R -- Thailand Country Program Manager

NOTE: PLEASE IGNORE THE CAMBODIA CONTRACTING OFFICE ADDRESS ABOVE AND SEND APPLICATION TO THE BANGKOK OFFICE PROVIDED BELOW. RFP No. RFP No. 493-04-002 ISSUANCE DATE: November 6, 2003 CLOSING DATE: November 21, 2003, 4:00 p.m. Thailand Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC); Country Program Manager (Thailand-Based) To All Interested Applicants: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Development Mission/Asia (RDM/A) in Bangkok is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Please note that this is a resident-hire position, without off-shore hire contract benefits. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information and delivered to the undersigned in Bangkok, Thailand at the place and by the time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to: akane@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 612, the same information may be initially submitted in resume form so long as the items stated earlier in this paragraph are covered. Nationality must be specified and only applications from U.S Citizens will be considered. Late applications may be considered at 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 Aissatou Kane, Contracting Specialist, USAID Regional Development Mission/Asia in Bangkok, who may be reached at fax no.(662)254-2838 or via e-mail at akane@usaid.gov Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Sincerely, Bruce Baltas Contracting Officer USAID/RDM/A Bangkok USAID Regional Development Mission/Asia (OP) Box 47 American Embassy Bangkok APO AP 96546 or USAID/Regional Development Mission/Asia (OP) Diethelm Towers A, 3rd floor 93/1 Wireless Road Bangkok ATTACHMENT 1 TO SOLICITATION NO. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFP No. 493-04-002 2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 6, 2003 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: November 21, 2003, 4:00 p.m. local Bangkok time. 4. POSITION TITLE: COUNTRY PROGRAM MANAGER - Thailand 5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-13 ($61,251 - $79,629) Salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. This is a resident-hire PSC position, i.e. offshore hire contract benefits (e.g. post differential, housing, international travel and shipment benefits) are not authorized for this position. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start o/a January 10, 2003 for a period of one year, with the possibility of extensions subject to the availability of funds. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Bangkok, Thailand with regular travel within the Asia region, as required. 8. JOB DESCRIPTION A. Position Title: Country Program Manager B. Organizational location of the position: The U.S Asia Environmental Partnership Office, RDM/A, Bangkok, Thailand. C. Position Title of Direct Supervisor: The Country Program Manager will work at the Regional Development Mission/Asia and will be under the direct supervision of the Regional Coordinator US-AEP who will provide day to day program guidance. D. Supervisory Controls: The Country Program Manager position will not supervise any staff. E. Introduction and Background The U.S. - Asia Environmental Partnership is USAID-led initiative that enlists government, corporate and non-governmental organizations and professionals in promoting and adapting less polluting and more resource efficient policies and practices in the Asia region. The objective of U.S.-AEP is to promote cleaner cities and industries in Asia. To help achieve this objective US-AEP promotes improved environmental policy and governance; improved environmental conditions; and improved environmental management and resource efficiency. The US-AEP seeks to champion innovative approaches to urban and industrial environmental practices; and to promote efficient and effective environmental cooperation between the United States and Asia. Key programs include promoting the adoption of a pro-environmental policy framework--i.e. Regulatory Dialogue-- that can affect the pattern of economic growth and industrial environmental performance; work on industrial policy that seeks to deepen and broaden good environmental practices; promoting environmental activism with civil society organizations; engagement between Asian and U.S. urban entities; and an Environmental Exchange Program that organizes exchanges and training. F. Basic Function of the Position Responsible for managing a diverse program of environmental activities in Thailand under the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP). Statement of Duties and Specific Responsibilities: The Contractor shall: 1. Serve as the Country Program Manager in Thailand for the US - Asia Environmental Partnership's (US-AEP) program. The period of the contract is for one year beginning o/a 10 January 2004 to o/a 31 December 2004 with the option to extend subject to the availability of funds and satisfactory performance. In fulfilling that responsibility the Contractor, as Country Program Manager, shall be US-AEP's main resource in Thailand to continue expansion of US-AEP environmental initiatives in collaboration with the rest of the program of the USAID Regional Development Mission/Asia and the U.S. Embassy. 2. Lead the continued development and expansion of the US-AEP programs in Thailand, integrating and embedding program activities into the context of the overall RDM/A country strategy based on an understanding of the political and economic dynamics in Thailand. Develop close working relations with the U.S. Embassy and relevant members of the country team 3. Using public diplomacy skills, the Country Program Manger will work with the rest of RDM/A staff, Embassy, ministerial and legislative policy makers, and corporate Asian and American CEOs to develop strategies and activities that advance US-AEP program objectives. 4. He/she will exercise broad authority to advance the US-AEP strategy in Thailand, including policy, urban development, civil society partnerships and industrial environmental programs. In that regard the contractor will: --in the area of policy development work closely with key partners such as the Ministry of Environment & Natural Resources and other related agencies to develop and expand a program of cooperation and partnership. He/she will coordinate efforts with relevant programs in the US-AEP portfolio including those with the Regulatory Dialogue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Environmental Exchange Program. Special attention will be paid in this area to nurture US-AEP's partnership with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. --in the area of urban development s/he will lead current in-country efforts with existing partnerships and will look to develop new urban initiatives as opportunities arise. --in the area of industrial initiatives, s/he will be the point person both on the existing initiatives and will look at new opportunities for partnership. --in the area of Civil Society, he/she will be the main interface to develop a program of grants for Thailand under the regional program with The Asia Foundation which complement the overall US-AEP program in Thailand. 5. Lead and coordinate all institutional contractor resources and partners who are working in initiatives in Thailand, working with them to put in place a program of activities that conforms to the strategy. These partnerships include but are not limited to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Council of State Governments and associated state programs, the Technical Support Services Contractor of US-AEP, the Regulatory Dialogue Contractor, the International City Managers Association, and others. 