Education Team Leader Solicitation 650-SU-10-ED-01(C).doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-10-ED-01(C)

ISSUANCE DATE:

July 1, 2010

CLOSING DATE:

July 28, 2010, 4:30pm Sudan Time Ladies and Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Education Team Leader, Juba, Sudan.

The United States Government, represented by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Sudan), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) as described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with this solicitation at the place and time specified.

Interested applicants MUST submit the following materials:

· Most current Curriculum vitae or resume

· Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612

· Three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephones and e-mail contacts

· Covering letter highlighting applicant’s reason for applying and supplemental documents specifically addressing the four (4) Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) shown in the solicitation

USAID/Sudan reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Late, incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered.

Applications must be e-mailed to:

Ms. Sawsan Abdelmouti (sabelmouti@usaid.gov), Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Sudan.

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

Sincerely, R. Douglass Arbuckle Deputy Mission Director/Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT TO POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

USPSC EDUCATION TEAM LEADER, JUBA, SUDAN

1.

SOLICITATION No:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-08-311-RFP 2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

July 1, 2010 3.

CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED:

July 28, 2010; 4:30 pm Sudan Local Time 4.

POSITION TITLE:

EDUCATION TEAM LEADER

5.

MARKET VALUE:

GS-15 ($98,156-$127,604) or

GS-14 ($84,697-$110,104

6.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

One (1) year, with possibility of extensions up to a maximum of five years.

7.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Juba, Sudan

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals 9.

SUPERVISOR:

Deputy Mission Director (Juba)

10. STATEMENT OF WORK:

Serving under the general direction of the Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Sudan (Juba), the incumbent serves as a senior member of Mission staff with full responsibility for the management of the Education Office and its program portfolio. As such, s/he is expected to participate directly in Mission policy discussions, and take a leadership role (with respect to education interventions), or a supporting role (with respect to other development sectors), in program planning, implementation and evaluation.

Specifically, the incumbent will manage a staff of five (one Washington based technical officer, one Juba based technical officer and three Foreign Service National (FSN) staff). In this role, s/he is expected to plan and organize workloads; set priorities; keep lines of communications open; mentor staff; evaluate personnel performance as well as their conformance with policy, regulations, and procedures; initiate or review proposals for all types of personnel actions affecting subordinates; and, to manage TDY assistance effectively.

The Education Team Leader also serves as the technical leader for the Mission’s education portfolio. That includes, but is not limited to, developing education policy reform strategies, playing a leading role in activity designs, managing program implementation and monitoring results; and, supporting evaluation/assessment needs. Program emphasis is on basic education, particularly primary education, education sector professional development, and English language training, with a focus on gender equality. The Education Team Leader also provides technical assistance to national and state ministries of education; supports efforts in planning, implementing and monitoring training that contributes to Government of Southern Sudan’s (GoSS) institutional performance improvement; and, takes on a leadership role for the southern Sudan donor coordination committee on education. The Education Team Leader regularly represents USAID with the most senior officials in the Ministry of Education of the GOSS.

Administratively, the Education Team Leader is responsible for timely and effective procurement planning with education team members; and, overseeing the integrity of procurement actions from a technical office prospective. In addition, the Education Team Leader is responsible for developing program budgets, analyzing expenditure trends and advising on resource needs. S/he ensures quality control of all documentation initiated by the Education Office (including inputs into the mission’s annual Operational Plan; responses to Congressional inquiries; annual program performance report; Congressional Notification, etc). S/he may also serve on and chair selection committees for institutional and individual contracts and cooperative agreements.

Therefore, the Education Team Leader has three broad categories of responsibility: (a) serves as a member of the mission’s Senior Management Team; (b) manages the Education Office; and, (c) provides technical oversight in the planning, implementation, management and monitoring of all current and future activities within the Education portfolio. These categories are discussed in the next section.

11. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A.

Member of Senior Mission Management Team

40% The Education Team Leader has the primary responsibility for assisting and recommending to the Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director (Juba) and Deputy Mission Director (Khartoum) actions that result in the effective use of resources; the development of operating policies and procedures that are clear, complete and address organizational issues; the implementation of mission (and Agency) policies/procedures in a transparent and equitable fashion; supporting efforts to address mission program priorities; and, providing guidance in meeting future development challenges.

For these purposes, the incumbent carries out the following:

a.

Advises senior Mission management on the political, economic and social developments effecting education and educational development in Sudan, including Agency and GOSS policies, procedures and priorities with respect to education focus and programs;

b.

Working with senior staff, Mission Objective Teams, and the Mission’s Human Capacity Development Manager, reviews current administrative/management systems and procedures with the objective of designing new procedures/systems which allow for processing of decisions in a shorter period of time;

c.

Advises and assists Mission Objective Teams, and the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) Team Leader, in keeping overall education issues at the forefront of planning for attainment of immediate results covering all program objectives;

d.

Takes a leadership role for the southern Sudan Donor Coordination Committee on Education; thus playing a pivotal role in the effective management of donor resources directed to improving education and educational facilities in southern Sudan;

e.

Serves as a member of the Mission’s Management Control Review Committee (MCRC) for purposes of identifying possible program management vulnerabilities and recommending appropriate action with respect to completing the annual Financial Managers’ Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA) report;

f.

Serves as a member of the Mission Training Committee, the Mission’s mechanism to review and approve participation of Mission staff in training opportunities commensurate with their role and responsibilities, as well as their professional development needs;

g.

Identifies and recommends ways of improving GoSS, and regional/local government capacity to provide educational services to citizens in an effective, efficient, transparent and equitable manner;

h.

Coordinates with the Mission’s Development Outreach Communications (DOCS) Officers on all outreach activities as well as reports and correspondence related to the education portfolio for public consumption;

i.

Acts as official USAID representative on field and inspection visits to activity sites; ascertains progress, identifies delays and problems and recommends solutions; and, j.

Liaises with the GoSS Minister of Education and counterparts at the state, county and local levels; INL and Mission Objective Team Leaders; grantees/contractors’ Chiefs-of-Party.

B.

Manages the Education Office

30% a.

Establishes and maintains effective lines of communications (both formal and informal) with Mission Senior Staff, other Mission Objective Teams, and within the Education Office; with appropriate officials of the GoSS and provincial leaders; and with the public; leading to greater information-sharing opportunities, knowledge exchange, and accelerated decision-making;

b.

Manages Education Office staff workloads effectively so as to reflect Mission program priorities and opportunities for professional growth and enhancement;

c.

Working with Education Office staff, identifies areas where knowledge and skills need to be enhanced, completes and manages annually Individual Training Plans with each member thereby minimizing Mission vulnerabilities while ensuring that staff have opportunities to learn, develop and apply themselves; and, follows-up with those staff receiving training as to how the skills/knowledge gained from the training will be applied; and, d.

Provides on a semi-annual basis, feedback on performance leading to an annual performance evaluation completed for each staff member.

C.

Provides Technical Oversight

30% a.

Works closely, and in a highly participatory manner, with Mission Objective Teams, partners, and customers to lead and coordinate the planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and follow-on of activities under the Education portfolio in order to achieve a high level of excellence in program impact and cost-effectiveness;

b.

Serves as a member of all Mission Objective Teams as the Education Specialist, attending their meetings on a regular basis; providing statistical reports on education to Mission Objective Teams that they may use for planning and implementation purposes;

c.

Is the primary contact of AFR/SP, AFR/SD and EGAT/ED for education services assistance and information sharing related to policy, procedures and best practices;

d.

In conjunction with the contractors/grantees, drafts and finalizes scopes of work, budgets, and scheduling of technical assistance for portfolio activities while ensuring timely and systematic submission of reports;

e.

Measures education programs’ progress against established goals and objectives in the Mission Strategy and the Education Progarm Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) (and updates the PMP as required). Reviews all activity operations and takes action, including recommending activity evaluations, modifications, measures to rectify implementation problems or to improve monitoring and reporting. Identifies existing and potential problem areas and proposes specific actions to resolve them consulting with appropriate Mission staff and contractors/grantees. Prepares oral and written reports, keeping the Mission Director, and Deputy Directors, informed of the activity status;

f.

Works closely with Education Office staff in estimating budgetary requirements, following-up and evaluating the results of education activities, as well as cultivating contacts in USAID, other African countries, and the U.S. with respect to best practices in planning, implementing, managing and monitoring education activities within compliance with established strategies and regulations;

g.

In coordination with the Controller's Office ensures correct funding levels and appropriate expenditures are maintained and accounted for; ensures that funds are used appropriately and within budgetary limits; analyzes expenditures for approval and approves corresponding documentation; and prepares budget analyses for Activity monitoring and reporting;

h.

Working with the Contracting Officer, ensures that all activity procurement actions are coordinated in a timely fashion with contractors/grantees. Reviews commodity requirements for compliance with USAID regulations and eligibility rules;

i.

Designs or directs appropriate research activities to collect information from a variety of sources. Uses this information to prepare factual, statistical, and analytical reports, on the effectiveness of education, both written and oral; and, j.

Prepares necessary activity appraisal and contractors' performance reports. Drafts and presents other activity documents for clearance, consideration, and approval. Takes the lead in drafting responses to incoming related correspondence, ensuring Mission clearance and timely responses.

Performs other duties as assigned or required.

9. POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision Received: - Incumbent works under the general guidance of and reports directly to the Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Sudan (Juba). . Supervision is of a general nature, with the expectation that the incumbent would seek advice and consultation from his/her supervisor for discussions concerning policies, priorities, or goals. Operates with a high degree of independence.

