USPSC Senior Development Transition Specialist, USAID/Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic

ISSUANCE DATE: 11/29/2013 CLOSING DATE: 12/18/2013 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 60-2013 USPSC Senior Development Transition Specialist, USAID/Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Samuel Matthews, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Personnel Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34/35/36, or e-mail almaexo_hr@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Samuel Matthews Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 60-2013 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 60/2013 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 11/29/2013 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 12/18/2013 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Senior Development Transition Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $84,697-$110,104 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 25% Post Differential (currently) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) BACKGROUND The Kyrgyz Republic is a small, landlocked and mountainous country of Central Asia with a population of just over 5.5 million people. It is the second-poorest country in Central Asia, with one-third of the population living below the poverty line. In the aftermath of the April 2010 violent change in government and the ethnic conflict in the south of the country in June 2010, the Kyrgyz Republic is emerging from a deep political and economic crisis. Significantly, the Kyrgyz Republic was also the first Central Asian state to experience a peaceful and democratic transition of presidential power in 2011. The success of its citizens in building a prosperous, democratic country could have important implications for all of Central Asia. Despite the country's progress, impediments to development remain, including widespread corruption, low foreign investment, and a high unemployment rate. Approximately one-third of the Kyrgyz Republic's workforce is employed abroad, reducing the available pool of qualified labor. The implementation of democratic and key economic policy reforms remains a challenge, and limited energy resources and low agricultural productivity contribute to insufficient economic growth. Nevertheless, the country is moving towards a more stable and representative democratic government that could be a regional model. In collaboration with the Government and people of the Kyrgyz Republic, USAID assistance has helped the country achieve substantial progress in the areas of economic growth, democratic governance, health care reform, improvement of basic education and agricultural development. USAID has been active in the Kyrgyz Republic since 1992 when it established a USAID Country Office which was managed by USAID's Regional Mission in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Following the political crisis in 2010, and in recognition of the Kyrgyz Republic's importance to US foreign policy goals as well as the key role the country plays in serving as a model for democratic development in the region, USAID elevated the status of the USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Office to a full USAID Mission in summer 2013. Currently, the USAID/Kyrgyz Republic Mission is USAID's newest Mission. B) BASIC FUNCTIONS The Senior Development Transition Specialist (Specialist) is a senior member of the 27-person team within the two Kyrgyz Republic Offices (23 in Bishkek and 4 in Osh). Under the direct supervision of the Mission Director, the incumbent actively participates in the conceptualization, design and overall management of USAID's programs in the Kyrgyz Republic with a particular emphasis on the economic growth portfolio. S/he serves as a Mission expert and coordinator in providing intellectual leadership and technical support for cross-cutting issues related to the ongoing development transition in the Kyrgyz Republic. This is a cross-cutting program that includes economic development and social services activities as well as elements of democracy and governance programming such as civil society, governance, media, rule of law, and human rights. The incumbent provides technical assistance and substantive input in the design, implementation and monitoring of projects and serves as a key advisor to the USAID Mission Director, particularly in the area of economic growth programming and policy issues given that over 60% of the Mission's funding is focused on the economic growth portfolio. Additionally, the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic has also stressed economic growth as its top priority in its 2013-2017 national strategy with which USAID/Kyrgyz Republic's 2013-2017 Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) is tighly aligned. The incumbent also serves as a critical senior level manager and mentor to USAID/Kyrgyz Republic's technical teams, again with a special emphasis on economic issues, as well as to USAID's office in Osh, located in the south of the country. Additionally, from time to time, the incumbent may be called upon to serve as Acting Deputy Mission Director. She/he is responsible for assisting in oversight and management of an assistance portfolio of approximately $45 million annually, which is implemented through approximately 30 institutional contractors and grantees. S/he reports to the USAID/KR Mission Director, and supervises one USPSC and at least three FSN staff. Due to the cross-cutting nature of the portfolio, the incumbent advises all Mission staff on issues pertaining to conflict management. S/he will play a role in strategic planning and donor coordination, report writing, as well as in managing resources and working with implementing partner. The range of responsibilities and functions are outlined below. C) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Development Specialist may from time to time assume the responsibilities and authority of the Mission Director in his/her absence. This requires that the incumbent be fully familiar with all programs and activities, the issues and objectives involved, implementing partners, other donors, and local counterparts, including high level officials. As needed, the Mission Director may delegate specific responsibilities or assignments to the incumbent, on either a short-term or long-term basis. The incumbent is also required to travel on an as-needed basis within the Kyrgyz Republic to monitor USAID activities and to travel, as well, to the USAID/CAR Regional Mission office in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to coordinate and consult with management and technical support office staff at the regional level. Given that USAID/Kyrgyz Republic as well as the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic both prioritize economic growth as a top issue and that 60% of USAID/Kyrgyz Republic's program budget targets economic growth issues, the incumbent will be required to play a key role in advising the Mission Director and Economic Growth Office Director on issues, opportunities and program implementation in the economic sector. Areas of direct responsibility for the position include: 1) Assist the Mission Director and staff to achieve the desired outcomes of USAID's program in the Kyrgyz Republic in the most effective and efficient manner, with a particular emphasis on economic growth issues; 2) Provide expert advice, technical leadership, and coordination in the conceptual design, documentation and implementation of USAID projects/activities in the Kyrgyz Republic as well as monitoring the progress of these activities, with a particular emphasis on economic growth issues; 3) Supervise the Osh Office and the development of a strategic approach, activity implementation plan and public outreach plan for the South of the Kyrgyz Republic; 4) Take the lead for the Mission in program management/administration in terms of the Kyrgyz Republic's budget and reporting processes, including tracking and maintaining budget information, as well as coordinating all information for reporting purposes, with responsible Regional Mission staff as well as Embassy personnel, as appropriate; 6) Supervise and play an important part in the Public Outreach efforts of the Mission. This includes: assisting in the development of newsletters and press releases on assistance programs, establishing a close working relationship with the Public Affairs section in the U.S. Embassy, and ensuring that all outreach and media materials are of a high quality. 7) Serve as a liaison official for dissemination of information on USG assistance with the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic, the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic, and international donor organizations; 8) Identify opportunities to maximize the contribution of USAID assistance to USG foreign policy priorities. Advise the Mission and USAID/CAR's Regional office of these needs, and as required, develop concept papers outlining the potential USAID response. The incumbent keeps the Mission Director apprised of issues, problems, successes and solutions in the management of USAID's program in the Kyrgyz Republic, with a particular emphasis on economic issues. D) Position Elements 1) Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will have direct supervisory responsibilities for the head of the Osh Office, as well as such other staff as will be determined by the Mission Director. 2) Supervision Received: The incumbent will work under broad guidance from the Mission Director, work is performed with a high degree of independence. 3) Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent actively engages in official personal contacts with a broad range of individuals and organizations in the Kyrgyz Republic and beyond. The purpose of these contacts is to promote USAID's development assistance objectives and to increase his/her understanding of the dynamics of Kyrgyz society as they affect USAID's programs. It is expected that personal contacts will include, but not be limited to, the following: - Heads of various social sector committees in the Presidential Apparatuses; - Ministers and deputy ministers in the Kyrgyz Republic; - U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan and other members of the Country Team; - Chiefs of Party of USAID-funded contracts and grants; - Senior officials and executives from U.S. headquarters of USAID-funded contracts and grants; - Institutional contractors, PVOs and NGOs; - Host Country officials responsible for assistance matters; and - Representatives of international donors. - USAID/CAR Office Directors - USAID/Washington representatives - CODELs, STAFFdels E) REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS This position requires a blend of qualities that include: broad development experience with demonstrated experience in managing economic growth activities; proven management abilities; ability to work independently; strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically; and ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners. The ideal incumbent would have the following characteristics: 1) Education: Bachelor's degree in economics, business administration, international business, or other relevant subject area. Master's degree is preferred. Training (or experience) in relevant administrative policies and procedures is required. 2) Prior Work Experience: This position requires maturity and a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional experience demonstrating technical expertise and programmatic skills in international development in transition-related programs in developing countries, preferably related to transitions in governance or recovery from complex crises. Specifically, this should include at least three years of experience in the design and development of programs/projects, management and technical guidance in program implementation, and monitoring and evaluating program/projects progress to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. Demonstrated experience in areas relevant to Kyrgyzstan's activities in economic growth. Experience in areas such democracy/governance and the rule of law is also desirable. At least two years of successful leadership experience in a team environment. Current knowledge of best practices, and current research and development trends in economic growth and democracy and governance. Professional experience working with governments, international donors, private sector and NGO implementers in the conflict management sector. Specific USAID experience in program planning, project design, budgeting, implementation oversight and/or reporting systems and procedures is preferred. At least two years of relevant experience in Central Asia and/or NIS region, preferably in the Kyrgyz Republic. 3) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Comprehensive knowledge of the political, social, and economic characteristics of former-Soviet countries, preferably focusing on Central Asia, is highly desirable. Management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in project/activity implementation. Familiarity with USG's policies and priorities and means of delivering assistance in developing nations, with USAID experience being highly desirable. Ability to lead teams and work as a team member effectively. The ability to meet tight deadlines with concise documents. Strong computer skills and proficiency in MS Office software, including those in budgeting, presentations and desktop publishing. Superior intellectual skills and subject matter expertise to develop strategies to overcome development challenges and resolve implementation obstacles to conflict prevention as information and devise creative and appropriate solutions to implementation challenges. Demonstrated technical expertise and leadership skills in transition-related programs, in the context of developing countries. Demonstrated strategic, analytic skills and current knowledge of international development management trends and best practices. Demonstrated project management skills, including effective oversight of people, programs, and financial resources to implement programs contributing to international development. Strong analytical and writing skills as evidenced by previous experience and a writing sample, along with demonstrated ability to gather and convey information, make concise oral and written presentations and prepare reports, correspondence and other written materials. Demonstrated history of experience in a multicultural team environment working with a wide range of individuals and organizations to address development transition challenges. Proven ability to reach consensus with diverse groups, and inspire coalitions of interest. Strong interpersonal skills including a record of effective collegial/team relations and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professional counterparts at all levels, including those from host-country government, NGOs, USAID missions, other USG agencies and international donors. High-level proficiency in oral and written communications needed to report on the status of activities and projects, to establish and maintaining effective relations with all levels of people in former-Soviet countries, and to represent USAID projects and strategies in professional meetings and conferences. Demonstrated persuasiveness, cross-cultural sensitivity, tact and poise to successfully advocate practices, approaches and policies with a range of audiences in an intercultural context. Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment, exercise discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. The Specialist must be a team player, able to prioritize and follow up on their own actions without prompting, while also assisting a busy supervisor and fellow colleagues to track and respond to incoming requests and routine tasks, filling in gaps as needed to ensure the responsiveness of the team. The Specialist must also have a strong sense of responsibility, pay close attention to detail, be able to complete administrative tasks with minimal guidance, and be service-oriented, highly organized, and able to receive and respond to constructive criticism in a professional manner. The Specialist must be a strategic thinker, articulate innovative ideas, present solutions, and serve as a positive role model for colleagues both in and outside of USAID. Completion of a writing sample is mandatory for consideration to this position. 4) Language Proficiency: Minimum Level IV (Fluent) English and proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, demonstrating a high degree of articulateness both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Given the level of interaction with host-country counterparts required by this position, demonstrated good working knowledge (Level III) in both written and spoken Russian preferred. Working knowledge of Kyrgyz will be an extra bonus, but not required. All of the above are elements contributing to success performance in this position. F) OTHER REQUIREMENTS 1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET. 2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and 5) Must be willing to travel throughout the Central Asia Region. G) SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Economic Development and USAID Knowledge 35 points Managerial and Leadership Experience 35 points Relevant NIS/CAR Experience: 15 points Language and Communication Skills: 15 points Total: 100 points Notice to Applicants: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) December 18, 2013. The form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or http://transition.usaid.gov/forms/OF612.pdf. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Tatiana Rossova Personnel Specialist Personnel Office USAID/CAR Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan Email: almaexo_hr@usaid.gov Fax: 7 727 2507634/35/36 Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. USAID/CAR expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for two-year period commencing o/a February 1, 2014 (or earlier), subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USG. 11. For more information about USAID/Kyrgyz Republic see Mission's website http://centralasia.usaid.gov/ Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES* (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (DSSR Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (DSSR Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (DSSR Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (DSSR Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (DSSR Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (DSSR Section 270). (G) Education Travel (DSSR Section 280). (H) Post Differential (DSSR Section 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (DSSR Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (DSSR Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Optional Form 612. **2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCs a) ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) and CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. b) AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.