Solicitation Governance Advisor.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

267-11-002

ISSUANCE DATE:

November 24, 2010

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

December 15, 2010 / 17:00 Baghdad Time

POSITION TITLE:

Governance Advisor

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, USAID/Iraq Democracy and Governance Office

I. INTRODUCTION

Under the supervision of the Director of the Democracy & Governance Office in USAID/Iraq, the Governance Advisor will serve as the USAID Missions’ lead on all issues and programs pertaining to Iraq’s Council of Representatives (COR). The overall DGO portfolio includes programs that focus on: 1) local governance capacity building, 2) electoral processes, 3) parliamentary strengthening; 4) conflict mitigation; 5) access to justice; and 6) community-driven development. The selected candidate will serve as Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) and Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR) for the 3.5 year Legislative Strengthening Program (LSP). The funding levels for the LSP are estimated between 40 Million and 80 Million dollars. The incumbent will ensure that LSP continues to support US policy objectives in Iraq.

The Governance Advisor 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 assistance activities of other US Government agencies and the US Embassy, and for ensuring that the design and implementation of all USAID democracy activities are fully coordinated with international organizations and donors active in these areas, as well as Government of Iraq institutions.

As requested, the Governance Advisor may be expected to serve as the control officer for House Democracy Partnership congressional and staff delegations traveling to Iraq to meet with COR members.

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.

Iraq’s Council of Representatives (COR) is an emerging institution and is approaching a crucial phase in its development. In the recently concluded term of the COR, Iraq witnessed the passage of crucial pieces of legislation including the Provincial Powers, Civil Society and Elections Laws as well as the 2010 Budget.

Established at the request of the Council of Representatives’ senior leadership in 2008, USAID’s Legislative Strengthening Program (LSP) 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.

The LSP team of international and Iraqi professionals are building the capacity of the members and staff of the COR to debate laws in a formal constructive environment, form and run parliamentary committees, analyze and properly consider proposed legislation, improve the functioning of the COR’s Presidency Council, improve the ability of parliament to oversee the executive branch, review and analyze the national budget, and bring the national government closer to constituents in the provinces.

The resources of this USAID technical assistance program are focused on six standing committees, the secretariat, the research section, and the media and public affairs operations. The program will also provide intensive introductory training to the newly elected members.

The Legislative Strengthening Program concluded its first year with significant programmatic achievements – including support of Iraq’s first public hearing to discuss pending legislation and increasing the capacity of the COR to conduct budget analysis and oversight. In the upcoming year, the program will continue to focus on capacity building as well as to facilitate a smooth transition during the critical transfer from the first to the second parliament.

III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Advisor’s major duties and responsibilities include:

1.

Program Management

a. Primarily manages USAID technical assistance to strengthen the COR including: determination of 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 COR’s needs.

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

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

e. He/she may also be called upon, from time to time, to manage other activities within the Democracy/Governance portfolio.

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

2.

Program Design

Design and procure follow-on and new start instruments in 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 & Governance Office, senior Mission management and staff regarding the formulation of Mission strategy for democratic development and on the management and implementation of all activities to strengthen the COR.

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 development; designing and overseeing the implementation of such analyses or assessments; and following-up as necessary.

4.

Coordination, Technical Advice and Policy Dialogue

a. Participating in, coordinating, or managing USAID inputs into democracy sector assessments conducted in conjunction with other USG agencies, international organizations, or other donors.

b. Serving as the primary USAID liaison on matters pertaining to the COR.

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, the US Congress, the Congressional Research Service, the House Democracy Partnership, the Library of Congress, Iraqi NGOs, local and international organizations, US political party foundations (IRI & NDI), the United Nations and any foreign donors active in legislative strengthening.

IV. SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES

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

1. Education (30 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 three (3) additional years of work experience directly related to representative governance, legislatures or parliaments, the management of legislatures, executive-legislative relations, and legislative oversight of the executive is required. This experience of 3 years will be in addition to the experience listed under item two.

2. Experience (30 points):

A minimum of five years of relevant non-US experience in democracy and governance building is required. At least two years of successful work experience directly related to representative governance, legislatures or parliaments, the management of legislatures, executive-legislative relations, and legislative oversight of the executive 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 also required.

3.

Knowledge and Abilities (30 points):

A thorough knowledge and understanding of economic, political, social and cultural structures as they relate to democratic development specifically in the sector of legislative strengthening and administration and representative governance 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 4/4 (fluent) English written and spoken is required. Knowledge of Arabic language is preferred but not required.

Maximum Points Available: 100

V. POSITION ELEMENTS:

Supervision Exercised: The Advisor may be responsible for directly supervising and mentoring FSN professional and/or administrative staff as designated.

Supervision Received: The Advisor will work under the general supervision and policy guidance of the Democracy and Governance Office Director, USAID/Iraq. The Office Director will review and approve the Advisor’s work plan and performance measures. Supervision will be generally confined to weekly staff meetings and informal daily and/or weekly consultations.

Available Guidelines: The incumbent is required to understand and analyze Mission and Agency‑specific policies and procedures which govern implementation of democracy and governance development activities, in addition to the USAID/Iraq established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect overall support to democracy and governance reform within the Iraq Mission, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders Mission Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID and State Program Strategy and Policy Documents.

Decision Making / Exercise in Judgment: At the full performance level, it is expected that the incumbent will exercise considerable independence and decision making authority in carrying out duties, subject to final review by the Supervisory Democracy Officer.

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

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are with senior management-type persons within and outside USAID, which may include Congressional staff, other U.S. government officials, and government officials from other countries as appropriate, consultants, contractors, grantees, or business executives. As Advisor, he/she will work closely with members of other technical and support offices in the Mission, as well as other USG agencies and the implementing partner(s) for LSP.

Complexity: Analyzes inter-related issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of individual contracts, grants and cooperative agreements. Develops detailed plans, goals, and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of the Legislative Strengthening Program, and/or develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Decisions concerning design, planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating individual democracy and governance development activities are complicated by the difficulty of operating a politically sensitive program within a hostile host-country operating environment. Coordination of contractors requires in-depth knowledge of their individual backgrounds, capabilities and interests.

VI. 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.

VII.

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.

VIII.

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.

IX. APPLYING

Qualified individuals must submit an Optional Form 612 which is available at the USAID websites, 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.

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

PAGE