Roving Regional P and T Advisor Statement of Work.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

Roving Regional Programming and Training Advisor

1. Background

a. Summary

The Roving Regional Programming and Training (P&T) Advisor (RA) is a dynamic position that provides expert guidance, support, and leadership to overseas operations, and collaborates across Peace Corps’ countries’ P&T units to develop a body of knowledge, practices, and procedures. The role of the RA is to provide P&T support on an as needed basis to Peace Corps overseas posts and the assigned Region. The RA may be assigned to an overseas post’s P&T team during staffing gaps, for training purposes, for special assignments (post assessments, new country entry, crisis/emergency management, post closure, etc.), and/or for other purposes as determined by Peace Corps. The RA identifies and shares best practices across the Region, participates in posts’ staff regional communication, working groups, and projects, and facilitates the exchange of knowledge and adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

The RA is a senior staff member actively involved in all aspects of Peace Corps’ overseas programming and training activities, ensuring overall Volunteer support, and responding to emergencies to protect the health and well-being of Volunteers, staff, and property.

The RA provides support and mentoring to a P&T unit composed of host country national staff that may include a Training Manager (TM), Program Manager (PMs), Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Regional Manager (RMs), Grant Manager, and/or other staff.

The RA provides support for P&T activities, including program and Volunteer management; training design and management; P&T local staff management and supervision; and policy advice, and guidance. The RA ensures that P&T teams have the skills and support needed to provide high quality Volunteer support and management. The RA works in collaboration with the Country Director (CD) to provide quality responses to Volunteer crime victims, assuring that they are provided with appropriate, timely, and comprehensive support in accordance with established agency guidelines and policies.

The RA also provides training and guidance to all staff, including post leadership, and Volunteers on a variety of policy and post management issues.

The RA reports to, and is supervised by, the Regional Chief of Programming and Training (ChiPT). The duties will be carried out in consultation with the ChiPT, as well as CDs, Directors of Programming and Training (DPTs), PMs, and TMs at overseas posts. The RA will be expected to submit a detailed report to the ChiPT, CD, and DPT (and others, as directed) after each assignment.

b. Location of Assignment

The Contractor will be assigned to various posts throughout the EMA or AF Region on an as-needed basis under the direct supervision of the ChiPT of EMA or AF Region.

The RA will be assigned to a post for all working days of their contract. The RA must travel to the post of assignment and will be expected to physically be present in the commuting area of that post of assignment for the length of that assignment. The PSC will not be assigned to work at/from the United States. The Contractor will not be assigned to work at/from the Peace Corps post/facility in their country of citizenship, if one exists.

This is not a remote work position. Any Peace Corps telework policy that applies to other personal services contractors in the country of assignment also applies to the Contractor.

c. Reference Materials

US Government-wide and Peace Corps-specific laws, regulations, rules, policies, procedures, and guidance. This includes the Peace Corps Manual and associated referenced documents and other guidance published on the Peace Corps Intranet.

All Peace Corps-post specific documents applicable to the position, which may include: Program Plans, Project Status Reports (PSRs), Training Status Reports (TSRs), Volunteer Assignment Descriptions (VADs), Job Specific Requests (JSRs), Initiative Reports (IRs), Quarterly Trainee Requests Submissions (QTRSs), Volunteer Reports and Grants (VRG) reports and the specific development and operational plans of the Host Country Governments, project plans for Peace Corps projects, and the Peace/Country Volunteer Service Handbooks.

Additional materials applicable to the position include the US Department of State’s Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), the US Embassy’s Local Compensation Plan (LCP), Chief of Mission (COM) policies, and US Embassy Management Notices.

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities

Core Functions: Including but not limited to Program and Volunteer Management; Training Design and Management; P&T Local Staff Management and Supervision; and Policy Advice, Guidance, and Representation.

a. Program and Volunteer Management

· Leads and manages the program and training (P&T) staff to ensure quality program design and its implementation and evaluation across all programmatic sectors and their alignment with Peace Corps guidance.

· Provides direction and oversight to manage a variety of post-wide programs/projects critical to the accomplishment of Agency’s mission at post. Reviews, integrates and implements broad program objectives containing complex features undertaken at various in-country sites and locations under diverse conditions.

