Solicitation Governance Advisor

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

267-11-000008

ISSUANCE DATE:

April 27, 2011

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

May 18, 2011 / 17:00 Baghdad Time

POSITION TITLE:

Governance Advisor (Civil Society)

MARKET VALUE:

GS-14 ($ 84,697 to $ 110,104) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Thirteen Months with possible extension PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

SECURITY ACCESS: N/A

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

US/Third Country National (TCN) Personal

Services Contractor (PSC)

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Governance Advisor (Civil Society), USAID/Iraq – Democracy and Governance Office

I. INTRODUCTION

The Governance Advisor for Civil Society will serve under the supervision of the Democracy and Governance Office Director, USAID/Iraq, as USAID’s lead on governance programs as assigned. The overall DGO portfolio includes programs that focus on: 1) local governance capacity building, 2) electoral processes, 3) parliamentary strengthening; 4) access to justice; and 5) community-driven development. The Governance Advisor will serve as Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) and Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR) for programs as assigned within the office and supervises and mentors Foreign Service National staff.

The Governance Advisor for civil society will also be responsible for ensuring that Mission democracy activities in his/her areas of responsibility are coordinated with, complementary to, and supportive of the democracy and governance assistance activities of other US Government agencies and the US Embassy, and for ensuring that the design and implementation of all USAID democracy and governance activities are fully coordinated with international organizations and donors active in these areas, as well as Government of Iraq institutions.

II. BACKGROUND:

USAID/Iraq’s Democracy & Governance Office has been at the forefront in providing critical technical and capacity building assistance to Iraq’s governmental institutions. DGO currently has eight agreements/contracts implementing programs that impact five governance areas. These areas are:

Legislative Strengthening Program (LSP) was established at the request of the Council of Representatives’ senior leadership in 2008, and was designed to increase the capacity of the staff and members of the Council of Representatives and to improve institutional oversight of government operations, legislative development and constituency representation. Iraq’s Council of Representatives (COR) is an emerging institution and is at a crucial phase in its development.

Local Governance Program began in 2003 to build local government policy and capacity, and increase citizen participation to facilitate Iraq’s transition to democracy. A new five year program will begin in September 2011 to further build on the previous three phases of local government development.

Community Action Program (CAP) has operated across Iraq since 2003 at the grassroots level to foster citizen involvement and give communities the opportunity to activate their skills and mobilize resources to solve community priorities and local development needs.

Access to Justice Project was established in 2010 and assists vulnerable and disadvantaged populations better understand the Iraqi judicial system, petition GoI offices for rights under the law, and to train legal professionals to provide services to the target population.

Elections Support Program has provided technical assistance to the Independent High Electoral Commission (IHEC) since 2004. The Election Support program focuses on providing long-term technical electoral assistance to the IHEC, strengthening the institution, its responsiveness and implementation capacity. The program provides assistance with drafting elections laws and regulations; voter registration processes and procedures; improved information technology and data; management capabilities; training of national and governorate elections staff; ballot design and production; and election logistics, planning and operations.

In order to ensure proper oversight of the portfolio of programs the DGO office will have a cadre of U.S. Foreign Service Officers, USPSC, Third Country Personal Service Officers, and Iraqi Foreign Service Nationals. USAID is in the process of recruiting FSN staff who will serve at USAID headquarters in Baghdad and in field based positions. The field based FSN staff will assist DGO to monitor and measure the results USAID is achieving through the programs outlined above. The Governance Advisor for civil society will join this team.

III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Advisor’s major duties and responsibilities include:

1.

Program Management

a. Managing USAID technical assistance to strengthen civil society by determining work priorities, making decisions on activity implementation matters, identifying and resolving program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, assigning responsibility for program management and implementation matters to FSN staff and supervising their performance; and assuring that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements.

b. Ensuring that the program supports US policy objectives and are responsive to the Government of Iraq’s needs.

c. Planning, implementing, participating in, commenting upon, or preparing Mission views on evaluations, assessments or audits of Mission governance activities in relevant areas of responsibility.

d. Providing technical advice and recommendations to USAID and its implementing partners regarding the design and implementation of civil society activities planned or carried out in Iraq.

e. Serving as a COTR/AOTR for at least one agreement relevant to civil society and alternate COTR/AOTR of other DGO activities.

f. Other duties as assigned within the Democracy and Governance portfolio.