Available Guidelines: Automated Directives Systems (ADS) , Office of Management and Budget Circulars, policy issuances governing administration of activity, Mission Orders, USAID education policies and strategies, and other appropriate available information.

Exercise of Judgment: Exercises a high degree of sound and unbiased professional judgment during the development and implementation of education activities and management of the Education Office. Independent judgment must be exercised on a broad range of activity management issues and when meeting with counterparts, grantees/contractors, partners, customers, etc. The incumbent is expected to have a thorough understanding of Agency ethical standards, specifically with regard to managing contractor/grantee relationships.

Authority to Make Commitments: Incumbent has the authority to make commitments of a non-financial nature. Commitments must be in adherence to pre-established project goals and USAID policies.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Develops and maintains working relationships to the ministerial level; has regular contacts with counterparts, Chiefs-of-Party, other donors, partners, customers, etc. Contacts are for the purposes of education policy formulation, activity design, program coordinating development, exchanging information, and explaining USAID and Mission policies, requirements and other matters.

Supervision Exercised: Supervises a staff of five (one Washington based technical officer, one Juba based technical officer and three Foreign Service National (FSN) staff) as well as grantees/contractors responsible for the implementation of the various education programs, in order to provide guidance and oversight, to monitor development, content, scheduling, and adherence to USAID goals and regulations.

Interpersonal Skills: The Contractor 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.

Time required to Perform a Full Range of Duties: Immediately. The incumbent is expected to be skilled in program/project management and coordination so that s/he can be able to carry out the duties and responsibilities from day one.

Period of Performance: The personal service contract will be for one (1) year, with possibility of extension. Extensions will be contingent on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds.

Reports: Upon request or as scheduled, the Contractor will submit periodic status and/or other reports related to major activities or projects that fall under the incumbent’s responsibility.

10. QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each of the criteria below. Applicants should provide this information in the same sequence as indicated below. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

Education (15 points)

Possession of a Master’s degree or equivalent from national or international university in Education or Education Policy or Administration or other areas related to education and development is required. Directly related professional experience of at least ten years (in addition to other experience requirements) may be substituted for the degree.

Prior Relevant and Overseas Work Experience (30 points)

Minimum of ten years of education development and management experience, including design, implementation and management of related programs. At least five years, should have been in a developing country, preferably in a U.S. Government agency. Experience working in countries in conflict or post-conflict situations is desired.

Knowledge (25 points) Knowledge of development assistance principles and USAID activities, policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation. Good knowledge of USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS), as well as Mission strategy. Sound knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, techniques and practice of educational development. Knowledge of Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) standards and programming in post conflict is desired.

Skills and Abilities (20 points)

Above average written and spoken communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain contacts at all levels with host government officials, other donors, counterparts, grantees, contractors, partners, and customers. Has the ability to provide advice clearly and objectively and be able to interpret regulatory directives. Must demonstrate initiative and good judgment in dealing with special or unusual circumstances. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications is required. Demonstrates exceptional skills and abilities to oversee the execution of education activities in coordination with all Mission Strategic Objectives. Demonstrated ability to execute consultative and advisory services with each Mission Objective Team as well as the ability to recognize significant developments and trends, make recommendations and solve problems related to education.

Language (10 Points) Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.

12. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS

Employer's FICA and Medicare Contribution* Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Shipment and storage of household effects [limited shipment authorized at present]

Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service ALLOWANCES [if applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below]

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(5) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(6) Educational Allowance (Section 270)

(7) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(8) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(9) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(10) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(11) Sunday Pay

SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE

Regardless of nationality, the Contractor will be required to obtain a class one (1) medical clearance from State M/MED prior to departure to post. For US Citizens, at least a temporary “Secret” security clearance must be obtained prior to travel to post of duty. Until a final adjudication of a secret clearance is received, the contractor shall:

· have no access to classified or administratively controlled materials,

· travel to post by himself/herself only, and

· be authorized no entitlements other than those normally authorized for short-term (less than a year) employees at post.

If the US Citizen contractor fails to receive a secret clearance, the contract will be immediately terminated.

Third country National candidates will be required to obtain appropriate employment authorization FEDERAL TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income, FICA, and Medicare taxes.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do

1. Optional Form 612

2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622)

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

Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) (available from the requirement office)

11. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Qualified applicants are requested to submit an Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF612) and a Resume containing the following information:

1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);

2) Education: high school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours);

3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor;

4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

5) Applicants are required to provide three references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers.

Interested candidates should send above via the internet to the attention of Sudan Contracting Officer, at one of the addresses indicated below. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than January 14, 2010 via e-mail to the Contracting Officer (darbuckle@usaid.gov) with a copy to Ms. Sawsan Abdelmouti (sabdelmouti@usaid.gov).

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