USPSC - OTI Country Representative - Pakistan

Request for Personal Service Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: OTI Country Representative - Pakistan Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-14-000017 Salary Level: GS-14 Equivalent: $85,544 - $111,203 GS-15 Equivalent: $100,624 - $130,810 Issuance Date: March 10, 2014 Closing Date: March 31, 2014 Closing Time: 5:00 P.M. EDT Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Country Representative in Pakistan under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. ? 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Your complete resume and the supplemental document addressing the EFs must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed to: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: pakistancr@globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Ian Reese or Anna Cowell Telephone Number: (202) 706-6109 or (202) 706-6114 E-Mail Address: pakistancr@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) OTI Country Representative - Pakistan 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-14-000017 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 10, 2014 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: March 31, 2014, 5:00 pm EDT 4. POSITION TITLE: Country Representative - Pakistan 5. MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated as a "tandem" position that, depending on the qualifications of the candidate, can be filled at either the GS-14 (salary range: $85,544 - $111,203) or GS-15 (salary range: $100,624 - $130,810) equivalent level, non-locality pay. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range of the GS-14 or GS-15 level depending on qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Applicants who submit an application for the GS-15 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Panel (TEC) will not be considered for the GS-14 position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-14 position. Similarly, applicants who apply for only the GS-14 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-15 position will not be considered for the GS-15 position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-15 position. Applicants who are unsure should submit a separate application for each grade level. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with up to four (4) one-year option periods. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pakistan 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) was created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID to help local partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high-level professionals and experts under United States personal services contracts (USPSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled professionals make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the organization's programmatic goals and objectives. USPSCs are considered employees of USAID for all purposes except programs administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) - such as federally sponsored health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits. However, there are several other similar benefits that USPSCs may participate in, such as partial reimbursement for health and life insurance costs, as well as full coverage of workers' compensation, among other benefits. For more complete information on USPSC benefits, please see page 15 of this solicitation. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives INTRODUCTION USAID/OTI conducts programming in Pakistan's Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and targeted areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, as well as in Karachi and southern Punjab. In FATA/KP, the Pakistan Transition Initiative (PTI) program supports the Government of Pakistan's development efforts to better integrate FATA into the political and economic mainstream of Pakistan. PTI engages the Government of Pakistan's FATA Secretariat, Political Agents, as well as the FATA's tribes in participatory processes to identify community priorities and address some of the region's most immediate needs. The FS and its representative Agency structures, and the KP provincial and district government constitute the key interlocutors within the GoP for this program. PTI works to counter violent extremism in targeted neighborhoods of Karachi and select districts of Southern Punjab that have been identified as Mission priorities. These activities fall under the wider Pakistan Expanded Regional Stabilization Initiative (PERSI), which aims to promote security and stability; counter violent extremism; and help build a foundation for longer-term economic, political and social development. USAID/OTI, through its implementing partner(s), manages an in-kind small grants mechanism aimed at promoting the objectives described above. Activities range across numerous sectors including but not limited to irrigation and drinking water supply schemes, repairs to schools, roads, and flood walls, and agricultural terraces. Sociocultural and livelihood activities are also undertaken where they have the support of the community, and will benefit the community as a whole. In addition, the program undertakes media development activities and outreach efforts designed to increase the amount of information the FATA communities receive about the Government of Pakistan initiatives and development activities. The Country Representative is a member of the DCHA/OTI Afghanistan/Pakistan (Af/Pak) Regional Team, and is based in Islamabad, Pakistan as the senior OTI representative in the country. The Country Representative's principal responsibility will be development, oversight and management of DCHA/OTI's Pakistan country program. The incumbent will be called upon to represent OTI's mission and programs to senior-level government officials, in-country visitors, senior officials from other bilateral donors, international organizations, and local government officials. The Country Representative will oversee a team of at least 4 USPSCs, several national staff, and a significant number of implementing partner staff in at least 7 different locations across the country, including Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi, and Lahore. OBJECTIVE The objective of this position is to ensure that OTI has a highly-qualified Country Representative in the field that will represent OTI and fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the Country Representative requires teamwork, strong analytical and organizational skills, the exercise of good judgment and personal responsibility, and ability to communicate with a variety of interlocutors. As a member of a highly operational office, the incumbent is willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions to help ensure programmatic success. The incumbent has a high level of integrity and attention to detail to ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. The incumbent is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change, and remains professional and respectful of colleagues and authority in a diverse workforce. S/he places a premium on building positive relationships with his or her respective team both in the field and in Washington, and with key stakeholders both in and outside of