· Guides coordination between P&T staff and other work units at post to ensure effective strategic planning encompassing difficult and diverse functions or issues that affect critical aspects of the major programs, resource utilization, and safety and security of the Vounteers and Trainees.

· Ensures P&T managerial staff focus on capacity building and sustainability in community-based development.

· Liaises with Peace Corps/Washington Headquarters (HQ) on P&T matters. Prioritizes program elements; monitors program design; analyzes situations/problems requiring deviations and develops solutions to assure program objectives are met.

· Ensures effective strategic planning encompassing difficult and diverse functions or issues that affect critical components of overseas post programs and resource utilization. Ensures standardized application of program policies, methods and procedures for post-wide program management.

· Serves as an expert on policy interpretation and implementation related to design and management of post programs and other pertinent programmatic matters. Provides oversight and control on reporting requirements, program procedures and milestones.

· Assesses program effectiveness or the improvement of complex program and management processes and systems encompassing difficult and diverse functions or issues that affect critical aspects of major Peace Corps programs at post.

· Works with CD and Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and other staff to establish P&T systems that maximize the safety and security of Volunteers and Trainees in accordance with agency policies and guidelines.

· In collaboration with SSM and other staff, develops policies and procedures addressing safety and security issues related to site identification and preparation; host family and counterpart selection and orientation; and training site management. Ensures that established policies and procedures are followed and criteria are met.

· Ensures staff provide appropriate support to Volunteers and Trainees dealing with cross-cultural adjustment issues.

· Coaches and mentors P&T staff in their support, management and evaluation of Volunteers and Trainees including issues of diversity, gender and culture.

· Provides Volunteer support by overseeing and coordinating comprehensive volunteer program activities; and establishing both short and long range plans as a recognized program authority and advisor to top-level agency managers.

· Supports Volunteer Committees (Service Improvement Committee, Peer Support Network, etc.) through the establishment of bylaws and roles of the committees and providing oversight to meetings.

· Coaches Volunteers to be effective in their work and achievement of the Peace Corps goals.

· Develop a team approach to Volunteer and Trainee issues, and support P&T staff in their management of Volunteers and Trainees.

· Acts as duty officer, as needed, aware, knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of incidents involving Volunteers and/or Trainees and any other safety and security incident, including suspicious persons or situations.

· Assists CD, SSM and others to prepare for and respond to incidents and crises impacting Volunteers and/or Trainees and Peace Corps operations.

· Monitors the progress of priority and/or high visibility projects. Keeps post and host-country leadership informed of progress through the review of reports, programming documents, funding status, and other significant information impacting program. In coordination with post management, headquarters and host country stakeholders, initiates required corrective actions to avoid anticipated or actual problems detrimental to the program.

b. Training Design and Management

· Leads and manages the training staff to ensure quality design, implementation and evaluation of all Volunteer and Trainee training programs and alignment with Peace Corp guidance.

· Ensures that language, cultural, security and technical learning objectives are linked to project goals and meet the needs of Volunteers and the expectations of host country counterparts.

· Provides expert assistance and leadership in defining and continuously improving the country program's approach to training design, delivery and evaluation ensuring compliance with agency standards.

· Provides oversight and direction to plan and deliver training over the 27-month continuum of service of a Peace Corps Trainee/Volunteer.

· Ensures that current and innovative processes, as well as agency best practices, are used in developing training objectives, competencies, and sessions. Develops strategies and plans the training, coaching, and capacity building of P&T staff to be competent presenters, trainers, and facilitators of adult learning methodologies.

· Provides training to staff on adult learning principles and effective participatory methods for training Americans and creates a culture of continuous improvement in training methods and techniques.

· Facilitates or co-facilitates sessions in pre-service and in-service training sessions/seminars.

· Conducts extensive planning and data analyses activities in overseeing the design and evaluation of training processes, including workshops, seminars, and conferences.

· Serves as a recognized program and training authority, advises top-level agency managers on complex international volunteer programs.

c. P&T Local Staff Management and Supervision

· Works with the CD and the Director of Management and Operations (DMO) to determine staff training and professional development needs.

· When a P&T unit personal services contractor (PSC) position is vacant, under the direction of an Overseas Contracting Officer (OCO), participates in the development of the position’s Statement of Work (SOWs), minimum requirements, and evaluation criteria; participates (sometimes as the technical evaluation leader) in the evaluation of applicants according to the specified criteria; and recommends the top-ranked candidate following evaluation for selection by the OCO. Follows procurement integrity requirements and follows through on all documentation requirements for the contracting action in a timely manner. Once the new P&T unit PSC staff member has begun, leads their training process.

· May handle supervisory duties for P&T staff during periods when properly delegated such duties (see Statement of Work Sections 2.g-h and 4, below).

· Either in coordination with the P&T staff member’s Supervisor, establishes work plans and contributes to the evaluation of the performance of P&T staff.

· Designs and coordinates the delivery of training and professional development opportunities to meet assessed needs of the P&T staff.

· Provides leadership in developing a collegial and teamwork-oriented atmosphere to help facilitate unit cohesion activities, develop cross-cultural skills, communication skills, and other relevant workforce skills for programming and training staff.

· Guides the P&T staff in the monitoring and evaluation of projects and training, and in demonstrating impact in status reports.

· Leads the P&T staff in developing, maintaining and implementing site development and selection processes to address infrastructure, medical, safety, security, and other project-specific relevant criteria.

· Ensures effective communication and coordination between P&T staff and administrative, medical, and safety and security staff.

· Drafts the budget for P&T activities and monitors these expenditures throughout the fiscal year.

· Ensures P&T staff adherence to equal opportunity objectives and nondiscriminatory practices in regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information.

· Develops plans for implementing short and long-range program goals at post, and directs diverse organizational functions affecting critical aspects of major agency programs.

d. Policy Advice, Guidance and Representation

· Provides advice and guidance to the CD to ensure that program and training strategies are consistent with Peace Corps and US Government policies.

· Communicates Agency requirements to explain and build post staff support for Agency initiatives.

· Collaborates with post staff to develop, review, revise and enforce post policies such as site development, Volunteer Action Committee support and the Emergency Action Plan.

· Liaises and communicates with US government partners to request project funding, (e.g., Small Project Assistance (SPA), The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), Feed the Future (FtF), etc.), ensures proper use and management of project funds, and produces reports as needed.

· Provides guidance that requires extensive interpretation for many different and unrelated program processes and methods.

· Leads analytical efforts and provides policy guidance that requires extensive interpretation for many different and unrelated program processes, policies and methods.

· Supports the CD in representing and promoting Peace Corps relationships with host country government officials and local authorities, representatives of non-governmental organizations and other persons of influence in country's development efforts.

· Serves as an authoritative representative on post programs, Volunteer management and trainings, and at meetings, briefings, conferences, etc., with officials of other Federal agencies, state, county, and local authorities.

· Assists the CD to foster cooperative relationships with U.S. Mission personnel at post to further Peace Corps goals and ensure the safety of Volunteers.

· Plans and directs operations and liaises with the region and Agency headquarters on critical post P&T matters, and safety and security concerns.

· Provides technical expertise in resolving problems and issues related to substantive mission-oriented programs influencing the development and maintenance of relationships with various volunteer program stakeholders.

e. Operational Support

Supports overall staff activities such as staff retreats for strategic planning and team building according to posts’ needs. As needed, assists post in formulating programming, training and evaluation guidance for strategic planning; leads assessments and evaluations at individual posts to examine current programming, training and operational methods used; and makes recommendations to assist posts in implementing more effective methods.

Contributes to annual Program Plans, PSRs, TSRs, and other relevant programming, training, and evaluation (PTE) system reports, and makes recommendations for resource allocation to meet post needs as aligned with Agency priorities.

Assists posts with the full implementation of Agency monitoring, reporting and evaluation systems, including developing appropriate project plan frameworks, objectives, indicators and assessment tools, implementing the VRG Tool and training staff and Volunteers in its appropriate use.

Proficiently uses Peace Corps Information Technology (IT) systems and software, to include the Intranet, Microsoft 365 (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, etc.), etc. as they carry out their duties.

Submits a detailed report to the ChiPT, CD, and DPT (and others, as directed) after each assignment.

For a US Citizen RA with an Active Top Secret Clearance:

May be temporarily designated as Acting DPT or Act for other P&T staff members in the country of assignment (e.g. TM, PM, etc.), or to carry out some/all of their positions’ duties and responsibilities, when deemed necessary by the ChiPT for the successful management of Peace Corps operations in Country. For example, this could be during periods when those individuals are on leave and/or during lapses of staffing or periods of staffing shortages.

For non-US Citizen RAs or US Citizen RAs without an Active Top Secret Clearance:

May not be temporarily designated as Acting DPT. However, may be temporarily designated to Act for other P&T staff members in the country of assignment (e.g. TM, PM, etc.), or to carry out some/all of their positions’ duties and responsibilities, when deemed necessary by the ChiPT for the successful management of Peace Corps operations in Country. For example, this could be during periods when those individuals are on leave and/or during lapses of staffing or periods of staffing shortages.

f. Safety and Security

Works with CD, DPT, Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and other staff to establish programming and training systems that maximize the safety and security of Volunteers. Assists the CD and DPT in the development and implementation of safety and security policies and procedures, especially in regard to site development, host family and counterpart selection and training site management. Manages the site development process to ensure prospective sites meet established programmatic and safety/security criteria. Assists CD, DPT, SSM and others to evaluate and assess post-specific security concerns and propose mitigating strategies as needed. Assists the CD in managing crises ranging from Volunteer crime incidents and natural disasters to civil unrest and emergency evacuations. Oversees orientation and training for designated host country counterparts. Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles.

g. Inherently Governmental Functions

May be required to perform the following inherently government functions:

Limited supervisory responsibilities: May be designated limited supervisory responsibilities if assigned by the Country Director and with the approval of the Regional Director. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) may only supervise other PSCs. (See MS 732)

h. Other

To the extent the Contractor is allowed to operate a U.S. government owned, leased, or rented vehicle (GOV) to perform their job duties, the Contractor must operate that vehicle safely at all times and only operate it for official business purposes as defined in 31 USC 1334 and Peace Corps Manual Section (MS) 522 Motor Vehicle Use and Insurance. The Contractor must also follow any post-specific policy/policies on the use of GOVs – including complying with any medical and/or training requirements the policy/policies specify.

The Contractor is encouraged to refrain from texting or from engaging in any behavior that distracts attention from driving safely at any time. Except in an emergency situation, Contractor shall not text message (i) when driving a GOV; (ii) when driving a privately-owned vehicle (POV) while on official government business; or (iii) while using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving any vehicle (even during off-duty hours).

The Contractor is required to follow any workplace health and/or safety rules indicated for their position specified in a Peace Corps policy/policies (whether implemented under a Peace Corps Manual or Procedures/Program thereunder, Interim Policy Statement, a Medical Technical Guideline, a Peace Corps Headquarters official notice, and/or a post-specific Policy or Management Notice) – including complying with any medical and/or training requirements the policy/policies specify.

Provides support for staff members and Volunteers in exceptional circumstances such as country evacuations.

COVID-19 and Other Flexibilities: If there is a time at post, due to the COVID-19 pandemic or for any other reason, when there are limited or no Peace Corps Trainees and/or Volunteers (jointly referred to as “Volunteers”) in the Peace Corps country of assignment, the PSC may be temporarily assigned during that period, as determined by the Peace Corps Country Director, to carry out additional duties and responsibilities in furtherance of the goals of the Peace Corps in order to enhance the ability of Peace Corps Volunteers to perform functions under the Peace Corps Act, including facilitating a safe environment in order for the successful return or increase of Volunteers.

This temporary assignment may require the PSC to provide services and/or support beyond what is listed in their current Statement of Work (SOW). The services and/or support may take many forms, examples of which may include but are not limited to, training, providing administrative, technical, medical, and/or operational assistance, building on host country programs, etc. This temporary assignment also may require the PSC to provide these services and/or support to individuals/organizations other than those listed in their current SOW such as host country government, partner organization(s), community member(s), staff, and/or contractors.

