Southern Sudan FFP Officer Solicitation.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-JUB-FFP-11-001

ISSUANCE DATE:

April 7, 2011

CLOSING DATE:

May 7, 2011 16:30 hrs. GMT+3 SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Southern Sudan FFP Officer (Juba, Sudan), GS-13/14 The United States Government, represented by U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Sudan), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals 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-6l2

· 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. Sara Giffen (sgiffen@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 AGRICULTURE AND AGRIBUSINESS SPECIALIST (JUBA, SUDAN)

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED:

May 7, 2011, 16:30 hrs. GMT+3

4. POSITION TITLE:

Southern Sudan FFP Officer (Juba, Sudan)

extensions up to a maximum of five years.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Juba, Sudan

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals

9. SUPERVISOR:

FFP Director (Khartoum)

10. BACKGROUND:

U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP) provides grants for food assistance to private voluntary organizations (PVOs) and the UN World Food Program (WFP) under Title II of Public Law 480. In FY 2010, FFP provided more than 2.1 million metric tons of food, valued at more than $1.9 billion, benefiting people in 49 countries worldwide. FFP provides both emergency food aid (which aims to address food aid needs arising from natural disasters, such as floods or droughts, and complex emergencies often characterized by insecurity and population displacement) and non-emergency food aid (which aims to address the underlying causes of chronic food insecurity).

Southern Sudan faces a host of complex food issues requiring Title II food assistance. Large scale return of formerly displaced citizens, lack of infrastructure, inter-tribal and cross-border conflict, recurrent natural disasters and endemic poverty all contribute to widespread food insecurity.

In FY 2010, Sudan as a whole received $308 million in Title II food assistance, of which $104 million was emergency food aid and $30 million was for non-emergency programs in southern Sudan. In FY 2011, it is anticipated that there will be two multi-year non-emergency programs managed by PVOs, each valued at $30 million, and, due to ongoing food insecurity among vulnerable groups, emergency food aid will also continue.

Title II food aid grants are signed by the Director of FFP in Washington, and the FFP/Washington Country Backstop Officer is usually the Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR) who is responsible for the technical oversight of the grants. The USAID Mission has overall responsibility for assistance programs in the country.

To help determine the need for and to improve, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the assistance provided under the Title II Food aid program in southern Sudan, the USAID Mission in Juba requires the services of a FFP Officer hired through a Personal Services Contract. The position is based in the capital, but the FFP Officer is expected to spend approximately twenty-five (25) percent of his/her time traveling throughout the country to monitor program activities and assess food aid needs.

11. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

A. Basic Function of the Position:

The FFP Officer will ensure effective management of FFP resources in southern Sudan. His/her primary responsibility is to monitor the needs for and implementation of Title II-funded food assistance programs and report on their implementation to FFP/Washington, the regional FFP Office in Nairobi, and the USAID Mission.

B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

The FFP Officer will undertake the following duties:

1. Serve as a point of contact for all issues pertaining to Title II food aid in southern Sudan for the USAID Mission, USAID/Washington, the regional FFP Office in Nairobi, other parts of the U.S. government, PVOs, international organizations, host nation governmental ministries and agencies, and others in the country.

2. Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing Title II programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims.

3. Provide information and guidance to Title II assistance award recipients on Title II regulations, policies and procedures.

4. Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements, government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, government food assistance programs, and donor pledges and programs.

5. Coordinate with the U.S. Government Country Team, host government, PVOs, international organizations, donors, and others to address issues related to Title II food aid.

6. Undertake and report on assessments to inform Title II food assistance funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs.

7. Work with PVOs on preparation of annual work plans and program modifications, and with WFP and regional FFP staff on new appeals or revisions to existing ones.

