Solicitation Financial Analyst October 2008.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

267-09-003

ISSUANCE DATE:

October 30, 2008

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

November 20, 2008 / 17:00 Iraq Local Time POSITION TITLE: Financial Analyst MARKET VALUE: GS-11 ($48,148 to $62,593)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Thirteen Months with possible extension PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

SECURITY ACCESS: N/A

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

US/TCN Personal Services Contractors

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Financial Analyst, USAID/Iraq Financial Management Office (FMO)

EXPECTED START DATE:

Immediately

I. INTRODUCTION

The incumbent serves as a Financial Analyst under the daily supervision and guidance of the Senior Financial Analyst, USAID/Iraq. Analyzes and advises on: (1) the financial and programmatic aspects of designing, developing, implementing and evaluating USAID program-funded activities, a substantial number of which are large and complex; and (2) the various aspects of USAID/Iraq and contractors’/grantees’ internal operations. Also, designs and conducts financial and operational reviews of host country organizations and other grantees and advises on appropriate steps to be taken to implement and resolve audit findings and recommendations at USAID/Iraq and at contractors’/grantees’ offices.

II.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The employee reports directly to the Senior Financial Analyst. He/she provides financial advice on the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of USAID-financed programs and on various aspects of all internal operations relating to USAID programs. He/she analyzes and makes recommendations on the general financial feasibility of projects, adequacy of program budgets, alternative sources of financing, total costs over the lifetime of programs, and project financial reporting requirements. The incumbent conducts financial and operational reviews of prospective contractors and grantees to determine the adequacy of their accounting systems and internal controls. He/she also assesses their financial status and their ability to perform as envisioned under contracts/grants, providing them with information and assistance on taking necessary measures to meet financial reporting requirements. As one of three Financial Analysts in the USAID Mission, he/she is responsible for providing support to approximately 40% percent of the Mission program portfolio.

a. Provides analysis, advice, and recommendations to Mission program staff (40%): Serves as a member of Strategic Objective teams responsible for approximately half of the Mission’s program activity of over $5 billion spread across a large number of programs and projects. Specifically, this includes financial analysis of proposed program activities, including feasibility from a financial and accounting standpoint and the potential, if any, for loss or misuse of U.S. funds; if applicable, analysis of host government abilities to manage U.S. funds and the presence of host government internal controls; financial analysis of grants and contracts to ensure that they are financially viable and conform to required financial controls and procedures; and continuing support to contracts and grants after they have been awarded to ensure that, from a financial and accounting standpoint, law and regulations are being observed, performance requirements of the contracts and grants are being met from a financial standpoint, and required reports are being submitted in a timely and accurate manner. Provides analysis and financial input to program budget development and monitors program budget execution. Periodically reviews the adequacy of current funding, and the preparation and submission of required internal reports for mission managers and external reports to USAID/W and the U.S. Congress.

b. Monitors the financial performance of and provides analysis, advice, and recommendations to current and potential USAID contractors and grantees (35%): Through direct contact with current and potential USAID contractors and grantees, including site visits to activities in the field whenever the security situation permits, analyzes and provides advice and recommendations on financial aspects of program implementation activities including conducting pre- and/or post-award financial management training to recipient staff and Mission’s Locally Engaged staff. Reviews and assesses program activities on the ground to determine whether they generally match the flow of funds being provided to contractors/grantees. Provides advice and assistance on program-related financial management and accounting, establishment and maintenance of internal controls, and preparation and timely submission of required reports. Follows-up on identified deficiencies to ensure that they have been corrected. In general, he/she serves as the Mission’s primary point of contact with assigned contractors and grantees on financial matters, and as such must remain fully informed on their current activities.

c. Other activities (25%): Maintains appropriate office financial files in areas of his/her responsibility; ensures financial data is properly included in financial software programs, reports, and other documentation; provides analysis of audit findings and recommends appropriate responses and tracks audit recommendations through final action; participates in the assessment of Mission internal control procedures and in internal meetings and other activities of the USAID Mission and the U.S. Embassy relevant to areas of his/her responsibility. Assists in providing adequate and substantive training for the FSN Financial Analyst.

d. Performs other duties as required.

III.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

Education (10 Points): The successful candidate must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in a relevant major (accounting, business management and/or finance). Advanced studies (master’s degree) and coursework in a related field is preferred but is not required. An additional four years of experience or two years of non-degree coursework may be substituted for a master’s degree.

Experience (25 Points): A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting, or auditing, or financially-oriented business management. A minimum of three years experience in financial management environment of an international organization is required since the successful candidate must be ready to immediately evaluate USAID financial management policies, procedures and systems.

Language Proficiency (15 Points): S4/R4 ability (fluent) in English is required. Skill in written English is particularly important. Knowledge of Arabic would be useful but is not required.

Knowledge (20 Points): A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology as well as the principles and accepted practices of governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. A thorough knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management is required. A thorough knowledge of how USAID projects are designed, developed, implemented and evaluated is highly desired. General knowledge of development project planning and implementation procedures is desirable. Familiarity with management of development and humanitarian programs is desired.

Skills and Abilities (25 Points): Must be able to make independent judgments and recommendations on institutional capabilities and the adequacy of accounting systems and controls. Candidate must possess the ability to operate in the heavy workload/high stress environment of a very large mission with unusually diverse and exceptionally complex projects. Must be able to obtain and analyze a variety of privileged information and assess its relative reliability and value. A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in representing the USG are essential elements of the position given the sensitivity of USG policy in the region.

Must be able to collect and present facts and recommendations in a clear, concise manner, both orally and in writing. The ability to conduct a broad range of difficult and complex financial analyses and reviews and prepare written reports of findings and recommendations is essential.

Possess a strong ability to detect the financial strengths and weaknesses of projects. Individual initiative and resourcefulness are required on a regular basis to conceptualize work, identify and analyze the critical aspects of each assignment, and determine the basic approach and specific techniques to be applied.

Ability to work on a team and to maintain cordial and professional relationships with USAID staff and external partners in various locations is essential. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to support Mission staff with program implementation are necessary. Must be able to develop and maintain contacts with high level officials of public and private institutions. Demonstrated ability to work in teams and commitment to the team mode of operation, with proven organizational and administrative skills are required.

IV.

POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision Received: Incumbent works under the daily supervision of the Senior Financial Analyst.

Available Guidelines: USAID, Department of State, Treasury and OMB Regulations and Handbooks; Controller’s Guidebook; Comptroller General Decisions; Code of Federal Procurement Regulations.

Supervision Exercised: May provide technical guidelines to other staff in the Controller’s office and is the Acting Senior Financial Analyst when the incumbent is absent.

V.

TERM OF PERFORMANCE / COMPENSATION

Within two weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances, including medical and security clearances, have been received, or unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the contractor shall proceed to the Washington, D.C. area for mandatory pre-deployment training and orientation, and then directly to Baghdad, Iraq, where s/he shall promptly commence performance of the duties specified above. The term of the contract will be for approximately thirteen months (including the mandatory training period in Washington, D.C.), with a period of service of one year at post.

The position has been classified at a GS-11 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-11 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-11 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 minimum salary in the GS-11 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. Illustratively, these may include 35% Post Differential, 35% Danger Pay, 5% Sunday Differential, and a Separate Maintenance Allowance, if applicable (Iraq is a no-dependent post).

The employees serving in Iraq are authorized three short regional rest breaks and two Rest and Recuperation (R&R) breaks per year, or, alternatively, three R&R breaks and no regional rest breaks. Twenty days of administrative leave are provided per year in addition to annual leave and may be taken during these rest breaks.

USAID will provide furnished housing and three meals per day within the guarded and fortified International Zone in Baghdad.

VI.

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 will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

VII.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a US/TCN PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident-Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.)

A. BENEFITS:

Employer's FICA Contribution

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

Post Allowance (Section 220)

Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Education Allowance (Section 270)

Education Travel (Section 280)

Post Differential (Chapter 500)

Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

Danger Pay (Section 650)

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

VIII. APPLYING

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. government Optional Form 612 which is 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. Resumes may be attached to the OF-612 and applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria.

The application, summary statement, or cover letter must list at least three references and provide current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

iraquspscjobs@usaid.gov

All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. 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. 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. The OF-612 applications must be signed.

Point of Contact

Ms. Maka Beradze, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1013; Email: mberadzetdy@usaid.gov or Saran Bamba Camara, Human Resources Manager, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1298; Email: scamaratdy@usaid.gov Fax (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1209

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

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

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)**

3. AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action)**

4. SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)**

5. FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 ach**

6. AID 610-14 (Authority for Release of Information)**

7. AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)**

8. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended**

9. Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974**

** Forms 2 through 9 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Note: The selected individual shall be required to obtain a security clearance.

2. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING

TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC)

AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

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