Senior Development Specialist

ISSUANCE DATE: June 28, 2010 CLOSING DATE: July 15, 2010 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 34-2010 USPSC Senior Development Specialist, USAID/Central Asian Republics, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Geoffry Lohsl, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail per.almaty@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Geoffry Lohsl Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 34-2010 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 34/2010 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 06/28/2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 07/15/2010 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Senior Development Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $84,697-$110,104 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) (if no qualified candidates available at market value - salary history may be considered) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (extension optional) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIAN REPUBLICS, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Background The Regional USAID Mission for Central Asia, located in Almaty, Kazakhstan, is responsible for the development and management of the U.S. Government's regional assistance program directed at supporting a program of policy reform, humanitarian assistance, economic recovery and development in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The Kyrgyz Republic is in the throes of a political and economic upheaval after the overthrow of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev in early April 2010, and the recent violence in the South of the country. American strategic interests are clearly impacted by the survival of the Provisional Government (PG) and the stabilization of Kyrgyzstan. The Manas Transit Center (MTC), operated by the U.S. Air Force and located outside the capital city of Bishkek, is the primary transit hub for allied troop and supply movement into and out of Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom, and is critical to the war effort there. But beyond that important short-term strategic interest, Kyrgyzstan now represents an experiment in democratic transition in a region comprised of otherwise entrenched authoritarian regimes in the natural spheres of interest of Russia and China. The legacy of seven decades of Soviet rule presents enormous obstacles which still need to be overcome. Kyrgyzstan's success or failure in its gamble of democratic transition will have long-term ramifications for how democracy is viewed in the region. The United States showed its early support for the PG and its pledge to build democracy in the Kyrgyz Republic via a telephone conversation from Secretary of State Clinton to the Provisional Government's leadership and a visit by Assistant Secretary of State Blake to Bishkek within ten days of the fall of the Bakiev government. The U.S. remains committed to furthering democratic governance in the Kyrgyz Republic and to its long-term stability and development. To this end, the U.S. will support the Kyrgyz people in their efforts to establish transparent, accountable and effective government. In addition, the U.S. will support the Provisional Government's effort to restore public confidence in government, to adhere to democratic principles, and to conduct free and fair elections. Prior to the events of the past three months, the USAID program of assistance to Kyrgyzstan was a cornerstone to USG's very high foreign policy objective of building cooperation among Central Asian nations in the war on terrorism, and was intended to foster and hasten the pace of reform across Kyrgyzstan. In addition to stabilization efforts, three broad areas continue to be emphasized: a) economic restructuring and privatization; b) democratization; and c) social sector reform. A new conflict prevention cross-cutting program for the Ferghana Valley region led to the opening a satellite office in the southern city of Osh that will soon be reopened once the security in the South is re-established. USAID's response and stabilization programs in support of a democratic transition in Kyrgyzstan are one of the key pillars to achieving these critical foreign policy objectives. USAID's successful engagement and the outcome of our humanitarian relief, short, medium and long-term development strategies in the country will have ramifications for how the USG is viewed in the region. The incumbent serves as the Deputy for Kyrgyzstan Country Office Director in USAID/CAR. In that position, s/he is responsible for assisting in oversight and coordination of an assistance portfolio valuing approximately $30 million annually, which is implemented through approximately 35 institutional contractors and international private voluntary organizations (PVOs). As a Deputy Director of the Kyrgyzstan Country Office (KCO), the incumbent, in the absence of the Director supervises 13 Foreign National Personal Services Contractor (FNPSC) employees and 3 USPSCs. B) Basic Functions The Senior Development Specialist is a senior member of the 18-person team within the two Kyrgyzstan Offices (in Bishkek and a four-person satellite Office in Osh). Under the overall policy direction of the USAID/CAR Regional Mission in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the direct supervision of the Kyrgyzstan Country Office Director, the incumbent actively participates in the conceptualization, design and overall management of USAID/CAR's policy strategy/portfolio for all Mission's strategic and cross-cutting objectives in Kyrgyzstan. C) Scope of Work The Senior Development Specialist is the alter ego of the KCO Director and assumes the responsibilities and authority of the KCO Director in his/her absence. This requires that the incumbent be fully familiar with all programs and activities, the issues and objectives involved, implementing partners, other donors, and local counterparts, including high level officials. As needed, the KCO Director may delegate specific responsibilities or assignments to the Deputy, on either a short-term or long-term basis. The Deputy is required to travel on an as-needed basis within Kyrgyzstan to monitor USAID activities and to travel, as well, to the USAID/CAR Regional Mission office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to consult with Mission management and technical support office staff. Areas of direct responsibility for the position include: 1) Assist the KCO Director and Country Office staff to achieve the desired outcomes of USAID/CAR's program in Kyrgyzstan in the most effective and efficient manner; 2) Provide expert advice, technical leadership, and coordination in the conceptual design, documentation and implementation of USAID/CAR projects/activities in Kyrgyzstan as well as monitoring the progress of these activities; 3) Supervise the Osh Office and the development of a program strategic approach, activity implementation plan and public outreach plan for Southern Kyrgyzstan; 4) Take the lead for the Country Office in the overall conceptualization and implementation of activities which concern investments in people, including for health, education, humanitarian assistance and disaster response programs and supervise Kyrgyz staff responsible for such activities; 5) Take the lead for the Country Office in program management/administration in terms of Kyrgyzstan's budget and reporting processes, including tracking and maintaining budget information, as well as coordinating all information for reporting purposes, with responsible Almaty staff as well as Embassy personnel, as appropriate; 6) Supervise and play an important part in the Public Outreach efforts of the Country Office. This includes: assisting in the development of newsletters and press releases on assistance programs, establishing a close working relationship with the Public Affairs section in the U.S. Embassy, and ensuring that all outreach and media materials are of a high quality. 