution levels are among the highest in the world: it is estimated that China loses as much as 10 percent of its national income to pollution, while the nations of Southeast Asia lose 5 to 6 percent. Rapid social and economic changes occurring in the region fuel mobile migrant populations and the growth of both the sex and drug trades. United States foreign policy priorities in mainland East Asia include supporting the war on terrorism, expanding trade and investment, stopping the spread of HIV/AIDS, and halting environmental degradation. To support these priorities and address the major development challenges plaguing the region, the RDM/A works to: - Promote transparent and democratic institutions; - Increase effective responses to HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases; - Promote cleaner cities and industries in Asia; and - Help migrants and victims of trafficking in persons. The Regional Development Mission/Asia: The RDM/A manages regional and country-specific programs in mainland East Asia including Burma, China, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. The Mission also manages HIV/AIDS and environmental programs that extend east into the Pacific and west into South Asia. RDM/A acts as the regional hub for services including contracting, administration, and disaster response. RDM/A is in the process of developing new operational strategies based on a sectoral approach to guide its programs. RDM/A's Office of General Development: a) Regional Program: The Office of General Development manages programs that work to improve regional economic governance and help migrants and victims of trafficking. OGD will launch activities to improve public and private sector governance (for example, greater transparency and accountability, changed public policies and judicial reform), advance democratic processes, address terrorism (for example, anti-money laundering), and promote more open political systems. Regional efforts will also attempt to address the challenges of re-establishing financial and political stability by improving the policy, legal, and regulatory environment. This program is expected to work in Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and China and complement and support the US Government ASEAN Cooperation Plan. b) Education in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia: This prospective program would enhance Islamic education systems in Thailand and Malaysia in order to provide students with more and better post school options and allow them to compete with the students in the public school systems. These students who attend Islamic schools often have 50% of their time in Islamic studies and the other half in standard curriculum. This program will enhance the capacity of those schools systems and teachers to maximize the hours available to improve educational results. c) Burma Program: RDM/A's Office of General Development also manages humanitarian assistance programs for Burmese living within and outside refugee camps in Thailand. OGD funds educational scholarships for Burmese refugees and administers democracy activities that finance training for Burmese journalists and public information workers. d) China Program: The Office of General Development also supports programs that work to introduce key members of the Chinese legal and judicial system to the constitutional principles that support the rule of law such as due process, transparency, and equal access to justice. In addition, OGD helps backstop USAID projects that provide Tibetan communities within China with access to financial, technical, marketing, environmental, and educational resources that can help them to improve their well-being. e) Laos Program: RDM/A's Office of General Development manages projects that addresses the critical needs of poor, vulnerable children in Laos and provide technical assistance to help generate income for rural farmers by improving the quality, quantity, and yield of silk yarn production. The Leahy War Victims Fund, supported by OGD, also provides emergency care facilities, trains emergency care staff, and educates Laotian students about unexploded ordinance. E. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of the Director of the Office of General Development, the Program Specialist shall: 1. Program Management Develop and maintain effective dialogue with USAID program implementers based in mainland East Asia, the U.S. Department of State, other donor Agencies, the private sector, USAID grantees, recipients, contractors, and customers. Travel regularly throughout East Asia to help coordinate and monitor field operations, identify program implementation constraints, and assess and facilitate progress towards planned results. Supervise the review of quarterly and/or semi-annual reports produced by program implementers and ensure that up-to-date information on impact, effectiveness, and success toward achieving results is fully documented, reviewed with the implementer, and shared with team members. Prepare as required documents including trip reports, briefing papers, reporting cables, results reports, and relevant parts of RDM/A's Annual Report. Ensure that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. Ensure proper management of his/her portfolio including procurement planning, use of program funds, and monitoring pipelines to avoid funding gaps. Draft and review procurement documents including, but not limited to: procurement requests, requests for proposals, requests for assistance, and annual program statements. Serve as needed as a member of technical panels reviewing bids or proposals for the provision of technical assistance or commodities or the award of grants. 2. Strategy Development Provide analysis, advice, and recommendations regarding the formulation of Mission strategy to the Director of the OGD and Mission management on issues related to the Program Specialist's portfolio. Participate as required in the development of Mission strategies, evaluations, resource requests, and other strategic planning and reporting documentation. Help in preparing performance monitoring plans which define the strategic objective, intermediate result level indicators, data collection, and reporting procedures. Ensure full partner participation and teamwork in this process. Track and report program progress against strategic objective and intermediate results indicators. Supervise, as needed, outside contractors engaged to provide assistance to the RDM/A in strategy development. 3. Supervision and Other Tasks Supervise one Foreign Service National and work collaboratively with the other members of the OGD team and other mission staff. Ensure effective responses to Program Office requests for participation or information, such as participation in strategic planning exercises, or information for newsletters, other USG agencies, USAID/Washington, the U.S. Congress, and etc. Continuously gather information about, and keep current on, developments pertaining to the Specialist's portfolio and report such developments as required to OGD and other Mission management and staff. Perform other tasks as requested by the Director of the OGD or senior Mission managers which are consistent with the advisory, managerial, and reporting requirements of the Program Specialist's position. F. REQUIRED AND DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EVALUTATION CRITERIA The following educational and work experience are required to qualify for this position: A graduate degree in international development or a related field, with eight years of practical experience, at least five years of which are in a developing country context. Those without graduate degrees who possess at least ten years of appropriate and specialized work experience, especially experience working for USAID, will also be considered. Work experience demonstrating the candidate's ability to successfully lead and manage multi-sectoral and complex projects and supervise local and international contractors in developing country situations. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective counterpart contacts at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels. Experience working in dynamic, highly collegial, and collaborative working relationships, requiring close consultation, management, and coordination. Ability to resolve problems in a team context, while maintaining an aggressive work pace to produce results. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work constructively within a team framework. Demonstrated ability to communicate maturely and effectively in cross-cultural settings, particularly with officials from other countries. Knowledge of and ability to use word processing and data management systems and applications effectively, including Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Internet, and e-mail applications. Familiarity with mainland East Asia. Knowledge of USAID planning, implementing, and evaluating systems would be an advantage. G. Period of Service Initially, the period of performance will be for a period of two years with the option to extend for an additional two years. The incumbent is expected to begin work in Bangkok on or about June 1, 2004. H. OTHER REQUIREMENTS In addition to qualifications stated above, the incumbent must also be: 1) a U.S. Citizen; 2) Available and willing to commit to the contract performance period of 24 months; 3) Able to obtain US Government medical and security clearances; 4) Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary; and 5) Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested. RFP no. 493-04-004 ATTACHMENT 2: PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations) AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary Increase (if applicable) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Thailand: post differential, international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. 2. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs.) PERTAINING TO PSCs 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 00-05 PSC's Annual Health Insurance Costs. 00-03 2000 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts. 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services. 97-16 Class Justification for use of other Than Full & Open Competition 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. 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract. 96 19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave. 98 11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs. 94 9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs). 93 17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC). II. 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 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.