Performs other duties or assignments, when deemed necessary by the ChiPT, for the successful management of Peace Corps operations in the country of assignment.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

The services to be performed shall be subject to the ultimate responsibility and authority of the Peace Corps CD in the country of assignment, who is responsible for all Peace Corps activities in the host country. The RA is a member of the Region’s P&T unit and is supervised by the Regional ChiPT. The personal services contract is administered by the cognizant Contracting Officer in accordance with the applicable policies and procedures.

The RA has no supervisory responsibilities, except:

· For a US Citizen RA with an Active Top Secret Clearance

· During the periods when designated as Acting DPT, then supervises the PSC staff the DPT is regularly responsible for supervising

· During the periods when designed as Acting for another P&T staff member in the country of assignment with supervisory responsibilities, then supervises the PSC staff that position is regularly responsible for supervising

· For non-US Citizen RAs or US Citizen RAs without an Active Top Secret Clearance:

· During the periods when designed as Acting for another P&T staff member in the country of assignment with supervisory responsibilities, then supervises the PSC staff that position is regularly responsible for supervising During these periods where the RA will Act as Supervisor, their supervisory responsibilities may include the following, among others:

· Assigns and monitors daily, weekly, and monthly work assignments to ensure they are completed properly and before applicable deadlines.

· Monitors time and attendance (to include signing/approving leave requests and/or time sheets if post time keeping policies so require).

· Performs all phases of the formal PSC performance evaluation process (beginning of contract period, mid-contract period, and end-of-contract period).

· Provides and/or advocates for appropriate supervisee training and/or professional development opportunities.

· Works with DPT and DMO to appropriately address any supervisee performance and/or conduct issues which may arise.

4. Level of Effort and Schedule

When on assignment, the schedule will be full-time (averaging a minimum of 8 hours per workday, with 10 workdays in a Pay Period (PP)), with periods of increased work expected while away from the office on in-country travel and during the periods when working in a delegated Acting capacity or handling the duties of post P&T staff. Further, the RA may be required to hold a duty phone and/or to respond to off-hour calls or attend off-hour meetings (i.e., nights, weekends, and holidays) related to their position. The RA is ineligible for additional pay or leave (e.g., paid leave, holiday pay, or overtime pay) for work performed off-hours (i.e., nights, weekends, and holidays) or for hours spent working beyond their minimum work schedule.

The RA will adhere to the standard office schedule specified in the Peace Corps Country Staff Handbook unless otherwise on approved leave or working an approved alternative schedule. The RA is expected to report to work on time and to work diligently on assigned Peace Corps duties and responsibilities during work hours.

5. Minimum Qualifications

· United States (US) Citizenship – may be required for some positions, but not required for others.

· Completing a background investigation and security certification/clearance prior to contract award and maintaining their status throughout the period of the contract. For US Citizens, a Top Secret security clearance is required.

· Completing a medical evaluation and doctor’s note or medical clearance for overseas assignments within the EMA or AFR Region prior to contract award and maintaining their medical status throughout the period of the contract. For US Citizens, a Worldwide Department of State medical clearance is required.

· For US Citizens, obtaining and/or providing proof of having international health insurance coverage (to obtaining and maintaining active registration include coverage for overseas hospitalization) prior to contract award and maintaining the coverage throughout the period of the contract.

· Successfully registering in the System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) prior to contract award and maintaining active registration throughout the period of the contract.

· Receiving payment in US dollars via electronic funds transfer (EFT) throughout the period of the contract.

· Bachelor’s degree in related field.

· Minimum seven years of experience in programming and training activities, such as program design and management; volunteer management; monitoring and evaluation; and policy advice and guidance.

· Minimum five years of experience providing support to international volunteers, students, or interns.

· Minimum five years of experience living and working in transitioning or developing international countries.

· Minimum five years of supervisory experience as a first-level supervisor or higher.

· Minimum three years of experience developing and leading training on relevant topics for multicultural staff, volunteers, interns, or students.

· Minimum two years of experience conducting assessments and preparing written reports.

· Ability to communicate professionally orally and in writing in English.

· Ability to appropriately work in confidential situations.

· Ability to travel to overseas posts for undefined periods of time.