Senior Livelihoods Advisor

USAID/General Notice PERSONNEL USAID/Bangladesh 06/21/2009 Subject: Amendment to Solicitation No. 388-S-00-09-00027-00 for US/TCN Personal Services Contractor - Cyclone Sidr Senior Livelihoods Advisor, Dhaka, Bangladesh ISSUANCE DATE: June 21, 2009 CLOSING DATE: July 09, 2009 Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing USPSC services as described in the attached solicitation. This solicitation is amended. Individuals who submitted applications prior to the issuance of this amendment do not need to resubmit their applications, which will be considered after the revised closing date for this position. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant's CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. Applications should be submitted electronically to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov (attention to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, Executive Office, USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This solicitation will remain open until July 09, 2009. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Nafeesa Monali Hussain, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500. Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Leslie Vaughn, AA/ASIA, (202) 712-4030. SOLICITATION NO: 388-S-00-09-00027-00 ISSUANCE DATE: June 21, 2009 CLOSING DATE: July 09, 2009 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS, GREEN CARD HOLDERS AND THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCNS) SUBJECT: USAID/ BANGLADESH--SOLICITATION FOR US/TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR - CYCLONE SIDR SENIOR LIVELIHOODS ADVISOR Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing personal services as described in the attached solicitation. This solicitation is amended. Individuals who submitted applications prior to the issuance of this amendment do not need to resubmit their applications, which will be considered after the revised closing date for this position. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant's CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2) 885-5500. The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Sincerely, Penelope A. Thomas Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh Tel: (880-2) 885-5500 ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBER: 388-S-00-09-00027-00 ISSUANCE DATE: June 21, 2009 CLOSING DATE: July 09, 2009 POSITION TITLE: Cyclone Sidr Senior Livelihoods Advisor/Program Manager POSITION GRADE GS-14 ($83,445 - $108,483). Within this grade, compensation will be based upon the selected candidate's past salary, work history and educational background. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION: USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Office Director, Office of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance (OFDHA), USAID/Dhaka PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years. The Contract may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. SENIOR LIVELIHOODS ADVISOR POSITION DESCRIPTION I. STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FOR CYCLONE SIDR RECONSTRUCTION SENIOR LIVELIHOODS ADVISOR A. OVERVIEW: On November 15, 2007, Cyclone Sidr struck Bangladesh devastating the livelihoods of thousands people throughout southern Bangladesh. USAID's $75 million Sidr reconstruction program aims to build back better the livelihoods of those most severely affected by the cyclone in 11 Sidr-affected districts. The Senior Livelihoods Advisor will serve as the team leader for the reconstruction team, overseeing the mission's Sidr reconstruction portfolio. This Program is not only USAID/Bangladesh's primary support for cyclone reconstruction; it is an essential disaster mitigation effort. The incumbent will be a member of the Mission's Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance Office which also manages USAID's largest non-emergency food aid program world-wide. This is a challenging and exciting position located in one of USAID's largest and growing development programs in South Asia. The Sidr Reconstruction program includes or will include: Livelihood programs that include integrated community development programs. These programs address or will address everything from nutrition, governance, income generation, and market linkages. They will also address construction of small scale infrastructure through cash for work such as deep tube wells, submersible dikes, market access roads, plinth raising, latrines, seed banks and other disaster mitigation and/or income generation, community-based projects. As part of his/her duties, the incumbent will provide expert technical advice to USAID, the Government of Bangladesh, and other USAID partners on cyclone reconstruction issues. The Senior Livelihoods Advisor will reside in Dhaka, Bangladesh and is expected to travel on monitoring visits to the Sidr-affected area. B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent will serve as the Contracting Officer's Technical Representative (COTR) for major livelihoods grants or contracts which have been in 2009 and are expected to be awarded later in 2010, as well as to handle program management responsibilities regarding the Sidr reconstruction program. This work will include the following: 1. Supervisory Responsibilities: USAID/Bangladesh reconstruction team, expected to be comprised of five locally employed staff to include two engineers and two livelihoods specialists, and a program assistant. 2. Program Management: (a) Advise the Office Director of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance (FDHA), the FDHA team, Program Office, the USAID Mission Management and the Embassy on Government of Bangladesh (GOB) development policy and programs/projects in support of USAID-funded livelihoods activities (b) Establish and maintain working relationships with mid to senior level GOB officials, for example officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Ministry of Commerce, other relevant GOB officials, the donor community, NGOs, and the private sector to enhance collaborative efforts that achieve mutual goals and objectives. Keeps contractors, recipients and grantees informed of USAID requirements and priorities. (c) Conduct and supervise administrative and financial analyses; develop and track budget preparation; and oversee implementation and other budget requirement for the FDHA portfolio. (d) Conduct strategic analysis, review reports and technical proposals, and prepares substantive reports on trends in disaster reconstruction and livelihoods development. Prepare briefing materials, issues papers, as well as status and progress reports. Develop performance monitoring plans and monitor their implementation. Conduct evaluations and reporting in support of the USAID/Bangladesh's FDHA portfolio. Participate in the preparation of the annual report to USAID/Washington and special or periodic reports. (e) Manage, monitor and oversee the activities of the grantees and/or contractors implementing USAID's livelihoods activities. (f) Liaise with implementing contractors, recipients and grantees, and undertake visits to project sites on a regular basis. C. REQUIRED/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: a. Education: The applicant must have a Masters Degree in economics, agricultural economics, international development, sociology, anthropology, management, public administration, or other related social sciences. b. Experience: Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in development programs, with multilateral and bilateral donors, NGOs, and/or government is required. Experience with donor agency/mission organization, procedures, and operations systems (e.g., development approaches; procedures for programming funds, defining objectives, and monitoring results; and procedures for awarding grants and contracts) are required. South Asia experience is desired. At least five years experience in livelihoods programs with emphasis on post disaster is required. c. Language: Excellent English writing and speaking ability is required. The candidate should have a demonstrated capacity to communicate complex policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner. Written and spoken Bangla proficiency is desirable. d. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of a broad range of issues related to livelihoods and disaster mitigation strategies is required. Knowledge of best practices in livelihoods program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation is necessary. Knowledge of the Bangladeshi context, government (GOB) organizational culture, structure, policies, programs and operations and development priorities is desired. Knowledge of strategies, programs, and working methodologies of other donor agencies in the livelihoods sector is desired. Knowledge of the structure and workings of the US government is desired. Strong analytical, management and organizational skills are required. The position requires demonstrated ability in strategic planning, technical and socio-economic analysis, and budget preparation and reporting skills. Considerable confidentiality, sensitivity, poise and maturity are mandatory as the applicant will represent USAID in meetings with mid to senior level Bangladeshi government officials and with private sector and donor partners. The applicant should possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, the ability to work within a team setting and with minimal supervision. Strong leadership and negotiating skills are required. Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel are required. Familiarity with Microsoft Access and PowerPoint is desired. D. SELECTION CRITERIA: Selection will be based on the following criteria (100 points total). Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated based on evaluation factors. Applicants are required to address each of the evaluation criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor. Please be sure to include your name, the last four digits of your social security number and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the minimum qualifications and/or evaluation factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. Evaluation factors will be used to establish a preliminary rating of candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Highly rated candidates may be asked to submit written responses to a series of questions to further evaluate their written communication skills. Highly rated candidates may be interviewed in person or by telephone and reference checks will be conducted, after which final ratings will be established. In responding to each of the following criteria, applicants should please be sure to address the required and desirable qualifications mentioned in the previous section, describing their experience in an overseas context, where applicable. a. Education: 15% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education as described above. b. Experience: 45% The extent to which the applicant's relevant experience and technical expertise meets or exceeds the requisite levels of professional experience set forth above. c. Language: 10% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required language ability as explained above. d. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 30% The extent to which the applicant's relevant experience meets or exceeds the requisite levels of acquired knowledge, skills and abilities as set forth above. E. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES: The Senior Livelihoods Advisor will report directly to the Office Director of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance of USAID/Bangladesh. The incumbent will be responsible for the preparation of annual work plans and semi-annual reviews of progress on reconstruction, operational plans and trip reports covering purpose, pending issues/actions, and persons met, after each trip. F. SUPERVISORY CONTROL OVER POSITION: It is anticipated that the person filling this position will entail supervision of Bangladeshi professional and administrative staff as well as short-term technical consultants. The incumbent will work closely with Government of Bangladesh officials and play a lead role in USAID's administration and management of livelihood activities, with an emphasis on monitoring implementation progress and the performance of the USAID financed programs. As a Personal Services Contractor, the incumbent does not have the authority to commit the Mission legally or contractually, nor to enter into any agreement for the purchase of goods and services. G. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work in the office is mostly sedentary but travel to the cyclone affected areas may require travel by air, road and/or by water transport. H. TERM OF PERFORMANCE: The term of the contract will be for two years to start on/about October 2009 to on/about September 2011 (unless otherwise agreed). Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. Bangladesh currently has a 30% Post Differential allowance, and FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family-friendly post with good education facilities and an active American Club with swimming, tennis and squash facilities. I. POSITION ELEMENTS: Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management. Medical and Security Clearances: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a secret level security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance. A Third Country National selected for the position must be able to obtain Employment Authorization clearance and 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: (1) Employer's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance: 50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for contractor with family; and $3,410 for contractor only. 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. 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health Insurance. (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs. (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) 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 Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R (two per 2-year assignment), 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 exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. J. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1. OF-612 or SF-171. Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17). 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 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). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ K. APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp , or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal. Applicant's detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer and be emailed to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. L. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulations and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 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. Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Dhaka 2. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka 3. Nafeesa Monali Hussain, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka