Solicitation Notice - Field Program Officer.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER 383-09-507: FIELD PROGRAM OFFICER

USAID Sri Lanka U.S. Personal Services Contractor: Field Program Officer 1.

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

383-09-507 2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

September 25, 2009 3.

CLOSING DATE / TIME:

October 23, 2009 (4pm Colombo, Sri Lanka time/6.30am

Washington DC Time)

4.

POSITION TITLE:

Field Program Officer (USPSC) 5.

MARKET VALUE:

Equivalent of a GS-15 (no locality base pay rate)

Salary range from $98,156 to $127,604 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 an option for one year extension 7.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Accompanied by Spouse only.

8.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:

Mission Director, Office of the Director, USAID/Sri Lanka

9.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens Only (Security Clearance required)

I.

Scope of Work:

A. Basic Function of the Position

The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities:

The incumbent is based in the field in order to provide up-to-date tactical and strategic guidance to USAID and to the U.S. Mission from his/her on-the-ground perspective. As such the incumbent plays a key role and is responsible to accurately assess and inform U.S. Mission leadership of strategy options for analysis and consideration.

The incumbent will assist Mission staff to assess and monitor USAID supported activities in the East. Activities include identifying opportunities in program areas; interacting with INGO representatives and Sri Lankan civil society leaders, bilateral and multi-lateral donors, and central, regional and local government officials; assessing institutional capacity and identifying various organizations to serve as change-agents; and ensuring that required internal USG reporting and planning documents for the province are professionally executed. If required, the incumbent may manage sensitive or high profile programs as identified by the Mission, and report to the Contracting Officer’s / Agreement Officer’s Technical Representatives (COTR/AOTR) in Colombo. He/ She will assists the Mission’s Program Office to advise the Bureau management on key issues, opportunities or constraints to inform the Bureau and Mission’ strategic planning process in Sri Lanka. The incumbent will support COTR/AOTRs in to coordinate technical assessments and the evaluation of USAID projects in the region.

Articulates and communicates to the team the assignment, project, problem to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Identifies, distributes, and balances workload and tasks among employees in accordance with established workflow, skill level, and/or occupational specialization. Makes adjustments to accomplish the workload in accordance with established priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of assigned team tasks; and ensures each employee has an integral role in developing the final team product. Monitors and reports on the status and progress of work, checking on work in progress and reviewing completed work to see that the supervisor's instructions on work priorities, methods, deadlines, and quality have been met.

Prepares reports and maintains records of work accomplishments and administrative information and coordinates the preparation, presentation, and communication of work-related information to the supervisor. Estimates and reports to the team on progress in meeting established milestones and deadlines for completion of assignments, projects, and tasks. Ensures all team members are aware of and participate in planning for achievement of team goals and objectives.

Performs limited human resource management functions such as approving leave for a few days or for emergencies only; resolving simple, informal complaints of employees and referring others, such as formal grievances and appeals, to an appropriate management official; informing employees of available employee benefits, services, and work-related activities. Informs the supervisor of performance management issues/problems and recommends or requests related actions, such as: assignments, reassignments, promotions, tour of duty changes, peer reviews, performance appraisals, awards, and recognition.

The Field Program Officer (FPO) will be based in Eastern province of Sri Lanka. The FPO will live and work in the field. The FPO reports to the USAID Mission Director and receives general guidance from the Supervisory Program Officer.

The FPO has three primary functions:

1) Represent USAID/Sri Lanka:

The FPO serves as a representative of USAID/Sri Lanka in the field and monitors USAID program interventions in the defined geographic area. He/she is expected to develop productive relationships with USAID technical offices and develop a comprehensive knowledge of all USAID activities in the province. The FPO is responsible for coordinating with USAID technical offices in Colombo and their associated implementing partners to ensure that the nature and scope of USAID activities is accurately represented in the province. The FPO will NOT manage the Mission’s diverse sectoral technical programs per se, but rather assists the USAID Contracting Officer’s / Agreement Officer’s Technical Representatives (COTR/AOTRs) with the successful implementation and monitoring of these programs. The FPO is expected to stay abreast of USAID and international development multi-stakeholder plans for the assigned geographic area while facilitating coordinated delivery of assistance in the field. In this role, the FPO advances integration and coordination with the development efforts of other donors, the military, government counterparts and various international organizations in the province. The FPO also supports and coordinates high-level and staff-level visitors from the Mission, the Embassy and Washington; and is responsible for coordinating with other civilian actors in the province.

2) Activity Manager:

When so designated the FPO serves as an activity manager at the provincial level, supporting implementation and monitoring of the program. This includes, but is not limited to, the following: providing general oversight of the program on the ground; assisting the Colombo based COTR in setting strategic priorities; collaborating with implementing partners to conceptualize activities and recommend them to the COTR for approval; supporting effective on-the-ground implementation in districts and communities; and conducting regular monitoring and assessment of program performance.

3) Interagency Cooperation:

The USAID FPO plays a critical role in supporting interagency cooperation in the field and is expected to play a lead role on development issues. Working closely with military and civilian counterparts as well as with the local government and communities, the FPO helps to shape and develop development strategies and activities in the province to ensure maximum integration and impact of development resources. FPOs provide input to U.S. military operational planning to ensure that the civilian development priorities and objectives are taken into consideration. Pro-active engagement with USAID Development Advisors on priority setting, problem-solving, and information sharing is an essential part of interagency cooperation. The FPO provides regular analysis on key development issues and events in the assigned geographic area for use in setting priorities and for reporting purposes.

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

C. Duties and Responsibilities:

Specific duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

1) Represent USAID/Sri Lanka

· Establish and maintain working relationships with appropriate technical Office Directors and their staff in USAID/Colombo and their associated implementing partners, other USG agencies, sub-national government officials and local communities, and U.S. military, as well as UN offices, donors and NGOs. Ensure stakeholders have the appropriate level of understanding, ownership, and participation in USAID programs. Ensure USAID is appropriately represented at relevant functions and meetings.

· Support the effective implementation of USAID programs in the province. Where appropriate, ensure USAID activities are coordinated to the maximum extent possible with military and other donor activities. Under the guidance of the Technical Office Directors at USAID Colombo, meet with USAID implementing partners to discuss implementation of the project work plan, problems that may arise, and possible solutions. Articulate and communicate on the state of program implementation, bringing field implementation problems to the attention of the technical Office Director and the appropriate COTR/AOTR.

· Serve as a primary source of information for civilian and military counterparts regarding USAID activities and strategies. Develop and maintain up-to-date information and comprehensive knowledge on the state of all USAID and other USG (civilian and military) activities in area of responsibility.

· Handle logistics, prepare materials, and deliver briefings for a wide array of military and civilian, U.S. and non-U.S., governmental and non-governmental visitors to the province.

· Maintain up-to-date working electronic and paper files, contact lists, project maps and descriptions, provincial assessments and other essential information. Ensure that handover and transition to future FPOs is smooth and well documented.

· Provide input for Mission-wide information needs and documentation such as provincial and sector fact sheets, success stories, briefing papers, project implementation data, Congressional inquiries, the Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justification, and other information as required.

· Ensure compliance with all administrative and accountability requirements related to USAID office operations in accordance with established policies and procedures provided by the Executive and Financial Management Offices in Colombo. Maintain inventory of all USAID-issued property in the regional office.

· Supervise FSN staff at the regional office, including setting work priorities, monitoring performance, providing administrative management, providing professional development opportunities, and completing annual performance evaluations.

2) Activity Manager

· When so designated, serve as the activity manager at the provincial level, working collaboratively with the COTR/AOTR based in Colombo to support program oversight and implementation.

· Develop working relationships to collaborate with implementing partner(s) to create developmentally sound processes for identifying, coordinating, implementing, monitoring, and certifying completion of projects.

· Collaborate with implementing partners in the province to set priorities and identify potential activities for recommendation to the COTR/AOTR. As required, provide input and/or help prepare concept and decision papers, based on strategic guidance, work plan, and results indicators.

· Conduct regular monitoring and assessment field trips. Articulate and communicate to the Colombo office and COTR/AOTR the state of program implementation, including issues to be addressed as well as program events or milestones.

3) Interagency Cooperation

· Advance inter-agency cooperation in the field taking the lead on reconstruction and development issues. Pro-actively engage and coordinate with USAID Development Advisors on provincial priorities, program implementation, civilian-military cooperation, problem-solving, and information sharing.

· Work with military and civilian counterparts to help shape and develop development strategies and activities. Foster maximum integration and impact of development resources.

· Provide regular written analysis, including a periodic report as required, on key development issues and events in the province and USAID project implementation events, for use in setting priorities and for reporting purposes. As required, prepare briefing papers, timely reports and other information.

D. Supervision Received

General guidance provided by the Mission Director and day to day operational supervision by the Supervisory Program Officer.

E. Supervision/Oversight of Others

· Supervise two 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 Masters degree or equivalent in foreign affairs/studies, international development, governance, community development, economic development, international relations, social sciences, humanities, business or economics or equivalent from a recognized, accredited university.

Experience: Ten to Fifteen years of development experience with increasingly responsible project management, project design, project/program development experience is required. Five to ten years of this experience with a US Government Agency is highly desirable. Prior experience in a position of similar complexity is desirable. Prior experience with the US interagency process is desirable. Previous successful work experience in Sri Lanka or similar post-conflict environments is desirable.

Demonstrated knowledge of the concepts, principles, and techniques of international development is required. A sound experience-based understanding of political, economic and development realities of Sri Lanka is preferred. A thorough understanding of major problems faced by development activities and hands-on experience and knowledge of USG strategy and project development, management, and procurement policies and procedures are preferred.

Language, communication and other skills:

Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. The applicant should have demonstrated ability to make oral presentations and prepare written reports logically and persuasively for senior USG officials, military counterparts, other donors, foreign and local government officials, and local communities. Excellent interpersonal, consensus-building and teamwork skills are required to establish and maintain strong contacts with counterparts both inside and outside of USAID, and to effectively explain USAID program policies, objectives and procedures. Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment related to program management, identifying priorities, policy decisions, and finding innovative solutions to problems, while operating in a challenging environment. The applicant should be a self-starter, responsive to client needs, and be able to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and in dealing with multiple, simultaneous tasks and/or shifting goals and needs. The position requires an entrepreneurial approach and attitude towards development, promoting interagency cooperation, and surmounting host-country impediments. The full range of computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email) must be evident.

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 plays a key role and is responsible to accurately assess and inform U.S. Mission leadership of strategy options for analysis and consideration. The incumbent is responsible for coordinating with USAID technical offices in Colombo and their associated implementing partners to ensure that the nature and scope of USAID activities is accurately represented in the province. The Contractor receives general guidance from the Supervisory Program Officer.

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

Exercise 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 establish and maintain working relationships with appropriate COTRs and staff in USAID/Colombo technical offices and their associated implementing partners, other USG agencies, sub-national government officials and local communities, and U.S. military, as well as UN offices, donors and NGOs. The incumbent will also supports and coordinates high-level and staff-level visitors from the Mission, the Embassy and Washington; and is responsible for coordinating with other civilian actors in the province.

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.

1. Education: (10 Points) A Masters degree or equivalent in foreign affairs/studies, international development, governance, community development, economic development, international relations, social sciences, humanities, business or economics or equivalent is required.

2. Work Experience: (25 Points) Ten years of development experience with increasingly responsible project management, project design, and project/program development experience is required. Three or more years of this experience with a US Government Agency is highly desirable. Prior experience in a position of similar complexity is desirable. Prior experience with the US interagency process and/or the US military, its structure and operations, is desirable. Previous successful work experience in Sri Lanka or similar post-conflict environments is desirable.

3. Knowledge (25 points): Demonstrated knowledge of the concepts, principles, and techniques of international development. A sound experience-based understanding of political, economic and development realities of Sri Lanka is preferred. A thorough understanding of major problems faced by development activities and hands-on experience and knowledge of USG strategy and project development, management, and procurement policies and procedures are preferred.

4. Abilities and Skills (25 points): Excellent interpersonal, consensus-building and teamwork skills are required to establish and maintain strong contacts with counterparts both inside and outside of USAID, and to effectively explain USAID program policies, objectives and procedures. Demonstrated ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment related to program management, identifying priorities, policy decisions, and finding innovative solutions to problems, while operating in a challenging environment. The applicant should be a self-starter, responsive to client needs, and be able to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and in dealing with multiple, simultaneous tasks and/or shifting goals and needs. The position requires an entrepreneurial approach and attitude towards development, promoting interagency cooperation, and surmounting host-country impediments. The full range of computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, databases, email) must be evident.

5. Communications Skills (15 points): Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. The applicant should have demonstrated ability to make oral presentations and prepare written reports logically and persuasively for senior USG officials, military counterparts, other donors, foreign and local government officials, and local communities.

Maximum Points Available: 100.

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. Michael Sampson Executive Officer

USAID

No. 44, Galle Road Colombo 3. Sri Lanka.

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

Mr. Michael Sampson Executive Officer 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 documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 1600 Hours (Colombo, Sri Lanka 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 reference the solicitation number on your application and 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. Michael Sampson at msampson@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 AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND SECURITY CLEARANCE * * * *