Solicitation USPSC Sr.Energy and Environment Policy Advisor India 6-14-10.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development American Embassy Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110 021

Tel: 91-11-24198000 Fax: 91-11-24198612 / 8454 www.usaid.gov/in

Solicitation No.: USAID/India/386-10-102 Issuance Date: June 14, 2010

Closing Date: July 2, 2010 at 1730 hrs New Delhi time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) – Senior Energy and Environment Policy Advisor

To All Interested Applicants:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified candidates interested in providing the PSC services described in the solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the information provided in solicitation and should be submitted electronically to bnegi@usaid.gov (attention: Banita Negi, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/India). Applicants must quote the solicitation number and position title on the subject line of e-mail application. Only short listed applicants will be notified by USAID/India.

Applications should be completed on Form OF 612 and must include salary history for the prior three years and the names and contact points (telephone/fax numbers, email addresses) for at least three references with knowledge of the applicant's prior work skills. The award of a contract hereunder is subject to the availability of funds.

Any questions regarding on this solicitation may be directed to Banita Negi, Human Resources Specialist at bnegi@usaid.gov and/or Patrick Robinson, Executive Officer at probinson@usaid.gov

Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

Sincerely, Sd/-

Patrick Robinson Contracting Officer USAID/India

SOLICITATION NUMBER: USAID/India/386-10-102 ISSUANCE DATE: June 14, 2010 CLOSING DATE/TIME: July 2, 2010, 1730 hours New Delhi Time POSITION TITLE: Senior Energy and Environment Policy

Advisor MARKET VALUE: GS-15 ($99,628 - $129,517 p.a.)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 24 months, renewable subject to the availability of funds and Mission requirements

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Clean Energy and Environment Office (CLEEO), USAID/India

SUPERVISOR: Director of Clean Energy and Environment Office (CLEEO), USAID/India

SECURITY ACCESS: Security clearance (minimum of an Employment Authorization) must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens

POSITION DESCRIPTION: Senior Energy and Environment Policy Advisor, USAID/India

I. INTRODUCTION:

The Senior Energy and Environment Advisor to the Clean Energy and Environment Office (CLEEO), USAID will provide leadership to the USG’s GCC strategy between India and the US concerning clean energy, water and sustainable landscapes (environment/forestry). The incumbent will provide assistance of national significance to the CLEEO Office Director to plan, design and manage clean energy programs that include activities in energy efficiency, renewable energy and cleaner coal that reduce, mitigate and/or sequester GHG emissions in the energy, industry, urban and transport sectors. The incumbent shall also provide advisory support to national sustainable landscape programs that include activities and projects that promote forest conservation, improved forest management, agro-forestry, soil conservation, and sustainable agriculture. The incumbent is also expected to assist in the design of national water management and conservation programs in the urban, industrial and agricultural sectors. The position also provides broad country policy and strategic program planning and implementation guidance and advisory support to the Mission Director and Deputy Director to ensure that program activities contribute to overall USG GCC goals as well as to the mission’s Activity Objective (AO): Accelerate transition to a high performing, low emissions, and energy secure economy.

The position includes advisory functions for the Partnership to Accelerate Clean Energy Deployment (PACE-D) project , existing projects in the mission’s energy portfolio (ECO, GEP, WENEXA and DRUM) as well as providing policy inputs to ensure the best strategic use of project resources for resolving complex technical, economic, policy, environmental and institutional issues.

This will be achieved through exceptional and highly innovative technical leadership, assistance and training activities designed to: a) scale up the deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies; b) support the implementation and management of cleaner fossil technologies, and, c) enhance GHG mitigation planning and sensitize Indian agencies on low carbon development strategies and programs; and, d) provide support to sustainable landscape programs that include activities and projects that promote forest conservation, improved forest management, agro-forestry, soil conservation, and sustainable agriculture. The incumbent is also expected to assist in the design of water management and conservation programs in the urban, industrial and agricultural sectors.

The incumbent is also expected to serve as the lead USAID technical and policy representative in the US-India Strategic Dialogue on Energy and Climate Change and closely coordinate the planning and implementation of the PACE-D project with all other concerned USG. The position will provide advisory services for PACE-D program activities including the design and supervision of the various implementation instruments such as the Participating Agency Service Agreement (PASA) with DOE, direct AID contracts with institutional contractors, inter-agency coordination and other related activities. The position will provide advisory services for existing projects such as ECO activities including strategic and technical guidance to the various Regional Centers of Excellence established under the program. The position will provide advisory support services to the SARI/E project in connection with cross-border energy cooperation, energy markets development and clean energy application that would help engage India with its neighbors.