USAID. The incumbent is a team player, able to prioritize and follow up on their own actions without prompting, while also assisting his/her supervisor in responding to incoming requests and routine tasks, filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The incumbent is highly responsible, service-oriented, organized, pays close attention to detail, and is able to receive and respond to constructive criticism in a professional manner. The Country Representative is a strategic thinker, articulates innovative ideas, presents solutions, and is a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of OTI. Under the direct supervision of the Washington-based DCHA/OTI Regional Team Leader for Afghanistan/Pakistan, and in consultation with the Washington-based OTI COR (Contracting Officer Representative) the Country Representative will: At the GS-14 level: - Manage a high-profile program in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy, conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives with the support of OTI staff, USAID, Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, the U.S. embassy, and other U.S. agencies and departments, as well as national and local government officials, and local civil society representatives. When necessary, refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in country, linked to neighboring country programs, where appropriate; - Communicate and coordinate OTI's in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, USAID, and other donor organizations; - Provide day-to-day programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to OTI's implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees) ensuring that activities are contributing to OTI's program objectives; - Provide recommendations to the Washington-based Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or the Regional Team Leader on implementing partner performance, the appropriateness of the partner's scope to OTI's country objectives, partner's budgets, and modifications thereto; - Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities, including final approval of grantees for grants under contract, in accordance with the USAID's Automated Directives System (ADS); - In collaboration with USAID, prepare operational plans including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, contingency and evacuation plans; - Ensure that OTI's programs and their activities are monitored and evaluated and that lessons learned from the activities feed into ongoing or future activities; - Analyze and report on current political developments and security concerns as well as other pertinent information required to achieve OTI's program objectives; - Ensure appropriate resource allocation among OTI field offices and implementing partners; - Prepare and maintain OTI program budgets for field operations; - In close coordination with other DCHA offices and the USAID-Pakistan Mission, develop an exit strategy and operational closeout plan; - Serve as OTI's primary liaison with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, DoD personnel, government officials, bilateral donors, UN organizations, indigenous and international NGOs, and other pertinent agencies and organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with them in order to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs; - Ensure that all OTI and partner field staff adhere to in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the United Nations or host government, as appropriate; - Prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and periodic reports to the USAID Mission, OTI/Washington and other organizations as appropriate; - Oversee a team comprised of multiple USPSCs, several national staff, and a significant number of implementing partner staff in multiple different locations across the country. Continuously review and design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives and recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of in-country OTI staff. Maintain staff morale in a difficult security and work environment. At the GS-15 level: - Manage a high-profile program in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy, conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with OTI staff, USAID, DoD personnel, the U.S. embassy, and other U.S. agencies and departments, as well as national and local government officials, and local civil society representatives. When necessary, refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in country, linked to neighboring country programs, where appropriate; - Communicate and oversee OTI's in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, USAID, the U.S. Embassy, and other donor organizations; - Manage and provide day-to-day programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to OTI's implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees) ensuring that activities are contributing to OTI's program objectives; - Ensure that OTI strategic direction of programming remains in close coordination with larger USG foreign policy imperatives through regular consultations with all principal stake holders at post; - Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief OTI and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact; - Provide recommendations to the Washington-based Contracting Officer Representative (COR) and/or the Regional Team Leader on implementing partner performance, the appropriateness of the partner's scope to OTI's country objectives, partner's budgets, and modifications thereto; - Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities, including final approval of grantees for grants under contract, in accordance with the ADS; - Create operational plans in collaboration with USAID, including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, contingency and evacuation plans; - Ensure that OTI's programs and their activities are monitored and evaluated and that lessons learned from the activities feed into ongoing or future activities; - Analyze and report on current political developments and security concerns as well as other pertinent information required to achieve OTI's program objectives; - Ensure appropriate resource allocation among OTI field offices and implementing partners; - Prepare and maintain OTI program budgets for field operations; - In close coordination with other DCHA offices and the USAID-Pakistan Mission, develop an exit strategy and operational closeout plan; - Serve as OTI's primary liaison with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, Ambassadors, DoD personnel, government officials, bilateral donors, UN organizations, indigenous and international NGOs, and other pertinent agencies and organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with them in order to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs; - Work closely with Mission leadership to advise on potential follow on activities which will help guarantee greater sustainability of OTI programs post closeout; - Ensure that all OTI and partner field staff adhere to in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the United Nations or host government, as appropriate; - Prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and periodic reports to the USAID Mission, OTI/Washington and other organizations as appropriate; - Oversee a team comprised of multiple USPSCs, several national staff, and a significant number of implementing partner staff in multiple different locations across the country. Continuously review and design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives and recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of in-country OTI staff. Maintain staff morale in a difficult security and work environment. