386-12-101-Solicitation- USPSC Senior Energy and Environment Policy Advisor India 22 May FINAL

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/386-12-101

ISSUANCE DATE: May 22, 2012

CLOSING DATE: June 12, 2012, 5:00 p.m., New Delhi Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. 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 proposals (Optional Form 612) from U.S. citizens (only) interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached document.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information and delivered to the undersigned in New Delhi, India, at the place and by the time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to: indiaper@usaid.gov. Applications materials may be faxed, mailed, emailed, or hand-carried to the undersigned. To ensure delivery by the due date, it is recommended that applications be sent as email attachments or by fax, if possible. Late applications may be considered per USAID's sole discretion. The award of a contract hereunder is subject to the availability of funds.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Any questions regarding this position should be directed to the Contracting Officer, who may be reached at the following email address:

indiaper@usaid.gov. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

Sincerely, /s/

Patrick Robinson

Contracting Officer

USAID/India

Mailing Address:

Executive Office

American Embassy

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

New Delhi 110021

India mailto:indiaper@usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT 1 TO SOLICITATION NO. 386-12-101

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 386-12-101

ISSUANCE DATE: May 22, 2012

CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED

FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: June 12, 2012 (5 p.m. New Delhi Time)

POSITION TITLE: USPSC Senior Energy and Environment Policy

Advisor

MARKET VALUE: $99,628 - $129,517 per annum (GS-15 equivalent)

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

Mission requirements

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

SUPERVISOR: Office Director of CLEEO, USAID/India

SECURITY ACCESS: Security clearance (Secret level) must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens Only

I. INTRODUCTION

In its bilateral programs with India, USAID’s Clean Energy and Environment Office (CLEEO) is helping to advance President Obama’s Global Climate Change Initiative (GCCI) by implementing new initiatives in clean energy, sustainable landscapes, and water. To launch these initiatives, at the end of September 2010, USAID/India signed new bilateral agreements with the Ministry of Power (MOP), Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), and the

Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF). Working with a substantial team of other U.S.

agencies, USAID will have the lead role in implementing the deployment phase of the large-scale Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE) program. In the forestry sector, USAID’s new Partnership for Land Use Science (Forest-PLUS) program will be implemented in conjunction with MOEF.

In South Asia, providing sufficient energy for economic growth is a major concern and requires countries to diversify their supply sources through regional energy trade. Development of regional cooperation on energy is necessary to address the challenge of increasing the supply of modern energy. To help countries realize the gains from regional cooperation, USAID implements the South Asia Regional Initiative for Energy Cooperation and Development (SARI) in eight countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri

Lanka). SARI is part of a larger USAID-led effort to promote regional stability through energy security.

The Senior Energy and Environment Advisor to CLEEO will provide leadership to the USG's

GCC strategy concerning clean energy, sustainable landscapes (forestry), and water. The majority of the incumbent’s responsibilities, however, will have an emphasis on energy – both bilaterally and across South Asia through the SARI Program.

Bilateral Program with India. For the bilateral program, the incumbent will provide assistance of national significance to the CLEEO Office Director to plan, design, and manage programs.

The position provides broad country policy and strategic program planning and implementation guidance and advisory support to the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director to ensure that the program contributes to overall USG GCC goals as well as to the mission's Global

Climate Change Development Objective (DO): accelerate India’s transition to a low emissions economy.

The position includes advisory functions for the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy

Deployment (PACE-D), existing projects in the Mission's GCC portfolio (Distribution Reform, Upgrades, and Management; Water Analysis Systems and Innovations Program; Enhancing

Capacity for Low Emissions Development Strategies; Shale Gas; U.S. Forest Service

Participating Agency Partnership Agreement; etc.) 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.

