OTCM Deputy team Leader Vacancy 2011.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

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

ISSUANCE DATE:

April 19, 2011

CLOSING DATE:

May 10, 2011 16:30 hrs. GMT+3 SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Deputy Team Leader (Juba, Sudan), GS-13.

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. Suzan Lasu (slasu@usaid.gov), Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Sudan.

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

Sincerely, Diane Moore Senior Executive Officer/Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT TO POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

USPSC SENIOR AGRICULTURE AND AGRIBUSINESS SPECIALIST (JUBA, SUDAN)

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED:

May 10, 2011, 16:30 hrs. GMT+3

4. POSITION TITLE:

Deputy Team leader

Extensions up to a maximum of two years.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Juba, Sudan

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals

9. SUPERVISOR:

OCTM Team Leader

10. BACKGROUND:

The USAID/OTCM Sudan program is follow-on to USAID’s Office of Transition and Conflict Management (OTCM) program operating in Sudan since 2003. OTCM funds activities to support successful implementation of Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Sudan’s political horizon includes important and potentially contentious events, particularly the near-term secession of southern Sudan, the post-referendum negotiations that will determine many of the key political dynamics facing the new country of South Sudan and a constitutional review process that will lay the foundation for nation/statehood. The OTCM program in southern Sudan is focused on conflict management, peace dividends and support to these critical political processes.

In order to address increasing levels of insecurity in southern Sudan, in October 2010 OTCM began programming through implementing partner AECOM with a focus on addressing ethnic violence in the region through peace and security, and stabilization activities in priority flashpoint areas. The Southern Sudan Program Manager (FPM) will support the OTCM portfolio in southern Sudan and will report to the OTCM Deputy Chief of Office.

Political Context

The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) on January 9, 2005, by the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) and the National Congress Party (NCP) brought an end to Africa's longest-running conflict. As part of supporting durable peace, the CPA provided for fundamental changes through power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and shared security arrangements. The CPA established a national unity government during the six-year interim period. Out of the CPA, the Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) was established in 2005. At the end of the six year interim period, the CPA calls for a referendum in January 2011. Through the referendum, Southern Sudanese will vote on whether to become an independent state or remain part of a united Sudan.

11. Position description:

A. Basic Function of the position:

The Deputy Team Leader will support the OTCM team in the development, oversight and management of the OTCM program.

He/She will work closely with OTCM implementing partner organizations in the management and implementation of program activities. And must demonstrate problem-solving skills and the ability to implement creative approaches to monitoring and evaluating OTCM program activities in order to advise the OTCM Team Leader and other members of the Senior Management Team about ways of improving the program’s activities and modalities. The Program Manager must demonstrate professional maturity and ability to effectively represent OTCM. The Program Manager must also demonstrate personal maturity given the pervasive proximity of peers and supervisors in both professional and social settings at all hours of the day. Because of the likeliness of changes in program direction and implementation, he/she must be a highly flexible individual capable of redesigning his/her roles and responsibilities.

The successful candidate must also be willing and able to perform a wide range of administrative functions (budget preparation, financial management, records management, travel assistance, etc.) to help ensure programmatic success.

The DTL is a member of the USAID/OTCM Sudan (South) team and will be based in Juba, Sudan with frequent travel for extended periods to project locations and field sites throughout southern Sudan. The position will be managed by the OTCM Team Leader.

B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the OTCM Team Leader, the Program Manager will:

· Support the effective implementation of the OTCM Sudan program by ensuring activities are coordinated and integrated with other USAID and donor programs;

· Advise the OTCM senior management on program performance in the field, and offer input regarding the improvement of programmatic and operational modalities;

· As necessary, act as primary liaison with OTCM implementing partners at the field level, including ensuring team goals and objectives are being met and understood by all;

· Work with USAID and other counterparts to help shape and develop strategies and activities in support of USG, USAID, and OTCM objectives at the field level;

· Assist the OTCM team in the overall monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of OTCM-sponsored activities designed to achieve OTCM strategic objectives;

· Support OTCM senior management in meeting USAID administrative requirements (budget preparation and tracking, financial management, agreement management);

· Maintain detailed records/files of program information;