2.

Program Design

Designing and procuring projects within the Democracy and Governance field in a very fast-paced programming environment, as deemed necessary and appropriate.

3.

Strategy Development

a. Providing analysis, advice and recommendations to colleagues in the Democracy and Governance Office, senior Mission management and staff regarding the formulation of Mission strategy for democratic development and on the management and implementation of civil society activities and other activities that strengthen democracy and governance within Iraq.

b. Participating, as required, in the development of Mission strategic plans, updates to the Operational Plan and other strategic planning and reporting documentation.

c. Determining what additional analyses, assessments, or reviews are required for the development of Mission strategy or activities in the area of civil society; designing and overseeing the implementation of such analyses or assessments; and following-up as necessary.

4.

Coordination, Technical Advice and Policy Dialogue

a. Participating on program design teams to ensure results measurement data is utilized when designing new governance programs and to build into each design standard results framework measurements.

b. Coordinating and managing democracy sector assessments, conflict assessments and other baseline data collection conducted by USAID or in conjunction with other USG agencies, international organizations, or other donors.

c. Maintaining close contact, providing technical advice, and engaging in policy dialogue as appropriate with staff and senior representatives of the Government of Iraq, the Iraq Council of Representatives, the US Embassy Political Section, other USG actors, Iraqi NGOs, local and international organizations, US political party foundations (IRI & NDI), the United Nations and any foreign donors active in civil society development.

d. Liaising with the US Embassy offices and sections, local and international organizations, and donors.

5.

Supervision and Management

a. Supervising FSN staff on their weekly assignments.

b. Mentoring PSC and FSN staff on program management, results measurement, and program oversight techniques.

c. Developing standard reporting systems for staff to ensure regular collection of independent data on the implementation of USAID programs.

d. Ensuring information management systems are updated and utilized on a regular basis.

IV. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

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

1. Education (20 points):

A Master’s graduate degree in law, political science, international development/affairs, public administration, public policy, Middle Eastern regional studies, State Government or a related field.

OR

A BA degree in the same fields above plus five (5) additional years of work experience directly related to one of the following representative governance, civil society support, and local organizational development is required.

2. Experience (35 points):

A minimum of seven years of relevant non-US experience in NGO development, civil society development, and organizational governance is required. First-hand experience working for international donor organizations or international non-governmental organizations, either as an employee or contractor is required. Experience working in dynamic, highly collegial and collaborative working relationships, requiring close consultation, management, and coordination is required. Experience working in multi-lateral development programs, and particularly with officials and technical experts from other countries is required.

3.

Knowledge and Abilities (35 points):

A thorough knowledge and understanding of economic, political, social and cultural structures as they relate to democratic development specifically in the following: representative governance, civil society support, and organizational development are required. Outstanding interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team and build consensus around decisions required.

Knowledge and experience in post-conflict development environments, political economy and/or governance theory and practice is preferred. Understanding of U.S. foreign/national security policy implications for development assistance, especially in post-conflict settings is preferred. Knowledge of development prospects and priorities in the Middle East and Iraq is preferred. Knowledge of Iraqi history and its cultural/work environment is preferred.

4.

Language(10 points):

Level 3/3 (fluent) English written and spoken is required. Knowledge of Arabic language is preferred but not required.

Maximum Points Available: 100 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-14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-14 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-14 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-14 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

Interested applicants MUST submit the following materials:

- Most current Curriculum vitae or resume

- Completed and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). The OF-612 can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/.

- Three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephones and e-mail contacts

- Brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria shown in the solicitation

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position.

Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered.

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.

Points of Contact

Ms. Maka Beradze, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1013; Email: mberadzetdy@usaid.gov or Francisco Santos, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, xt1298; Email: frsantos@usaid.gov

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. 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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