Solicitation for U. S. /Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (US/TCNPSC) -Education Team Leader, GS-14
I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72038819R00010 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 30, 2019 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 29, 2019 at 04:30PM local time in Dhaka, Bangladesh. 4. POINT OF CONTACT: KMA Zubin Faisal, e-mail at zfaisal@usaid.gov. Please DO NOT send applications to this email address. For mailbox to send application, see section IV of this solicitation. 5. POSITION TITLE: Education Team Leader 6. MARKET VALUE: $90,621 - $117,810 per annum; equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate's salary history, work experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: This is a one year contract with the possibility of four, one year extensions based on need of the USG and availability of funds. The contract and extensions cannot exceed 5 years. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dhaka, Bangladesh with frequent domestic travel as stated in the Statement of Work. 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens and Third Country Nationals. 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful candidate will be required to obtain a Facility Access clearance. 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT: Country Context Over the last decade, Bangladesh has made notable progress in expanding access to education. In a country of over 18 million primary school students, Bangladesh has achieved near universal net primary enrollment, with over 97.9% of children of primary school age enrolling in school. Nonetheless, the quality of education in Bangladesh remains low. In Bangladesh most children are not acquiring foundational reading skills. A USAID-funded assessment in March 2018 found that 44% of students finish first grade unable to read their first word in the Bangla language, and 63% of third graders cannot read with comprehension. These poor learning outcomes inhibit Bangladesh's economic growth, as the pipeline of youth workers lack the foundational skills to be productive workers and to engage in a knowledge-based economy. For marginalized groups in Bangladesh, access to education continues to be a challenge. One of the largest out-of-school populations in Bangladesh is children with disabilities. In 2017, only 75,021 children with "mild and moderate" disabilities attended Government Primary Schools. Children with disabilities are less likely to go to school than their peers, and children with "invisible" disabilities, such as learning difficulties, go undiagnosed and underreported. In addition to these macro challenges, regional crises have strained Bangladesh's education system, especially in Cox's Bazar district. The influx of over 700,000 Rohingya people to Bangladesh in August 2017 has impacted education access and quality. A USAID-funded Rapid Education and Risk Analysis in October 2018 found that the Rohingya influx is deepening the plight of already struggling host community schools. Teachers are leaving schools to take employment in the refugee camps, and students-especially adolescent girls-are dropping out at increased levels. In addition, perceived inequities between services delivered to the Rohingya people and Bangladeshi communities in Cox's Bazar have created tensions. USAID/Bangladesh USAID/Bangladesh is comprised of 164 American, Bangladeshi, and third-country personnel. The Mission programs a robust annual development assistance budget of $212 million in FY2018 in the sectors of education, health, food security, agriculture, economic growth, and democracy and governance. In support of the U.S. Government's Rohingya Crisis Response, USAID is designing an education activity for Bangladeshi children in communities in the crisis-impacted region of Cox's Bazar. This activity is expected to have significant impact on the broader U.S government's Rohingya response. The evolving problems and fluid environment of Cox's Bazar make programming in this space highly complex and politically sensitive. The activity aims to increase learning opportunities, improve classroom instruction, increase district and local system capacity to manage and implement quality education, and increase school community resilience. In addition, USAID's investment in disability-inclusive education tough the Government of Bangladesh's education sector program is of national significance in Bangladesh. Recognizing that the inclusion of children with disabilities is a shared priority of the U.S. and Bangladesh, USAID and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education have agreed on the implementation of an inclusive education activity as part of the government's $18 billion Fourth Primary Education Development Program. USAID will support the sector wide approach tough an inclusive education activity that aims to improve the early grade reading skills of children with disabilities. By working tough the sector program and supporting the government's capacity to deliver disability-inclusive education, the activity will also achieve the agency goal of strengthening education systems and building host-country self-reliance. As USAID's largest investment in disability-inclusive education worldwide to date and as a nascent focus for the Government of Bangladesh, this activity will require substantial analysis, learning, and leadership to achieve inclusion at scale. Successful implementation of these activities will require significant technical expertise, learning and adaptation, diplomacy, and the ability to function independently and with strong political acumen. In late 2019 the Education Team will design and procure evaluations to support the learning, adaptation, and demonstration of results of these two activities. Education is a pillar in the Office of Population, Health, Nutrition, and Education (OPHNE). The Education Team Leader leads the Mission's education portfolio with an annual budget of approximately $15 million. The Education Team is comprised of the Education Team Leader and tee Foreign Service National Staff. USAID/Bangladesh seeks to fill the position of Education Team Leader by September 2019. STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED: To ensure the success of the $74 million education portfolio (5-year life of project), the Mission seeks a seasoned, senior-level executive with experience, expertise, and