7) Serve as a liaison official for dissemination of information on USG assistance with the Government of Kyrgyzstan, the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan, private voluntary organizations, and international donor organizations; 8) Identify opportunities to maximize the contribution of USAID assistance to USG foreign policy priorities. Advise the Country Office and USAID/CAR's Regional office of these needs, and as required, develop concept papers outlining the potential USAID response. The incumbent keeps the KCO Director apprised of issues, problems, successes and solutions in the management of the country office and of USAID's program in Kyrgyzstan; 9) Serve in the absence of the KCO Director as the Acting Director of the Country Office taking on all of the duties of the Country Office Director including supervision of all staff, maintaining communications with the Regional Mission in Almaty, and participate on the U.S. Embassy/Bishkek Country Team. D. Position Elements 1) Supervision Exercised The incumbent will have direct supervisory responsibilities for 4 FSN staff, including the head of the Osh Office, as well as staff responsible for humanitarian, education and health activities, as well as such other staff as will be determined by the Country Office Director. When serving in the capacity of Acting Country Office Director, the Deputy will assume full supervisory responsibility for the entire Kyrgyzstan Country Office. 2) Supervision Received The incumbent will work directly under the supervision and technical guidance of the U.S. Direct Hire Supervisory Program Officer (Kyrgyzstan Country Office Director) - Under broad guidance from the Country Office Director, work is performed with a high degree of independence. - When serving in the capacity of acting Country Office Director the incumbent will report directly to the USAID/CAR Regional Mission Director or his/her designee; also as acting Country Office Director the incumbent will be under parallel supervision from the U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan. 3) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent actively engages in official personal contacts with a broad range of individuals and organizations in Kyrgyzstan and beyond. The purpose of these contacts is to promote USAID's development assistance objectives and to increase his/her understanding of the dynamics of Kyrgyz society as they affect USAID's programs. Contact also serve to gain insights from the procedures, methodologies, and experiences from host country counterparts and implementation partners as they affect USAID's implementation effectiveness. It is expected that personal contacts will include, but not be limited to, the following: - Heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatuses; - Ministers and deputy ministers in Kyrgyzstan; - U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan and other members of the Country Team; - Chiefs of Party of USAID-funded contracts and grants; - Senior officials and executives from U.S. headquarters of USAID-funded contracts and grants; - Institutional contractors, PVOs and NGOs; - Host Country officials responsible for assistance matters; and - Representatives of international donors. - USAID/CAR Office Directors - USAID/Washington representatives - CODELs, STAFFdels E. Minimum Qualification Requirements This position requires a blend of qualities that include: broad development experience; proven management abilities; ability to work independently; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners. The ideal incumbent would have the following characteristics: - Bachelor's degree in business administration, international business, or other relevant subject area. Master's degree is preferred. Training (or experience) in relevant administrative policies and procedures is required. - Comprehensive knowledge of the political, social, and economic characteristics of former-Soviet countries, preferably Central Asia is highly desirable. At least two years of relevant experience in Central Asia and/or NIS region, preferably in Kyrgyzstan. - Minimum seven years of progressively responsible work experience. Demonstrated knowledge and competency, and at least three years experience, in the design and management of development programs/projects and evaluation of such projects to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. Particular experience in areas relevant to Kyrgyzstan's activity portfolio, including economic growth, democracy/rule of law, health and/or education is also desirable. - Management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in project/activity implementation. At least two years of supervisory experience. - Familiarity with USG's policies and priorities and means of delivering assistance in developing nations, with USAID experience being highly desirable. - High-level proficiency in oral and written communications needed to report on the status of activities and projects, to establish and maintaining effective relations with all levels of people in former-Soviet countries, and to represent USAID/CAR Kyrgyzstan's projects and strategies in professional meetings and conferences. - Ability to lead teams and work as a team member effectively. - Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; balanced judgment; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners are essential. - Proficiency with computer programs, including those in budgeting, presentations and desktop publishing. - Demonstrated good working knowledge (Level III) in both written and spoken Russian preferred. Working knowledge of Kyrgyz will be an extra bonus, but not required. Minimum Level V (Native) English Language ability (written and spoken) is required. All of the above are elements contributing to success performance in this position. F. OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region. G. SELECTION CRITERIA: Development and USAID Knowledge 20 points Managerial and Leadership Experience 30 points Relevant NIS/CAR Experience: 15 points Language and Communication Skills: 25 points Computer Skills 10 points Total: 100 points Notice to Applicants: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) July 15, 2010. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=OP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: per.almaty@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asian Republics see Mission's website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. 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). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Optional Form 612. **2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843) or 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. 3. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCs a) ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) and CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. b) AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.