SOLICITATION__624-15-015_TCN_Sr._Energy_Advisor.pdf

Sol. # 624-15-015 TCN Senior Energy Advisor

U.S. Agency for International Development No. 24 Fourth Circular Rd.

P. O. Box 1630, Accra-Ghana

Tel: 233-302-741-200 Fax: 233-302-741-365

ISSUANCE DATE: September 17, 2015

CLOSING DATE: October 2, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Ghana Time

SOLICITATION # 624-15-015 FOR THIRD COUNTRY NATIONAL PERSONAL SERVICE

CONTRACTOR SENIOR ENERGY ADVISOR

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development/West Africa (USAID/West Africa), is seeking applications from qualified Third Country Nationals interested in providing Personal Services Contractor (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submissions must be in accordance with the requirements of the solicitation, at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation and must submit all required documentation. The Senior Energy Advisor position will be located in Accra, Ghana.

All application packages are to be submitted to:

Via email: accrapsc@usaid.gov. Or Via courier: Regional Executive Office

USAID/West Africa No. 24 Fourth Circular Rd. CT P.O. Box 1630 Accra, Ghana

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application.

Any attachments provided via email must be in a format compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or PDF and not zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB. Form a302-3 must be signed.

Incomplete and unsigned applications will not be considered.

Subject to availability of funds, USAID/West Africa anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Service Contract as a result of this solicitation. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as result of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of an application. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Dinah McKeown at dmckeown@usaid.gov or the undersigned at jascott@usaid.gov.

Yours faithfully, Janine Scott Acting Supervisory Executive Officer mailto:accrapsc@usaid.gov mailto:dmckeown@usaid.gov mailto:jascott@usaid.gov

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 624-15-015

ISSUANCE DATE: September 17, 2015

CLOSING DATE/TIME: October 2, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Ghana Time

POSITION TITLE: Senior Energy Advisor

MARKET VALUE: ($86,399.00 - $112,319.00) the market value for this position is equivalent to GS-14 level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

TCN means an individual (i) who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and (ii) who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expense.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years with option to extend for three (3) additional years. Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services and availability of funds.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Accra, Ghana

SECURITY/MEDICAL CLEARANCE: Selected applicant must obtain Employment

Authorization and Medical Clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

1.0 BACKGROUND:

The United States Government (USG) is committed to promoting economic growth in the West Africa region through a dynamic and coordinated regional assistance program managed by the

United States Agency for International Development, West Africa Mission (USAID/West Africa) located in Accra, Ghana. This effort includes a major regional program focused on expanding electricity generation, access, investment, and trade. This program falls under - and is implemented in coordination with - Power Africa, launched by U.S. President Obama in 2013.

Power Africa works with host-governments, the private sector, and other development partners to expand electricity generation, access, investment, and trade in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In August 2014, President Obama expanded Power Africa’s goals to include achieving 30,000 megawatts (MW) of new, cleaner power generation capacity and 60 million new home and business connections across SSA. The President also pledged a new funding level of $300 million per year to scale up the breadth and depth of Power Africa’s engagement across the continent. As a result, the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office has asked USAID/West Africa to significantly expand its activities in the energy sector, noting that the Mission will be integral to the oversight, management, and implementation of activities equivalent to an estimated $200 million over 5 years.

To lead this expansion process and accelerate power sector development in the region, USAID/West Africa will recruit a Senior Energy Advisor (the ‘Advisor’) to scale-up and direct the design and implementation of USAID/West Africa’s regional energy program (the ‘Program’).

2.0 BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

The Advisor is a senior member of USAID/West Africa’s Regional Economic Growth Office (REGO) based in Accra, Ghana. S/he will direct the scale-up, management, and implementation of an expanded regional energy program that falls under - and is implemented in coordination with - Power Africa. S/he will report to the USAID/West Africa Trade and Investment Office Director on administrative and management issues within the Regional Economic Growth Office. The Advisor will provide services and support to USAID Missions throughout West Africa, and to non-presence countries (NPCs) and limited-presence countries in West Africa, as directed by the USAID/West Africa Trade and Investment Office Director. As a senior-level advisor and technical expert, s/he will exercise significant independent judgment on matters of policy and technical direction and will make decisions to ensure successful program implementation.