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Country Representative will report to OTI's Washington-based Team Leader for Afghanistan and Pakistan, or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. Work plans, timesheets, regional travel, and funding associated with support costs will be approved through OTI Washington. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. Though this is a senior field-based position, the incumbent is expected to actively and proactively collaborate with OTI Washington leadership, and to fully utilize, embrace, and become an expert on OTI systems and processes. Failure to adequately perform the scope of work above and/or failure to take direction from the Supervisor may result in corrective actions, including denial of step or grade increases, extension of contract probationary periods, performance improvement plans, and/or termination for the convenience of USAID/OTI. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). ? 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT While in Pakistan, the work is generally performed in an office environment. However, the position also requires some travel in host country, which may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") The USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Country Representative post is a senior-level position requiring supervisory management experience, the ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions and an in-depth knowledge of foreign assistance in general and of the sub-region in particular. Familiarity with a wide range of issues is necessary, including, but not limited to, community development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy/governance and human rights. Excellent inter-personal, presentation and negotiation skills are necessary. Experience in contract/grant management is required. Prior work experience with U.S. Government agencies and/or managing program operations in civil conflicts is preferred. Prior experience coordinating with military operations is a plus. The successful candidate will possess excellent political analysis and reporting skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and authority in a highly stressful environment while exercising sound judgment in politically charged and challenging security environments. It is also essential that the incumbent demonstrate the ability to maintain staff morale in a difficult work environment. Strong team-building skills are essential. At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-14 equivalent level: (1) Bachelor's degree and a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR Master's degree and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience; AND (2) Minimum of six (6) years of project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, stabilization programming, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis; (3) Minimum of two (2) years of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries undergoing political transition; (4) A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience (including mentoring, training, and guiding staff). At the GS-15 equivalent level: (1) Bachelor's degree and a minimum of eleven (11) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR Master's degree and a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience; AND (2) Minimum of seven (7) years of project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis; (3) Minimum of three (3) years of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries undergoing political transition; (4) A minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience (including mentoring, training, and guiding staff), of which at least one (1) year must include supervisor management experience (defined as supervising at least one other supervisor within an office, division, or team). SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) - Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; - Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements; - Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; - Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance (NOTE: Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship); - Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; - Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. A USAID Secret level security clearance and Department of State medical clearance are required prior to issuance of the contract for this position. Due to the urgent program requirements, individuals must be able to travel to post within 90 days after a contract is awarded. EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) Applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples for each factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Factor #1 Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously in high-visibility, high-pressure environments, including crisis and/or conflict situations; Factor #2 Demonstrated experience in the design and management of post-conflict, political transition, and/or emergency operation programs; Factor #3 Demonstrated team building skills evidenced by the ability to maintain team morale and unity in a challenging security environment with the lack of usual infrastructure and amenities; Factor #4 Demonstrated experience interacting with and representing your organization to U.S. government agencies, donor and international organizations, and local counterparts, including beneficiaries; and Factor #5 Demonstrated experience in contract and grant management, including overseeing and monitoring a non Federal organization implementing an assistance activity under a Federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 - 20 Factor #2 - 15 Factor #3 - 15 Factor #4 - 10 Factor #5 - 10 Total Possible - 70 Points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Be sure to fully respond to each of the Evaluation Factors and include all relevant experience, training, and/or education in your responses. Sample Evaluation Factors are provided on the GlobalCorps website at www.globalcorps.com. The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, OTI reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include: (a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. (b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. (c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). (d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. (e) U.S. Citizenship. Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation for each grade level(s) for which you are applying. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the five (5) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. NOTE: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. By submitting your application materials, you agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700, Was...