USPSC OTI Field Program Manager (Multiple Positions)

NOTE (8/12/09): Additional review period deadlines have been added under Closing Date/Time for Receipt of Applications. There are no other changes to the solicitation. SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-994 ISSUANCE DATE: May 7, 2009 CLOSING DATE: May 21, 2010, 5:00 p.m. EDT SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for an OTI Field Program Manager (Multiple Positions) Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as an OTI Field Program Manager under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall 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: Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged, but submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. Supplemental document specifically addressing: Each of the Education/Experience requirements shown in the solicitation. Each of the six (6) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 529 14th Street, NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20045 E-Mail Address: fpmafghanistan@globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Leigh Carlson or Lindsey Johnson Telephone Number: (202) 661-9369 or (202) 661-9366 E-Mail Address: fpmafghanistan@globalcorps.com Website: www.globalcorps.com Facs'mile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Amanda Downing, Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) OTI Field Program Manager (Multiple Positions) 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-09-994 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 7, 2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: May 21, 2010, 5:00 pm EDT. This announcement is open and continuous until May 21, 2010, although selections may be made in advance of that date. NOTE: It is OTI's intent to contract with multiple Personal Service Contractors (PSCs) under this solicitation. All applications received on or before the following dates will be reviewed for the number of available positions on that date: May 26, 2009 (DEADLINE EXTENDED) August 20, 2009 October 1, 2009 November 23, 2009 January 4, 2010 February 19, 2010 April 2, 2010 May 21, 2010 A candidate not selected during an earlier period is required to reapply for additional positions available in subsequent review periods. Applications will be reviewed for all available positions under this solicitation subsequent to the date of receipt. 4. POSITION TITLE: OTI Field Program Manager (Multiple Positions) 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-12 (salary range: $59,383 - $77,194), GS-13 (salary range: $70,615 - $91,801), or GS-14 (salary range $83,445 - $108,483) equivalent level, non-locality pay. If a candidate is selected at the GS-12 level, there is a possibility for advancement to GS-13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range of the GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14 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. If an incumbent is selected at the GS-12 grade level, the candidate will have the opportunity for advancement up one equivalent grade to the GS-13 level, following at least one (1) year or two (2) years at the GS-12 level. To be eligible for promotion, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the position, and must also receive a performance rating of "Excellent" or higher in the annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee meets the minimum qualifications of the position, is performing successfully at the current grade, and is considered ready to perform at the higher grade level. Neither advancement nor extension of the contract is guaranteed. (There is no promotion potential in this contract from the GS-13 to the GS-14 grade level, though candidates at the GS-13 level may apply for the GS-14 level position when they feel they meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-14 level, if/when the position is being advertised again in the future). 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 Panel (TEC) will not be considered for the GS-13 or GS-12 positions if they have not submitted separate applications for them. Similarly, applicants who apply for only the GS-12 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-13 or GS-14 positions will not be considered for the higher graded positions if they have not submitted separate applications for each of them. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications should submit a separate application for each grade level. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 year, with up to four one-year options. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Afghanistan (various field posts) 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 personal services contracts (PSCs). 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. Stabilization programming in Afghanistan is one of the United States government's top priorities. This program will actively work to support counterinsurgency operations, development in crisis prone areas of the country, and the Afghan government. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiatives/ Introduction USAID/OTI plans to launch a new program in Afghanistan, in line with US Government priorities. The program will implement civilian-run stabilization projects in targeted areas, primarily during the clear and hold phases of counterinsurgency (COIN) operations that seek to engage community and government leaders, mitigate conflict and create space for longer term development projects. In addition, the program will support the legitimacy and capacity of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to plan for and implement a sustained civilian stabilization response. USAID/OTI, through its implementing partner(s), will manage an operational platform and an in-kind small grants mechanism aimed at promoting the objectives described above. It is expected that activities will range across numerous sectors including but not limited to irrigation and small, potable water schemes, road repairs, repairs to public facilities such as schools, agricultural terraces, etc. Small livelihood activities may be considered if it is clear they have the full support of the community, and will benefit the community as a whole. OBJECTIVE The objective for hiring for this position is to support the OTI country team in the development, oversight, and management of the OTI country program. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY The OTI Field Program Manager is a member of the DCHA/OTI Asia/Middle East (AME) Regional Team, reports to the OTI Country Representative or his/her designee, and is based in Afghanistan. This post is not a family-accompanied post and does not allow minor or adult dependents, although a separate maintenance allowance will be authorized for incumbents with dependents. The Field Program Manager's principal responsibility is to support the OTI country team in the development, oversight and management of the OTI country program. The exact locations for these positions has not been determined, but the majority will be based outside of Kabul with the Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) or the District Stabilization Teams (DSTs) housed in Forward Operating Bases established, led and maintained by U.S. or NATO/ISAF military forces. The Field Program Manager is expected to be in daily communication and collaboration with a variety of U.S. or NATO/ISAF military units including U.S. Special Forces. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES The work of the OTI Field Program Manager requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. Under the direct supervision of the OTI Country Representative or his/her designee (e.g. the OTI Deputy Country Representative), the Field Program Manager will: At the GS-12 level: Support the effective implementation of the OTI Afghanistan program at the local level by ensuring activities are coordinated and integrated with other USAID, donor and military programs; Advise the OTI Country Team on program performance at the local level, and offer input regarding the improvement of programmatic and operational modalities; As necessary, act as primary liaison with the OTI implementing partner at the local level, this includes ensuring team goals and objectives are being met and understood by all; Work with military and civilian counterparts to help shape and develop reconstruction and development strategies and activities at the local level; Assist the OTI Country Team in the overall monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of OTI-sponsored activities in the implementation of OTI-financed activities designed to achieve OTI strategic objectives; Support the OTI Country team on USAID and OTI administrative requirements (budget preparation and tracking, financial management, travel assistance, procurement, and motor pool operations); Maintain detailed records/files of program information; Assist in supervising, training, and/or mentoring Foreign National PSC (FNPSC) OTI staff; and locally hired teams and as related to geographic area of responsibility; Coordinate and advise on implementing partner operational platform and activities in line with OTI objectives and as related to geographic area of responsibility, to ensure team goals and objectives are being met and are understood by all, even during rapid periods of change; Draft weekly and quarterly programmatic and analytical political reports incorporating information from OTI activities; Assist the OTI Country team in supervising periodic baseline surveys, and survey teams, and communicate and present results to a range of audiences in the US Government, the military, local government, and others; Assist in meeting and collaborating with USAID Mission personnel, military personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, host-country government officials, implementing partners, international organizations, indigenous and international NGOS, international donors, and others key players who may be interested in OTI activities or have important information related to the start up or ongoing development of OTI activities; Assist in regularly communicating and sharing program information with military personnel, other USAID project managers, bilateral donors, UN Organizations, International Organizations, and indigenous and international NGOs to ensure visibility and synergy of USAID/OTI activities; Communicate and present lessons learned to audiences such as US government officials, military personnel, local government officials, other donor officials, and others as required; Serve as Acting OTI Deputy Country Representative or Country Representative as required; If required, assist in developing an exit strategy that ensures reasonable time to transition from OTI programs to follow-on USAID or other donor programs, or to host government control. Perform other duties as determined by the supervisor to ensure successful OTI program implementation. At the GS-13 level: Perform the same duties as the GS-12 level but with less supervision, greater decision-making authority, and less restricted independence of action. Support the effective implementation of the OTI Afghanistan program at the local level by ensuring activities are coordinated and integrated with other USAID, donor and military programs; Advise the OTI Country Team on program performance at the local level, and offer input regarding the improvement of programmatic and operational modalities; As necessary, act as primary liaison with the OTI implementing partner at the local level, this includes ensuring team goals and objectives are being met and understood by all; Work with military and civilian counterparts to help shape and develop reconstruction and development strategies and activities at the local level; Assist the OTI Country Team in the overall monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of OTI-sponsored activities in the implementation of OTI-financed activities designed to achieve OTI strategic objectives; Support the OTI Country team on USAID and OTI administrative requirements (budget preparation and tracking, financial management, travel