The position involves frequent consultations at the highest national levels of the Indian central and state governments, NGOs, private sector, and other bilateral and multilateral donors. The incumbent will represent USAID/India by participation as a featured speaker in national and international workshops, conferences and seminars. The position involves fostering teamwork and extensive coordination with USAID/India's partners in collaboration with resident contractors, US Direct Hire and FSN staff. As the senior most US staff, the Sr. Policy Advisor shall be responsible for the overall mission strategy on clean energy and the environment and shall depute for the Office Director during his/her absence from Post.

II. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent shall:

a. Advise the Director, CLEEO on the national strategic planning and implementation of program activities under the clean energy, water, sustainable landscapes and cleaner fossil fuels project components;

b. Serve as the highest-level advisor to USAID mission director/deputy director responsible for approving policies with mission-wide impact;

c. Provide technical and design support to programs of national significance that advance environment policy including forestry projects and activities;

d. Provide technical and design support to national water management and conservation programs in the urban, industrial and agricultural sectors;

e. Provide key advisory services for the PACE–D program including its design, supervision and implementation ;

f. Provide advisory services for existing bilateral projects such as the Energy Conservation and Commercialization (ECO) and the Greenhouse Emission Prevention (GEP) projects including strategic and technical guidance to the various Regional Centers of Excellence in Energy Efficiency established under the bilateral programs;

g. Lead, guide and mentor the FSN program officers and other professional/technical staff in the conduct of their technical and programmatic work and functions;

h. Serve as the highest ranked USAID technical and policy representative in the US-India Strategic Dialogue on Energy and Climate Change and closely coordinate the planning and implementation of the PACE-D project with all other concerned USG agencies (ie. DoE, DoC, DoS, OPIC, TDA, EXIM, etc.).

i. Maintain professional contacts at the highest levels of Indian central, state governments, public and private sector organizations including NGOs

j. Coordinate with the Embassy's ECON and EST offices as well as other USG agencies at Post including the interagency groups responsible for implementing the Post's GCC strategy.

k. Represent USAID/India by participation as a featured speaker in national and international workshops, conferences and seminars.

l. Foster teamwork and extensive coordination with USAID/India's partners in collaboration with resident contractors, US Direct Hire and FSN staff.

III. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must be able establish and maintain contacts with appropriate counterparts in the GOI, donor organizations, bilateral agencies and private sector organizations. Strong technical skills are required to develop and implement program activities involving technical assistance, training, and commodity procurement. Administrative skills are required to oversee and evaluate the performance of multi-disciplinary teams of technical advisors, institutional contractors, and other implementing partners.

The successful candidate must possess the ability to obtain, evaluate and interpret factual data and prepare precise, accurate and complete reports as needed to assist in project development and implementation efforts. The advisor must be able to recognize significant trends in collected data and to bring these to the attention of superiors in a timely fashion. S/he must possess skill in operating various computer software programs needed to compile and analyze data.

The incumbent is expected to direct and lead a large team of FSN professionals and support staff for the management of the program. Given the range of issues, viz. clean energy, water management and sustainable landscapes, the incumbent is expected to have mastery of a very broad field of expertise. The incumbent is expected to exhibit strong intellectual and conceptual skills to overcome regulatory, policy and operating constraints as needed to advance USAID’s clean energy and environmental sector goals in India; strong management skills to develop and implement program activities;

strong interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professional counterparts at all levels to successfully advocate policy reforms with high level officials from a range of cultural backgrounds. The position demands superior written and oral communication skills including the ability to meet tight deadlines with concise documents and verbal interpretation. Strong computer skills are desired with work experience utilizing database programs (eg. Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)

A. Specific Skills and Competencies. The successful candidate will demonstrate:

An in-depth knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques, and practices of a professional field in or directly related to energy (e.g., efficiency/renewables), water resources management, and environmental management;

In addition to a strong technical background, demonstrated project development and management skills, the incumbent must have a good knowledge of, or the potential to acquire knowledge of, USAID policies, regulations, methodologies, and documentation;

The strong intellectual and conceptual skills needed to develop strategies to overcome legal, regulatory and operating constraints, as needed to accomplish USAID goals and objectives in India’s complex energy and water sectors;

A good knowledge of Indian economic and political development (preferred but not mandatory);

The ability to quickly establish technical bona fides with key policy makers;

Capability to design and implement major advocacy programs in support of

USAID’s clean energy, water and sustainable landscapes (environment/forestry) agenda;

The ability to coordinate USAID’s clean energy, water and sustainable landscapes (environment/forestry) agenda with those of other bilateral and multilateral development assistance agencies;

Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy and the ability to establish and develop productive working relations at the highest level, and a high level of trust with public and private organizations;

Excellent written communication skills sufficient to prepare high quality regular and ad hoc reports, presentations, activity documentation and briefing papers; and, Ability to work effectively in a team environment and proactively work to achieve consensus on policy, project and administrative matters.

B. Education: The incumbent must have a Master’s degree/diploma in engineering or economics or finance or other energy/environment related areas.

C. Work experience: 20 years of experience of which at least 10 years must be at the energy/environmental project and/or program management level.

IV. POSITION ELEMENTS

A. Supervisory Control Over Position

This position reports to and receives day-to-day supervision from the Director, Clean Energy and Environment Office. The overall country program and expected results are established collaboratively in a team forum with the incumbent facilitating discussions. Deadlines, specific results and action plans are developed in consultation with the Office Director. The incumbent is an expert in the field and thus carries out the work independently, providing technical leadership to FSN staff, other contractors, partners and customers in the development, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of program activities. The work is reviewed from a macro standpoint in terms of achievement of established milestones, effectiveness in facilitating teamwork, and appropriateness of program activity focus.

B. Guidelines Used and Judgment Required in Their Application

Guidelines used include but are not limited to Agency Directives, Mission

Orders, standard accounting, auditing and financial management operating procedures and system requirements. The incumbent will have to interpret and adapt any and all guidelines to country specific activities; in particular the political, social, and cultural uniqueness of India will have to be understood to appropriately interpret guidelines to design country program expectations, milestones and results expected to be achieved. In most cases the incumbent will be required to conceptualize new approaches, new judging criteria and propose new policies for both USAID operations and for the customers.

C. Complexity

The work involves many different, complex, and interrelated processes as described above. These initiatives are broad in scope and touch on every level of society. The impact of the Mission’s other Strategic Objectives must be taken into consideration at each phase of activity development and implementation to ensure a coordinated country program which in turn ensures that maximum results are achieved.

D. Authority to Make Commitments

The Senior Energy and Environment Advisor is authorized to make final program activity commitments with counterparts, partners and government officials in keeping with the authority of a Cognizant Technical Officer.

Commitments to policy and funding will require the signature of the CLEEO Director. The Advisor’s technical determination on directly managed program activities will be accepted as final.

E. Supervision Exercised

The incumbent may supervise and/or oversee the work of:

TDY and consulting teams;

Institutional contractors Professional FSN staff (technical guidance and mentoring).

F. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts

The nature of the personal contacts is negotiating or coordinating program activities with high level Government of India officials, the U.S.

Embassy, USAID-funded contractors, international organizations, etc. The Advisor is expected to motivate and influence counterparts and customers at the highest levels. The Advisor thus will require high level of negotiation skills to obtain substantive cooperation. The full range of contacts is required, from the individual citizen to the mid-level government official up to the Ministerial levels in the government.

V. SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. Following is the evaluation criteria for this position:

Selection/Evaluation factors (Maximum points: 100):

a. Work experience: 30%

b. Education and Skills: 20%

c. Project Management: 25%

d. International experience; 25%

VI. SELECTION PROCESS

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accord with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Candidates considered competitive will be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be conducted only for applicants considered viable for the position. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications.

VII. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES

The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a background security clearance and a worldwide available medical clearance within a reasonable period of time. 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. A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

VIII. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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:

Employee'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) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and Danger Pay (Section 650) Educational Allowance (Section 270) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Educational Travel (Section 280)

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. HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. government Optional Application for Federal Employment Form OF-612, available on website http://www.usaid.gov/forms/of-612.doc

Resumes may be attached to the OF-612 Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria.

Applicants must provide at least three references with their current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number.

Applications should be submitted electronically to:

Banita Negi, HR Specialist United States Agency for International Development Shantipath, Chankyapuri New Delhi – 110 021 Email: bnegi@usaid.gov

NOTE: Applicants must quote the solicitation number and position title on the subject line of e-mail application.

Or

FAX: 91-11-2419-8612 or 91-11-2419-8454

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.

X. POINT OF CONTACT

Ms. Banita Negi, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/India

XI.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. Medical History & Examination for Foreign Service (DS-1843).**

3. AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action)**

4. SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)**

5. FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 each**

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.

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