Senior Darfur Coordinator PSC Solicitaion Announcement March 2010.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-DIR-10-001

ISSUANCE DATE:

March 4, 2010

CLOSING DATE:

April 1, 2010, 16:30 hrs GMT+2 Ladies and Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Senior Darfur Coordinator (Khartoum, 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 SENIOR DARFUR COORDINATOR

USAID/SUDAN - KHARTOUM

1.

SOLICITATION No:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-DIR-10-001 2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

March 4, 2010 3.

CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED:

April 1, 2010, 16:30 hrs GMT+2 4.

POSITION TITLE:

SENIOR DARFUR COORDINATOR

5.

MARKET VALUE:

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

6.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Two (2) years, 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:

Deputy Mission Director (Khartoum)

10. BACKGROUND:

The crisis that began in Darfur in 2003 continues today. Approximately 2.7 million Darfuris reside in IDP camps, while an estimated total of 4.7 million people in the region are said to be conflict-affected. There have been fewer large scale displacements of populations in 2009, and, although combat continues in some parts of Darfur, it is not generalized as it was in the past. The greatest security threat for the international community are events of kidnapping, vehicle theft and home invasion, all limiting the geographic area that organizations are willing to cover in their programs. At the same time, multiple efforts by the UN, AU, and the US Special Envoy as well as regional states, are putting increased pressure on all parties to come to a peace agreement soon. While it is not believed at this point that major changes will occur any time soon in Darfur (such as disbanding of IDP camps), opportunities exist to work with IDPs and non-displaced communities in rural areas on programs of return, rehabilitation and development, if international standards on return and security of workers can be assured.

The situation described above is influenced by the many new dynamics in the international community and within Sudan. Of special importance, the administration of President Obama and the work of the President’s Special Envoy to Sudan, including the recent roll out of a new US Government Strategy for Sudan, have significantly increased movement and energy related to the humanitarian issues and the peace process for Darfur.

Examples of this new dynamic are clearly evident. The Special Envoy is working at bringing together rebel groups to join the Doha peace process, and there is increased active involvement of countries in the region. Negotiations continue between Chad and Sudan to stop proxy wars. The ICC indictment of the Sudanese President on March 4, 2009, and the immediate expulsion of 13 international NGOs and closing of three Sudanese NGOs altered the humanitarian landscape in Darfur. The effort to fill the gaps in humanitarian assistance caused by the NGO expulsions has brought about some improvements in the working environment for INGOs in Darfur, but major issues remain. Some evidence exists that the number of IDP returnees has increased in 2009, although it is still unclear if these returns are solely seasonal. The Government of Sudan is undertaking a major effort to encourage IDPs to move to “model villages.” The role of IOM and UNHCR as well as UNAMID related to returnees is being further developed following initiatives by the High Level Committee. A new Joint Verification Mechanism, including IOM, UN, civil society and GOS stakeholders, is now in place to verify the voluntary nature of IDP returns. The UN cluster approach being introduced in Darfur defines the leadership role of the UN across all sectors. The approach will link GOS ministries more closely to work plans. Security, however, continues to be the constraining factor in the region, limiting the ability of the international community and possibly other actors to go to deep field locations where work on rehabilitation and recovery is needed. The GOS is also strongly encouraging all INGOs to work with and support local Sudanese organizations in a process called Sudanization.

USAID is the largest donor in Darfur through funding by USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), Office of Food for Peace (FFP) and Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI). Almost half a billion dollars in humanitarian assistance has been provided each year over the past few years. There has been no USAID development funding in Darfur for decades. The time is now to think strategically, analyze and potentially revise and expand the USAID strategic approach in Darfur.

11. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

A. Basic Function of the Position:

The USAID/Sudan Senior Darfur Coordinator will serve as the Mission’s primary contact for coordination of Mission activities in the Darfur region. The incumbent will work closely with both humanitarian and development partners.

The situation in Darfur is extremely complex, challenging and varied. There are many strands of activities, initiatives and analyses underway. They need to be better understood and analyzed vis-à-vis their relation to USAID programs in Darfur, the USG Sudan Strategy, and any new expanding USAID strategic approach. For this effort, below are key categories to consider:

Political landscape

· The Doha peace process

· Sudan-Chad peace discussions

· The Joint Mediation

· The Mbeki Initiative

· The Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA)

· The role of institutions set up under the DPA and still active, e.g. the Darfur Darfur Dialogue, the Land Commission, etc.

Assistance Environment

· The Darfur Joint Assessment Mission (DJAM) work undertaken following the signature of the DPA

· Any subsequent DJAM studies and analyses

· On-going donors meetings on Darfur held in Khartoum

· The expanded High Level Committee (HLC) discussions related to humanitarian access issues Practical challenges

· Entry visas for Sudan

· Registration issues related to working in Darfur, including country registration and technical agreements

· Travel permits

· Sudanization, which specifically calls for capacity building of local NGOs to be partners of international NGOs, above and beyond the ongoing capacity building with government; this work raises the question of the effect of Sudanization on the focus of humanitarian and recovery programs

Key USAID concerns

· Conditions of IDP returns: when, how, voluntary nature, and options for USAID involvement

· The relief-recovery-rehabilitation-development timeline, which is not linear and not a continuum

· How to seize opportunity of pockets of stability to support rural populations such as expanding on ‘outside camp’ work currently being implemented by some partners

· Ensuring human rights are respected, the displaced retain land rights in their home areas, and both women and their communities are empowered to overcome the impact of gender-based violence

· USAID presence in Darfur: Nyala and the new USG Darfur Secure Platform in El Fasher

B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

The USAID/Sudan Senior Darfur Coordinator will have the following duties and responsibilities:

1.

Overall Assistance (30%)

· Lead USAID/Sudan’s efforts to expand our analytical base and strategic focus on key assistance issues in Darfur, working closely with all USG agencies, USAID offices and the US Special Envoy’s office, given the complex factors mentioned above.

· Work closely with OFDA, FFP, OTI and other USAID/Sudan offices to provide assistance, where needed, in coordination of programs and activities in Darfur.

· Lead the Mission’s Darfur working group.

· Lead the design process for new programs as approved and funded.

2.

Strategic Analysis (30%)

· Analyze options for USAID programming, especially related to relief, rehabilitation, recovery and development, and develop strategic option papers.

· Develop specific options and recommendations for USAID programming related to the Special Envoy priorities and related to support for the ongoing peace process, answering questions such as what can and should USAID be doing for recovery, rehabilitation and development short of a comprehensive peace agreement or as part of a comprehensive peace agreement.

· Develop proposals for needed analytical work in Darfur related to key issues of livelihoods, environmental degradation, land tenure rights, water, youth, urbanization or governance.

3.

Outreach (30%)

· Reach out to relevant stakeholders on behalf of USAID, working closely with OFDA and FFP staff working on Darfur, including other donors, GOS, the UN, NGOs and local authorities.

· Organize discussions with key Darfur experts in USAID/Sudan

· Organize a knowledge council or group of wise men and women of key Sudanese experts on Darfur to meet regularly with USAID to provide advice and counsel

4.

Information Sharing (10%)

· Share all information gathered through outreach, meetings, trips and reading on Darfur with the USAID Darfur Working Group;

· Draft cables and briefing papers as necessary;

· Develop comprehensive knowledge of the various actions, analyses, approaches, and programs on Darfur and share with the USAID Darfur Working Group and other staff

One of the Coordinator’s key early responsibilities will be to develop a draft USAID/Sudan strategic approach for Darfur encompassing all USAID assistance instruments and conforming to USG strategy for Sudan and SE initiatives for Darfur.

12. POSITION ELEMENTS:

A. Supervision Received: - Incumbent works under the general guidance of and reports directly to the Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Sudan (Khartoum). Supervision is of a very 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.

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

C. Exercise of Judgment: Exercises a high degree of sound and unbiased professional judgment during the development and implementation of activities related to Darfur. Independent judgment must be exercised on a broad range of strategic and 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, other donor/UN, and host-government relationships.

D. Authority to Make Commitments: Incumbent may have the authority to make commitments of a non-financial nature. Commitments must be in adherence to pre-established program objectives and USAID policies.

E. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Develops and maintains working relationships with other Darfur experts and analysts; has regular contacts with broad USG counterparts, other donors, partners, stake-holders, etc. Contacts are for the purposes of program/strategy formulation, activity design, program coordinating, development, exchanging information, and explaining USAID and Mission strategies, requirements and other matters.

F. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent may provide supervision to professional and administrative staff working directly on Darfur program in order to provide guidance and oversight, to monitor development, content, scheduling, and adherence to USAID goals and regulations.

G. 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. This position requires excellent interpersonal skills as the incumbent works with and coordinates with a broad range of Darfur experts, analysts, program implementers and senior officials in a multicultural setting.

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

I. Period of Performance: The personal service contract will be for two (2) years, with possibility of extension. Extensions will be contingent on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds.

J. Logistical Support:

Assignments of U.S. personnel to Khartoum are designated as “adult dependent” only—meaning that only dependents 21 years and above may accompany the employee to post. Current post danger pay for Khartoum is 25%. Current post differential pay is 25% and cost of living allowance is 20 %. Please note that all allowances are subject to change. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. In addition, employees will be authorized shipment of household effects (HHE), standard airfreight (250 lb. for the employee), and shipment of consumables. Shipment of a POV is not currently authorized.

USAID/Sudan will provide the contractor with suitable housing and office space and equipment, consistent with mission standards and requirements. The Contractor will have post privileges, such as check cashing, medical care, and in-coming and out-going personal mail service in accordance with DOS rules and regulations.

K. Estimated Start Date:

The target start date for this position is as soon as possible. Within 15 days after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the Contractor shall proceed to Khartoum to perform the above services.

L. Other Requirements:

This position is open to U.S. Citizens only. The selected candidate must obtain a “secret” security clearance, and required medical clearance.

13. 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 International Affairs, Public Policy, Conflict Mitigation or other areas related to international 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 strategy development, analysis of complex environments, 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 required. Direct experience in Darfur is desirable.

Knowledge (25 points) Knowledge of humanitarian, rehabilitation, and 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 policy and strategy development. Knowledge of strategy and programming in conflict and post-conflict environments is required.

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.

Language (10 Points) Proficiency in spoken and written English is required. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable and may be awarded up to ten extra points.

14. 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:

A. 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

Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service B. 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

C. 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.

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

E. 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 Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

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

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

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

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

Forms in 3-6 should not be submitted unless specifically instructed to do so by the Contracting Officer.

F. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs and AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

AAPD 06-12

Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12)

Implementation (2006)

AAPD 06-11

Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and

Holidays (August 2006)

AAPD

06-10 PSC Updated Medical Expense Payment Responsibility

(October 2006)

AAPD 06-07

AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase

AAPD 06-03

Updated Contractor Salary Approval Threshold

Policy/Procedures

AAPD 06-01

Medical Evacuation Update

AAPD 05-10

Calculation of Vacation Leave for U.S. Personal Services

Contractor’s (USPSC)

AAPD 05-08

Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance

Costs

AAPD 05-02

Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated Contract Performance periods Exceeding Five (5) Years

AAPD 04-15

Cash Awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs

CIB 01-07

Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal

Services Contracts

CIB 01-10

Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens

CIB 00-08

Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizen

CIB 00-3

FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)

CIB 99-7

Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

CIB 98-25

Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List

CIB 98-24

Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs

CIB 98-23

Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

CIB 98-16

Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs

CIB 98-14

Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs

CIB 97-16

Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less

CIB 97-3

New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination

CIB 96-23

Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract

CIB 96-19

U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave

CIB 96-8

Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14

CIB 94-9

Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs)

CIB 93-17

Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC)

15. 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 via e-mail to the Contracting Officer (darbuckle@usaid.gov) with a copy to Ms. Sawsan Abdelmouti (sabdelmouti@usaid.gov).

NOTE: FINALIZATION OF THIS RECRUITMENT IS CONTINGENT ON THE MISSION’S ABILITY TO OBTAIN FINAL APPROVAL FOR THE POSITION AND ON FUNDS AVAILABILITY.

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