Senior Economic and Private Sector Advisor GS-15 jcdoc.doc

Solicitation Number: 111-10-004

ISSUANCE DATE:

March 30, 2010

CLOSING DATE:

April 20, 2010, 5:00pm Eastern SUBJECT: Solicitation No. 111-10-004 for U.S. Personal Service Contractor – Offshore Hire Senior Economic and Private Sector Advisor (SEPA), USAID/Armenia

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Economic and Private Sector Advisor at USAID/Armenia, under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.

Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Send one set of U.S. Government OF 612 or SF 171. Resumes may be attached to the SF 171 or OF 612 and applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms OF 612 or SF 171 must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation to:

Attn. Narine Sarkisian

Acquisition Specialist USAID/Armenia

1 American Avenue

Yerevan 0082, Armenia

Fax: + (37410) 46-47-28

E-mail: nsarkisian@usaid.gov

Any attachments provided via e-mail shall be in Microsoft Word 2003 or pdf format, and not zipped. Note that attachments to e-mail must not exceed 3 MB in size. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to:

Narine Sarkisian, USAID/Armenia Acquisition Specialist, nsarkisian@usaid.gov Armen Yeghiazarian, USAID/Armenia Acquisition Specialist ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov Telephone: +(37410) 49-44-66, or +(37410) 49-43-64, Fax: +(37410) 46-47-28

Sincerely, Narine Sarkisian

Acquisition Specialist USAID/Armenia

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) – Offshore Hire, Senior Economic and Private Sector Advisor (SEPA), USAID/Armenia

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

111-10-004

ISSUANCE DATE:

03/30/2010

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

04/20/2010, 5:00pm Eastern

POSITION TITLE:

Senior Economic and Private Sector Advisor (SEPA) at USAID/Armenia

MARKET VALUE:

GS-15 ($99,628-$129,517 per annum) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, and educational background, work history and qualifications. This position is taxable.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

24 months

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Yerevan, Armenia

SECURITY ACCESS: Secret

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens

I. POSITION DESCRIPTION

A. INTRODUCTION:

The USAID Mission to Armenia is currently directing programs focused on sustainable economic growth through private sector development, democratic governance through increased civic participation, and increased use of health and social protection services. Between 2001 and 2007 Armenia experienced double-digit economic growth and laid the foundation for the next stage of its development. The Armenian government (GOAM) has improved its policy, legal and regulatory framework. The GOAM has made substantial progress toward rehabilitating the country's infrastructure and utilities. Despite this positive development, Armenia’s rapid growth and continuing reforms have been uneven, and have not led to substantial increases in national competitiveness or sustainable and broad based economic development. In addition, the global economic crisis hit Armenia especially hard. Armenia’s export is down by 50% and its economy is expected to shrink further, posing difficult challenges to Mission’s economic growth portfolio. USAID/Armenia’s strategic framework and the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) highlight the importance of developing a strong and competitive private sector.

Mission is comprised of the Office of the Mission Director, three technical offices (Economic Growth, Democracy and Governance, and Health and Social Reform) and two support offices (Acquisition and Assistance, and Financial and Administrative Management). In 2009, the Mission had a program budget of $32 million of which about $13 million was for economic growth. The current and planned portfolio involves activities in enterprise development (competitiveness and value chain development), financial sector support, tax administration, energy and infrastructure, water financing, and various Global Development Alliances. The Economic Growth Office (EGO) Director supervises a staff of six comprising of four professional Foreign Service Nationals, a U.S. Personal Service Contractor and an administrative assistant. The EG Office manages a wide variety of projects designed to assist Armenia to transition to a modern, market based economy. Projects currently focus on three broad areas: economic governance, private sector development, and energy sector restructuring.

The Mission requires an expert and experienced economic and private sector advisor to provide mission management advice and analysis on private sector and economic policy issues. The incumbent will serve as USAID senior advisor on economic and private sector program, working directly for the Mission Director’s office. The Advisor will serve as acting EGO Director in the absence of the EGO Director.

B. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities:

Based in Yerevan, Armenia, the Senior Economic and Private Sector Advisor (SEPA) will report to the USAID/Armenia Mission Director and or his designee. The Senior Advisor will be the interlocutor for USAID and the US Embassy on policy issues related to the private and economic sectors. In that capacity, the SEPA will liaison, as directed by the Mission Director and the Ambassador, with senior donors and Government officials. He/she will provide support and advice on private sector and economic policy issues and work closely with the Government of Armenia institutions involved in policy, legal and regulatory functions and assist the Government of Armenia in establishing sound policies and procedures that will encourage economic growth and private sector participation and investment in the country. The SEPA shall be responsible for providing a full range of analytical, technical and economic policy advice that will lead to strengthen the development of private sector development to promote economic growth in Armenia.

As a Senior Economic and Private sector Advisor the incumbent shall:

· Serve as Senior Advisor and provide technical support to mission’s economic growth and private sector program and the larger USAID Mission to Armenia.

· Gather information; provide guidance and advise on policies, legal and regulatory framework needed to encourage private sector participation and investment in the country.

· Review conceptual project designs and make recommendations for solutions and implement the approved corrective action.

· Provide support to the Mission and US Embassy in the tracking of implementation; identification and resolution of problems and institutional issues that impact the implementation process.

· Under the guidance of the Mission Director and in coordination with the EG office, the incumbent will stay abreast of all policy issues related to the private sector and economic issues and bring them to the attention of the Mission Director and the Ambassador

· Serve as Mission’s policy point of contact for officials of the Armenian government, financial institutions, business associations and the NGO communities.

· Play an active support role in the development, implementation and evaluation of the Mission’s growing and evolving economic growth portfolio in response to country’s economic crises.

· Coordinate and integrate the actions of the various government ministries, donors and private sector needed to make the Mission economic growth efforts successful. He/she will assist the Government of Armenia in establishing the framework for private sector investments.

This is a senior level professional position that requires advanced, hands-on technical state of the art knowledge, well developed interpersonal and managerial skills, sound judgment, and the ability to develop credible relationships within USAID, the Ambassador’s office and with senior level Armenian government counterparts and donors. The incumbent must exercise a high degree of personal initiative. The individual must be able to set and meet deadlines in a complex organizational structure.

C. Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent shall be responsible for:

1. Policy development and guidance

S/he provides leadership in guiding and developing policy and operational plans to carry out USG policies in the economic growth sectors. In this connection, s/he will advise senior Mission (Ambassador, Mission Director and others) management regarding issues affecting the achievement of the Mission's economic growth development objectives and develop approaches to address them.

The incumbent develops and analyzes policy options for USAID and for Armenian authorities in the assigned areas. Identifies constraints and synergies with Armenian and USG programs, and utilizes knowledge to recommend and oversee reform programs, for the approval of USAID.

The incumbent shall represent US government at all high-level international development meetings and conferences on economic growth issues. On a continuing basis, the incumbent critically reviews USG and other donor assistance activities to ensure maximum coordination, and leverage for USG policy initiatives. Under the supervision of the Mission Director the incumbent shall participate in coordination of economic growth plans and program implementation with the Armenian Government counterpart agencies, suppliers, contractors and donor agencies (i.e., the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, IMF, etc) working in the sector. S/he also participates in project planning, implementation and other technical meetings, as required.

The incumbent will maintain familiarity and knowledge with regional and global economic growth issues and priorities for the USG.

2. Policy Implementation

Based on analysis, the incumbent provides guidance on the development and implementation of USAID economic growth policies. In coordination with the EG Office Director, the Advisor shall take a leading role in drafting or revising components of the USAID/Armenia Results Framework and other documents as necessary.

