Solicitation Notice - Senior Private Sector Advisor.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER 383-08-501: SENIOR PRIVATE SECTOR ADVISOR

USAID Sri Lanka U.S. Personal Services Contractor: Senior Private Sector Advisor

1.

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

383-08-501

2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

August 19, 2008

3.

CLOSING DATE / TIME:

September 10, 2008 (4pm local time)

4.

POSITION TITLE:

Senior Private Sector Advisor (USPSC) 5.

MARKET VALUE:

Equivalent of a GS-14 (no locality base pay rate)

Salary range from $81,093 to $105,420 per annum.

Final compensation will be based on the individual’s salary and work history, experience, educational, background as well as the benefits and allowances provisions in effect for AMEMBASSY

Colombo, the post of assignment.

6.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Two years, with option for two one year extensions 7.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Colombo, Sri Lanka

8.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:

Office Director, Office of Economic Growth, USAID/Sri Lanka

9.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens Only (Security Clearance required)

I.

Scope of Work:

A. Basic Function of the Position

Under the direct supervision of the U.S. Direct Hire Office Director, the Senior Private Sector Advisor will assist the USAID Mission on all issues and programs pertaining to economic growth, such as market oriented regulatory reform to promote a level playing field for private investors in all regions of the country, competitive and open trade policy, a policy environment that promotes private sector investment and removes constraints on business activity, and expanded financial services.

The Advisor will be responsible for: facilitating the coordination and integration of all USAID private sector reform and economic growth activities within the Mission’s economic growth portfolio; ensuring that all Mission private enterprise and economic governance activities are coordinated with, complementary to, and supportive of the economic growth assistance activities of other U.S. Government agencies, and for ensuring that the design and implementation of all USAID economic growth activities are fully coordinated with the key governance ministries within the Government of Sri Lanka, international organizations and donors active in these areas.

The Advisor will serve as a technical resource Advisor on competitiveness, economic opportunity, and financial services and as point of contact on matters relating to programming in these areas.

The Advisor will also liaise with other USG agencies and international organizations and foreign donors that provide assistance for economic development.

B. Period of Performance: The Personal Services Contract will be for 24 months, with two one year extension options. Extensions will be contingent on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

C. Duties and Responsibilities:

The contractor will plan, develop and manage program or activity initiatives in the economic governance and private enterprise area 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; and assuring activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. The contractor will provide analysis, advice and recommendations to senior Mission management and staff regarding the formulation of strategy for assistance for economic development and on the management and implementation of economic growth activities in the Mission’s portfolio. The Advisor will handle all assigned work either independently or, as required, as part of teams according to established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance. The employee will provide solutions to problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and the methodologies to be used; developing, coordinating, and clearing proposed solutions with all necessary parties; and then taking appropriate actions necessary to resolve the problem. Specific activities include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Collaborate closely with senior level counterparts in key government ministries including at the Ministerial level, as well as the private sector, other donors and institutional contractors in advancing a competitive private enterprise sector through institutional development of public and private sector entities.

· Serve as a senior advisor within USAID/Sri Lanka on economic policy reform and institutional development issues. Facilitate management of existing and follow-on activities within the portfolio dealing with economic governance, including promoting sound microeconomic policy, fostering the development of financial services, building a legal and regulatory framework, and developing competitive and open trade policy.

· Support the management of a highly visible, multimillion dollar new program focused on value chain development in the conflict affected areas of Eastern province and adjacent areas.

· Design and implement other activities relating to the operation of economic regulatory and/or private sector / competitiveness initiatives

· Represent USAID through participation in the government and multi-donor Consultative Group (CG) process.

· Establish a broad network of contacts with the senior-most levels of the Government of Sri Lanka, other donors, and the Sri Lanka private sector.

· Establish relationships with key private sector, donor and public sector stakeholders throughout the economy to foster the development of public-private partnerships.

