USPSC - OTI Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy Country Representative - Syria

NOTE: THE PURPOSE OF THIS UPDATE IS TO EXTEND THE DEADLINE. NO OTHER CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE TO THIS SOLICITATION. Request for Personal Services Contractor USAID Office of Transition Initiatives Position Title: Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy Country Representative - Syria Solicitation Number: SOL-OTI-17-000036 Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $74,584 - $96,958 GS-14 Equivalent: $88,136 - $114,578 Issuance Date: April 12, 2017 Closing Date: May 4, 2017 (Deadline Extended) Closing Time: 1:00 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 Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy Country Representative - Syria 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. Note: 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. Applicants must specify in their application materials whether they would like to be considered for the GS-13 or GS-14. Applicants who would like to be considered for both the GS-13 and GS-14 positions should submit separate applications specifying which grade level in the submission. Applicants will only be considered for the grade level specified in the submission. The application will be considered for the lower grade level if the applicant does not specify the grade level in the submission. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate applications for the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. 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 60 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. 3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. 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 300 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. Applicant resources are available at www.otijobs.net/#!guidance-for-applying/c1ggu. 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 ATTACHMENT 1 Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy Country Representative I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-OTI-17-000036 2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 12, 2017 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: May 4, 2017, 1:00 pm Eastern Time (Deadline Extended) 4. POSITION TITLE: Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy 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-13 ($74,584 - $96,958 per annum) or GS-14 ($88,136 - $114,578 per annum) equivalent level, non-locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within the GS-13 or GS-14 equivalent levels based upon the selected candidate's salary history, qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, and educational background as reported on AID-302-3. For selected candidates whose salary has been established on a Federal pay scale (i.e. General Schedule) or its equivalent, the base salary (not including locality pay) of their grade/step will be the basis of the salary negotiation. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. The title of the position at the GS-13 level will be "Deputy Country Representative - Syria." The title of the position at the GS-14 level will be "Senior Deputy Country Representative - Syria." Note: Applicants who submit an application for the GS-14 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-13 position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-13 level. Similarly, applicants who apply for the GS-13 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-14 position will not be considered for the higher graded position if they have not submitted a separate application for the GS-14 position. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate applications for the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. The application will be considered for the lower grade level if the applicant does not specify the grade level in the submission. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with four one-year option periods. START DATE: Within 45 days of receiving notification that required security and medical clearances have been obtained. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Turkey 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES 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. There are several 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 Section VI of this solicitation. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/political-transition-initiatives INTRODUCTION The Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy Country Representative is a member of the DCHA/OTI Middle East Regional Team, reports to the OTI Syria Country Representative or designee, and is based in Ankara, Turkey. The incumbent will be required to travel within Turkey to Adana, Istanbul, and/or Gaziantep, and regionally as required. The Deputy Country Representative's principal responsibility will be the stabilization portfolio for northeastern Syria. These efforts put the incumbent in an important role to inform the strategic direction and overall effectiveness of the program. The incumbent will also be called upon to represent OTI's mission and programs to senior-level government officials, in-country visitors, senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors and local government officials. The OTI Syria program will support the larger objectives of the U.S. Government to promote stability and democracy in Syria. In close coordination with State Department representatives and other USG actors and with consideration of USG priorities, OTI's rapid and targeted programs will address emerging issues and empower local partners potentially to include non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, media outlets, and local and national government offices to reduce or mitigate conflict, increase transparency and accountability, and foster positive political change. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The work of the Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy 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 Deputy 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 DCHA/OTI Country Representative or his/her designee, the Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy Country Representative will perform the following duties: At the GS-13 Deputy Country Representative level: - Provide strategic guidance and oversight to research and monitoring initiatives to understand the political environment, help target program interventions, verify delivery of assistance, and evaluate the effects of programming; - Provide continued guidance on the identification and development of projects that meet OTI funding criteria, further OTI programmatic objectives, and complement other projects and programs implemented by other OTI offices, U.S. Government agencies and donor organizations; - Represent OTI interests during meetings with USAID Mission personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, host-country government officials, international organizations, indigenous and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international donors, and others interested in DCHA/OTI activities; - 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; - Evaluate proposals and work with diverse groups, many of which have not previously had international funding; - Assist the Country Representative in monitoring the performance of OTI implementing partners in the implementation of OTI-financed activities designed to achieve OTI strategic objectives; - If required, travel extensively in low security areas of focus to monitor and assess political conditions, meet with potential grantees, and develop activity ideas; - Mentor and train OTI and implementing partner field staff as required; - Take the lead on collecting information and drafting/editing regular reporting products; - When required, assume higher representational responsibilities, potentially serving as Acting OTI Country Representative in his/her absence; - Perform a wide range of administrative functions (budget preparation, financial management, records management, travel assistance, etc.) to help ensure programmatic success; - Assist in developing an exit strategy in coordination with the OTI Country Representative that ensures reasonable time to transition from OTI programs to follow-on USAID or other donor programs; - As appropriate, communicate regularly and share program information with other USAID project managers, the US Embassy, bilateral donors, UN Organizations, International Organizations, and indigenous and international NGOs to ensure visibility and synergy of USAID/OTI activities; - Support the Country Representative to ensure the use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation; - When required, report to the OTI Country Representative and OTI/Washington on the status of: 1) grant development and implementation, 2) OTI contractor performance, 3) Foreign Service National (FSN) staff support needs and morale, 4) communication and coordination issues among OTI offices with other U.S. Government entities, 5) security concerns, 6) relations with local partners including local, state and national government representatives, and 7) other pertinent information required to achieve OTI's program objectives; - Assist the Country Representative in managing and/or supervising the FSN staff, including program officers, administrative assistants and drivers; - Supervise staff as delegated by the Country Representative (e.g. Program Managers, Program Assistants, Administrative Program Assistants, etc.). 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; - Perform other related duties as determined by the supervisor or OTI Regional Team Leader to ensure successful OTI program implementation. At the GS-14 Senior Deputy Country Representative level: - Provide strategic guidance and oversight to research and monitoring initiatives to understand the political environment, help target program interventions, verify delivery of assistance, and evaluate the effects of programming; - Represent OTI interests during meetings with USAID Mission personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, host-country government officials, international organizations, indigenous and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international donors, and others interested in DCHA/OTI activities; - Provide continued guidance on the identification and development of projects that meet OTI funding criteria, further OTI programmatic objectives, and complement other projects and programs implemented by other OTI offices, U.S. Government agencies and donor organizations; - 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; - Evaluate proposals and grant concepts and work with diverse groups, many of which have not previously had international funding; - Assist the Country Representative, and support/mentor other OTI field staff, in monitoring the performance of OTI implementing partners in the implementation of OTI-financed activities designed to achieve OTI strategic objectives; - Travel to monitor and independently assess political conditions, implementing partner operational platforms, meet with potential grantees, senior host government and other program counterparts, and develop recommendations in response to evolving dynamics; - Take the lead and/or mentor others on collecting and analyzing information, as well as, drafting/editing regular reporting products for internal and external audience; - Regularly assume high-level representational responsibilities serving as a subject matter expert including, but not limited to potentially serving as Acting Country Representative in his/her absence; - Perform a wide range of administrative functions including budget preparation, financial management, records management, and travel assistance, to help ensure programmatic success; - Coordinate with the OTI Country Representative to develop an exit strategy that ensures reasonable time to transition from OTI programs to follow-on USAID or other donor programs; - Actively collaborate and share program information with other USAID project managers, the U.S. Embassy, bilateral donors, United Nations organizations, international organizations, and indigenous and international NGOs to ensure visibility and synergy of USAID/OTI activities; - Support the Country Representative to ensure cross portfolio use of OTI systems and procedures to maintain effective and efficient management of funds, programming, and monitoring and evaluation; - When required, report to the Country Representative and OTI/Washington on the status of: 1) grant development and implementation across the portfolio, 2) OTI contractors performance, 3) Foreign Service National (FSN) staff support needs and morale, 4) communication and coordination issues among OTI offices with other U.S. Government entities, 5) security concerns, 6) relations with local partners including local, state and national government representatives, and 7) other pertinent information required to achieve OTI's program objectives; - As required by the Country Representative, assist in managing and/or supervising the FSN and expatriate staff, including regionally-based Deputy Country Representatives, program officers, administrative assistants and drivers; - Supervise staff as delegated by the Country Representative, provide orientation, training, and mentoring for staff; 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; - Perform other related duties as determined by the supervisor or OTI Regional Team Leader to ensure successful OTI program implementation. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: Deputy Country Representative/Senior Deputy Country Representative will be supervised by the OTI Country Representative or his/her designee in the country of assignment. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. Though this is a senior level 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 set overall objectives and resources available, and work with the employee to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The employee will be responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts, coordinating with others, and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. Keeping the supervisor informed of progress, the employee may determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used. The supervisor will review completed work from an overall standpoint of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While in Turkey, 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). WORK ENVIRONMENT: While in Turkey, 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. 11. POINT OF CONTACT: OTI Recruitment Team 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20045 Telephone Number: +1 (555) 000-0000 E-Mail Address: contact@example.gov II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 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") GS-13 Deputy Country Representative At a minimum, the applicant must have: (1) A Master's Degree with five (5) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with seven (7) years of work experience; AND (2) Five (5) years of project management experience with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international 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) One (1) year of overseas field experience working in a developing country, of which six (6) months must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political transition; (4) One (1) year of supervisory experience (including mentoring, guiding, and training staff). GS-14 Senior Deputy Country Representative At a minimum, the applicant must have: (1) A Master's Degree with seven (7) years of work experience; OR A Bachelor's Degree with nine (9) years of work experience; AND (2) Six (6) years of project management experience with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international 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 a developing country, of which six (6) months must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political transition; (4) One (1) year of supervisory experience (including mentoring, guiding, and training staff). 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. III. EVALUATION FACTORS 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 in the design, and monitoring and evaluation of dynamic political crisis and/or transition programs. Factor #2 Demonstrated experience interacting with, and representing organizations to U.S. Government agencies, donors, international organizations, and local counterparts, including beneficiaries. Factor #3 Demonstrated leadership experience managing and guiding teams, including implementing partners within complex policy and security environments. 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 - 20 Factor #2 - 20 Factor #3 - 20 Total Possible - 60 Points Interview Performance - 40 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. IV. APPLYING Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11. Qualified applicants 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 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. If you do not specify which grade level(s), your application will be considered at the lower grade level. 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 60 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. 3. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted. Additional documents submitted will not be accepte...