technical knowledge to lead the portfolio in critical areas. These areas include strategic management, policy, programming, and coordination. The Education Team Leader serves as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions. S/he serves as the Mission's primary representative to high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, the Ministry of Education and education sector development partners, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The incumbent leads and advises the U.S. Government's donor and inter-Agency coordination in the education sector for the Rohingya response. Because of the cross-cutting nature of the education in crisis activity, the incumbent seeks synergy and complementarities with other USAID offices and the interagency. The incumbent ensures interventions are coordinated, well-designed, and evidence-based, and is expected to plan and promote a solid evaluation and assessment plan for the education portfolio. The Education Team Leader must also possess excellent interpersonal, presentation and negotiation skills, as well as excellent political acumen, reporting skills, and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and sound judgment in politically challenging environment. Strong team-building and mentoring are essential as s/he will direct the tee-member Education team, all of whom will be new hires to USAID/Bangladesh. The Education Team Leader reports to the Director of the Office of Population, Health, Nutrition and Education and has a direct and strong relationship with the Mission senior leadership, including regularly briefing and advising senior leadership on education and policy issues. The major duties and responsibilities of the Education Team Leader include: Education Portfolio Strategic Planning, Adaptive Management and Oversight 40% The incumbent provides expert advice and is responsible for administering and providing strategic direction for the Mission's education portfolio. S/he independently oversees education portfolio planning, activity design, and activity implementation. The incumbent applies USAID policies, judgment, and ingenuity to develop new theories of change to achieve impact in the nascent field of disability-inclusive education in Bangladesh and in the fluid, crisis environment of Cox's Bazar. The incumbent applies mastery of education technical knowledge in tee specialized areas-early grade reading, disability-inclusive education, and education in crisis-to strategically guide USAID/Bangladesh's education portfolio. The Education Team Leader ensures that technical direction supports the achievement of education results, and provides expert technical input and leadership in the design, negotiation, and work planning of these two activities. In a rapidly evolving environment with emerging evidence and problems, changes in program approach are anticipated. The incumbent leads activity adjustments (as needed) and resolves any disputes or disagreements that may arise during activity implementation with key stakeholders. The Education Team Leader ensures proper oversight of the activities, including environmental compliance for construction. The Education Team Leader designs and procures external evaluations for major education activities, and s/he ensures monitoring, implementation and evaluation of education activities with support from the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Specialist in the Program Office and Education Team members. S/he also ensures that education activities are implemented and monitored in a timely and quality manner, and that the development of evaluation plans is completed and evaluation findings are integrated into new and existing programs. S/he develops strategies and detailed implementation plans for education activities under the Mission's annual Operational Plan, Mission Resource Request, and the Country Development and Cooperation Strategy. Because new FSN staff will not be eligible to be certified as Contracting/Agreement Officer's Representatives (COR or AOR) at the time of activity awards in March 2020, the incumbent will also serve as the COR for one or more activities, as necessary. Coordination, Partner Relations and Representation 30% The modality for USAID's support to the Government of Bangladesh sector plan in the area of disability-inclusive education is still largely undefined, and so the incumbent will lead and exercise independent judgment in high-level negotiations with the Government of Bangladesh to determine USAID's technical and implementation support. The incumbent must achieve a common understanding with Government of Bangladesh counterparts to agree upon a modality for USAID's support that addresses shared goals and their concerns. The incumbent establishes and maintains contacts at the highest levels of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education and the Ministry of Education to advance USAID's efforts in supporting the national education system and working in the highly politically sensitive region of Cox's Bazar. The incumbent explains USAID's education priorities and negotiates means of support with the Government of Bangladesh, and s/he resolves critical problems between government and implementing partners. S/he advocates to Government of Bangladesh education officials at the highest levels to advance USAID activities and education reforms. The Education Team Leader skillfully navigates a crowded and challenging sector to achieve USAID's education priorities. S/he uses tact and diplomacy to justify, defend, negotiate or settle issues involving the implementation of USAID's new education activities. The incumbent represents USAID at meetings, international and national conferences with implementing partners, donors, government, USG agencies, and international and local partners. S/he will work closely with USAID/Washington staff on a regular basis on strategic planning, management and policy issues. S/he also establishes relationships at a technical level with donor partner counterparts to ensure proactive sharing and coordination of USAID's activities. The incumbent provides technically authoritative insights and recommendations to USAID senior management and high-level government and development partner counterparts. S/he also establishes relationships with a diversity of Disabled People's Organizations, non-governmental organizations, and civil society organizations that promote the