263-19-505 - Intermittent PDO.pdf

·®USAID ~ FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

EGYPT

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-19-505

ISSUANCE DATE: 12/15/2019

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 12/31/2019 at 4:30pm Cairo time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V 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.

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

I A Nady 8 Etisalat Street ( off L.aselki) New Maao1, Cairo, Egypt Postal Codel 1435 ey Contracting Officer

(2-02) 2522-7000 cairomedia@usaid.gov usaid.gov/egypt I #usaidegypt I @usaidegypt

I.

263-19-505

ATTACHMENT 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 263-19-505

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 12/15/2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 12/31/2019 at 4:30 pm Cairo time

4. POSITION TITLE: Project Development Officer, Program Office

5. MARKET VALUE: $106,595 - $138,572 equivalent to GS-15 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Six months work over one year contract This Personal Services Contract is subject to the availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Cairo, Egypt

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens (including Permanent legal residents) & Third Country Nationals [TCNs] Hiring Preference: In order of preference, U.S. Citizens (including Permanent legal residents) offers will be evaluated first and only when it is determined that there is no qualified U.S. Citizens (including Permanent legal residents) that offers from Third Country Nationals (TCN) will be considered. References 309.3.1.10 and 309.3.1.4.

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

11. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Human Resources Office - e-mail at usaidhr@usaid.gov .

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

USAID's program in Egypt, totaling nearly $30 billion since 1978, has directly and fundamentally supported gains such as a reduction in infant and maternal mortality rates, improvement in reading ability in the early grades, and an increase in marketable skills - leading to jobs and lasting prosperity.

USAID's programs in economic growth, governance, health, and education are contributing to stability and prosperity for Egyptians through accessible, effective, and accountable institutions.

With an active portfolio of $545 million, USAID/Egypt manages one of the most complex and politically sensitive development programs in the world. U.S. foreign policy in Egypt advocates for a strong bilateral partnership that helps strengthen the Government of Egypt's (GOE) security and stability, grow its economy, and build democratic institutions. Egypt remains strategically important to the U.S. and has significant influence in the Middle East and Arab North Africa. As such, cohesive and results-focused program development is crucial to USAID's objectives of sustainability and the continuation of a strong U.S. - GOE relationship.

According to current long range planning projections, it is expected that there will be approximately $170 million in new activity and project designs in the near future. Additionally, the Mission expects to re-start its Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) process soon, and will require extensive analytic work to support this five-year strategy aligned with the Integrated Country Strategy and Egypt's Sustainable Development Plan: Vision 2030.

The Mission seeks to increase the capacity of the Program Office project design team to help the Mission evaluate current and emerging socio economic trends, support the Mission's project and activity design across multiple technical portfolios, and position the Mission to re-start its strategic planning for a (CDCS.

It is critical for the incumbent to have an understanding of Egypt's development challenges and operating environment and USAID's project and activity design approaches.

This position will serve as a senior project development officer to the USAID/Egypt Program Office for a total of six month's work over one year's time, on project and activity development for inclusive, expedited, and holistic programming. The incumbent reports directly to the Deputy Director of the Program Office in very close coordination with the technical teams and other relevant support offices.

The incumbent will serve as a senior design lead, advisor, and mentor, providing advice and guidance to the Program Office and design teams. The incumbent's role will be: 1) Serve as a senior project development officer to enhance the capability of the Program Office to support project and activity design processes ensuring effective quality control and technical oversight while also ensuring adherence to USAID policies and procedures; 2) Support strategic planning and the adoption of the Journey to Self-Reliance; and 3) Build the skills of the Program Office staff and design teams in developing and reviewing new activities, making strategic and tactical adjustments and assuring achievement of results.

It is expected that the intermittent senior USPSC PDO position would provide capacity building for the technical teams to support internal design processes, as well as, mentorship to staff in the technical and Program offices in activity and project design.

The nature of the position requires that the individual be highly knowledgeable ofUSAID's development assistance programs in the areas of economic growth, governing justly and democratically, and investing in people.

USAID/Egypt operations are based on a team approach. Thus, the Senior Project Development Officer must demonstrate excellent customer service, communication and interpersonal skills. Flexibility and a pragmatic, results-oriented approach are also essential. Other requirements include sound judgment, cultural sensitivity, and an ability to prioritize the workload and perform well under pressure. Like all other Mission staff, the Project Development Officer will be expected to demonstrate versatility and undertake a variety of both planning and operational assignments.

The incumbent should be a subject matter expert in USAID's Program Cycle to enable more effective interventions and maximize development outcomes, and ensure that Agency and Mission "lens" and "pillars" are integrated into all project and activity designs. S/he is expected to have good judgement when confronted with sensitive issues, and exercise intellectual leadership, operational support, and coordination to achieve synergies within Mission's programming and with other donors.

MAJOR DURTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senior Project Development Officer will carry out the following specific duties:

1. Project and Activity Design (60%)

The Senior Project Development Officer is expected to play a key role in creating, writing, and quality assurance related to the conceptualization, design, documentation, and/or approval of projects and/or activities across USAID/Egypt's portfolio. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Draft Project Appraisal Documents (P ADs) including subsequent activity scopes of work, advising on key components of the PAD such as the development hypothesis;

program/project description; development of objectives, indicators and targets;

performance management plans and project monitoring; monitoring, evaluation and learning planning; development of project budgets and obligation plans; procurement and implementation planning; and USG and USAID legal/policy/regulatory requirements.

• Serve as subject matter expert on developing sound theories of change/development hypotheses, and facilitate the development and refinement of Logical Frameworks for PADs.

• Draft waivers, activity checklists, pre-obligation checklists, and other required pre obligation documents.

• Identify and compile data or analyses needed for the design effort.

• Coordinate project reviews and develop issues papers for review meetings.

• Prepare Action/ Approval memoranda and project authorizations.

• Provide leadership in holistic programming; more peer- and cross-learning; and other contemporary, effective learning techniques and opportunities.

• Advise Mission leadership on critical key issues/constraints affecting USAID/Egypt programs, and provide programmatic management input on high visibility projects.

• Identify and analyze barriers and issues to policy implementation, etc.

• Support the activities' alignment with USG strategic priorities, project-level results frameworks, and the Government of Egypt (GOE) priorities.

• Apply expertise in effective project/activity design principles. Establish and oversee adherence to quality standards for steps and deliverables throughout project and activity development processes. Ensure that these standards reflect Agency requirements, core programming principles, sound development and management practices, and the Mission's strategic and operational priorities.

• Conceptualize and draft scopes of work in detailed activity designs for solicitation and procurement of activities.

• Ensure USAID/Egypt's projects and activities consider local systems and promote local ownership, and innovative thinking.

• Provide expertise on budgeting of foreign assistance resources and apply an understanding of budget cycle and resource management processes including legislative requirements to optimally align activity and project budget resources with Mission priorities and policy objectives. Analyze budget data in order to propose budget solutions to pipeline issues, changes in the country context, USG priorities and programmatic performance.

• Promote cross-sectoral collaboration within DO teams, including collaboration with host country and inter-agency priorities.

• Support and advocate for donor coordination and strategic engagement to leverage Mission development resources with external partners, including non-traditional partners.

• Prepare options for negotiation with GOE technical ministries. This requires excellent problem-solving skills to resolve unforeseen complications.

• Assist technical teams in strengthening engagement with private sector actors and in pursuing greater Egyptian contribution and ownership in assistance programs to further Egypt's Journey to Self-Reliance and the strategic objectives outlined in USAID/Egypt's Priorities Paper.

2. Strategic Support (25%)

• The incumbent may also provide guidance and assistance to various phases of strategy development.

• Support the adoption and operationalization of the Journey to Self-Reliance vision.

3. Staff Mentoring (10%)

• Mentor Program Office staff and members of designs teams: Provide advice, guidance and on-the-job training across the full range of conceptualization, technical, administrative and procedural issues and activities as needed by staff as it relates to the planning and implementation of an effective program, as well as professional development for Program Office staff.

• Prepare recommendations for implementation of new processes, systems, procedures or organizational change; and assists in monitoring the implementation of new processes, procedures and systems as related to helping the Program Office function more efficiently and effectively.

• Support the training of both new and local Program Office personnel in the application of new processes, systems, and procedures. Involving staff extensively in the work of the unit, exposing them to increasing levels of responsibility, substance and independence.

3. Other Duties (5%)

• Undertake Other Activities as Appropriate: From time to time, the incumbent may be required to perform certain other duties relevant to this position that is not specifically described above. Such additional duties as assigned by the Program Office Director or designee are considered inherent to the position as well as the smooth functioning of the Program Office.

• As applicable, coordinate support the Program Office with mandated planning reports to Washington such as the annual Operational Plan (OP), Mission Resource Request (MRR), Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ), and Congressional Notifications.

POSITION ELEMENTS:

1. Exercise Judgment: The incumbent's responsibilities include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of leadership, judgment, decision-making, teamwork, and communications management. The knowledge, methods and techniques from the project/program management field are well defined, but require choices or alternate courses of action. They provide opportunity for adaptation and the exercise of judgment and interpretation in their application. Experienced judgment is required to analyze, interpret, and adapt prior experience, and to be innovative in order to successfully advance the results framework objectives.

2. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

3. Supervisory Relationship: The position does not have any supervisory responsibility.

4. Supervisory Controls: Incumbent will report to the Program Office Deputy Director, but the incumbent is expected to work independently in carrying out responsibilities.

5. Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (F AH), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), AID Acquisition Regulation (AID AR), 22CFR226, Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. In addition, the incumbent will have to absorb, comprehend and apply relevant GOE regulations, guidelines, and restrictions.

6. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent's contacts are with GOE officials, other development agencies, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, and U.S. and local implementing partners, the private sector, and local and international media. Assists the Mission to leverage USAID resources with other development agencies, and pursue more alliances with companies, foundations, etc. and seek greater Egypt contribution and ownership in assistance programs.

7. Scope & Effect The work ofthis position will have a wide-ranging impact on the design, direction, monitoring and evaluation and success of USAID development assistance programs and projects in Egypt. This in tum will help determine the degree of success and sustainability the U.S. Government's development program has in the country. In addition, as a trainer and mentor, the incumbent will impact the careers and work of a number of USAID/Egypt employees.

8. Other Requirements: The incumbent must be:

- Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required/necessary;

and,

- Able to obtain and maintain a security clearance and a Dept. of State medical clearance within a reasonable amount of time after being selected.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

All candidates must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be screened accordingly, and only those that meet the below, required criteria, will be moved forward in the recruitment process.

1. Education: (10 points) The successful candidate must have at least a Bachelor Degree in International Development, Program Management or related field. A graduate degree in a development field, international affairs, public relations or related area is desirable but not required.

2. Prior Work Experience: (30 points) Minimum of 15 years' experience, including senior leadership and management in a large organization as well as in program and project design, and or bilateral/multilateral assistance programs / organizations is required. Experience working in Egypt is desirable not required.

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III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

Upon closing of the solici tation, a committee will convene to review the applications. Applicants & experience requirements, listed above in Section II, will be scored and wing selection factors:

who meet the education ranked based on the follo

1. Education: (10 points) The successful candidate Program Management or must have at least a Bachelor Degree in International Development, related field. A graduate degree in a development field, international affairs, public relations or related area is desirable but not required.

2. Prior Work Experie nee: (30 points) Minimum of 15 years' ex organization as well as in perience, including senior leadership and management in a large program and project design, and or bilateral/multilateral assistance s required. Experience working in Egypt is desirable not required. programs / organizations i

3. Language and Writin g Proficiency: (15 points) Outstanding written Engli sh and communications skills, analytical ability, and editorial skills are

Arabic is an asset. necessary. Knowledge of

4. Abilities and Skills: (2 5 points) The Senior Program Advi sor must have a demonstrated ability to exercise sound, independent, d; mentor junior officers and FSNs. Strong written and editorial skills o work in fast-paced environment and have strong sense of teamwork he incumbent must also have displayed an ability to work professional judgment an are a must. Must be able t and interpersonal skills. T collaboratively.

5. Knowledge: (20 point Thorough knowledge of i on project design. S/he m

s) nternational affairs, U.S. foreign policy; demonstrated ability to work ust have and demonstrate knowledge of aid and development effectiveness principles and supports donor coordination and assists in U.S. government interagency coordination to achieve common USG objectives.

Selection Factors Scoring Percentage Education 10%

Prior Work Experien ce 30%

Language and Writin g Proficiency 15%

Abilities & Skills 25%

Knowledge 20%

TOTAL 100%

* As per detail s reflected under Qualifications above.

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A U.S. citizen (including Permanent legal residents) or Third Country National

[TCN].

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a "Facility Access" Security Clearance.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a State Department Medical Clearance for assignment to Cairo, Egypt. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Clearance will be provided.

4. Complete Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Training before arriving in Cairo.

IV. APPLYING

Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:

• Signed Form AID 309-2, Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (available at http://www.usaid.gov/formsD

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form AID 309-2 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc.

• Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV /resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

• Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

• Applicants also must address the above Section III, EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS, in a summary statement to be included in the application.

This summary statement, limited to two pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The summary statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

• Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11.

• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

• Shortlisted applicants are invited for tests and/or interviews during this time frame. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates who are shortlisted for a position are contacted for an interview. Please do not contact HR for a status report on your application once your application has been acknowledged. Interviewed candidates will normally be advised of the outcome of the selection process after a period of about four weeks.

NOTE: Experience and education which exceed the requirements set forth in the position description but which are not directly related to or required in the performance of expected duties WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS illSTIFICATION FOR UPGRADING THE POSITION OR

DESIGNATED SALARY AS SET BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

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

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

2. Application for Federal Employment (AID 309-2)

3. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution (USPSCs only)

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance ( c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation ( e) Annual and Sick Leave

(f) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (USPSCs only)

*Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor' s salary will be subject to employee' s FICA and Medicare contribution.

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu _id= 101

(a) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(b) Sunday Premium Pay, and ( c) Payments during Evacuation/ Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(d) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) when employees spend 4 hours or more anywhere in Egypt, other than Cairo and Alexandria, on official travel.

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC 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," including 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. 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 .