· Assist in supervising, training, and/or mentoring locally hired teams in the field;

· Coordinate and advise on implementing partner operational platform and activities in the field in line with OTCM objectives, to ensure team goals and objectives are being met and are understood by all, even during rapid periods of change;

· Draft weekly and quarterly programmatic and analytical political reports incorporating information from OTCM activities;

· Assist in meeting and collaborating with USAID Mission personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, host country government officials, implementing partners, international organizations, indigenous and international NGOs, international donors, and others key players who may be interested in OTCM activities or have important information related to the start up or ongoing development of OTCM activities;

· Support regular communication and information sharing with other USAID activity managers and partners, bilateral donors, UN Organizations, International Organizations, and indigenous and international NGOs to ensure visibility and synergy of USAID/OTCM activities;

· Communicate and present lessons learned to audiences such as US government officials, host country government officials, other donor officials, and others as required;

· Perform other duties as determined by the supervisor to ensure successful OTCM program implementation.

12. POSITION ELEMENTS:

A. Supervision Received: The Deputy Team Leader will receive overall supervision, policy guidance, and managerial oversight from the USAID/Sudan OTCM 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.

B. Available Guidelines: The supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision.

C. Exercise of Judgment: The Contractor 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.

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

E. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Contractor will establish and maintain solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel with USAID/Sudan staff in all locations. The Contractor will have frequent working contacts with U.S. Embassy officers in Sudan, host government officials, nongovernmental organizations, 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.

F. Supervision Exercised: As assigned by the USAID/Sudan Deputy Team Leader, the Contractor will supervise up to three USAID/Sudan Foreign Service National staff with governance-related management responsibilities.

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.

H. Time required Performing 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.

I. Period of Performance: The 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. 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.

K. 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.

L. 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.

M. 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.

N. 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 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:

Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs)

Education (10 points)

Bachelor’s degree with minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience with NGOs, in community development, economic development, mediation/ arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, and/or human rights activities. Or

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, international development and social sciences.

Prior Relevant and Overseas Work Experience (40 points) Minimum of four (4) years of relevant experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, large international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, and/or human rights activities, including overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance, transition programs, or democracy-Building.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (40 points)

(a)Intellectual Leadership- The incumbent should have professional experiences to conceptualization, design, management and evaluation of project activities relevant to political transition and/or post-conflict programs. Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high-visibility, high-pressure environment, including crisis situations.

(b)Demonstrated experience in contract and/or grant management with

Demonstrated ability to motivate, guide, and manage contractors and grantees

In difficult, complex circumstances, and program design and Implementation:

Experience-based knowledge of monitoring and evaluation, knowledge of USG

Budgetary and procurement processes and property management principles in a

Developing country context, preferably with USAID, another USG agency or Other international donors, is required.

(c) Program Oversight: Demonstrated ability to provide oversight of large, complex activities that are implemented under challenging social and political conditions. Demonstrated ability to function with minimal supervision to address complex and challenging inter-agency and political dynamics is required.

(d) Geographic Context: Knowledge of Sub-Saharan Africa – particularly post-conflict countries – and its cultural/work environment is preferred. Knowledge of cultural systems/norms and business practices in southern Sudan is preferred.

(e) Demonstrated technical, analytical, and decision-making skills that can be applied to heavy workload/high stress work environments. Demonstrated skills in designing, managing and evaluating government agricultural projects. Skills supervising complex projects implemented across large geographic areas.

(f) Required to have excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate working within a team. Demonstrated ability to work across Mission offices, as well as to coordinate with other USG agencies and other regional and bilateral development initiatives. Demonstrated ability to work well with host country government officials, professional consultants, and local and third country nationals.

(g) A demonstrated ability to perform with minimal administrative or secretarial support is required. Required to have very good computer skills, including ease and skill in using Microsoft Office applications.

Communication (10 Points)

Excellent communication skills are required, with proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. The applicant should have a demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior USG officials, other donors, and foreign and local government officials.

Fluency in spoken and written English is required. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable.

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 (dimoore@usaid.gov) with a copy to Human Resources Specialist (slasu@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.