inclusion of people with disabilities; and solicits their expertise and facilitates their inclusion in the planning and implementation of USAID's disability-inclusive activities. Staff Management and Mentorship 30% The incumbent is expected to manage and build the skills of two new FSN-11s, and one new FSN-09. The incumbent carries out a full range of supervision, activity management, advisory and strategic planning responsibilities for a team of tee. S/he is expected to lead and provide guidance to the Education Team, managing staff, overseeing work products and ensuring their performance meets or exceeds established performance standards. S/he ensures that team members are fulfilling responsibilities in a timely and effective manner while providing leadership and mentorship to professional staff. The Education Team Leader will provide significant guidance and support to build the skills and understanding of USAID operating procedures, activity management, and education policies for new staff. The Education Team Leader will be required to assist in creating a supportive environment that values diversity, abides by the USG equal employment opportunity laws, and elicits the highest possible level of performance from the entire team. S/he keeps abreast of current and new education training opportunities and creates opportunities for staff learning. Supervisory Relationship The Education Team Leader reports to the Director of the Office of Population, Health, Nutrition, and Education. Supervisory Controls The incumbent supervises a team of tee Foreign Service National staff. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Frequent travel with field visits, remote villages and rural areas are required to successfully perform this position, which may involve varying levels of stress and hardship. However, external to that frequent travel requirement, the work requested does not involve undue physical demands. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION To be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Education: A Master's degree or foreign equivalent in a social science related to the position, to include but not limited to education policy, basic education, or a particular area of education (such as teacher education, curriculum development, disability-inclusive education, early grade reading and math, learning assessments, community-based or non-formal education) is required. Prior Work Experience: Eight years of progressively responsible experience managing and implementing education programs in an international development setting (such as a U.S. Government agency, international organization or non-governmental organization), working with program managers and policymakers. At least tee or more years of working experience in the field of education in a developing country is required. A minimum of tee years supervising diverse teams, preferably in a multi-cultural context, is required. Job Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of development programming in primary education. The Education Team Leader must possess demonstrated knowledge in strategic planning and activity coordination/implementation. The applicant must have demonstrated experience in building working relationships with high-level foreign government counterparts and developing education strategic plans. Ability to perform at a senior level must be demonstrated including experience applying effective leadership, communications skills and problem solving III. EVALUATION & SELECTION FACTORS Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated. Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application. After meeting the minimum qualifications, consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Criteria. Additionally, USAID may request a writing sample and an interview from the top-scoring candidates. Top-scoring candidates will also be asked to provide tee professional references. Please note that not all applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless the expenses are pre-authorized. Reference checks may be conducted on candidates selected for an interview. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: 1. Work Experience (25 points) Eight years of progressively responsible experience managing and implementing education programs in an international development setting (such as a U.S. Government agency, international organization, or non-governmental organization) working with program managers and policymakers is required. A minimum of tee years working in the field of education in a developing country is required. A minimum of tee years supervising diverse teams, preferably in a multi-cultural context, is required. 3. Knowledge (35 points) Advanced technical knowledge and experience in a developing country context in one or more of these education fields: early grade reading, disability-inclusive education, education in emergencies, teacher training, education assessment, international education system strengthening, non-formal education, and community engagement in education. 4. Skills and Abilities (40 points) Program design and management: Ability to develop international education strategies, activities, and work plans in a developing context. Mastery of program design and management from inception to completion. Ability to plan, coordinate, supervise, monitor, and report on project outcomes related to education. Supervisory skills: Demonstrated ability to manage, coach, and mentor individuals and diverse teams to improve overall performance. Communication and representation skills: Ability to navigate complex negotiations and advocacy among government ministries, development partners, education experts, implementing partners, civil society organizations, and the private sector. Ability to write high-quality reports, analysis, speeches, and other papers. Ability to coordinate and collaborate with donors. Cross-cultural knowledge and skills: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments or agencies in a large bureaucracy and in an interagency context, as well as in an intercultural context with high-level government officials, implementing partners, international donors, humanitarian actors, and other counterparts. Ability to align programs to host country environments. 