R -- USAID/CAUCASUS MACRO-ECONOMIST ADVISOR

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 112-05-003 2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 27, 2004 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: February 27, 2005 (5:00 p.m. Local Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: Macro-Economist Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($74,335-$96,637) Final compensation will be based on the individual's salary and work history, experience, and educational background. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years, February, 2005 - February, 2007 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Caucasus, Baku, Azerbaijan 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION (see below) I. INTRODUCTION This position is located in the Economic Growth Strategic Objective Team of the USAID/Caucasus-Azerbaijan Office. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the CTO for the Public Investment and Policy Efficiency Project (PIPE), and to support the CTO responsible for managing the Banking Sector Reform and Financial Services interventions in the SO 1.3 portfolio. He/she serves as the senior economic advisor to the Mission and Embassy on macroeconomic reform issues, especially as it relates to Oil Fund revenue management and the GOAz's Medium Term Expenditure Facility and the consolidated budget. Works to improve GOAz policy formulation is transparent in collaboration with senior policy advisors in the Ministry of Economic Development and Finance. Designs or assists in the design and development of program and project activities in the areas of banking, financial services, microfinance, rural finance accounting and related matters. Manages the work through implementing partners through site visits, meetings and reviews of reports and provides guidance and direction. Leads in the development and management of the projects detailed implementation plan. Coordinates the development of a structure for project interventions monitoring and evaluation. Identifies problem areas and solves problems brought up by Chiefs of Party and key staff. Advises on accounting and auditing standards adoption and implementation issues requirements for public and private sector. Prepares and presents activity briefing, activity monitoring reports, and other reports/summaries as needed. Collects and analyzes economic indicators and information and provides reports to the SO Team, Country Coordinator and as needed other Embassy managers. Coordinates with other donors to ensure there is no duplication or overlap in project activities for which he/she has cognizance. Coordinates inquiries with the government officials on banking, accounting, economic reform and financial sector issues. Networks with government and nongovernmental organizations in the project and follow-on project areas to ensure continued quality, innovation and learning. II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Within the USAID/Caucasus/Azerbaijan Office in Baku, the USPSC Macroeconomist will be the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for the PIPE project and will be responsible for monitoring, managing, and guiding all aspects of this project to ensure successful program implementation. He/she will be responsible for development and oversight of projects related to economic policy and institutional reform. The USPSC will be responsible for monitoring all regulatory and reform projects and activities in the Economic Growth portfolio. He/she will perform a full range of planning, advisory and administrative functions for the USAID/Caucasus/Azerbaijan Economic Growth Strategic Objective team (S.O. 1.3) as well as the country program as required. The USPSC will also monitor several multi-disciplinary Mission-funded teams of advisors to carry out a range of assessments and evaluations of the Azerbaijani economy. He/she will supervise one FSN/10 Economist. He/she will report to the Economic Growth Strategic Objective Team Leader and in collaboration with the Country Coordinator recommend actions to senior-level USG, donor, and host government officials on USAID strategy annd program priorities and direction. A. Program and Project Activities: 1. Implements, manages and also serves as CTO for the $5,149,149 three year Public Investment and Policy Efficiency Project (PIPE). This project will assist the Ministry of Economic Development's Public Investment Program to analyze, review and prioritize capital investment proposals received from government Ministries and agencies seeking capital budget funding from State and Oil Fund revenues. He/she will assist the CYTO for the Banking Supervision and Energy programs to analyze data and develop strategies for establishing regulatory bodies in the National Bank and the Ministry of Fuel and Energy and will advise senior managers in USAID and the Embassy with monitoring GOAZ progress on meeting the Medium Term Expenditure Facility and World Bank Structural Adjustment conditionalities for meeting the macro-economic targets set out in the GOAZ's State Program for Poverty Reduction and Economic Development. 2. Conducts site visits to monitor activities, helps people understand how macroeconomic policies are developed and implemented to steer the GOAZ to an effective policy environment for improving the climate for foreign and domestic investment. Works closely with the CTO in the Banking and Energy Sector to ensure appropriate legislation is passed to improve commercial banking, the role of Non-Banking institutions, rural finance and other financial services required to assist Azeribajani's to play a greater role in economic growth in the country. Assist the energy sector to establish tariffs and a regulatory framework for a more effective utility sector. 3. Establishes and maintains ongoing contacts with representatives of other Mission offices, USAID/Washington, USAID Missions in the region, State, Treasury, Trade and Development Authority, Department of Justice and with other donors such as the IMF, World Bank and EBRD, Eurasia Foundation and Asia Development Bank, concerning economic developments and policy in Azerbaijan. Assist Country Coordinator in representing USG economic assistance programs to GOAZ counterparts. Must be able to deal diplomatically and with sensitivity both within USAID, Department of State and non-USG partner organizations. 4. Provide leadership in project conceptualization, design, proposal review, and evaluation. Identify issues that may be of concern to USAID senior staff. Manage the implementation of the Public Investment Policy and Efficiency Project (PIPE) in support of activities involving the Ministry of Economic Development's Public Investment Program. Evaluates USAID/Caucasus-Azerbaij an's capability and procedural effectiveness in executing sectoral program objectives and recommends strategies for improving program impact and operational efficiency. 5. Monitors and analyzes macroeconomic and microeconomic situation, along with sectoral policy developments, based on documents from the IMF, World Bank, EBRD, Asia Development Bank and other published/unpublished sources. Interprets and prepares economic reports for the USAID Senior staff, Program Office and Team Leaders on economic issues, trade-offs, and policy developments of potential concern to USAID. He/she may be required to draft economic analysis, debt reports, and/or other program or activity documents. Initiates and plans methodology for analyses of crosscutting Caucasus regional economic issues, interprets findings and prepares final report. Critiques other donors' economic analyses and comments upon adequacy, internal consistency and conditionality included in the programs. Coordinates with other donor activities related to a range of economic issues. 