R -- THAILAND - US-AEP Country Program Manager

RFP no. 493-04-006 ISSUANCE DATE: March 16, 2004 CLOSING DATE: April 1, 2004, 4:00 p.m. Thailand Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC); US-AEP Country Program Manager (Thailand) 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. [This is a re-advertisement for this position, with a slightly amended statement of work, and the position has now been designated an offshore-hire position, if the selected candidate meets the requirements of an offshore-hire under USAID regulations. Applicants who previously applied to fill this position under RFP no. 493-04-002 do not need to re-apply. If they choose to be reconsidered under this re-solicitation, an email message to that effect will be sufficient to re-activate their application.] Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information and delivered the Office of Procurement, RDM/A, in Bangkok, 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 (email/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 (although the preferred method for submission is via email and email attachment). 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 in your application 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 sent to the email address specified above, or to 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, 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, 10th floor 93/1 Wireless Road Bangkok, Thailand ATTACHMENT 1 TO SOLICITATION NO. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: RFP No. 493-04-006 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 16, 2004 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 1, 2004 4:00 p.m. local Bangkok time. 4. POSITION TITLE: US-AEP COUNTRY PROGRAM MANAGER - Thailand 5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-13 ($62,170 - $80,818) 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. Offshore hire contract benefits (e.g. post differential, housing, international travel and shipment benefits) are authorized for this position if the selected candidate meets the requirements of the AIDAR. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start as soon as possible and ideally by June 1, 2004 for a period of two years, 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: US-AEP Country Program Manager B. Organizational location of the position: The U.S Asia Environmental Partnership Office, USAID Regional Development Mission/ Asia (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 US-AEP who will provide day to day program guidance. D. Supervisory Controls: The Country Program Manager position will supervise a development specialist. E. Introduction and Background The United States-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP) is a regional program established in 1992 by a presidential initiative and led by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). US-AEP promotes environmentally sustainable growth and improved quality of life in six Asian countries - India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam. The program is based on the premise that environmental problems in Asia can best be solved and sustainable growth achieved through the formation of long-term linkages between Asian and US government, NGO and business decision makers. It has been successful in mobilizing US expertise and using it effectively to address the environmental problems associated with the rapid urbanization and industrialization of Asia. US-AEP's strategic objective is cleaner cities and industries in Asia, and it focuses on the following result areas: - Improved policy and governance - Improved urban environmental management - Improved industrial environmental management Activities conducted by US-AEP often draw on a wide range of resources: grant programs, short-term technical assistance (STTA), exchange resources, and contractor support. All US-AEP activities are designed to foster the development of long-term relationships that are intended to continue beyond the period of US-AEP's funding. US-AEP typically requires cost-sharing from its partners - an approach that has been highly effective. US-AEP collaborates closely with other U.S. government agencies, as well as with other international development organizations. These interagency partnerships also allow US-AEP to leverage scarce resources to increase its impact on environmental problems in the region. In FY 2004 US-AEP will be building on its existing strong relationship with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and strengthening new relationships with the Department of Energy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. US-AEP also partners with leading U.S. state and municipal entities to demonstrate environmental management best practices that can be applied by Asian urban centers. In addition, US-AEP will continue to work with international development organizations, such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, to implement activities of common interest. Beginning in FY 2004, management responsibility for US-AEP has been transferred from USAID headquarters in Washington, DC to USAID's new Regional Development Mission for Asia (based in Bangkok). This action supports US-AEP's strategy to be more field-driven, with much of the work-planning process devolved to country teams, where knowledge of environmental problems and opportunities is greatest. Both the US-AEP Regional Director and the country team for Thailand will be based at the RDMA in Bangkok. The country team for Thailand will consist of a Country Manager and a Development Specialist. The Regional Director will coordinate the activities of the six country teams and manage regional programs. With an overall goal of being a valued partner in helping Thailand to manage the environmental challenges inherent in increased urban and industrial growth, US-AEP has been active in Thailand for more than ten years. During this time US-AEP has supported exchange visits and study tours of more than one thousand Thais to the US and worked with most of the organizations central to environmental development in Thailand. Currently US-AEP has strong project activities in almost all aspects of urban and industrial environmental development in the country. Highlights of US-AEP accomplishments include the following: - A rich and influential Public Policy program that includes working directly with the Thai Senate, Council of State, the Courts of Justice, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE). Recent accomplishments include a national law on public consultation; environmental dispute prevention and resolution center; and an environmental or - green bench