Senior Financial and Legal Sector Advisor

1. Solicitation Number: SOL-121-11-000001 2. Issuance date: August 10, 2011 3. Closing date: September 09, 2011, 5:00PM EST U.S. 4. Position title: SENIOR FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SECTOR ADVISOR 5. Position type: Offshore hire USPSC, full time 6. Market value: GS-14 ($84,697 - $110,104) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary history, work experience, and educational background. 7. Direct Supervisor: Director of the Office of Economic Growth 8. Supervisory Control: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction but will have no authority to make financial commitments 9. Period of Performance: One year with possible extension 10. Number of Position: One 11. Place of Performance: Kyiv, Ukraine 12. Security Access: Employment Authorization 13. Area of Consideration: U. S. Citizens only 14. Special Factors: Please note that no PSC contract will be executed until a candidate has received a medical and security clearance STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FOR SENIOR FINANCIAL AND LEGAL SECTOR ADVISOR I. INTRODUCTION The Regional Mission of USAID/Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova (UBM) is responsible for the strategic planning, program design and implementation, achievement of results, and reporting for the USAID assistance programs for the three western republics of the former Soviet Union. It ranks as one of the Agency's largest programs, with funding levels of $83 million in FY 2010. Approximately $67 million will be provided to Ukraine in FY 11. The Mission has a total staff of 140, which includes 33 U.S. Direct Hire (USDH), 2 U.S. Personal Service Contractors (USPSC), and 105 Foreign Service National (FSN) employees. The staff manages a program currently consisting of 29 projects in Ukraine, 13 in Moldova, and 12 in Belarus, principally focused on assisting these former communist states in making the transition to Western-style democracies, with viable market economies. The Mission currently has three technical offices: the Office of Economic Growth (OEG), the Office Health and Social Transition (OHST), and the Office of Democracy and Governance (ODG). OEG is responsible for the management of a large portfolio that focuses on the areas of financial sector reform and development of a more market-friendly legal environment for business. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Under the guidance of the Director of the Office of Economic Growth, the Senior Financial Sector Advisor will have the following duties and responsibilities. Management (25 %) Manage the portfolio and staff of the Financial and Commercial Law Division within the Office of Economic Growth, which is responsible for design and implementation of a wide range of activities designed to improve the investment environment in Ukraine. Initially, The Senior Financial and Legal Sector Advisor will focus heavily on policy issues relating to the Division's current and prospective activities in support of financial sector reform, including development of better practices of transparency, disclosure and corporate governance; improvement and development of the regulators and related agencies in Ukraine's financial sector (including the securities commission, financial services regulator, National Bank, and Deposit Guarantee Fund); development of the government securities market and capital market infrastructure; development of credit mechanisms and investment opportunities; as well as the development of Pillar II and Pillar III pension systems and financial literacy awareness campaign. Legal issues cut across the broad range of financial sector activities undertaken by the Mission. Toward development of a more market-friendly legal structure for business in Ukraine, the Division is also responsible for management and development of commercial law reform activities, spanning a large number of legislative and enforcement/implementation issues. These activities are primarily undertaken through the Commercial Law Center, supported by USAID. Primary responsibilities will include: monitoring the implementation of activities included in the commercial law portfolio, ensuring that they are consistent with the strategy and the objectives of the program, are being carried out in a cost-effective manner, and are achieving the expected benchmarks and results. Travel within the region will sometimes be necessary to conduct field inspections, monitor project operations, identify and overcome constraints, and review programs with key country officials. Supervision and staff leadership (20 %) As Chief of the Division, the Senior Financial and Legal Sector Advisor will supervise the professional staff including three Foreign Service National professionals. Provide authoritative policy, technical, intellectual and operational guidance to the staff of the Financial and Commercial Law Division. This will include guidance to: 1) prepare scopes of work, 2) participate in the procurement selection process, and 3) monitor and report on program status. Work with other offices within the Mission to generate synergies and complementary activities. The Mission has made a major commitment to support the Agency's DLI program. The incumbent of this position will be required to mentor and support DLIs. Strategy development and technical leadership (20%) Provide professional and programmatic leadership to design and implement USAID/Ukraine's strategy for an improved financial and investment environment. Conceptualize and design projects and program activities that achieve these objectives. Evaluate the costs, benefits and effectiveness of proposed projects. Serve as principal expert in the U.S. Mission in Kiev on the development, utilization and management of financial sector reform program and activities throughout the region (including Belarus and Moldova). Provide overall conceptual guidance to USAID's financial sector assistance to Ukraine, and guide the design, implementation and monitoring of USAID's financial sector and commercial law programs. Develop working relationships with host country officials and with other donors, and provide independent analysis of political and economic developments affecting financial and commercial legal sector reform in Ukraine. Coordination with donors, contractors, Government of Ukraine and business leaders (25 %) Identify and develop linkages with other donor programs, particularly the World Bank, EBRD, International Monetary Fund, and European Union. Coordinate activities with those of U.S. Treasury advisors in the financial sector. Lead and coordinate the work of USAID's contractors, technical