As part of USAID/West Africa’s energy Team, the Advisor will provide senior-level technical and strategic direction for program design, management, and implementation to USAID/West Africa’s Economic Growth Officers, USAID Mission Directors throughout the region, and other stakeholders in Power Africa. S/he will serve as principal liaison to senior-level counterparts, including relevant Power Africa Transaction Advisors and bi-lateral Missions, the West Africa Power Pool (WAPP), the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERERA), and the Power Africa Interagency, which includes the Department of State, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the U.S. African Development Foundation, and other Power Africa partners. S/he will assimilate, analyze, and respond to rapidly changing circumstances and help guide USAID projects to achieve results. S/he will also supervise and mentor junior staff, and will facilitate collaboration, camaraderie, and high achievement in a teamwork setting.

The Advisor occupies a high profile and important position in USG foreign assistance to the West African region. S/he must have sufficient technical mastery of renewable and conventional energy and power programs, associated policy and regulatory frameworks, and issues related to power sector investment to provide analysis, options and strategic and tactical advice to USAID’s Economic Growth Officers and Mission Directors in the West African region, as well as other stakeholders under Power Africa. S/he must have the capacity and demonstrated expertise to represent USAID and Power Africa at the highest level in interagency and international settings, at meetings with senior government officials, and with technical counterparts, donors, non-governmental organizations, and implementing partners.

S/he must have exceptional leadership skills to overcome work-related difficulties and challenges, and must be able to assimilate, analyze and respond to rapidly changing circumstances and help guide USAID projects to achieve results. S/he must also have experience supervising and mentoring junior staff, and be able to facilitate collaboration, camaraderie, and high achievement in a teamwork setting.

S/he must have demonstrated experience in bringing state-of-the-art practices to the sustainable development and management of renewable and conventional energy resources and to power generation and distribution in West Africa. The Advisor must be experienced in proposing and advancing innovative approaches to addressing political constraints to power sector development and creating conditions attractive to private investment in energy and power. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to communicate cross-culturally and exhibit cultural sensitivity are essential.

3.0 MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Lead scale-up and implementation of the USAID/West Africa Energy Program. This includes:

providing senior-level technical and strategic direction for program design and implementation;

supervising the work of staff and implementing partners; monitoring and evaluating implementation progress and budgets; performing site visits; addressing issues/problems as they arise; providing feedback and progress reports to senior USAID staff; and ensuring overall alignment with relevant USG initiatives beyond Power Africa, including Enhancing Capacity for Low Emissions Development Strategies (EC-LEDS), Global Climate Change (GCC), Partnership for Growth (PFG), and others that may apply.

B. Provide technical support to bilateral West Africa missions and NPCs in USG energy and power initiatives.

C. Provide professional advice to the governments of West Africa on sector reform, including appropriate models for private sector participation, approaches to improving utility management and operations, and development of an enabling legal and regulatory framework and institutions.

D. Support on-going dialogue among West African government authorities, USG stakeholders, donors and partners to reach consensus on and ownership of program objectives and activities.

E. Ensure timely roll-out of: energy related activities and transactions; developing, tracking and monitoring milestones; and preparation of reports pertinent to performance monitoring and evaluation.

F. Lead outreach efforts, including public events, press releases, and close coordination with the

USAID/West Africa Development, Outreach and Communications (DOC) officer, the Power Africa Communications team, and other USG partners.

The Incumbent is expected to:

• Mentor a designated FSN staff in the office to assume responsibilities for the position. This will be assessed annually.

• Ensure that the FSN joins in travel, and participates in meetings and official functions as much as time permits.

• Maintain a contact list and ensure that the FSN is introduced to official contacts within and outside of USAID.

• At the end of five years, the FSN should have gained relevant experience and exposure of the incumbent’s job elements to be able to take over from him/her at the end of the TCN contract.

• Provide an annual report to include a summary of follow-up action to be taken by the office to allow smooth transition and continuous operation.

4.0 POSITION ELEMENTS:

A. Supervisory Controls: The Advisor will receive supervision, policy direction, and guidance from the USAID/West Africa Trade and Investment Office Director. Performance is evaluated annually based on an agreed annual work plan. While this position reports to the Trade and Investment Office Director, it is a position that requires considerable administrative discretion and the successful candidate must be sufficiently experienced to understand the needs of the Regional Mission, bilateral Missions, and programs of NPCs and limited-presence countries.