6. Provides guidance as required in establishing project performance-monitoring plans for on-going and new projects within the USAID/Caucasus/Azerbaijan Office. Works closely with all Strategic Objective Team Leaders to develop quantifiable indicators to monitor and measure project impact. Assesses progress in achieving stated Intermediary Results (IR) activities. Assists with evaluations/assessment of activities as needed and advises on problem areas and corrective steps to the concerned S.O. Team Leaders and the Program Office. B. Other Program Support Duties: 1. Performs analysis of the banking system and financial sector. Identifies trends in the sector and the possible impact over the USAID projects. Advises the SO Team and Mission management on the banking and financial sector and on accounting matters. 2. Monitors program strategies, and provides periodic updates on GOAz's development and execution of its banking, finance and accounting programs, implementing legislation etc. Shows the degree at objectives of the programs are being met in this area and provides advice to the CTO, SO Team leader and Country Coordinator for use in modifying programs. 3. Serves as Co-Team leader for Economic Development part of the strage. As a strategy development co-team leader, presents and communicates the Economic growth portion of the Strategy to implementing partners, appropriate local counterparts and international donor organizations. 4. Collects and analyzes economic indicators and information and provides reports. Serves as a member or Chairman of the Technical Evaluation Committee in banking, finance, accounting and other areas of USAID's strategic interest. Serves as a member of a selection committee for hiring new personnel for different offices in the Coordinator's Office. 5. Serves as backstop to the Senior Financial Sector Advisor and the SO Team leader for the projects and assumes duties of those individuals in their absence to the extent of his/her knowledge and ability. Performs other miscellaneous related duties as assigned. III. SUPERVISION OVER OTHERS The Macro-Economist Advisor will supervise FSN-10 Economist. IV. QUALIFICATIONS - Selection criteria: To address and carry out effectively the range of duties and responsibilities described above, the incumbent should possess the following: A. Education: A Masters Degree in economics, business or law is required. B. Prior work Experience: (a) A minimum of six to eight years of progressively more responsible work experience in economic growth development with implementers of such projects or donor organizations responsible for the design and oversight of such programs is required. (b) A minimum of four years practical experience (economic development) in former communist countries including the Balkans, Central/Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. (c) Experience working in dynamic, highly collegial and collaborative working relationships, requiring close consultation, management and coordination. Experience working in multilateral development programs, and particularly, with officials and technical experts from other countries is desirable. (d) The person selected should have demonstrated experience and ability in strategic development and planning, and implementation, and preferably have experience in a range of economic growth sectors (project appraisal and budgeting, institutional development, policy and regulatory development and implementation, business development, privatization, trade etc.) (e) Supervisory experience C. Knowledge, Abilities and Skills: He/she must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work constructively within a team framework. He/she must have demonstrated ability to maturely and effectively communicate in cross-cultural setting, particularly with officials from other countries. Knowledge of USAID management and monitoring systems is desired. He/she must have strong analytical and activity/project management skills as well as the ability to multi-task. He/she must be knowledgeable of and able to effectively use word processing and data management systems and applications, including Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Internet and e-mail applications. Must be able to independently establish and maintain contacts with senior level officials of the host government and with important persons in the private sector. The purpose of these contacts is to explain and defend USAID's policies, objectives and procedures and to transmit and interpret Government of Azerbaijan's and private sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials. Must be able to obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of economic data, to organize and present these in concise written and oral form; to independently plan, develop, manage and evaluate important and complex activities; and to furnish information and advice in assigned areas with detachment and objectivity. D. Language Proficiency: Fluent English speaking, reading and writing proficiency are required. He/she must have demonstrated excellent oral and written communications skills. Knowledge of Russian or Azeri would be an asset. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work constructively within a team framework. He/she must have demonstrated ability to maturely and effectively communicate in cross-cultural setting, particularly with officials from other countries. Knowledge of USAID management and monitoring systems is desired. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 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). APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Standard Form 171 (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 CIB89-29 - Use of Gov't Bills of Lading for Transportation of PSC Effects CIB93-17 - Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) CIB96-8 -Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 CIB94-9 - Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) CIB96-11 -PSC's Annual Health Insurance Costs CIB96-19 - U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave CIB96-23 - Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts CIB's for 1997 CIB97-3- New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination CIB97-6 - Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services CIB97-11- (Corrected) 1997 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts CIB97-16 - Class Justification for PSC with U.S. Citizens for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less CIB97-17 - PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. CIB97-19 - Advertising for Short-Term Personal Services Contracts CIB's for 1998 CIB98-11 - Determining Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook14 CIB98-12 - Guidance Regarding Advertisement of PSCs CIB98-14 - Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs CIB98-16 - Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs CIB98-19 - Home Leave Under U.S. Personal Services Contractors CIB98-23 - Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security & Contractor Personnel Security Requirements CIB98-24 - Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs CIB's for 1999 CIB99-07 - Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services CIB99-09 - Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health CIB99-15 - Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations CIB99-22 - PSC Policy CIB's for 2000 CIB00-03 - 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) CIB00-05 - "Supersedes CIB 99-9" Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs CIB00-08 - Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens CIB00-08(1) Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens, SUPPLEMENT CIB01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Policy Regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) CIB01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) CIB01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives CIB01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens CIB01-13 Posting USAID Solicitations and other Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) documents on the Business & Procurement Internet Site CIB02-02 ES-06 Maximum Pay LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 (available at the USAID website, http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet: http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices) 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.