USPSC Senior Regional Democracy and Governance Specialist, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan

ISSUANCE DATE: 08/09/2016 CLOSING DATE: 08/24/2016 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 18-2016 USPSC Senior Regional Democracy and Governance Specialist, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan 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 Christopher Daly, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, Deputy EXO, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34, or e-mail almaexo_hr@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Christopher Daly Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 18-2016 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 18-2016 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 08/09/2016 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 08/24/2016 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Senior Regional Democracy and Governance Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $87,263-$113,444 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 15% Post Differential (currently) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year (with possibility for extension) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) BACKGROUND This position is located in USAID'S Regional Mission to Central Asia (CA), which is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The primary purpose of this position is to provide senior level Democracy and Governance (DG) guidance and support to USAID/CA's substantial and growing portfolio in the areas of pre-award design and solicitation, post-award administration and Mission strategic planning and policy formation. USAID'S Regional Mission to Central Asia (CA), which is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, includes country offices in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; Astana, Kazakhstan; Dushanbe, Tajikistan; and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The region is bordered by Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and China - and the Mission manages one of the most complex development programs in one of the most demanding environments in the world. The current portfolio includes support for multi-million dollar bilateral and regional programs covering Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (with significant support to the Kyrgyz Republic Mission) across a range of technical fields, including agricultural development. USAID/CA also works closely with neighboring Missions (primarily Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India) on regional connectivity programming, which focuses primarily on Economic Development programming. Overall, USAID/CA is responsible for the strategic planning, program design and implementation, achievement of results, and reporting for the USAID assistance programs for four republics of Central Asia. USAID's portfolio of assistance in the region falls under a Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS), which focuses on three Development Objectives (DOs): DO 1 - expanded diverse and competitive trade and markets. It ranks as one of the Agency's most complex programs; DO 2 - enhanced regional cooperation on shared energy and water resources; and DO 3 - more effective and inclusive governance institutions that serve the public good. Under the RDCS, the overall program budget for FY 2015 exceeds $75 million with more than $450 million in life-of-project funding. To implement activities under the RDCS, USAID/CA has three technical offices: the Economic Development Office (EDO), the Democracy and Governance Office (DGO), and the Health and Education Office (HEO). Taking into account the countries' individual paths as well as their shared priorities, USAID assistance in the region combines country-specific and regional programs to achieve this goal. Even where USAID's individual programs and activities are implemented in a bilateral context, the mission considers the broader regional perspectives, and facilitates communications with counterparts on shared interests. With a total population of 55 million, and dozens of ethnic groups, the five nations of the region diverge greatly, ranging from Kazakhstan as a middle income country to Tajikistan with 32% of the population living in poverty. Due to its substantial oil and gas reserves, it is a region of considerable geopolitical and strategic interest to the United States. U.S. foreign policy objectives in Central Asia promote stability, security, and prosperity, but development challenges in the region remain significant including Russia's increasing influence in the media, economic stagnation fueled by low commodity prices, security threats in nearby Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Regional Democracy and Governance Office (DGO) is one of three technical offices in the Mission, and the DG Office Director reports to the Deputy Mission Director. DGO is responsible for achieving results in Development Objective 1: More Effective and Inclusive Governance Institutions that Serve the Public Good. The portfolio is divided into the $50 million Central Asia Civil Society project and the $20 million Justice, Administration, and Governance project. - The extended DG team includes 13 staff throughout the region (seven in Almaty, three in Tashkent, two in Dushanbe, and one in Ashgabat) who are dedicated to work on the democracy portfolio. Core staff in Almaty includes two Foreign Service Officers, five Foreign Service National (FSN) project managers, and one FSN administrative assistant. B) BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The incumbent serves as the Senior Regional Democracy & Governance Specialist, referred to as Specialist, for USAID/Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) reporting to the Regional DG Office Director, and provides support to USAID/Kyrgyzstan. Functionally, the incumbent serves as Deputy Director of the Regional Democracy and Governance Office and is responsible for leading and mentoring a team of five professional FSNs based in Almaty and providing support to country offices with the design and management