5. The Country Program Manager shall act as the key individual in operationalizing the US-AEP strategy in Thailand. S/he will be expected to shape specific initiatives in areas such as policy reform, corporate environmental standards, urban management, policy reform, etc. As such he/she will be expected to develop and reach consensus for new initiatives which track with both the broader US-AEP environmental strategy as well as the strategic objectives of the Regional Development Mission/Asia. These include initiatives which tap into partnerships with environmentally aware U.S. federal and state agencies as well as private sector companies. 6. The contractor will be responsible for drafting, advocating and implementing a yearly workplan for US-AEP activities in Thailand. The workplan will: -- define overall strategic objectives, -- articulate tactical approaches to reach those objectives, -- detail the individual specific activities, -- outline a timetable and schedules, -- describe the expected results to be achieved as a result of those activities, and -- list the budgetary resources in detail to implement that workplan. 7. The Contractor with serve as the main US-AEP Thailand interface with other key donors engaged in similar programs such as the Asian Development Bank representative, the World Bank residential missions, regional programs such as UNEP, and IFC offices. S/he will work with them--largely independently-- to expand existing and identify new collaborative efforts in the policy, urban, and industrial environment areas. 8. The Contractor will represent US-AEP at seminars and workshops anchored within Asian organizations or under the sponsorship of Asian leaders in areas related to the US-AEP program on subjects such as trade and the environment and corporate environmental standards. Additionally, the contractor will travel to both the United States and to other parts of Asia to attend international conferences appropriate to the AEP program in Thailand. 9. Work with the Regional Coordinator, US-AEP/Washington, US-AEP Partners and the USAID representative in Thailand to articulate new initiatives that could shape future US-AEP program activities. 10. He/she will be expected to exercise broad independent latitude to deal with many senior public officials, multilateral banks, other donors, as well as senior private sector leaders. In doing that he/she will coordinate initiatives closely with the US-AEP Asia Regional Representative, work collaboratively with other RDM/A staff and the Embassy in Thailand, and be part of the RDM/A USAID team in-country. G. Required Qualifications: 1. Education: A graduate degree in environmental policy, development theory, the environmental sciences or some comparable field of relevance to the position. A minimum of 5 years experience in development and environmental work in addition to the required prior work experience can be considered as a substitute for an advanced degree. 2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of 5 years experience in managing complex programs and proven ability to develop and forge a set of productive, collegial relationships with senior officials from both the public and private sectors, as well as the donor and private sector communities and within the U.S. Embassy community. Project monitoring and reporting, professional writing, or, a combination of these, is also needed. This position requires an ability to function independently. Contractor must have demonstrated ability to manage a series of simultaneous new and ongoing activities, must be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice. 3. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. He/She must also have demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion that is action oriented. Strong quantitative and analytical skills, computer literacy with an emphasis on MicroSoft Applications for document and report preparation, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non technical colleagues are required. It is also crucial that the Country Program Manager possess an excellent ability to work cohesively with other local and international organizations and contractors. 4. Language Skills: Fluent English language required both spoken and written. The ability to communicate fluently (spoken and written) in Thai is highly desirable. H. Period of Service Initially, the period of performance will be for one year with possibility of an extension subject to the availability of funds. The incumbent is expected to begin work in USAID/Thailand on or about 10 January 2004. J. POST ENTRY TRAINING: The incumbent is expected to possess the necessary technical training and management skills/abilities required to carry out/perform the duties/responsibilities required of the position. Post entry training if necessary will, therefore, be focused primarily on Agency-specific policies, procedures and regulations that govern USAID-specific Cognizant Technical Officer responsibilities/duties and USAID-specific activity management systems. In addition, the incumbent will be required to work within the existing and future USAID/Thailand team management office structure. Organized training (both internal & external) may be provided from time to time with Supervisors approval depending on the availability of Program funds and as determined to be in direct support of USAID Thailand Regional activities. K. LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY: Native Speaker (Level 5) in both written and spoken English is required. L. SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance is required. Strong interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain excellent contacts with counterparts both inside and outside of USAID. In the same vein, must be able to transmit and interpret host country government and non-governmental sector program-related concerns to senior USAID officials and Mission management. Demonstrated excellence in oral and written communication, including the ability to evaluate and interpret reports, effectively communicate USAID's mission to the general public and deliver presentations before large and varied audiences is required. M. EXERCISE OF JUDGEMENT: Excellent (balanced) judgement is required in working effectively with senior officials from both public and private sectors as well as the donor and private sector communities and within the U.S. Embassy. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct. N. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG) or Mission (USAID/RDM/A, Thailand) funds on behalf of the U.S. Government or the Regional Missions. O. TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE FULL RANGE OF DUTIES AFTER ENTRY INTO THE POSITION: The incumbent is expected to possess the necessary technical, administrative and management skills and abilities required to carry out the duties and responsibilities required of the position. P. OTHER REQUIREMENTS In addition, the incumbent must also be: 1) a U.S. Citizen; 2) Available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 12 months; 3) Able to obtain a 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. 493-04-002 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 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.