R -- Senior Advisor, Democracy and Economic Growth

SOL No. 524-08-002 ISSUANCE DATE: March 11, 2008 CLOSING DATE: March 26, 2008 SUBJECT: Solicitation for quotations to provide services as Senior Advisor as described in the attached statement of work. To all Interested Applicants: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking the services of one or more qualified professionals to provide the following work on an intermittent basis throughout FY08 and into FY09, as needed. Further information regarding work location, expected deliverables, expected level of effort and more can be found on the attached statement of work. Submission shall be in accordance with the attached information and delivered to the undersigned in Managua, Nicaragua at the place and by the time specified. E-mail submissions are recommended and shall be sent to: mdraza@usaid.gov. To ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended to send documents as email attachments Any questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to the above e-mail address. Sincerely, Monica Drazba D/Executive Officer USAID/Nicaragua Quotations for services should de directed to: (Electronic copies are preferred) Monica Drazba Deputy Executive Officer USAID/Nicaragua Embajada Americana Km. 5.5 Carretera Sur Frente a Parque las Piedrecitas Managua, Nicaragua Phone: (505)252-7252 Fax: (505) 252-7111 e-mail address: mdrazba@usaid.gov ATTACHMENT 1, SOL 524-08-002 1. SOLICITATION NUMER: 524-08-002 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 11, 2008 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 26, 2008 by 4:00 p.m. local Nicaragua time. STATEMENT OF WORK USAID/Nicaragua Senior Advisor, Democracy and Economic Growth Nicaragua remains one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere; weak civil society organizations, an almost non-existent industrial base and agriculture-based economy allied with poor health care and a high illiteracy rate have made transition to an economically and politically stable state a challenge. USAID/Nicaragua is committed to strengthening democracy through increasing civil society participation in democratic processes and strengthening municipal governments, continuing strong programs in education and health and fostering economic growth through expanded export opportunities to take advantage of Nicaragua?s ratification of the CAFTA-DR. The USG has a direct and vital interest in seeing that Nicaragua?s democratic processes are strengthened through vitalized civil society participation at both the municipal and national levels. To this end, both the USAID/Nicaragua Trade and Agribusiness Office (TAO) and the Democratic Initiatives Office (DI) are designing new, cross-sectoral programs and projects. DI, is designing a project to promote civil society participation in Nicaragua; in addition, this office is in the design phase for a new program to work at the municipal level, increasing local government competencies as well as working with the Economic Growth team to develop local municipal infrastructure projects. USAID/Nicaragua?s Trade and Agribusiness Office (TAO) is also in the design phase for new programs to increase trade opportunities, promote diversified agriculture opportunities throughout the country while ensuring biodiversity and environmental sustainability. The TAO will also be developing a small infrastructure program at the municipal level to work as a complement to the Democracy Office municipal governance strengthening components. USAID/Nicaragua seeks the services of a qualified professional to provide the following work on an intermittent basis throughout FY08 and into FY09, as needed. Deliverables for Democracy and Economic Growth Teams: Tasks consist of the following: A. Design the a major new Local Governance/Infrastructure project, under the technical guidance of the USAID/Nicaragua of the DI Office Chief/SO1 Team Leader, working in coordination with the Program Office and TAO. Prepare procurement mechanisms, including scopes of work for new activities as required. Draft scopes of work, Request for Proposals/Assistance as required. B. Draft strategy document for the Economic Growth Strategic Objective (SO2) under the technical guidance of the TAO Chief/SO2 team leader and the Program Officer. C. Design new Economic Growth Activities, including environmental activities for SO2, under the technical guidance of the SO2 team leader. Draft scopes of work for new activities and Requests for Proposals/Assistance as required. D. Draft the Operational Plan for FY08 and/or FY09 for the Democracy and/or the Economic Growth team. Prepare and draft all the necessary reports of the contractors and grantees that will be part of the new Plan. Provide guidance received from the Mission Program Office (SMA) and/or guidance received directly from F and LAC Bureau regarding policies and procedures related to Operational Plan changes, approvals and notification requirements to ensure that the Democracy team obligations are on track. E. Draft new scopes of work, program descriptions, or