The Advisor shall keep abreast, and informs the EGO management, of current economic growth and private sector development including recent technological developments, private sector interests, host country needs and capabilities, and national concerns, issues, trends and changes in the Government of Armenia policies and regulations.

To achieve US policy objectives, develops and maintains continuing contacts with senior level officials and represents USAID and the USG at Executive Directors and other senior levels in the World Bank, Asia Development Bank, other bilateral donors, Ministers and other senior Government of Armenia officials, and private sector representatives.

3. Technical leadership in Strategic Planning, Program Development, and Project Design

Provide post-wide strategic, technical, and organizational leadership in economic and private sector development. As a key advisor, the SEPA collaborates with the inter-agency team in managing major components of the strategy and meeting measurable objectives and plays a key role in developing new mission economic growth interventions. In this s/he is closely involved with host country officials and implementers in the development of new projects, writing requests for proposals and/or assistance and other procurement mechanisms consistent with the GOAM’s economic development initiatives and USAID goals as outlined by the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) or economic growth results framework. The Advisor plays a key role in generating ideas and advising through every step of the procurement process.

Prepares project concepts, approval papers and associated documents, and scopes of work for economic growth projects and contributes research on political, social, cultural, and economic factors pertaining to private sector development in Armenia. Contributes to the development of the economic growth conceptual framework and formulates plans for implementation.

Develops and sustains close collaborative, professional relationships with senior GOAM officials, business and association leaders, civic organization leaders, donors, international organizations, and leading economic development research institutions.

Represents the Mission to USAID stakeholders and external development partners in a wide variety of events sponsored by USAID development partners, including conferences, workshops, donor subgroup meetings, and other relevant forums on economic development.

Ensures effective coordination of USAID-funded activities with other donors in Armenia and promotes expansion of effective strategies and approaches that can expand coverage and quality of economic development assistance.

Engages with corporations and philanthropic organizations to build public/private alliances, i.e., explores ways to leverage private funding to complement USAID’s efforts to expand the coverage and quality of economic development assistance to Armenia.

4. Manages and administers programs/project The Advisor may perform the functions of a Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) and/or Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR) as designated by the Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer for the management of contracts and/or grants. The incumbent may supervise other COTRs/AOTRs.

5. Perform other duties as assigned or required

D. Other Factors for Consideration

Factor 1, Knowledge Required by the Position:

Work requires mastery of the theory, principles, concepts, and practices of economics to complete very advanced and difficult assignments; generate and develop new hypotheses and theories; and execute, administer, and/or coordinate studies, analyses, and activities having significant impact on changes in USG economic policies with regard to Armenia. The position requires the ability to develop and apply economic techniques and methodologies to develop new economic guidelines; the ability to write in order to develop policies and standards for Mission-wide economic programs and activities; and, the ability to deal tactfully and convincingly with others regarding the coordination of policies and procedures.

Work requires expert knowledge of USG, international, and host-government laws and regulations, and documentation and reporting requirements sufficient to make economic decisions and/or recommendations significantly changing, interpreting, or expanding important USAID economic and private sector policies and programs in a very sensitive environment. Knowledge at this high level is required in order to fully capture the myriad variety of economic activity in Armenia and to conceptualize national and subnational solutions and recommendations.

Factor 2, Supervisory Controls:

The Mission Director (MD) or Deputy Mission Director (DMD) provides administrative direction, and set the overall assignment objectives in broad terms that define program emphasis and resources available. The Advisor and the MD/DMD, in consultation, develop the deadlines, projects, and work to be done.

The Advisor, having advanced expertise in economics/private sector and in the application of studies and research in difficult environments, has continuing responsibility for planning and carrying out economic programs/private sector projects and analysis independently; determining the approach to be taken and the methods to be used; resolving most of the conflicts that arise; coordinating the work with others as necessary; and, interpreting theory, practice, and policy in terms of established objectives. The Advisor keeps the supervisors informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, and problems with far-reaching implications.