In clean energy, the Advisor will: a) scale up the deployment of energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies; and b) support the implementation and management of cleaner fossil technologies and enhance GHG mitigation planning and sensitize Indian agencies on low carbon development strategies and programs. The incumbent is also expected to serve as the lead USAID technical and policy representative in the U.S.-India Strategic Dialogue on Energy and Climate Change and closely coordinate the planning and implementation of the PACE-D project with other concerned USG agencies (DOE, DOC, DOS, OPIC, TDA, EXIM, etc.). The position will provide advisory services for PACE-D including the design and supervision of the various implementation instruments such as the Participating Agency Service Agreement

(PASA) with DOE, direct USAID contracts with institutional contractors, inter-agency coordination, and other related activities.

In the forestry sector, the Advisor will 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.

In the water sector, the incumbent is also expected to assist in the design of water management and conservation programs in the urban, industrial, and agricultural sectors.

South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI). For SARI, the incumbent will provide leadership in planning, design and management of regional energy cooperation programs that include cross-border energy trade, formation of regional energy markets, and clean energy application. The cross-border energy trade and formation of regional energy markets programs will be coordinated closely with USAID missions in the SARI countries, and with country stakeholders and partners including regional working groups facilitated by SARI. The clean energy application program shall be performed in coordination with USAID/India’s bilateral PACE program.

The incumbent is responsible for overall management and implementation of the SARI program in the field. The incumbent will provide broad strategic, regional energy security and trade policy and program planning guidance and reports to the SARI Advisory Board which includes the USAID/India Mission Director as the Chairperson, as well as Mission Directors of all SARI countries, in addition to members from USAID’s Asia Bureau and USAID’s Regional

Development Mission for Asia in Bangkok. He/she will work with the SARI country coordinators, with the U.S. Embassies, and AID/W technical and program offices to coordinate and manage specific activities in the region and in each country. The incumbent is a Member

Secretary of the SARI Advisory Board and is responsible to ensure that program activities contribute to the program activities Development Objective (DO): Increased Regional Energy

Integration through Innovative Market Mechanisms.

Bilaterally and Regionally. The Senior Energy and Environment Policy Advisor frequently consults with the highest national levels of the central and state governments, NGOs, private sector, and other bilateral and multilateral donors. The incumbent will represent USAID by participation as a featured speaker in national and international workshops, conferences, and seminars. The position involves fostering teamwork and extensive coordination with USAID partners in collaboration with resident contractors, U.S. Direct-Hire and Foreign Service

National (FSN) staff. The Advisor shall be responsible for the overall mission strategy on clean energy and the environment.

The incumbent is expected to direct and lead a team of FSN professionals and support staff for the management of the program. Given the range of issues (e.g., clean energy, water management and sustainable landscapes), the incumbent is expected to have experience in 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

GCC goals; 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 (e.g., Windows, Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.)

II. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent shall:

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

b. Serve as the highest-level advisor to the USAID Mission Director/Deputy Mission 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 technical leadership in planning and managing SARI programs, including oversight and coordination with SARI Country Coordinators.

f. Serve as the Member Secretary of the SARI Advisory Board, represent USAID in key events and conferences, and advise USAID missions.

g. Provide key advisory services for the PACE -D program including its design, supervision, and implementation.

h. Provide advisory services for existing bilateral projects including strategic and technical guidance to the various Regional Centers of Excellence in Energy Efficiency established under the bilateral program.

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

j. Serve as the highest-ranked USAID technical and policy representative in the U.S.-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 (i.e., DOE, DOC, DOS, OPIC, TDA, EXIM, etc.).

k. 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.

l. Maintain professional contacts at the highest levels of central, state governments, public, and private sector organizations, including non-governmental organizations.

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

n. Foster teamwork and extensive coordination with USAID's partners in collaboration with resident contractors, U.S. Direct-Hire and FSN staff.

III. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate must be able to establish and maintain contacts with appropriate counterparts in the Government of India (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.

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.

A nuanced understanding of the political, economic, and technical barriers to cross-border energy trade in South Asia including potential solutions to address them.

