Solicitation #05-2017 for Internationally Recruited USPSC Senior Development Transition Specialist, USAID/Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 05/2017 ISSUANCE DATE: August 29, 2017 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 29, 2017 (6 P.M. Almaty local time) SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor Internationally Recruited USPSC Senior Development Transition Specialist, USAID/Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (AID 302-3 form) 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 Christopher Daly, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Deputy EXO, who may be reached at e-mail almatyhr@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Christopher Daly Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 05/2017 I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 05/2017 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 29, 2017 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 29, 2017 (6 P.M. Almaty local time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Senior Development Transition Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $88,136-$114,578 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work. 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: A) BACKGROUND The Kyrgyz Republic is a small, landlocked and mountainous country of Central Asia with a population of just over 5.5 million people. It is the second-poorest country in Central Asia, with one-third of the population living below the poverty line. Following the April 2010 violent change in government and the ethnic conflict in the south of the country in June 2010, the Kyrgyz Republic began a political transition that continues today. Significantly, the Kyrgyz Republic was the first Central Asian state to experience a peaceful and democratic transition of presidential power in 2011. The success of its citizens in building a prosperous, democratic country could have important implications for all of Central Asia. Despite the country's progress, impediments to development remain, including widespread corruption, low foreign investment, and a high unemployment rate. Approximately one-third of the Kyrgyz Republic's workforce is employed abroad, reducing the available pool of qualified labor. The implementation of democratic and key economic policy reforms remains a challenge, and limited energy resources and low agricultural productivity contribute to insufficient economic growth. Nevertheless, the country is moving towards a more stable and representative democratic government that could be a regional model. In collaboration with the Government and people of the Kyrgyz Republic, USAID assistance has helped the country achieve substantial progress in the areas of economic growth, democratic governance, health care reform, improvement of basic education and agricultural development. Kyrgyzstan's success or failure in its efforts to achieve successful democratic transition will have long-term ramifications for how democracy is viewed in this country and the broader region. Because it serves as a potential model for democracy in the region, and because of its proximity to South Asia and its potential to contribute to stability in nearby Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Kyrgyz Republic is of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Mission is headquartered in Bishkek and has a sub-office in Osh. USAID/Kyrgyz Republic (USAID/KR) is responsible for managing a development program of roughly $40 million annually, of which approximately $13 million are dedicated to democracy, human rights, and governance activities, with the rest going to economic growth, health, and education activities. In addition to the Mission Director, the Mission is staffed with five direct hires, three U.S. Personal Service Contractors (USPSCs), and twenty two Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). USAID/KR's Office of Democracy and Governance (DGO) is seeking a highly motivated, highly qualified individual to manage a complex portfolio of activities designed to strengthen key democratic institutions and governance in the Kyrgyz Republic. The DGO works across a range of areas, including rule of law, human rights, anti-corruption, strengthening political competition and civil society, the media, and governance to achieve this objective. It partners with Kyrgyz government counterparts, local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other bilateral and multilateral donors. B) BASIC FUNCTIONS The incumbent serves as the Senior Development Transition Specialist in the USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Mission and reports to the Supervisory Democracy Officer. USAID/KR/DGO Office Director. S/he serves as a Mission expert providing technical leadership and support for a range of democracy and governance issues related to the ongoing democratic consolidation in the Kyrgyz Republic. The incumbent provides substantive input in the design, implementation and monitoring of projects in these areas, involving a full range of project and program design, management, oversight, activity monitoring, data collection, political analysis and evaluation of the democracy and governance portfolio in the Kyrgyz Republic. In this role, the Senior Development Transition Specialist must be able to employ his/her knowledge of political, social and cultural developments in the Kyrgyz Republic, as well as possess a background in diverse democracy and governance programming, including rule of law, human rights, media, civil society, parliamentary, local government, elections, political party, conflict mitigation, youth, trafficking-in-persons, and gender development. The Senior Development Transition Specialist must be able to effectively develop and cultivate cooperative working relationships with local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and implementing partners, international donors, and government partners in the Kyrgyz Republic. In addition, the employee works closely with and coordinates USAID programs with interagency partners in U.S. Embassy Bishkek. The Senior Development Transition Specialist also supports rapid response to requests from the Ambassador and others related to USAID programs and program areas and serves as a key advisor to the Embassy staff on democracy and governance issues. The Senior Development Transition Specialist, together with the Supervisory Democracy Officer, provides mentorship and feedback on performance for four FSN staff. The range of responsibilities and functions are outlined below. C) MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES S/he will serve as a high level decision-maker and provide guidance and recommendations to senior USAID and U.S. Embassy staff. The incumbent will take part in all parts of program life from concept development to implementation, evaluation, and close out. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: 1) Program Development and Management, and Technical Advice (75%) The S/Development Transition Specialist plays a leading role in the design, oversight, and management of assistance activities to achieve those USAID/KR Development Objectives and Intermediate Results described in the Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) to which the democracy and governance portfolio contributes. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent develops, oversees, manages, and evaluates democracy and governance development activities. S/he will serve as COR, AOR and/or activity manager for selected activities. The S/Development Transition Specialist provides guidance and direction for proposals and implementation of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. S/he assists implementing partners to ensure understanding of the performance monitoring system and their role in the process and advises them on specific measurement techniques appropriate for their programs. The incumbent develops concept papers, project authorizations, and project amendments, in line with agency regulations and guidance and will lead or be a key member of technical selection committees for the award of procurement instruments. Designing programs in line with the USAID/KR strategy requires the incumbent to monitor, analyze, and report on political and social conditions in the Kyrgyz Republic to assess assistance needs and priorities. The incumbent provides support for monitoring and evaluation of democracy and governance activities, including by planning and designing evaluation instruments as needed to make informed program design and management decisions. S/he conducts or leads data gathering, research and analysis, and dialogue with counterparts necessary to inform program design decisions. The incumbent also evaluates the costs, benefits and effectiveness of projects. The S/Development Transition Specialist also supports the development of the Democracy and Governance sections in the Operational Plan, Performance Monitoring Plan, and other key documents and works with the Supervisory Democracy Officer to ensure that all DGO written materials (e.g. all planning and performance reporting documents, memos, briefing checklists, press releases, official/informal communications) are of high quality. The S/Development Transition Specialist will provide expertise to USAID and other USG agencies on democracy and governance development issues in the Kyrgyz Republic and will actively foster and facilitate USG interagency collaboration and cooperation. In particular, the S/Development Transition Specialist leads USAID or USG discussions related to specific DG sub-sectors in the Kyrgyz Republic. The focus sub-sectors will depend on the professional experiences and preferences of the selected candidate and the needs of the DGO, but could include national or local governance, rule of law, human rights, civil society, media, youth, electoral and political processes, countering violent extremism, or other areas. The incumbent will participate in regular and ad hoc donor and government coordination meetings and will provide expert technical advice to all stakeholders on some sub-set of these sectoral issues as well as advising USAID and U.S. Embassy senior management on appropriate actions. The incumbent will represent USAID as a technical advisor to a variety of formal and informal coordination groups, including but not limited to the Development Partners Coordination Council (DPCC) and Government of Kyrgyzstan technical working groups. As needed, s/he may be asked to represent USAID at meetings with other donors and the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic. When required, the S/Development Transition Specialist will also prepare technical white papers, implementation and action plans, progress reports, press releases, public speeches, and professional correspondence on democracy and governance topics. The S/Development Transition Specialist will conduct research and advise other sector teams to inform strategy and program design and management. S/he will work with other offices within the Mission to generate synergies and complementary activities. Leadership, Mentorship, and Teambuilding (25%): The incumbent will work together with the Supervisory Democracy Officer to lead the DG Team to continuously assess and strengthen the performance of its activities. To this end, the incumbent will drive the DG Team's continuous learning and improvement, through analysis of performance information, consideration of relevant development literature and other information about alternative approaches, and seeking to establish linkages between USAID activities. A crucial piece of the incumbent's job will be mentoring local staff. In addition to the assigned FSN Project Management Specialists s/he will directly supervise, the incumbent will advise, train and otherwise support the career development of all professional staff responsible for managing democracy and governance activities. S/he will contribute to and oversee the development of sub-sectoral technical competencies among DGO staff in strategy and activity development and program monitoring and evaluation. S/he may also be asked to serve as Acting Office Director in the Office Director's absence. Supervisory Relationship: Senior Development Transition Specialist provides mentorship to DGO Team and supervises one Project Management Specialist (FSN-4005-10). Supervisory Controls: Senior Development Transition Specialist receives general supervision from Senior Democracy Officer, USAID/KR/DGO Office Director. 