8. Work with other parts of the U.S. government and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall.

9. When delegated authority to do so by the FFP Director, serve as AOTR for Title II programs.

10. Supervise and mentor FFP/South Sudan assigned FSN staff as directed by the FFP Sudan Office Director.

11. Undertake other tasks, as assigned.

The basic duties and responsibilities do not change between the GS 13 and GS 14 levels. An employee meeting the qualifications for GS 14 and hired at that level, however, is expected to exercise a higher level of autonomy and require less technical support from the USAID Mission, FFP/Washington and the Regional FFP Office in Nairobi.

Individuals hired at the GS-13 level who, during the course of the contract meet the GS-14 minimum requirements, can be considered for promotion based on performance.

12. POSITION ELEMENTS:

A. Supervision Received: The FFP Officer will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the Sudan FFP Office Director in the USAID Mission, but is expected to be in regular contact with FFP/Washington, as well as the regional FFP Office in Nairobi, and report any information about issues pertaining to ongoing or future Title II programs. The incumbent may supervise one or more FSN staff as directed by the Sudan FFP Office Director.

The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction, but will have no authority to make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. government unless such authority is specifically delegated

B. Available Guidelines: Automated Directives Systems (ADS), Office of Management and Budget Circulars, policy issuances governing administration of activity, Mission Orders, USG/ 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 FFP in southern Sudan. Independent judgment must be exercised on a broad range of strategic and activity management issues and when meeting with counterparts, contractors, partners, customers, etc. The Officer is expected to have a thorough understanding of Agency ethical standards, specifically with regard to managing contractor, other donor, and host-government relationships.

D. Authority to Make Commitments: The Officer 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 top-level Government of South Sudan (GOSS) officials, including at the Minister level, and contractor representatives; 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 coordination and development, exchanging information, and explaining USAID and Mission strategies, requirements and other matters.

F. Supervision Exercised: The officer may provide supervision to professional and administrative staff in order to provide guidance and oversight, to monitor development, content, scheduling, and adherence to USAID goals and regulations.

G. Interpersonal Skills: The Officer 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 Officer works and coordinates with a broad range of experts, analysts, program implementers and senior officials in a multicultural setting.

H. 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.

J. Logistical Support: Assignments of U.S. personnel to Juba are designated as "unaccompanied" meaning that no dependents may accompany the employee to post. Current post danger pay for Juba 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 limited authorized shipment of household effects (HHE), standard airfreight (250 lb. for the employee), and limited 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, but not later than within 21 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.

L. Other Requirements: This position is open to U.S. Citizens and Third-Country Nationals. The selected candidate must obtain a “secret" security clearance (if eligible) or security authorization for employment, and required medical clearance.

13. QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and selective factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, and/or education that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.

A. Education

· Bachelor’s degree plus at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (two of which must be related to food aid);

OR

· Master’s degree with significant study in a pertinent field (including, but not limited to international relations, agriculture, economics, public health,) plus at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (two of which must be related to food aid);

B. Prior Relevant and Overseas Work Experience At least two (2) years of experience working on development or relief issues in the field’ C. Skills and Abilities Basic computer skills, to include knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail, and the internet.

D. Professional Experience (50 points)

(i) Knowledge and experience with international development and relief (20 points)

(ii) Knowledge and experience with Title II food aid programs (20 points)

(iii) Technical expertise in a food aid related field, such as nutrition, agronomy, economics, or public health (10 points)

E. Program Management (30 Points)

(i) Ability to manage programs, to include programmatic and financial issues (10 points)

(ii) Ability to monitor and evaluate programs, to include programmatic and financial issues (10 points)

(iii) Ability to review, evaluate and apply complex policies and regulations (10 points)

F. Interpersonal and Communication Skills (20 Points)

(i) Ability to provide rapid, concise, accurate reporting, both verbally and in writing (10 points)

(ii) Ability to work effectively as a team member and supervise staff in diverse cultures (10 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 (limited shipment authorized at present) 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, at least a temporary security clearance or employment authorization must be obtained prior to travel to post of duty. Until and unless 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.

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

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 (nthunberg@usaid.gov) with a copy to Human Resources Specialist (sgiffen@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.