B. Supervision Exercised: The Advisor will provide leadership with supervisory authority for energy activities implemented within the Economic Growth Office in consultation with the Program Management Specialist and the Director of that Office. S/he will supervise at least 1 foreign-service national (FSN) and/or third country national staff, as directed by the Trade and Investment Office Director. He/she will mentor and coach members of the Economic Growth Office on USAID policies and work ethics and further the professional growth of staff members as requested. S/he will contribute to the yearly performance evaluations for staff and others, as delegated by the Economic Growth Office Director.

C. Exercise of Judgment: The Advisor will exercise substantial judgment as the ‘Lead’ for USAID’s regional efforts in the energy and power sectors, including Power Africa and the GCC- Clean Energy Initiative, and will be responsible for any Congressional mandates in those sectors.

S/he is responsible for designing and managing programs worth approximately $60 million over 5 years, and ensuring the compliance of those programs with USAID’s Environmental Procedures (Reg. 216). Specifically, responsibilities will be in the areas of technical supervision and management of energy activities and technical leadership in strategic planning and program design.

The Advisor will have discretionary authority to solve, without assistance, the vast majority of problems encountered. The Advisor must be capable of using judgment, technical expertise, and ingenuity to continually assess, interpret, apply and integrate energy as a priority within other sectoral plans and priorities (e.g., health, agriculture, HIV/AIDS, and water and sanitation).

D. Available Guidelines: Verbal and written instructions, as well as USAID Handbooks and Administrative Notices. The USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) and the USAID/West Africa’s Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS). The Advisor will need a general awareness of USG policies as they apply to USAID/West Africa and familiarity with the operations and programs of bi-lateral Missions. S/he will also rely on Power Africa’s guiding documents and best practices guidelines. Specifically, the Project Management Specialist will use the Power Africa Project Approval Document (PAD), USAID’s Climate Change Strategy, USAID’s Policies in EC- LEDS, and PADS in relevant regional and bi-lateral Missions.

E. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will have contacts with senior national level government officials (Ministers, Permanent Secretaries), as well as senior-level regional and local officials and senior level executives from private companies working in the energy sector. The incumbent will also represent USAID in meetings with Development Partners (UN Agencies, NGOs, bilateral aid organizations), and the Private Sector. The position requires well-developed negotiation and persuasion skills and also the ability to justify and defend positions and to mediate among decision makers.

The Advisor must have an in-depth technical understanding of power sector challenges and opportunities, based on practical experience in developing country contexts – preferably within West Africa. The Advisor must be highly motivated and have experience in developing and managing energy programs and activities in complex political environments requiring coordination among multiple stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership and communication skills, and preferably experience with USAID processes and procedures.

F. Authority to Make Commitments: The Advisor will not have independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government; but he/she will have significant responsibilities and discretion with respect to program expenditures, expenditure reviews and approvals.

5.0 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA:

MININUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Education: A minimum of Master’s degree in a technical discipline related to energy and/or power, public policy or finance as related to energy and/or power systems, or other relevant field (electric engineering or petroleum engineering or chemical engineering or a combination of these) is required.

B. Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in the energy/power sector with a focus on such issues as public policy reform and private sector investment (Independent Power Producers;

Public-Private Partnerships) in generation, transmission, and distribution; or privatization, utility management and performance improvement (e.g., aggregate loss reduction; technological transformation; change management); infrastructure rehabilitation and expansion; or off-grid electrification. In addition, some understanding of the current status of the energy and power sectors in West Africa, as well as experience working in the region is highly preferred.

C. Skills & Abilities: The candidate must have international experience in the energy/power sector, with experience in West Africa a decided advantage. The candidate must have a background in at least two of the following areas and this must be documented in the applicant’s CV: i) public-private partnerships; ii) production/power generation and distribution; power sector financial transactions; iii) project development (including feasibility studies and project financing); and

iv) energy sector policy reform. The Advisor must be capable of achieving capacity-building results and of managing energy programs (especially power sector reform) in difficult political environments requiring coordination with multiple stakeholders. The candidate must be able to build effective working relationships with senior country officials, USG partners, donors, international financial institutions, and other sector counterparts. The position also requires the ability and willingness to travel within West Africa. The ability to produce quality work under pressure and to meet deadlines is crucial to successful performance in this position.

The position requires a solid understanding of policies, strategies, technology, and social components related to energy sector reform, utility management, rehabilitation and expansion of electricity infrastructure, and off-grid electrification. Experience in the restructuring, recapitalization, and privatization of state-owned utilities would be an asset. Strong analytical and communication skills and problem-solving abilities are required.