modifications to current or new awards as needed. Collaborate in procurement planning for the DI Office. Will prepare a procurement plan for the actions to be taken within FY 08-FY09, giving full guidance as well on the program elements and subprogram elements. F. Will prepare a report of the actions taken as of beginning of work through end of contract period (approximately March 2008 through September 2009). Deliverables for the Program Office: A. Provide support to the USAID/Nicaragua Program Office (Strategic Management and Assessment Office, SMA), including the preparation and drafting of requested reports, including strategy design, under the technical guidance of the Supervisory Program Officer. B. Provide support in drafting, editing and packaging the FY08 and/or FY09 Operational Plan, provide guidance from F and LAC Bureau regarding policies and procedures related to Operational Plan changes, approvals and notification requirements to ensure that all SO teams remain on track in reporting. C. As determined by the Director?s Office, carry out needs-assessment for professional development to develop training modules and materials for current and future use to strengthen project management capabilities for technical teams, including Office Chiefs and FSN specialists. D. Draft portions of portfolio reviews, and annual reports and pipeline analysis narratives for Mission and LAC as required by SO teams and/or Program Office. Provide expert advice to SMA and the SOTs in updating performance monitoring plans (PMPs), preparing performance reports, and reviewing/designing performance indicators, including their baselines, targets, and Data Quality Assessments in preparation for the Mission?s semi-annual portfolio reviews and Annual Reporting. E. Update all procurement/implementation plans in coordination with SO teams and the Program Office. F. Conduct data quality reviews for each activity, as required and produce a report (maximum 3 pages). G. Public-private alliances: Research and prepare a summary report (five pages maximum including tables) that presents levels and character of private sector contributions to the Mission?s programs (including GDA) H. Update Mission Performance Monitoring/Management Plan. I. Assist teams in strategic planning and document preparation, as required. J. Additional reporting duties, in response to taskers, as required. Supervision Received. Incumbent will work under the supervision of the Deputy Director. Technical guidance will be provided by the Democracy and Economic Growth Team Leaders, the Program Officer, and/or the Mission Deputy Director depending on task at hand. Work submitted, including strategy and/or activity design, training activities, etc subject to technical review by appropriate team leader, the program officer of the Deputy Mission Director. Work/Tasks. All submitted work documentation must be in both hard copy and electronic form and be accepted by the Deputy Mission Director prior to payment authorization. The Economic Growth or Democracy Team Leader, depending on task, will determine a completion schedule for assignments, including specific requirements in terms of topics, including submission of partial/initial drafts, summaries, etc for each task, as appropriate and in consultation with the Contractor; the Contractor will provide a quotation for services for each separate task based on specific information provided by the team leader. Location of Work. The majority of work will take place at the USAID/Nicaragua Mission in Managua, Nicaragua; additional virtual work may be requested. While working in USAID/Nicaragua, the Mission will provide office space, computer in space, telephone and office supplies. Costs for lodging and meals while in Managua or in the field are limited to the U.S.G allowable per diem expenses for the designated cities/towns. Contractor is responsible for providing all transportation to, from and within Nicaragua; international transportation costs are limited to economy-class fares. Level of Effort. To complete the required deliverables, the estimated number of labor days will be of approximately 150 labor days, with work spread out intermittently over FY08 and FY09. Virtual work will make up a significant component of labor days. Requirement for Position. At least five years of experience successfully managing long term international development programs. Prior work experience in the DG and/or Economic Growth and Environment areas in Latin America is preferred Have the ability to understand the complex and politically sensitive U.S.-Government of Nicaragua relationship as well as GON politics which significantly impact USG Democracy programs in Nicaragua. Synthesize and apply Nicaraguan economic, political, and cultural factors in making decisions. Strong interpersonal and management skills with a demonstrated ability to lead, supervise, and mentor a range of professional employees. Work collegially with Nicaraguan and U.S. personnel ranging from senior management (with local and international partners) to technical levels.