· Establish relationships with appropriate staff in the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, as well as USAID/Washington’s Asia and Near East and Economic Growth Agriculture and Trade Bureaus, to ensure collaborative efforts to identify and develop implementation mechanisms, funding sources and strategic options.

· Assess longer-term Sri Lanka needs for regulatory and institutional development as it relates to economic governance, trade, and business and industrial development.

· Develop options for future USAID assistance, including strategic vision, estimated funding requirements and implementation mechanisms.

· Identify needs and draft scopes of work for any technical assistance required to complete the above tasks.

· Share information with the Mission’s existing strategic objective teams to ensure intellectual consistency and complementary efforts across sectors.

· Carry out such other tasks related to Mission economic development sector programming as may be assigned by Mission management including serving as Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for selected project(s).

D. Supervision Received

Supervision is provided by the Office Director

E. Supervision/Oversight of Others

· Supervise one or more Foreign Service Nationals

F.

Minimum Qualifications:

The incumbent should possess basic knowledge of the US Government development assistance process. Knowledge and application of USAID’s program management procedures with respect to strategic planning and goal setting, program development, performance management, project design and implementation and monitoring and evaluation would be desirable. Experience with South Asia and the sub-continent and Sri Lanka in particular would be highly desirable.

Education: A Master’s degree in business, management, development economics or equivalent from a recognized, accredited university.

Experience: At least 15 or more years of progressively more responsible international economic growth experience in Private Enterprise, Competitiveness, and Private Sector Development in more than one country. Candidates with additional experience in economic governance and microeconomic reform will be given preference.

Work experience demonstrating the candidate’s ability to successfully lead and manage multi-sectoral and complex trade and development projects and working effectively with local and international advisors and contractors in a developing country context. Demonstrated ability to promote and maintain counterpart contacts at both senior policy and technical support staff levels of implementation. Experience living and working under uncertain and or difficult conditions of a society in post-conflict transition would be desirable. Ability to resolve problems in a team context, in order to produce results under intense scrutiny, would be advantageous.

Language, communication and other skills:

Proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory. Demonstrated presentation and facilitation skills are required. Experience implementing USAID projects and certification as a USAID Cognizant Technical Officer coupled with experience in project management is preferred. A clear understanding of the issues involved in creating enabling environment for private sector led economic growth is required. Strong skills in communication, interpersonal teamwork and management leadership including working with organizational support staff and offices is required. Proven ability to prepare clear, cogent and timely reports and technical policy briefs using IT-based information management systems common in a modern office setting is necessary.

G.

Position Elements:

Supervisory Control:

The incumbent works within broad policy and professional guidelines at times with minimal supervision. The work is complex, requiring continuous exercise of mature judgment, expert knowledge and professional discretion. The incumbent is responsible for identifying work objectives, priorities, constraints and to employ the resources available to produce satisfactory results and achieve the level of performance required. The contractor’s supervisor is the Director of USAID’s Office of Economic Growth who will review work submitted or produced for technical and policy matters related to trade and environment policy that promotes private sector investment. Adherence to broad Mission operational objectives, development results and customer service will be evaluated in consultation with other Mission management.

Available Guidelines & Reference Documents:

1) USAID’s Automated Directive System

2) USAID Sri Lanka’s Country Strategic Plan

3) USAID Sri Lanka Mission Orders

4) U.S. Government and USAID policy directives

Excise of Judgment and Independent Work:

The incumbent has broad latitude in exercising individual judgment and is responsible for carrying out work independently according to U.S. Government policies, his / her professional knowledge and experience, Mission guidelines and best accepted practices.

Authority to Make Commitments and Obligations:

None

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts:

The incumbent will contact senior level officials up to Permanent Secretary at the national level. At the provincial level contacts will include all Ministerial officials. Other contacts will include business leaders and representatives of civil society including NGOs, cooperatives, associations and other private voluntary organizations. The nature of contact will be programmatic in nature and may include policy dialogue and participation in working groups.

Additional Requirements:

Applicants must be able to obtain medical and security clearances (Secret level desired). U.S. Nationality is also a requirement.