Completed work is considered technically authoritative and is normally accepted without significant change. Review is normally limited to fulfillment of program objectives, and the effect of work on the overall program.

Factor 3, Guidelines:

Guidelines consist of broadly stated and nonspecific policy statements, statutes, court decisions, etc., that require extensive interpretation. The Advisor uses judgment and ingenuity in determining the intent of, and in interpreting and revising existing policy and regulatory guidance for use by others within or outside USAID (e.g., technical experts, Mission staffs, US Embassy officials, and GoAM officials). At this level, the Advisor is recognized as a technical authority in these fields with responsibility for the development of policies and guidance for use by technical specialists, other professional personnel in these sectors.

Factor 4, Complexity:

The work, the majority self-generated, is characterized by broad and intensive efforts involving a variety of complex economic and private sector projects or problems where the controlling theory and practices are largely undefined, or where the methods and practices are extensively affected by fluctuating conditions. The Advisor serves as the designated authority over studies and activities involving a full range of situations, requiring the development of new or refined methods. Decisions regarding what needs to be done are complicated by the extreme diversity of Mission sectoral programs/projects and their related systems, conflicting requirements inherent in issues when addressing major Mission and USG programs, the intense publicity focused on country-wide issues, and/or the need to establish criteria when advising other professionals on the application of economic and private sector principles and practices.

Factor 5, Scope and Effect:

The purpose of the work is to plan, develop, and carry out vital agency economic growth including private sector programs. Three major functional patterns characterize the work activities: the Advisor provides the leadership and direction for major economic growth and private sector programs established to gather, analyze, interpret, and publish a large array of information on Armenia; amends, adapts, or conceptualizes policies and/or practices that may have significant impact on the well-being of Armenians at all levels of society; and, furnishes advice and counsel on important decisions that impact the planning and execution of USAID and USG economic and private sector policy.

The work affects the consideration of major aspects of crosscutting USAID and USG programs/projects; the work of other technical offices, NGOs, implementers, GoAM personnel; important Mission goals and programs; and/or, the well-being of substantial numbers of people. Recommendations often result in official USAID and USG positions, or affect substantial program resources.

Factor 6, Personal Contacts:

The persons contacted include high-ranking officials from outside USAID, including GoAM officials of Ministerial rank and high-level politicians in highly unstructured settings. Contacts include high-ranking officials of other donor countries and multilateral organizations, both within Armenia and at international meetings. Typical of contacts at this level are those with high-level representatives of other countries, presidents or CEOs of large national or international firms, etc.

Factor 7, Purpose of Contacts:

The purpose of contacts is to justify, defend, negotiate, or settle matters involving significant or controversial issues involving far-reaching economic/private sector matters, often in situations where the people contacted have diverse viewpoints, goals, or objectives – requiring the Advisor to achieve a common understanding of the problem, and a satisfactory solution, by convincing them, arriving at a compromise, or developing suitable alternatives. Typical of such contacts is negotiating important milestones or timetables; influencing or persuading the GoAM, other donors, and NGOs to use changed technologies about which there may be conflicting opinions; representing the Mission on highly sensitive and controversial topics; justifying the feasibility and desirability of plans or proposals that significantly affect GoAM practices; etc.

II. QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria. Reference checks will seek to corroborate candidate self-assessments against these criteria.

A. Education (10 points): A minimum of masters Degree in the field of Economics, Business Administration, International Marketing, Corporate Finance, International Trade and Finance, or related subject is required.

Training in the areas of economic governance policies (tax policy, trade and investment policy, policies and regulations re quality, health, and safety standards, business registration and licensing) is a plus.

Strong technical emphasis or specialization in the areas of enterprise development (cluster competitiveness and value chain development), trade and investment, business services, and/or SME access to finance is desired.

B.

Economic/private sector development experience and knowledge (40 points): The incumbent is required to have a minimum of 15 years of economic/private sector experience – including at least 10 years experience as a program advisor/project manager with large International Organizations overseas. Experience in the NIS region and familiarity with regional development issues is preferable.