of civil society, local government, rule of law, media, judicial reform, and human rights programs in a challenging region where country needs can literally change overnight. S/he works closely with interagency counterparts in five Embassies, international donor organizations and NGOs, as well as with senior host-country officials. In this role, the Specialist must be able to employ his/her knowledge of political, social, and cultural developments in Central Asia, as well as possess a diverse background in democracy and governance programming, such as rule of law, human rights, media, civil society, parliamentary strengthening, local government, elections and political processes, conflict mitigation, youth, religion, trafficking-in-persons, and gender development. The Democracy Specialist must be able to effectively develop and cultivate cooperative working relationships with local and international NGOs and implementing partners, international donors, and government partners in the Central Asia. In addition, the employee works closely with and coordinates USAID programs with the Country Office Directors and as part of the interagency with the Central Asia U.S. Embassies. The Specialist also coordinates rapid responses to requests from Ambassadors, the State Department, USAID/Washington, and others related to USAID programs and program areas and serves as a key advisor to the Embassy staff on democracy, human rights, and governance issues. The incumbent supervises five FSN Project Management Specialists who serve as Agreement and Contracting Officer's Representatives (A/CORs) for regional and bilateral awards that support a range of technical topics including civil society, media, human rights, rule of law, and good governance. The Senior Democracy Specialist, together with the Supervisory Democracy Officer, provides training, mentorship, and feedback on performance for the five FSN staff. The range of responsibilities and functions are outlined below. C) MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: S/he will serve as a high level decision-maker and provide guidance and recommendations to senior USAID and U.S. Embassy staff. The incumbent will take part in all parts of program life from concept development, to implementation, evaluation, and close out. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Program Development and Management (50%) The Specialist will play a leading role in the design, oversight, and management of assistance programs to achieve USAID/CA development objectives and intermediate results of the democracy, governance, and conflict mitigation portfolio. In fulfilling these duties, the incumbent develops, oversees, manages, and evaluates DG sector development programs. S/he will supervise CORs, AORs, and activity managers for USAID activities in Central Asia and may serve as COR, AOR, and/or activity manager for selected activities. The Specialist will provide guidance and direction for proposals and implementation of grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. S/he will assist implementing partners to ensure understanding of the performance monitoring system and their role in the process and advises them on specific measurement techniques appropriate for their programs. The incumbent will develop concept papers, project authorizations, and project amendments, in line with Agency regulations and guidance and will lead or be a key member of technical selection committees for the award of procurement instruments. Designing programs in line with the USAID/CA RDCS will require the incumbent to monitor, analyze, and report on political and social conditions in Central Asia to assess assistance needs and priorities. The incumbent will provide support for monitoring and evaluation of democracy and governance sector programs, this will include the planning and design of evaluation instruments as needed to make informed program design and management decisions. S/he will conduct or lead data gathering, research and analysis, and dialogue with counterparts necessary to inform program design decisions. The incumbent will also evaluate the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of projects. The Specialist will also support the development of the Democracy and Governance section in the Operational Plan, Performance Plan and Report, and other key documents. 2) Technical Advice and Special Projects (25%) The Specialist will be a senior advisor to USAID and other USG agencies on democracy and governance sector development issues in Central Asia and will actively foster and facilitate USG interagency collaboration and cooperation. S/he will perform a variety of duties related to special projects including emerging U.S. Foreign Policy priorities to support the governments in Central Asia. In particular, the Democracy Specialist will lead USAID or USG discussions related to rule of law, human rights, and media sector reforms. The incumbent will participate in regular and ad hoc donor and government coordination meetings and will provide expert technical advice to all stakeholders on these and other sectoral issues as well as advising USAID and U.S. Embassy senior management on appropriate actions. The incumbent will represent USAID as a technical specialist to a variety of formal and informal coordination groups, including but not limited to Development Partners Coordination Councils (DPCCs) and Government technical working groups. As needed, s/he may be asked to represent USAID at meetings with other donors and the Governments of Central Asia. When required, the Specialist will also prepare technical white papers, implementation and action plans, progress reports, press release, public speeches, and professional correspondence on democracy and governance topics. As relevant, the Specialist will also conduct research and advise other sector teams to inform strategy and program design and management. S/he will work with other offices within the Mission to generate synergies and complementary activities. 