5. References (pass/fail) OTHER AREAS OF CONSIDERATION: This US/TCNPSC position is open to all U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens and Third Country Nationals. For USPSCs: Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. Permanent Resident ("green card holder"); U.S. resident alien means a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING; Be able to obtain facility access authorization; Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested; Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained. For Third Country Nationals: Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING; Be able to obtain facility access authorization; Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested; Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained. Hiring Preference: USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers. If a Third Country National is hired under this solicitation then the following applies: During the period of the contract, the TCN contractor shall devote at least 10% of working hours to training to a cooperating country national (CCN) designated by USAID. The PSC Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the contractor's progress toward achieving this training deliverable. A TCNPSC hired under this contract will receive compensation in accordance with the applicable, approved Alternate Compensation Plan (ACP). All other compensation, allowances, and benefits, will be accorded under the applicable AIDAR Appendix J contract clauses. NOTE: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE The US/TCNPSC will be required to complete a full physical examination (including relevant immunizations) from his/her own physician and then obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to service overseas. Also, USAID/Bangladesh must initiate a security clearance prior to the Contractor's travel to post of duty. Until a temporary or final adjudication of a security clearance is received, the contract shall not be signed. If candidate fails to obtain a medical clearance and a security clearance (temporary or full) within six months, the offer may be retracted. Candidate must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov). IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, "Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A tough I. This form MUST be physically signed and scanned. Electronic signatures will NOT be accepted. 2. A cover letter of no more than one (1) page that demonstrates how the candidates' qualifications meet the work requirements and a statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. 3. A curriculum vitae (CV) which describes education and career experiences and achievements. In order to fully evaluate your application, your CV must include: a. Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. b. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. c. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. 4. Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of tee professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the email address listed in Section IV. By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, candidates must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. SUBMIT APPLICATION PACKET ELECTRONICALLY: Interested candidates should send above electronically to dhakajobs@usaid.gov, to the attention of the addresses indicated below. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. E-mail applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation. Attention: Supervisory Executive Officer USAID HR Section/Executive Office USAID/Bangladesh Only qualified and shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Additionally, only candidates that are interviewed will be notified if the position is filled. V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award: 1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) 2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or 3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) Forms 1 tough 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that a candidate is the successful candidate for the job. Do not submit forms 1 tough 4 with your application. VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave (g) Sunday pay (h)* Shipment and storage of household effects (i)* Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle) (j)* Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service (k)* Transportation to Post (l)* Housing 2. ALLOWANCES* TCNs will be paid allowances in accordance with the Bangladesh Mission Order. Details are available on request. USPSCS will be eligible for allowances listed in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas Sections cited below - if applicable. Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas): (a)* Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220) (b)* Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (c)* Education Allowance (Section 270) (d)* Education Travel (Section 280) (e)* Post Differential (Chapter 500) (f)* Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) * Note: Resident Hire USPSCs are not eligible to receive these benefits and allowances. 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. VII. TAXES USPSC: USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. TCNPSC: TCNPSCs are responsible for their own tax payments in accordance to their respective government legislation and no deductions for tax purposes will be made at source by USAID payroll. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing US/TCNPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, "Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad," includes contract clause "General Provisions," available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.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) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs. 4. CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to the following link to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs 5. ADS 309 - Personal Services Contracts can be found at: https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/309.pdf 6. 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. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of age, race, color, sex, creed, national origin, lawful political affiliation, non-disqualifying handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, affiliation with an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status. -----x-----.
72038819R00010 US Agency for International Development Bangladesh
5/30/19, 7:40 AM