assistance advisors, and grantees to assure that activities are consistent with USAID's financial sector development strategy. Meet regularly with senior officials of the governments of the region as well as leaders of the private sector to promote the programs and overcome problems and difficulties that arise in the planning and implementation of program activities. Defend, justify and promote, as appropriate, USAID's position, and negotiate amicable resolution of issues to the benefit of the program's major objectives. Liaison within the U.S. Government (10%) Lead discussions, negotiations, and other contacts at senior policy and technical levels of the Economic Section of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and other U.S. government entities, to develop and implement the U.S. Mission's economic policy reform strategy. Prepare and conduct regular and special briefings to Mission and EE Bureau leadership, the State Department, Commerce, Treasury, National Security Council, and to other high level officials of the USG, including Congressional staff. III. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS 1. Master's degree in a relevant field, such as economics or business is required. A specialization in finance or law is highly desirable. 2. This is a senior level position that requires maturity and a minimum of ten years of relevant experience (i.e., a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement) as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. Demonstrated practical experience in the financial sector and/or commercial law reform is required. At least five years of international development experience, preferably in Central or Eastern Europe or the Newly Independent States, is required. 3. At least five years leadership in a team environment and ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion is required. 4. Excellent English communications skills, both orally and in writing, are required. Ability to communicate in Russian or Ukrainian is preferred. IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA Education: 20 points Master's degree in a relevant field, such as economics or business is required. A specialization in finance or law is highly desirable. Technical Knowledge/Experience: 25 points The level, quality, and impact of the candidate's practical knowledge and proven ability in the design, management and implementation of a development portfolio in the financial sector and/or commercial law reform will be evaluated. Direct experience in program design and management is highly desirable. Candidates must have a proven ability to provide rapid, concise and accurate reporting on technical financial matters. International Development Experience: 20 points At least 5 years of international development experience, preferably with USAID and in Central or Eastern Europe or the Newly Independent States is required. Language/Communication (Writing and Oral Communication Skills): 20 points Incumbent must be fluent in English and have the proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Demonstrated Russian or Ukrainian language skills are desirable. Demonstrated analytical skills are required. Candidates who pass the initial review by the selection committee and are notified shall then be required to submit a document they have prepared, no more than five (5) pages in length, on a subject relevant to reform in the financial sector and/or commercial law. Leadership, Interpersonal, Teamwork and Organizational Skills: 15 points At least five years leadership in a team environment and ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion is required. Proven ability to establish effective working relationships with senior representatives of national governments and corporations (in either the United States or abroad) is required. Ability to manage programs, to include programmatic and financial issues as well as ability to review, evaluate and apply complex policies and regulations. Ability to provide rapid, concise, accurate reporting, both verbally and in writing. Ability to work effectively as a team member and in diverse cultures. V. OTHER: Medical and Security Clearances: The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances. The selected applicant must obtain USG security clearance level of Employment Authorization. An employment authorization may be upgraded to a secret clearance, if required, at a later stage. For medical clearances, the contractor must obtain Department of State Class 1 Medical Clearance. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits. 1. Benefits: (i) Employee's FICA Contribution (ii) Health & Life Insurance: Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for contractor with family; and $7,266 for contractor only. The Contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 72% against the actual costs of the Contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution as announced periodically by USAID's Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The Contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. (iii) Medical Evacuation (Medevac) Insurance: 100% Medical Evacuation Insurance annual premium for contractor with family will be reimbursed to the contractor, if not covered by Health Insurance. (iv) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for US Government employees and US Personal Services Contractors. Currently this Pay Comparability Adjustment is frozen until further notice. (v) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (vi) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Ukraine in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTORS: For initial consideration: 1. Application Form OF-612 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer, the finalist candidate will complete and submit the following forms: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Medical Clearance Form (DS 6561) 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). APPLICATION PROCESS: Application stating their interest along with updated OF-612 (Application for Federal Employment), a current resume, and a cover letter. Please send your application package to this e-mail account: kyv15-2011@usaid.gov. The candidate must sign the completed OF-612, the resume, and the cover letter, and scan and send them to the above-mentioned e-mail account. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. There are a number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Oksana Shvaitser, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova (oshvaitser@usaid.gov) 2. Tamara Leschenko, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova (tleschenko@usaid.gov)