H.

Evaluation Criteria:

The following considerations will be the basis for evaluation of all applications. Applications will be evaluated based on the documentation substantiating these skills, experience, knowledge and ability that should be submitted with the application. Applicants should provide three references with complete contact information.

Prior Work Experience: Applicants for this position must document 15 or more years of progressively responsible international economic growth experience in Private Enterprise (a), Competitiveness (b), and Private Sector Development (c) in more than one country. Candidates with additional experience in economic governance and microeconomic reform will be given preference.

28 points maximum

Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have the ability to organize, analyze, interpret and evaluate information concerning OEG’s project portfolio (a); communicate clearly, concisely and effectively (b); prepare meaningful, well written reports and presentations; and function as member of a team.

10 points maximum.

Language Proficiency: The applicant must possess a very high degree of proficiency in both written and spoken English (a). The incumbent must have advanced English writing skills and documented experience in the production of strategies, detailed statements of work, performance reports, work plans and project planning.

20 points maximum.

Knowledge: A thorough knowledge and understanding of the development issues in Sri Lanka and the relevant government and non-government entities is essential. This includes a comprehensive knowledge of the economy, politics, social and cultural characteristics and the problems, resources, and development prospects/priorities for Sri Lanka (a). Experience with or the capability to readily learn USAID policies, regulations and procedures is essential (b). Candidates are highly preferred with donor agency experience who can document ministerial coordination experience and document policy analytical skills (c). Candidates with experience in developing and documenting public private partnerships will be given preference (d). Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office, Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Internet Explorer is required.

32 points maximum.

Education: Applicants must have a Master’s degree in business, management, development economics or equivalent from a recognized, accredited university.

10 points maximum.

II.

Benefits, Allowances and Taxes:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a U.S. Personal Service Contractor is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances.

a.

Benefits:

Employee’s FICA Contribution

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

5) Annual & Sick Leave

6) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service b.

Allowances:

Temporary Lodging Allowance (per Section 120, STR i.e., Standardized Regulations, Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

Living Quarters Allowance (per Section 130, STR)

Post Allowance (per Section 220, STR)

Supplemental Post Allowance (per Section 230, STR)

5) Post Differential (Chapter 500, STR)

6) Payments during Evacuation / Authorized Departure (per Section 600, STR)

7) Danger Pay (per Section 650, STR)

8) Education Allowance (per Section 270)

9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (per Section 260, STR)

10) Educational Travel (per Section 280, STR ) c.

Taxes:

U.S. Personal Service Contractors are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

III.

Application Forms & Procedures:

a.

Forms:

List of Required PSC Forms outlined below can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html

1. Standard Form OF-612.

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

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

**4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

**5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office.

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

** The forms listed 2 thru 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

b.

Application Procedures:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 which are available at the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal offices. Applicant’s resume (optional) and three references including full name, address, e-mail, and telephone number should also be included as an attachment.

All applications can be submitted via by fax, courier, or USPS to:

Mr. James Schill US Embassy/USAID No. 44, Galle Road Colombo 3. Sri Lanka.

Email – jschill@usaid.gov Fax - 94-11-2472850 U.S. Postal Service mailing address:

Mr. James Schill Department of State/USAID

6100 Colombo Place

Washington DC 20521-6100 Applications via Internet email can be submitted to:

hrcolombo@usaid.gov Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the document were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 1600 Hours (Eastern Standard Time) on the date specified in the cover letter. You are directed to Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15.208 "Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals" for further information.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please references the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter, as well as the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.

Any questions may be directed to Mr. Saliya Navaratne who may be reached at FAX No. 94-11-2472850, or E-Mail: snavaratne@usaid.gov. Please ensure all email messages also copy Mr. James Schill at jschill@usaid.gov.

IV.

Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs and AAPDs) pertaining to Personal Service Contractors:

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts. Those documents can be found online at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also apply to PSCs, which can be found online at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

* * * * SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY * * * *