USPSC - OTI Country Representative/Senior Country Representative - Colombia

Request for Personal Services Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: OTI Country Representative/Senior Country Representative - Colombia Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-15-000030 Salary Level: GS-14 Equivalent: $86,399 - $112,319 GS-15 Equivalent: $101,630 - $132,122 Issuance Date: May 18, 2015 Closing Date: June 2, 2015 Closing Time: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time 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 or Senior Country Representative 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 explicit 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 explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. ? 2. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the three (3) 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 or emailed to: Office of Transition Initiatives 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 807 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov 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: OTI Recruitment Team Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov Website: www.OTIjobs.net Sincerely, Cristina Sylvia Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) OTI Country Representative/Senior Country Representative - Colombia 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-15-000030 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 18, 2015 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: June 2, 2015, 5:00 pm Eastern Time 4. POSITION TITLE: Country Representative, or Senior Country Representative 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 ($86,399 - $112,319 per annum) or GS-15 ($101,630 - $132,122 per annum) equivalent level, non-locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value 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 pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. The title of the position at the GS-14 level will be "Country Representative - Colombia." The title of the position at the GS-15 level will be "Senior Country Representative - Colombia." Note: 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 Committee, will not be considered for the GS-14 positions if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-14 level. Similarly, applicants who apply for the GS-14 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-15 position will not be considered for the higher graded position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-15 position. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate applications for the GS-14 and the GS-15 positions. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four one-year option periods. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Colombia 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) is seeking highly motivated, highly qualified individuals who want the opportunity to help support rapid international transition programs for priority conflict-prone countries. Created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID, OTI helps local partners advance peace and democracy in politically-transitioning countries. In support of U.S. foreign policy, OTI seizes emerging windows of opportunity in the political landscape to promote stability, peace, and democracy by catalyzing local initiatives through adaptive and agile programming. 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 U.S. 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 office'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 After a half-century of intractable violence resulting in six million victims (including over four million displaced), Colombia may be nearing an end to its fifty-year internal armed conflict. Ongoing negotiations between the Government of Colombia (GOC) and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) continue to advance in Havana, Cuba. According to polls, the mood of the country towards a peace accord is moderately supportive but significant sectors of the population remain skeptical, including the Democratic Center party and its principal public figure, former President Uribe. If an agreement is concluded in Havana, the Colombian public will need to approve it in a referendum or other form of public consultation for it to be binding. Regardless of whether an agreement is reached, growing evidence suggests that Colombia is already on a path out of conflict toward greater stability and development. The GOC has already begun the transition to peace by addressing both the root causes and social consequences of 50 years of conflict. Over the past three years, the GOC has launched an ambitious set of social and economic programs (many developed with USAID support) that signify a sharp break from centuries of neglect of the more remote regions of the country. There have been advancements on reconciliation, land, and reintegration. A critical step towards reconciliation was achieved in 2011 with the passage of Colombia's Victims and Land Restitution Law. This landmark legislation addresses the needs of conflict victims through comprehensive reparations, land restitution, truth telling, and psycho-social support. The Colombian government has asked the international community for support, whether or not accords are signed, to implement reforms that will address the legacy and causes of conflict. If a negotiated peace is indeed within reach, the road to durable peace will still present significant obstacles. Analysts estimate that violence stemming from the guerrilla group ELN (which still operates in parts of the country and may decide to integrate into the current peace process), from criminal gangs known as BACRIMs and drug-trafficking organizations may increase in a post-accord period, as shifts in the power dynamics in former conflict zones create a scramble for control of illicit networks. The challenges in demobilization and reintegration of former combatants as well as the strengthening of state presence in former conflict zones will be tremendous. The U.S. Government has worked closely with Colombia since increases in aid in the 90s, and the country remains a critical U.S. ally in the region. Colombia is an active partner in the US fight against trans-national criminal networks, a co-provider of technical assistance to other countries in the hemisphere and a key trade partner. The U.S. Government has clearly stated its support for the Havana negotiations and is planning to assist in the implementation of any agreement that may result from the talks. The USAID Mission has a well-rounded, strategically relevant portfolio that addresses the mid and long term needs that sustainable peace requires. It includes victims' reparations, land reform, climate change and environmental degradation mitigation, improved economic opportunities, political participation, royalties' management, human rights, and other areas. USAID's Colombia program will complement the Mission's ongoing programs by focusing on shorter-term aspects to the reform process required for sustainable peace. The initial anticipated objective is to strengthen the Colombian government's institutional capacity to ensure regional and local participation in peacebuilding. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the Country/Senior Country Representative requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. 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. She or he places a premium on the building of 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 able to prioritize and complete tasks without follow-up by the supervisor, while also filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The Country/Senior 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 Latin America and the Caribbean or his/her designee, the Country/Senior Country Representative - Colombia will perform the following duties: At the GS-14 "Country Representative" Level: - Conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with OTI staff, USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy and local civil society officials, based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy. When necessary, refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in country, linked to neighboring country programs where appropriate; - As requested by embassies or USAID Missions, provide support for the design and execution of programs that follow OTI's quick-impact programming model. Support to embassies and USAID Missions may include attendance and/or facilitation of program management processes for follow-on programming including rolling assessments, strategy review sessions, program performance reviews, and management reviews; - Communicate and coordinate in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, the U.S. Embassy, and other donor organizations; - Design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives and recruit, train, supervise, mentor and evaluate the performance of in-country OTI staff, providing regular feedback; - Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief OTI and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact; - 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 and are within the partner's scope; - Provide recommendations to the Washington-based Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and/or the Regional Team Leader on the implementing partner's performance, budget, and appropriateness of scope in achieving OTI's country objectives, presenting modifications thereto; - Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities, including final approval of grantees for grants under contract in accordance with USAID's Automated Directives System (ADS); - Ensure that OTI programs and activities are monitored and evaluated, and that lessons learned feed into ongoing or future activities; - Analyze and report on current political developments, security concerns, and 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; - Serve as OTI's primary liaison with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, ambassadors, local government officials, United Nations organizations, indigenous and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other pertinent agencies and organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs; - Prepare operational plans in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, contingency and evacuation plans; - Ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation; - Ensure that all OTI and partner field staff adhere to the in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the United Nations or host government; - Prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and quarterly reports to the U.S. Embassy, OTI/Washington and other organizations as appropriate; - Supervise staff in conjunction with the Regional Team Leader. Provide orientation, training, and mentoring for staff supervised; assign work, explain how duties are to be performed to meet expectations, and communicate how the successful performance of those duties will be measured; evaluate staff performance; recognize good performance; communicate where performance needs to be improved; resolve complaints; and approve leave requests and timesheets as well as training, travel, program and operations requests; - As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs. These placements shall not exceed three months; - Perform other duties as determined by the supervisor to ensure successful OTI program implementation. At the GS-15 "Senior Country Representative" Level: Performs the duties of the GS-14 Country Representative, as well as ongoing technical assistance to the Government of Colombia (GOC) as it puts into place the institutional architecture and other reforms to implement its commitment to paz territorial. - 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, 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; - As requested by embassies or USAID Missions, provide support for the design and execution of programs that follow OTI's quick-impact programming model. Support to embassies and USAID Missions may include attendance and/or facilitation of program management processes for follow-on programming including rolling assessments, strategy review sessions, program performance reviews, and management reviews. - Communicate and coordinate OTI's in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, USAID, and other donor organizations; - Expertly lead, build, and motivate a team comprised of multiple USPSCs, and a significant number of implementing partner staff, in several locations in the country of performance. 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; - Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief OTI and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact; - 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 and are within the partner's scope; - Provide ongoing advice and technical assistance to senior Government of Colombia (GOC) officials as the GOC puts into place its plan for "paz territorial." The focus of technical assistance and primary GOC counterparts will vary depending on the organizational structures the GOC develops for peace implementation; - Provide recommendations to the Washington-based Contracting Officer's 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 USAID's Automated Directives System (ADS); - 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; - Travel extensively in low-security areas of focus to monitor and assess political conditions, meet with potential grantees, and develop activity ideas; - 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; - Serve as OTI's primary liaison with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, ambassadors, local government officials, United Nations organizations, indigenous and international non-governmental organizations (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; - Create operational plans in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy, including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout and hand-over, security procedures, and contingency and evacuation plans; - In close coordination with other DCHA offices and the U.S. Embassy, develop an exit strategy and operational closeout plan; - Communicate and coordinate OTI's in-country activities between OTI and its implementing partners, USAID, and other donor organizations; - Ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation. - 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. Draft periodic reporting cables on OTI activities on behalf of the U.S. Embassy; - Supervise staff in conjunction with the Regional Team Leader. Provide orientation, training, and mentoring for staff supervised; assign work, explain how duties are to be performed to meet expectations and communicate how the successful performance of those duties will be measured; evaluate staff performance; recognize good performance; communicate where performance needs to be improved; resolve complaints; and approve leave requests and timesheets as well as training, travel, program and operations requests; - As needed, serve on short-term assignments with other USAID offices or bureaus in direct support of OTI programs. These placements shall not exceed three months; - Perform other duties as determined by the supervisor to ensure successful OTI program implementation. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Country/Senior Country Representative - Colombia will be supervised by the Washington-based DCHA/OTI Regional Team Leader for Latin America and the Caribbean or his/her designee as part of OTI's Field Programs Division, as well as the Colombia Mission Director. 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. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The supervisor will provide administrative directions in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. The employee will independently plan, design and carry out programs, projects, studies or other work assignments. The employee's work will be considered technically authoritative and normally accepted without significant change, and will be reviewed in terms of fulfillment of program objectives, influence on the overall program, or contribution to the advancement of the objective. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS While in Colombia, the work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. However, the position also requires travel throughout the country of assignment, which may involve 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 Colombia, the work is primarily performed in an office setting. However, the position also requires travel throughout the country of assignment, which may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 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 the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position. See detailed instructions for demonstrating Education/Experience under "Applying") At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-14 level: (1) A Master's Degree with a minimum of seven (7) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of nine (9) years of work experience; AND (2) Six (6) years of project management experience with a U.S. Government 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) Two (2) years of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries undergoing political transition; (4) Two (2) years of supervisory experience (including mentoring, training, and guiding staff). At the GS-15 level: (1) A Master's Degree with a minimum of nine (9) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of eleven (11) years of work experience; AND (2) Seven (7) years of project management experience with a U.S. Government 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) Three (3) years of overseas field experience working in one or more developing countries undergoing political transition; (4) Three (3) years of supervisory experience, of which at least one (1) year must include supervisory management experience (defied 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. NOTE: If a full security investigation package is not submitted by the selected within 30 days after it is requested, the offer may be rescinded. If a security clearance is not able to be obtained within four months after the selected submits the initial security clearance documentation, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE: The selected must obtain Department of State medical clearance within four months after offer acceptance. If medical clearance is not obtained within this period, the offer may be rescinded. Due to anticipated program needs, individuals should be able to travel to post within 60 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 experience using political analysis to inform the strategic design and management of programming, especially in conflict prone and/or transition environments. Factor #2 Demonstrated experience advising and/or providing technical assistance to senior host country government officials. Please explain the nature of the relationship with government counterparts, examples of the technical support provided and the result of the assistance. Factor #3 Demonstrated experience operating in a professional context using the Spanish language. 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. 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 - 30 Factor #2 - 30 Factor #3 - 10 Total Possible - 70 Points Interview Performance - 30 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. 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. ...