Knowledge of policy issues, project management, performance monitoring and reporting, and procurement policies and procedures are required in the relevant field.

A thorough understanding of major economic and private sector challenges frequently faced by transition economies and hands-on experience is required.

Experience in forming and managing public-private partnerships is highly desirable.

Previous experience in developing/transitioning economies managing or implementing enterprise development activities and expanding SME’s access to finance is desired.

Broad experience in the areas of business development services, enterprise development (cluster competitiveness, value chain development, etc.), business advocacy, and private sector growth-enabling economic policies is highly desired.

C.

Communication skills (15 points): Demonstrated communications skills are critical. Candidate must be fluent in English and have a proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including in preparation of technical reports and presentations and briefings.

The applicant should have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and deliver authoritative, persuasive oral presentations to senior USG officials from multiple agencies, other donors, GOAM, and local governments.

The applicant must also have the ability to explain economic growth/private sector program policies, objectives and procedures and their application to Armenia context.

In the same vein, the candidate must be able to transmit and interpret host country government and non-governmental sector program-related concerns to senior USAID officials and Mission management.

D.

Abilities and Skills (35 points): Proven, demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed upon parameters with minimal supervision or guidance and while exercising sound judgment is required.

The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional and interagency bureaucratic challenges while maintaining collaborative relations.

Experience in initiating and brokering policy dialogue and work plan development and bringing such dialogue with senior government officials, policy makers, NGOs and private sector representatives to closure is required.

Strong interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain these collaborative relations with counterparts both inside and outside of USAID.

The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skill in the analysis of business, lending, public policy, and market-related data for decision making.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to manage more than one activity at a time in the performance of project/activity management.

The Mission is seeking a self-starter to be responsive to client needs with the ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and adapt to the existing management team.

Maximum points available: 100 III. TERM OF PERFORMANCE/Compensation:

The base term of the contract will be for 2 years with a possible extension contingent on availability of funds, USG requirements and incumbent performance. The position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS 15. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform at the GS-15 equivalent level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be at less than the GS 15 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees, will be added.

IV. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES:

The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a background security clearance and a worldwide available medical clearance.

The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency.

Details on how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit clearance and security clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

V. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore US PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

A. BENEFITS:

Employee's FICA Contribution

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Annual Salary Increase

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (if applicable) B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

Post Allowance (Section 220)

Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

Post Differential (Chapter 500)

Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

Danger Pay (Section 650)

Educational Allowance (Section 270)

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Educational Travel (Section 280)

C. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

VI. APPLYING

Qualified individuals are requested to submit:

1. A completed and signed U.S. Government Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171 available at the USAID websites: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal offices (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail). Applicants are encouraged to include additional pages to OF-612 to provide complete information on their work experience;

2. A curriculum vitae and a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria;

3. A relevant writing sample, minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages;

4. Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance (if possible for the last ten years), and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

5. Applications may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing time and date to:

Narine Sarkisian

Acquisition Specialist

USAID/Armenia

1 American Avenue Yerevan 0082, Armenia

Fax: + (37410) 46-47-28 Or e-mail:

nsarkisian@usaid.gov and ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. Applications received after the submission date and time shall be considered late and will not be considered for award. Equipment failures by the applicant networks or potential employer are not acceptable reasons for late submission.

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. The selection will be based on the panel evaluation of the applicants vis-à-vis selection criteria mentioned previously. Only qualified candidates meeting all the requirements for the position will be contacted. Applicants should also note that the salary history for the purpose of the OF-612 is the salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the forms. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position.

USAID reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation.

Point of Contact:

Narine Sarkisian, USAID/Armenia Acquisition Specialist, nsarkisian@usaid.gov VII. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/

1. Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS 1843 and DS 1622 Forms).**

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). **

** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VIII. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCS

1. 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.

2. 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.

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