Local Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC): Stabilization Advisor – Somalia 338 views0 applications

Solicitation No.: Mission Notice 19-17

Issuance Date: February 5, 2019

Closing Date/Time: February 25, 2019 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Local Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC): Stabilization Advisor – Somalia, GS-14

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens residing in Kenya to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through IV of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely,

Natalya Komarova

Executive Officer

Attachment 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: Mission Notice (MN) 19-17
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 02/05/2019
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: 02/25/2019 at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
4. POSITION TITLE: Stabilization Advisor – Somalia, GS-14
5. MARKET VALUE: $89,370 to $116,181 equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) one-year options Not-to-exceed five (5) subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance or better.
2. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya
3. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret
4. STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION

Background/Introduction

The USAID/Somalia Field Office seeks to contract for a U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) to provide expert management and technical leadership of the current $67 million Transition Initiatives for Stabilization Plus (TIS+) and its follow-on award that is anticipated to begin in May 2020. The TIS+ activity supports a community-driven development model emphasizing inclusive project formulation and execution in an effort to demonstrate Somali state institutions’ ability to provide services, thus reducing conflict and the attractiveness to support negative actors. This is a multi-faceted contract with several lines of effort including: local governance; technical assistance to state institutions; engineering design and execution; strategic communications development and dissemination; and significant coordination with other donor-funded development and stabilization activities.

The Stabilization Advisor reports to the Stabilization Officer on the DSG team in the USAID/KEA/Somalia Field Office. The DSG portfolio includes programming in public sector reform, elections and political processes, stabilization, and access to justice. The Stabilization Advisor, under the direction of the Stabilization Officer, will be responsible for coordinating the stabilization activities within the broader DSG portfolio and managing other awards (as needed), as well as coordinating with the Economic Growth and Education teams, and the Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) to ensure synergies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direct supervision of the Stabilization Officer or his designee, the duties and responsibilities of the Stabilization Advisor include:

(1) Serve as the Contract Officer’s Representative (COR) for the flagship TIS+ activity ($67 million award), and subsequent activity, performing site visits where security permits, and ensuring progress toward agreed-upon goals, targets, and objectives.

(2) Serve as USAID liaison on stabilization initiatives with USAID senior management, technical personnel, U.S. Embassy, and Department of Defense management and staff, senior diplomats, host government officials, UN organizations, and indigenous and international NGOs. Maintain collaborative relationships with a wide range of actors to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and strive to achieve maximum synergy with other programs.

(3) Represent USAID Somalia on committees and workgroups with other USG agencies, the Federal Government of Somalia, and donors working on or implementing stabilization interventions and programs, ensuring USAID’s portfolio and approaches are relevant and effective in the Somali environment.

(4) Provide expert programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to USAID’s implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees), ensuring that activities are contributing to USAID’s program objectives and are within the scope of their award instrument.

(5) Develop, recommend, and oversee the implementation of strategic and programmatic shifts in USAID stabilization activities when necessary to respond to changing political circumstances. Lead development or amendments as needed of project activity awards and approval documents, correspondence, and other documentation.

(6) Lead the conceptualization and development of program strategies and objectives in close coordination with USAID personnel and U.S. Mission to Somalia, Department of State, and host-country officials, based on political analysis and U.S. Government (USG) policy. When necessary, help refine strategic objectives and lead the development of new programmatic approaches.

(7) Supervise the Stabilization Program Management Specialist to ensure activities over which s/he has oversight are aligned with the new Inclusive Governance Project Appraisal Document.

Position Elements

a. Degree of Responsibility for Decision-making: This position requires the ability to act independently in a complex and highly sensitive political environment, and advanced experience in negotiation with high-level government counterparts. The incumbent must be able to independently plan, design, and carry-out interventions and studies, and must be able to oversee a diverse portfolio of stabilization activities. The incumbent will also provide technical and programmatic advice and support for the management and implementation of the Somalia Transition Framework Strategy, the highest level strategic planning document for the Somalia Field Office which guides all programming priorities, policies, and activities of USAID’s program in Somalia. In this case, the incumbent’s role in facilitating Mission engagement with host country government in stabilization activities, and facilitating the implementation of effective development cooperation in this multi-sectoral area of interventions, is critical to ensure that USG investments are directed towards the greatest results.

b. Level of Complexity: Responsibilities involve areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, interpretation and evaluating processes due to the difficult work environment in Somalia. Additionally, there are continuing changes in program, political and security developments, unknown phenomena, or continuing requirements, and the work requires implementing new techniques, establishing criteria, or developing new information. Complexity in managing processes and programs that span across countries, U.S. Embassies (Kenya and the US Mission to Somalia), and multiple host country governments (Federal Government of Somalia and six Federal Member States that do not yet form a cohesive government), requires the incumbent to be constantly in tune to, flexible, and responsive to changing political, security, programmatic and organizational demands.

c. Knowledge Level: The incumbent must have an expert-level understanding of local governance development and conflict-related programs characterized by multi-disciplinary approaches, and their role in U.S. foreign policy. S/he must have comprehensive knowledge of donor programming policies and international donor regulations, procedures, and practices. The incumbent must show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction.

d. Supervisory Controls: The Stabilization Advisor will perform his/her duties under the direct supervision of the Stabilization Officer of the DSG team in the USAID/KEA/Somalia Field Office. Supervisory direction will consist of prioritizing broad objectives and results areas. The individual must exercise independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, resolving problems and conflicts, and taking steps necessary to meet deadlines.

e. Guidelines for Required Work: USAID administrative policies and precedents, ADS chapters, USG/Embassy/USAID/and Bureau and Mission directives, and technical Monitoring and Evaluation references, including specific references, are available. The Stabilization Advisor is required to understand Mission and Agency-specific policies and procedures which govern program activity management in addition to the USAID/KEA/Somalia Field Office established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats. Oral guidance from the immediate supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out unique assignments. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, Mission Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents. In many instances, the incumbent will have to rely on his/her knowledge and extensive prior experience to enforce guidelines as s/he carries out his/her duties. The incumbent must be able to use excellent judgment and the ability to deal with ambiguity at all levels.

f. Scope and Effect of the Work Performed: The individual serves in a role that directly influences Somalia Field Office decision- and policy-making. The individual will provide expert advice and support in the management and implementation of DSG Inclusive Governance Project as well as the Somalia Strategic Framework document, which is USAID Somalia’s broadest and highest development strategy and policy. S/he is responsible for coordination and joint approaches with the Economic Growth and Education technical offices as relevant to the Stabilization portfolio. S/he is responsible for coordinating with senior government and donor officials, and defining USAID policy and programming positions in national and regional forums with non-USG senior stakeholders. S/he will also work closely with senior-level FSNs, USDHs, and USPSCs, requiring high-level expertise and experience.

g. Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Stabilization Advisor will be required to maintain solid working relationships with various USAID and USG Offices and relevant partners. Contacts will be at both the highest management and working levels with the U.S. Mission to Somalia and other bilateral and multilateral donor organizations, host-country officials of multiple Federal and State-level ministries, relevant academic institutions, the private sector, and civil society. Contact will be of a continuous nature through day-to-day meetings and periodic review sessions. The Advisor will represent the Somalia Field Office at various meetings. The purpose of contacts is to influence, motivate, or persuade persons or groups who are typically skeptical, resistant, or uncooperative, and who must be approached skillfully and tactfully to obtain the desired effect.

h. Supervision Exercised: The Stabilization Advisor also mentors, trains, and oversees the day-to-day activities of the Stabilization Specialist, a Cooperating Country National (CCN) staff. The Advisor will also provide day to day guidance to the work of the Program Management Assistant as it relates to the requirements of the Advisor’s portfolio.

i. Security Clearance Requirement: Secret

j. Travel Requirement: The incumbent will be expected to travel to Somalia on an as-needed basis depending on the security situation and access to the travel destination.

k. Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work e.g. desktop computer, shared office equipment (such as printer, scanner and shredder), office supplies and support services.

l. Sunday Pay: Is not authorized.**

1. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: **

· U.S. Citizens currently residing in Kenya[1]. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.

· Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING;

· Be able to obtain a USAID/W issued clearance level at the Secret Level;

· Be able to obtain a medical clearance;

· Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained.

1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. No special demands are required to perform the work.
2. POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at [email protected]

II. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s and post graduate degree in a relevant area such as, but not limited to, international relations, conflict analysis, international development, social sciences, or law.

Prior Work Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible management experience with a USG entity, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, stabilization, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, reconciliation, citizen security, and/or political analysis; within which there must be a:

· Minimum of two (2) years of overseas field experience working on stabilization, reconciliation, local governance, conflict prevention, dispute resolution, community development, or other relevant programs;

· Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience (including mentoring, training, and guiding staff).

Language Proficiency: Fluent (Level IV), fluent verbal and written English communication skills and analytical ability are required.

Knowledge: The incumbent must have an expert-level understanding of development and/or conflict-related programs characterized by multi-disciplinary approaches, and their role in U.S. foreign policy. S/he must have comprehensive knowledge of donor programming policies and international donor regulations, procedures, and practices. Candidates must show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction.

Abilities and Skills: The incumbent must have demonstrated ability in dealing effectively and diplomatically with customers from a variety of organizations. The individual must be able to develop and maintain an extensive range of contacts with both senior and working level staff in USAID/KEA, USAID/Washington, US Mission in Somalia, and the inter-agency, as well as development partners, donors, and other stakeholders. The individual must be able to effectively identify, mobilize, and draw upon the expertise of USAID personnel, including subordinate staff.

Candidates must have the ability to independently manage activities and deliver quality, timely products that require minimal review and oversight. Proven written and oral English communication skills, as well as strong research, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are required to perform successfully in this position. The incumbent must be comfortable developing outreach strategies, and delivering formal briefings and presentations.

The ability to provide information and advice with objectivity is required. The incumbent must be able to excel in a fast-paced, multi-cultural work environment, and be able to deliver multiple tasks simultaneously. The individual must therefore apply expert-level analytical skills and judgment to determine the best solution from the range of possible alternatives.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: Candidates must meet the Selective Factors listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the criteria.

Education: Null (minimum criteria required)

Work Experience: 25 points

Language Proficiency: 10 Points

Technical Knowledge: 30 points

Skills and Abilities: 35 Points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Maximum Points Available: 100 Points

III. APPLYING

1. Interested applicants are required to submit the following:

1) Offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

2) An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume (no more than five pages)**, cover letter** explaining your qualifications for the position, copies of all relevant certificates and include three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts.

1. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to [email protected] by the closing date and time indicated above.
2. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission/cover letter.

IV. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

• Medical History and Examination (DS 6561)
• Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)
• Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)
• Fingerprint Card(s)

V. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Local Hire U.S PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer’s FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(e) Annual and Sick Leave

(f) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

This position is a Local Hire U.S PSC and receives only the limited benefits specified above. Any contract offered under this solicitation will not offer benefits that are available to Offshore Hire U.S PSC. Benefits that the successful candidate will not receive include, but are not limited to:

1. Access to Embassy medical facilities, Cash Checking, AEA Commissary Access, Pouch Mail Service (DPO/APO)

2. Cost of Travel to and from Post;

3. Shipment and storage of UAB and HHE;

4. Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle);

5. R&R and Home Leave Travel; and

6. Housing

1. ALLOWANCES:

Local Hire U.S PSC will not be eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below – (if applicable, as found in the Standardize Regulations (DSSR) – sections cited below):

1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
2. Living quarters allowance (Section 130)
3. Cost of living Allowance (Chapter 210)
4. Post Allowance (Section 220)
5. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
6. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
7. Education allowance (Section 270)
8. Educational Travel (Section 280)
9. Post differential (Chapter 500)
10. Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600)
11. Danger Pay (Section 650)

VI. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

VII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D – “Direct USAID Contracts with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clauses “General Provisions,” found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf
2. Contract Cover page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms
3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs): AAPDs/CIBs for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations[END OF SOLICITATION]

[1] Resident hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement, or for reasons other than for employment with a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.