3) Supervision and Mentorship (25%): A crucial piece of the incumbent's job will be supervising and mentoring local staff. S/he will advise, train, and otherwise support the career development of professional staff responsible for managing democracy and governance sector activities. S/he will contribute to and oversee the development of sub-sectoral technical competencies among DGO staff in strategy and activity development and program monitoring and evaluation. D) POSITION ELEMENTS: a) Supervision Received: The incumbent receives general supervision from and reports to the Democracy and Governance Office Director. b) Supervision Exercised: The incumbent supervises two FSN Project Management Specialists (FSN-11 and FSN-10) in DGO and contributes technical oversight to expanded Regional DGO Team members in three country offices, and contractors and grantees. E) QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS a) GENERAL: 1) Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government "SECRET" security clearance. 2) Must be able to secure a State/MED medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. 3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 12 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 up to 50% of the time throughout the five Central Asian Republics. b) PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: This is a position that requires maturity and a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in management of democracy and governance programs, grants, or cooperative agreements, with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement, demonstrating the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. At least five years of effective international program development/management experience while residing in a transitional or developing country. At least three years of successful leadership experience in a team environment. Demonstrated expertise in management and evaluation of programs, with extensive knowledge of USAID/State regulations governing all areas of program development and procurement is highly desired. Experience in USAID or knowledge of USAID systems highly desirable. Experience managing programs in Central Asia specifically is preferred. c) KNOWLEDGE, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Excellent project management skills; strong analytical and writing skills as evidenced by previous experience and a writing sample. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. The incumbent must have fulfilled mentorship roles in the past and have the strong skills necessary to support team members' development. Technical knowledge of rule of law, human rights, and media sector development in transitional countries is desirable. Strong ability to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts; and to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team. The incumbent must be fluent in English (working knowledge of Russian is preferred, but not required) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. S/he must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality statements of work, white papers, and other professional documents in the specified technical areas. The incumbent must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG officials. d) INTERPERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Exceptional leadership, communications and inter-personal skills. Ability to develop and maintain high-level, effective relationships with a broad range of host country government officials or NGO counterparts, USAID partners, and other donor organizations. Ability to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team, and to manage staff dedicated to providing flexible technical assistance to key government/civil society counterparts. Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position, as candidates are required to convincingly relate how their experience demonstrates their ability to mentor and develop staff within team environments. e) EDUCATION: A minimum of a Master's Degree in a relevant development-related field (e.g.: public policy, international development, foreign affairs, law, or other). F) SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Prior Work Experience: 20 points Knowledge, Technical Skills and Abilities: - Project Management, analytical and writing skills: 25 points - Knowledge of democracy and governance sector issues and best practices: 25 points Teamwork/Interpersonal and Communications Skills: 20 points Education: 10 points Bonus: Good Working Knowledge of Russian Language 5 points Total: 105 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) the most current Curriculum Vitae or resume; b) completed and signed AID 302-3 form (Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts) including experience and salary history; c) list of references with telephone and e-mail contact information; and d) writing sample (maximum 2 pages) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) August 24, 2016. The form is available at the USAID website, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc. The application package should be submitted by e-mail (preferred), DHL, or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Human Resources Office USAID/CA Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010 Email: almaexo_hr@usaid.gov 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/CA expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore or resident hire US Citizen for one-year period (extension optional) commencing o/a September 30, 2016 (as early as possible), subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asia see Mission's website https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional 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 (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. AID 302-3 Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts form. **2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843) or Contractor Physical Examination (AID 1420-62). **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 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs 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: https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/agency-policy is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.