The candidate must demonstrate the project management skills needed to effectively lead and manage multi-disciplinary teams in the design and execution of programs and projects. Experience with USG policies and operational programs is preferred.

D. Language: The incumbent must possess Level IV ability (fluency) in spoken and written English, as well as an excellent ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished documents. French language skills at the FSI 2/2 level is a requirement.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

A. Education

A minimum of Master’s degree in a technical discipline related to energy and/or power, public policy or finance as related to energy and/or power systems, or other relevant field (electric engineering or petroleum engineering or chemical engineering or a combination of these) is required. The Master’s degree is mandatory for consideration.

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

B. Technical Experience (60%)

1. (40%)

Demonstrated, long-term (at least 10 years), ‘hands on’ experience in applied management and/or technical assistance in at least two (2) of the following:

i) Improving the operations of power generation, transmission and/or distribution agencies/utilities; integration of power from multiple sources to stabilize supplies;

ii) Improving and/or rationalizing financial operations of energy and/or power sectors including analysis/development of pricing policies and agreements, power supply and purchase agreements, taxation, concessions, tendering, leasing, and incentives for independent power producers’ (IPPs) investment in energy and/or power sectors;

iii) Improving the regulatory environment for private sector investment in the power sector, including tariff analysis and setting, regulatory procedures, and the development and operation of energy and /or power markets;

iv) Energy efficiency and demand-side management including engineering and/or administrative solutions for loss reduction across generation, transmission or distribution and in the application of appropriate codes in the design/construction/operation of energy-efficient structures; and

v) Communication and awareness of energy/power programs, garnering broad public support for energy efficiency, demand-side management, and regulation.

2. (10%)

Experience in any of the areas listed in number 1, above, but also related to renewable energy.

In all cases in #1 and #2 above, candidates must have demonstrated experience in the reform and transformation of public policy in the energy and/or power sectors, particularly from centrally-controlled state operations to public-private partnerships and/or to major private investment programs. This experience must be described in detail. Candidates must have a demonstrated ability in providing innovative solutions to problem solving and must have technical mastery of energy programming, policy, and research.

3. (5%)

Demonstrated experience working with international donors and other programs in developing countries that support energy related programs.

4. (5%)

Managing special cross-cutting initiatives or task-force groups to accomplish energy-related programmatic goals.

B. Communications/Interpersonal Skills (40%)

1. (30%)

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a multi-cultural setting are required.

Demonstrated positive and productive teaming abilities are absolutely critical. Candidates must have demonstrated ability to elevate and empower those around him/her. Experience working in teams is required. Candidates must be able to motivate team members and work toward positive outcomes, work as a member of a technical and office management team, and work independently.

2. (10%)

Strong verbal and computer (word processing, spreadsheet, and database) skills are required, with proven ability to communicate quickly, succinctly, and tactfully in both speech and writing; ability to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior government officials and partners (USG and West African) in a multi-cultural context; ability to produce concise, clear reports. Candidates will be required to submit writing samples.

6.0 INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

Interested individuals are required to submit the following:

• Form AID 302-3, Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts (available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/)

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form a302-3 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc.

• Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria.

Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

• Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years of the applicant’s professional life from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge of contracting work. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

• Applicants also must address the above Section 4.0: Selection Criteria, in a summary statement to be included in the application. This summary statement, limited to two pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The summary statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

7.0 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Application for Application for Federal Employment (AID 302-3);

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).*

* Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

8.0 CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIBs) ACQUISITION AND

ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

CIBs AND AAPDSs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. AIDAR Appendix J applies to TCN and can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

9.0 BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, TCN PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS:

• Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

• Pay Comparability Adjustment (Annual across the board salary increase)

• Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

• Annual and Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)*

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)*

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)*

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)*

(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)*

(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)* and

(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)*

(8) Educational Allowance (Section 270)*

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)*

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)*

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

TCN positions in Ghana are not covered by the ICASS service provider/USG housing pool system.

In lieu of a Living Quarters Allowance (DSSR Section 130), TCN PSCs are eligible for a housing allowance. The rental allowance is in US dollars in accordance with 15 FAM Exhibit 237 (a) space standards charts. Accra is locality 3. Residential make ready services are provided. Shipment of Privately Owned Vehicle (POV) is not covered under TCN contracts.

END OF SOLICITATION

http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs