Solicitation Sr. Program Advisor.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

267-11-000009

ISSUANCE DATE:

May 10, 2011

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

May 31, 2011 / 17:00 Baghdad Time

POSITION TITLE:

Senior Program Advisor

MARKET VALUE:

GS-15 ($ 99,628 to $ 129,517) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Intermittent PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

SECURITY ACCESS: Secret Clearance

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

US Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Senior Program Advisor, USAID/Iraq Program Office

I. INTRODUCTION

The Senior Program Advisor (on an intermittent basis) will work in the Mission’s Program Office and will contribute to assisting the Program Office in achieving its functional purpose. This position reports to the Director of the Program Officer, working in close collaboration with the Program Development and Monitoring & Communications Team Leaders. S/he is responsible for a variety of standard USAID Program Office functions, with a focus on developing a Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), working closely with sector teams, members of other U.S. Agencies, Government of Iraq Officials, and the donor agencies. In addition, s/he will assist with program/project development, operational planning and reporting, program coordination and support, and budgeting. S/he plays an important quality assurance role, advising technical teams on Agency and Mission policies, procedures, and guidelines related to program strategy, planning, design, implementation, budgeting and management (including monitoring and evaluating).

The Senior Program Advisor will directly support the Director and two Team Leaders of the Program Office in managing USAID/Iraq’s transition to post-conflict strategic planning and programming. The position offers challenges and opportunities that are unique in the world as USAID transitions to a civilian-led diplomatic and development presence in Iraq. The current program budget is approximately $300 million, funding programs in Democracy and Governance, Economic Growth and Agriculture and Capacity Building (education and health). The ideal candidate will have proven track record with developing strategic plans, comprehensive understanding development assistance and program management and budgeting expertise. The Senior Program Advisor will report to the Director of the Program Office.

The Senior Program Advisor will work intermittently with the Program Office, coming to the Mission for periods of three to six weeks for a total not to exceed six months over a one year period (4-5 trips). The incumbent would coordinate his/her schedule (timing and duration) with the Director of the Program Office.

II. DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent will serve as the principal USAID/Iraq mission advisor for the analysis, planning, budgeting, design, justification and approval of the USAID/Iraq CDCS. Work involves: study and analysis of Iraq or regional development status and potential; economic analysis; strategic budget planning and analysis; a thorough evaluation of the interrelated roles of the various program sector components in the development process of the country; application of a broad knowledge of U.S. Government and USAID regulations and procedures; and, program and sector planning and design based on a comprehensive understanding of U.S. and cooperating country development needs and objectives (including Iraq’s National Development Plan). The Senior Program Advisor will use his/her program and project development knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience to manage the following responsibilities:

Strategic Program Development and Design

1. Lead the development of USAID/Iraq’s CDCS. Serves as the Mission’s point person on initiatives, guidance, foreign assistance reform, etc., related to the creation of the CDCS and serves as the lead facilitator, working as a member of the Program Office team. Coordinate brainstorming sessions, technical reviews, inter-agency consultations, and outreach efforts to develop consensus for a new strategic direction. Liaise with the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist and technical teams to identify necessary evaluations and assessments to support strategic planning. Facilitate the development of concept papers, option papers, and other strategic planning documents that can feed into an overall CDCS for Iraq. Review and advise the Mission on new guidance for developing the CDCS.

2. Advise mission management in the preparation of USAID/Iraq’s inputs to the Operational Plan (OP), Performance Plan and Report (PPR), and Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ). Ensure that technical teams and other offices understand OP/PPR/CBJ guidelines and procedures; coordinate sections and tasks to technical teams and support offices as needed; review and edit draft narratives to ensure quality control and compliance with relevant guidance; and facilitate meetings to resolve issues, reach agreement on priorities, and review final drafts.

3. Provide expert advice on USAID and Mission-specific processes and requirements for design and formal approval of all new amended projects and activities. Contribute to the planning and design of strategies, new projects or activities, amendments, environmental and gender considerations, and related statements of work or program descriptions. Advise technical staff on the preparation of activity approval documents and procurement requisition packages, including the approval memo, waivers, checklists, and other required documentation. Review and arrange to review proposals for new projects or activities or unsolicited proposals, as needed.

4. Work with technical teams and support offices to facilitate the orderly closeout of activities in accordance with Agency and Mission policies and guidelines.

5. Provide technical and programmatic advice in the development of concepts and designs for new and modified activities. Ensure that the activity design process complies with Agency and Mission policies and guidelines. Provide advice on the development and review processes for concept papers and activity approval documents. Advise technical teams on procurement planning and guide them in the preparation of program descriptions, statements of work, government-estimated budgets, and other procurement documents.

6. Assist the Program Office’s Monitoring and Evaluation Unit with integrating strategic planning and project design and development undertaken by the Program Development Team. Analyze and evaluate the planning, design, implementation, results, and accomplishments of program activities for their need, effectiveness, efficiency, and significance.

7. Interpret and provide guidance to mission and Iraqi government officials on the application of U.S. legislation and Agency and mission program planning procedures and requirements; the analysis, design, and planning of program and project proposals; and, the preparation and negotiating of project agreements (including assistance agreements, co-financing agreements and/or MOU’s) and implementation orders.

8. Engage in discussions with representatives of other U.S. Government agencies, international organizations, voluntary agencies, and education and lending institutions participating in assistance programs within the country to ensure coordination of programs, policies, objectives, and priorities.

9. Any other duties as assigned by the Director of the Program Office that furthers the effectiveness and efficiency of the Program Office in carrying out its functions.

III. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: The candidate must have a relevant graduate degree. Relevant majors include economics, political science, government, sociology/rural sociology, public administration, international development, business administration/management, development/area studies, environment and social studies.

Experience: The candidate must have at least twelve years of relevant professional experience, of which eight years is relevant overseas experience. Relevant experience is defined as some combination of experience in developing, managing, evaluating and assessing development programs; performance-based management and budgeting; strategic planning; and project design.

Language Proficiency: The candidate must possess strong written and oral English proficiency.

Knowledge required:

· Demonstrated familiarity with two or more of the following sectors or program areas: democracy and elections; economic governance; institutional development and capacity building; community development; private sector development; agriculture/agribusiness; health; and/or education.

· Demonstrated knowledge of broad cross-cutting issues which can impact on the development of a country such as gender, climate change, food security, internal displaced persons, minority populations and youth.

· Demonstrated understanding of the functioning of a budget cycle process and how to formulate multi-year budgets.

· Demonstrated understanding of the strategy development process.

· Demonstrated understanding of program/project planning, design and implementation.

· In-depth of performance monitoring and evaluation.

· Demonstrated knowledge on how to build alliances with international partners and host country counterparts.

Communication Skills and Abilities: The candidate must show:

· Evidence of effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team.

· Excellent writing and editing skills.

· Ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations.

· Ability to effectively facilitate discussions and/or meetings.

· Evidence of initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables.

Available Guidelines: Incumbent uses USAID’s Automated Directive System, established office procedures, USAID/Iraq and Agency Notices and Mission Orders, Foreign Assistance Reforms, and other guidelines in the performance of duties.

IV.

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 position has been classified at a GS-15 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-15 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 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-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. 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

a. 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 breaks.

b. Two short regional rest breaks and one Rest and Recuperation (R&R) breaks per nine months. Fifteen days of administrative leave are provided per nine months in addition to annual leave and may be taken during these breaks.

c. One short regional rest break and one Rest and Recuperation (R&R) breaks per six months. Ten days of administrative leave are provided per six months in addition to annual leave and may be taken during these breaks.

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

V.

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.

VI.

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.

VII. 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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