assistance, procurement, and motor pool operations); Maintain detailed records/files of program information; Assist in supervising, training, and/or mentoring Foreign National PSC (FNPSC) OTI staff; and locally hired teams as related to geographic area of responsibility; Coordinate and advise on implementing partner operational platform and activities in line with OTI objectives and as related to geographic area of responsibility, to ensure team goals and objectives are being met and are understood by all, even during rapid periods of change; Draft weekly and quarterly programmatic and analytical political reports incorporating information from OTI activities; Assist the OTI Country team in supervising periodic baseline surveys, and survey teams, and communicate and present results to a range of audiences in the US Government, the military, local government, and others; Assist in meeting and collaborating with USAID Mission personnel, military personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, host-country government officials, implementing partners, international organizations, indigenous and international NGOS, international donors, and others key players who may be interested in OTI activities or have important information related to the start up or ongoing development of OTI activities; Assist in regularly communicating and sharing program information with military personnel, other USAID project managers, bilateral donors, UN Organizations, International Organizations, and indigenous and international NGOs to ensure visibility and synergy of USAID/OTI activities; Communicate and present lessons learned to audiences such as US government officials, military personnel, local government officials, other donor officials, and others as required; Serve as Acting OTI Deputy Country Representative or Country Representative as required; If required, assist in developing an exit strategy that ensures reasonable time to transition from OTI programs to follow-on USAID or other donor programs, or to host government control. Perform other duties as determined by the supervisor to ensure successful OTI program implementation. At the GS-14 level: Support the effective implementation of the OTI Afghanistan program at the local level by ensuring activities are coordinated and integrated with other USAID, donor and military programs; Advise the OTI Country Team on program performance at the local level, and offer input regarding the improvement of programmatic and operational modalities; As necessary, act as primary liaison with the OTI implementing partner at the local level, this includes ensuring team goals and objectives are being met and understood by all; Work with military and civilian counterparts to help shape and develop reconstruction and development strategies and activities at the local level; Assist the OTI Country Team in the overall monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of OTI-sponsored activities in the implementation of OTI-financed activities designed to achieve OTI strategic objectives; Support the OTI Country team on USAID and OTI administrative requirements (budget preparation and tracking, financial management, travel assistance, procurement, and motor pool operations); Maintain detailed records/files of program information; Hire, supervise, and train Foreign National PSC (FNPSC) OTI staff; and local teams in line with OTI objectives and as related to geographic area of responsibility; Coordinate and advise on implementing partner operational platform and activities in line with OTI objectives and as related to geographic area of responsibility, to ensure team goals and objectives are being met and are understood by all, even during rapid periods of change; Draft weekly and quarterly programmatic and analytical political reports incorporating information from OTI activities; Assist the OTI Country team in supervising periodic baseline surveys, and survey teams, and communicate and present results to a range of audiences in the US Government, the military, local government, and others; Meet and collaborate with USAID Mission personnel, military personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, host-country government officials, implementing partners, international organizations, indigenous and international NGOS, international donors, and others key players who may be interested in OTI activities or have important information related to the start up or ongoing development of OTI activities; Regularly communicate and share program information with military personnel, other USAID project managers, bilateral donors, UN Organizations, International Organizations, and indigenous and international NGOs to ensure visibility and synergy of USAID/OTI activities; Communicate and present lessons learned to audiences such as US government officials, military personnel, local government officials, other donor officials, and others as required; Serve as Acting OTI Deputy Country Representative or Country Representative as required; If required, assist in developing an exit strategy that ensures reasonable time to transition from OTI programs to follow-on USAID or other donor programs, or to host government control. Perform other duties as determined by the supervisor to ensure successful OTI program implementation. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The OTI Field Program Manager will report to OTI's Country Representative in the assigned country or to his/her designee (for example, the Deputy Country Representative). 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. 