Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor Solicitation.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-DG-10-002

ISSUANCE DATE:

February 3, 2010

CLOSING DATE:

March 3, 2010, 16:30 hrs GMT+3 Ladies and Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor, GS-14 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 SENIOR ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL PROCESSES ADVISOR

USAID/SUDAN - KHARTOUM

1.

SOLICITATION No:

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

ISSUANCE DATE:

February 3, 2010 3.

CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED:

March 3, 2010; 4:30 pm Sudan Local Time 4.

POSITION TITLE:

SENIOR ELECTIONS AND POLITICAL PROCESSES ADVISOR

5.

MARKET VALUE:

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:

Khartoum, Sudan

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens 9.

SUPERVISOR:

Democracy & Governance Team Leader

10. STATEMENT OF WORK:

BACKGROUND

The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on January 9, 2005, by the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the Government of Sudan (GOS) brought an end to Africa’s longest-running conflict. The Agreement, the product of more than two years of high-level negotiations with substantial engagement from the U.S. government, addresses most but not all of the causes of war and instability throughout the country. As stipulated in the CPA, a Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) have been established, and the CPA, although implementation has been slow, now shapes relations between the North and South.

The CPA provided an end to the civil war, including fundamental changes in governance through power-sharing, wealth-sharing, security arrangements, and a formal ceasefire. The CPA establishes a New Sudan model of governing with autonomy for a southern entity within the context of a national unity government during the six-year interim period provided for in the peace agreement. The key to stability in Sudan is the faithful implementation of this historic agreement by both parties. Critical political milestones include the national census, which shall determine percentage of representation of north and south in the Government of National Unity, national elections in 2009, referenda for Abyei and southern Sudan in 2011 to determine their final status, and popular consultations on CPA implementation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

The USG continues to lead the international effort to support implementation of the CPA, while providing for the humanitarian needs of conflict-affected populations throughout the country. Public support for the CPA can be secured only through legitimate, democratic governance and credible implementation of key political processes as called for in the CPA. Failure of the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) and governments in the Three Areas to establish participatory, accountable governance that effectively addresses citizen needs could easily lead to a resumption of conflict, yet the legacies of civil war – from lack of infrastructure to high illiteracy rates and inexperience in democratic governance – have made it difficult for these governments to communicate with constituents and deliver services. USAID is working with the GOSS to develop the core institutions and systems necessary to meet citizen needs. This assistance is being expanded for governments in the Three Areas. At the same time, USAID is supporting the development and strengthening of means to enable citizen participation in governance, including civil society organizations, political parties, media and access to information, civic education, and dialogues between government and citizen groups. In addition, the program supports implementation of key CPA milestones, including the census and national elections.

The USAID Democracy and Governance program to support implementation of the CPA and establishment of democratic governance includes training, technical assistance, and sub-grants to local organizations and institutions in southern Sudan and the Three Areas, which include the states of Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan, as well as Abyei. Core activities are designed to build transparent and accountable institutional structures of the Government of Southern Sudan and governments in the Three Areas; promote participatory and inclusive political processes, including support to civilian political parties, the constitution, and electoral systems; develop decentralized local government structures; increase the capacity of civil society organizations, with targeted support for women’s organizations and their initiatives; and enhance availability and access to independent public information.

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor reports to the USAID/Sudan Democracy and Governance Team Leader and is based in Khartoum, Sudan. The incumbent coordinates USAID strategy and assistance in support of elections, improved democratic political processes in Sudan, including popular consultations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, the Southern Sudan and Abyei referenda, and, as a member of the USAID/Sudan Democracy and Governance (DG) Team, also supports and monitors civic education and governance work and provides general support related to the broader DG portfolio, as assigned. He/she liaises with other USAID teams, as needed, to ensure maximum effectiveness of USAID activities in support of elections and political processes. The incumbent ensures that USAID assistance to elections and political processes is well-coordinated with other donors and between USAID implementing partners, well-monitored, and effectively managed to rapidly adjust to changing needs and context.

This position requires technical and programmatic expertise in the design and management of elections and political processes programming. Duties will include managing USAID programs supporting elections and political processes in Sudan, liaising with relevant USAID/Africa Bureau staff, the Democracy and Governance Team Leader, the Mission Director and technical team staff on program activities in Sudan, and relevant U.S. Embassy officials. The incumbent is also responsible for representing USAID and the U.S. Government in donor meetings and technical working groups and in meetings with host government officials and civil society representatives. As part of these duties, s/he will supervise up to two Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs).

As part of the USAID/Sudan DG Team, the incumbent will, as required, contribute to broader DG functions such as preparation of relevant sections of the annual Operational Plan and Performance Report, the Mission Performance Plan, pipeline management reviews, program implementation reviews, and other USAID and USG reporting requirements. The incumbent will also, as needed, provide talking points and briefing notes in response to requests from Congress and USAID/Washington and the State Department.

9. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In order to manage this comprehensive, complex and intensive program of assistance to Sudan’s 2009 national general elections and later to popular consultations in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, the 2011 referenda in Southern Sudan and Abyei, post-referendum transition issues, and ongoing elections and political processes programming, USAID will place one Senior USPSC Elections and Political Processes Advisor in Khartoum, Sudan. Although based in Khartoum, the incumbent will be required to travel on temporary duty assignments (TDYs) to Juba and the programming area on a frequent basis.

The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor shall:

(a) serve as USAID technical expert and advisor to the DG Team Leader, USAID Mission Director, and the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires on elections and political processes issues;

(b) under the supervision of the DG Team Leader, in collaboration with the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum and USAID staff in Washington DC, Khartoum and Juba, coordinate the USAID election and political processes assistance portfolio. In doing so, this expert will ensure that there are no overlapping or redundant USAID-funded activities within the DG portfolio and that the responsibilities of the USAID partners and other donors in Sudan are clearly defined. Successful coordination will maximize the use of the institutional (and personnel) strengths of USAID partners;

(c) as assigned by the DG Team Leader, directly supervise up to two USAID foreign service national staff with election and political processes-related program management responsibilities;

(d) manage various contracts, grants, and co-operative agreements with USAID partners that will be implementing USAID elections and political processes assistance;

(e) represent USAID, the U.S. Embassy, and the U.S. Government at various high-level donor, Government of National Unity, and Government of Southern Sudan events and occasions, and in working level meetings;

(f) perform other managerial and reporting duties, as assigned, related to the broader Democracy and Governance portfolio, in support of the USAID/Sudan Democracy and Governance Team, of which the incumbent shall be a member.

10. POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision Received: The Senior Elections and Political Processes Advisor will receive overall supervision, policy guidance, and managerial oversight from the USAID/Sudan Democracy and Governance Team Leader. The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently. The supervisor will provide policy and management direction in terms of goals and objectives. The incumbent will work with the supervisor to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done. However, the incumbent is expected to use initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity in pursuing and attaining the goals and objectives set for the completion of his/her job expectations.

Available Guidelines: The position requires an understanding of an array of U.S. Government and Agency regulations and comprehension of host-country regulations and practices as they affect USAID/Sudan operations.

Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying U.S. Government and USAID-specific regulations and standard operating procedures in the course of carrying out the assigned duties.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent is not authorized to many any commitments on behalf of USAID/Sudan or the U.S. Government.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will establish and maintain solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel with USAID/Sudan staff in all locations in Sudan. The incumbent will have frequent working contacts with U.S. Embassy officers in Sudan, host government officials, PVOs, NGOs, and private sector entities to fulfill the major duties and responsibilities of this contract. Often these contacts will be of a sensitive nature and discretion is required.

Supervision Exercised: As assigned by the USAID/Sudan Democracy and Governance Team Leader, the incumbent will supervise up to two USAID/Sudan Foreign Service National staff who have elections and political processes-related management responsibilities.

Interpersonal Skills: The incumbent 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 incumbent will submit periodic status and/or other reports related to major activities or projects that fall under the incumbent’s responsibility.

11. 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:

SELECTION FACTORS

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

• Consideration is limited to U.S. Citizen;

• Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted;

• Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted;

• Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance; and

• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

Education (10 points) Bachelor’s degree with significant study in a pertinent field, (including but not limited to economics, international development or international relations), and seven (7) years of relevant professional and progressively responsible experience in development assistance, including field experience in managing elections and political processes assistance.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in a pertinent field (including but not limited to economics, international development or international relations), and five (5) years of relevant professional and progressively responsible experience in development assistance, including field experience in managing assistance elections and political processes assistance.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.)

QRF #1

Demonstrated technical expertise and experience in designing and managing elections and political processes programming in a fragile state environment, preferably in Africa. Relevant experience in a donor agency environment preferred;

QRF #2

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of USG international assistance programs, culture and management objectives and demonstrated ability to collect, analyze, synthesize and distribute information to implementing partners and relevant agencies;

QRF #3

Demonstrated management experience with grants, cooperative agreements and/or contracts, preferably in a developing country context. Experience coordinating with and between implementing partners, monitoring and tracking performance of implementing partners, preparing documentation and analyses about program activities, progress, and results for internal and external use. Experience maintaining up-to-date, comprehensive files and records on individual contracts and agreements;

QFR #4

Demonstrated supervision/team leadership experience, preferably of foreign national staff in a developing country context.

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Basic Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Quality Ranking Factor (QRF) responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks.

Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The Applicant Rating System is as Follows:

Education – 10 points

QRFs have been assigned the following points:

QRF #1 – 15 points

QRF #2 – 10 points

QRF #3 – 10 points

QRF #4 – 5 points

Interview Performance – 30 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 points

Total Possible Points: 100

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

The Contractor will be required to obtain a class one (1) medical clearance from State M/MED prior to departure to post. Also, a temporary security clearance must be initiated 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 contractor fails to receive a secret clearance, the contract will be immediately terminated.

FEDERAL TAXES USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. FICA, and Medicare.

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)

12. 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.

Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than February 4, 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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