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 the South Asia region’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.

The 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.

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(s) in engineering, economics, finance or energy/environment related areas.

C. Work Experience: Twenty years of experience, of which at least ten years must be at the energy/environmental project and/or program management level. International experience is required. Experience in India and/or other developing countries is strongly preferred.

IV. POSITION ELEMENTS

A. Supervisory Control Over Position

This position reports to and receives day-to-day supervision from the Office Director of

CLEEO. 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 South

Asia 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 Policy Advisor is authorized to make final program activity commitments with counterparts, partners and government officials in keeping with the authority of a Contracting Officer’s Representative. Commitments to policy and funding will require the signature of the CLEEO Office 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, and professional FSN staff

(technical guidance and mentoring).

For SARI, FSNs in USAID/India and FSNs located in each regional mission serve as

SARI country coordinators and are key members of the management team.

F. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts

The nature of the personal contacts is negotiating or coordinating program activities with high level host country 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.

G. Period of Performance

The personal services contract will be for two years. Extensions will be contingent on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds.

H. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties

The successful applicant is expected to be an expert in the energy and environment arena, therefore the time needed to perform at a very high level is minimal.

I. Exercise of Judgment

The successful applicant must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying Agency and Mission regulations in the course of carrying out the assigned duties.

The incumbent will seek the advice and consent of the Office Director when uncertain as to how to proceed.

J. Interpersonal Skills

The successful applicant must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of stressful situations and when dealing with personnel to resolve challenges that arise during the course of the work, for which there often is not a clear solution.

V. SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on the information presented in the application, gleaned from interviews, and obtained through reference checks.

Selection/Evaluation Factors (maximum points: 100):

a. Skills and Competencies 40%

b. Education: 15%

c. Work experience: 45%

VI. SELECTION PROCESS

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications that do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion.

Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. 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 a reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications.

The final selected candidate(s) must obtain Secret level security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate(s). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

VII. APPLYING

Qualified individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment

OF-612 including experience, salary history, curriculum vitae (resume), list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB

(5 p.m. New Delhi time), June 12, 2012. The OF-612 form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP, or at

Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample (1-3 pages), may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx courier, by the closing date above to:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP

Executive Office/HR

American Embassy

Shantipath, Chanakyapuri

New Delhi, India

Email: indiaper@usaid.gov

Fax: 91-11-2419-8612

Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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.

USAID/India expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for a two-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is New Delhi, India.

Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID.

For more information about USAID/India see Mission’s website http://www.usaid.gov/india

ATTACHMENT 2 TO SOLICITATION NO. 386-12-101

PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations)

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE

REQUIREMENTS OF AN OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE

FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

Benefits

1. Employee’s F.I.C.A and MEDICARE contributions

2. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

3. Shipment and Storage of Household Effects

4. Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle)

5. Pay Comparability Adjustment

6. Annual Step Increase except if at the top step of the grade

7. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

8. Annual and Sick Leave

Allowances

A. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

B. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

C. Post Allowance (Section 220)

D. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

E. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

F. Education Allowance (Section 270)

G. Education Travel (Section 280)

H. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

I. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

J. Danger Pay (Section 650)

Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not/not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.

List of REQUIRED Forms for USPSCs

a. Optional Form 612 (is available at the USAID web site:

http://contacts.gsa.gov/webforms.nsf/0/41A93F1A1771761B85256A720061344C/$fil e/of612.pdf

Forms (b) through (e) shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.

b. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843).

http://contacts.gsa.gov/webforms.nsf/0/41A93F1A1771761B85256A720061344C/$file/of612.pdf http://contacts.gsa.gov/webforms.nsf/0/41A93F1A1771761B85256A720061344C/$file/of612.pdf

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

d. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

e. Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs.) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives

(AAPDs) Pertaining to PSCs

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website to determine which CIBS and AAPDs apply to this contract:

http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html.

http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html