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 the country of assignment, the work is generally performed in an office environment. However, the position also requires travel throughout host country, 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 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 Field Program Manager position requires excellent communication skills and experience in political analysis and program reporting. Prior coordination experience with various USG offices is required. Solid interpersonal skills, and the ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions, are extremely important. A prerequisite for success in this position is familiarity with contract/grant management, mediation/arbitration, democracy and governance and/or human rights activities. A demonstrated strength in policy analysis and formulation is strongly preferred. Since work may require continued changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual will be someone who is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change. A solid understanding of community development and counter insurgency 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. At a minimum, the applicant must have: At the GS-12 level: (1) A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR A Master's degree (with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, international development and social sciences) and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible work experience; (2) A minimum of four (4) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, large 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) A minimum of three (3) months overseas experience working in a developing country, of which one (1) month must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political instability. At the GS-13 level: (1) A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR A Master's degree (with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, international development and social sciences) and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience; (2) A minimum of five (5) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, large 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) A minimum of six (6) months overseas experience working in a developing country, of which three (3) months must include experience working in one or more countries undergoing political instability. At the GS-14 level: (1) A Bachelor's degree with a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience; OR A Master's degree (with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, international development and social sciences) and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience; (2) A minimum of six (6) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, large 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) Minimum of 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 instability. 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 and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted (see detailed instructions under "Applying"); Supplemental document specifically addressing how the candidate meets each of the Education/Experience requirements, AND each of the Evaluation Factors submitted; Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. Note that due to the urgent program requirements, individuals must be able to travel within 90 days of being selected for this contract (this includes completion of all required documentation and receipt of all necessary clearances). 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.) Factor #1 Demonstrated experience working on humanitarian assistance activities, transition programs or democracy-building programs in the field, including the conceptualization, design and management of programs; Factor #2 Demonstrated ability to operate independently in high visibility, high-pressure environments overseas in complex emergency or political crisis situations with minimal support; Factor #3 Demonstrated experience interacting with U.S. government agencies, donor and international organizations, military personnel, and local counterparts on both the lowest and highest political, social, and economic levels; Factor #4 Excellent communication, interpersonal, cross-cultural, negotiating and 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 #5 Demonstrated experience in using political analysis to inform programming strategies and objectives, especially in conflict-prone environments in the assigned country and/or region; Factor #6 Demonstrated ability to oversee and monitor 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. Applicants are required to address each of the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet 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 - 15 Factor #2 - 15 Factor #3 - 15 Factor #4 - 15 Factor #5 - 10 Factor #6 - 10 Total Possible - 80 Points Interview Performance - 20 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. NOTE: Applicants must review their experience/education against the required minimum qualifications for the GS-12, GS-13, and GS-14 positions carefully. Applicants must submit a separate application for each position for which they wish to be considered. In most cases, this would simply require a small change to the cover page (e.g., indicating an application for the GS-12, GS-13, or GS-14 position). Applicants must be cautious: those 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 Panel (TEC) will not be considered for the GS-13 or GS-12 positions if they have not submitted separate applications for them. Similarly, applicants who apply for only the GS-12 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-13 or GS-14 positions will not be considered for the higher graded positions if they have not submitted separate applications for each of them. Applicants who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications should submit a separate application for each grade level. Qualified individuals are required to submit: A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed) (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do, or www.globalcorps.com). NOTE: Submission of a resume in addition to the required forms is encouraged, but submission of a resume alone or in lieu of the OF-612 form IS NOT a complete application. All information to be evaluated must be contained in the OF-612 form and must not depend on references to your resume. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the OF-612 or on supplemental OF-612 continuation sheets to allow ...