in Thailand's Supreme Court to hear environmental cases. - A community-based approach to restore water quality in the Tha Chin River that involves Tha Chin River agencies and organizations and counterparts from the Chesapeake Bay in the U.S. and Laguna de Bay in the Philippines. A recent accomplishment in 2004 is the signing of the Tha Chin River Basin Partnership to cooperate in reducing pollution, provide information to the public, and involve NGOs and the public in the process. NGO leaders subsequently signed a similar pact to work together in support of this agreement. MoNRE's Pollution Control Department plans to use the success of this project as a model for 15 other river basins in Thailand. - A net metering project to promote renewable energy generation that supports small and medium-sized generators of wind, solar, biomass and biogas energy to connect to the power grid. Recent accomplishments include remedies that address technical and administrative barriers to net metering, assistance to the first community in Thailand to connect to the power grid, and support to a biogas company to provide three megawatts (MW) worth of production to the Provincial Electrical Authority grid. The FY04 US-AEP Work Plan for Thailand continues to build on existing program initiatives such as those mentioned above and others that reduce diesel emissions in Bangkok, improve municipal environmental management practices and promote cleaner production practices. F. Basic Function of the Position Responsible for developing, managing and evaluating a diverse program of environmental activities in Thailand under the United States-Asia Environmental Partnership (US-AEP). G. 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. In fulfilling that responsibility the Contractor 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. Using public diplomacy skills, the Country Program Manager will work with the 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 and support the overall RDM/A strategy. 3. 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. 4. 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 US-AEP 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, urban environmental management, and industrial environmental management. As such he/she will be expected to develop and reach consensus for new initiatives which support 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 will monitor the project activities implemented by contractors and grantees, through regular site visits and review of progress reports, and provide feedback. He/she will collect and assess information for the US-AEP Performance Monitoring Plan and draft official documentation pertaining to USAID reporting requirements. 8. 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. 9. The Contractor will represent US-AEP at seminars and workshops in Thailand related to the US-AEP program. Additionally, the contractor will travel to both the United States and to other parts of Asia to attend international conferences appropriate to the US-AEP program in Thailand. 10. Assist the Regional Coordinator to articulate new initiatives that support the US-AEP strategy and to implement US-AEP regional program activities. 11. 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, work collaboratively with other RDM/A staff and the Embassy in Thailand, and be part of the RDM/A USAID team in-country. H. Required Qualifications: 1. Education: B.A. or B.S. degree is required. A graduate degree in environmental policy, environmental sciences, economics or some comparable field of relevance to the position is preferred. If the applicant does not have a graduate level degree, a minimum of 5 years of experience in development and environmental work in addition to the required prior work experience (item no. 2 below) can be considered as a substitute for an advanced degree. 2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of experience in the management, evaluation and reporting of complex programs and proven ability to develop and maintain 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. Environmental experience, preferably in a development context, is preferred. 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, including presentation skills. 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 both US and foreign national staff as well as with local and international organizations and contractors. 4. Language Skills: Fluent English language required both spoken and written. The ability to communicate fluently in Thai is desirable. I. Period of Service Initially, the period of performance will be for two years with the possibility of extensions subject to the availability of funds. Subject to clearances, the incumbent is expected to begin work in USAID RDM/A in Bangkok as soon as possible and ideally by June 1, 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: Fluency (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. Ability to transmit and interpret host country government and non-governmental sector program-related concerns to senior USAID officials and Mission management. Demonstrated 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. Must be able to lead and supervise multiple contractors and partners. Broad understanding of the governmental and non-governmental sectors in Thailand is preferred. M. EXERCISE OF JUDGEMENT: Excellent balanced judgment 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 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. 493-04-006 ATTACHMENT 2: PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations) AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND WHEN AUTHORIZED UNDER THE AIDAR, A PSC IS NORMALLY ALLOWED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: I. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave * ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (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 (Section 650). II. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website: http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms Internet, http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices), by fax, e-mail or separate post by the closing date, above. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIB's) PERTAINING TO PSCs can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/ III. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. ** 2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS 1622 or 1843 Form) 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: * 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. IV. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSC are not exempt from payment of any Federal Income taxes