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: 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 the Kyrgyz Republic. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months. 11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Must be 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 Must be willing to travel throughout the Kyrgyz Republic (25% of time) and occasionally to other countries in Central Asia. 12. POINT OF CONTACT: Madina Bayedilova, email at almatyhr@usaid.gov ii. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION: 1) Prior Work Experience: This is a position that requires maturity and a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in management of democracy and governance programs, grants, or cooperative agreements, with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement, demonstrating expertise in management and evaluation of programs and the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. At least five years of effective international program development/management experience while residing in a transitional or developing country and at least three years of successful leadership experience in a team environment are also required. Demonstrated extensive knowledge of USAID/State regulations governing all areas of program development and procurement is highly desired. Experience in USAID or knowledge of USAID systems is highly desirable. Experience managing programs in Central Asia and the Kyrgyz Republic specifically is preferred. 2) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Development Program Management and Writing Excellent project management skills; strong analytical and writing skills as evidenced by previous experience and a writing sample. Technical knowledge in at least 2-3 DG sub-sectors (national or local governance, rule of law, human rights, civil society, media, youth, electoral and political processes, countering violent extremism, or other areas) is necessary. The incumbent must be fluent in English (working knowledge of Russian or Kyrgyz is desirable but not required) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. S/he must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality statements of work, white papers, and other professional documents in the specified technical areas. S/he must be able and willing to edit the written work of and mentor local staff to improve their writing skills. Leadership, Team-building, and Vision Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position, and candidates are required to convincingly describe how their experience demonstrates their ability to mentor and develop staff within team environments. The successful candidate should have exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, and be able to function collaboratively and productively to strengthen team cohesion and help it achieve greater results. The incumbent must have past experience mentoring staff and helping them to develop their skills. Relationship Building and Communication Incumbent should have demonstrated ability to develop and maintain high-level, effective relationships with a broad range of host country government officials or NGO counterparts, USAID partners, and other donor organizations. The incumbent must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG officials. 3) Education: A minimum of a Master's Degree in a relevant development-related field (eg: public policy, foreign affairs, law, or other). III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA: Prior Work Experience: 30 % Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 60 % - Program Management and Writing: 20 % - Leadership, Team-building, and Vision: 20 % - Relationship Building and Communications: 20 % Education 10 % Notice to Applicants: 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. IV. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a) the most current Curriculum Vitae or resume; b) completed and signed AID 302-3 form (Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts) including experience and salary history; c) list of references with telephone and e-mail contact information no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) September 29, 2017. The form is available at the USAID website https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc The application package should be submitted by e-mail (preferred) or mail to: Human Resources Office USAID/CA Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: almatyhr@usaid.gov Email 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/CA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USG. 11. For more information about USAID/Kyrgyz Republic see http://www.usaid.gov/kyrgyz-republic V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms: 1. AID 302-3 Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts form. 2. OF-306 Declaration of Federal Employment 3. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or 5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 6. Finger Print Card (FD-258) VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS: (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave 2. ALLOWANCES: Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) (a) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (b) Post Allowance (Section 220) (c) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (d) Education Allowance (Section 270) (e) Education Travel (Section 280) (f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (g) Danger Pay (Section 650). VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, "Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad," including contract clause "General Provisions," available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf . 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms . 3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs . [The CO must check http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply and insert the relevant text as required.] 5 4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the "Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch," available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.