OTCM Field Program Manager North Sudan_revised .doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

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

ISSUANCE DATE:

January 16, 2011

CLOSING DATE:

February 15, 2011, 16:30 hrs GMT+3 Ladies and Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for North Sudan Program Manager (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. Sara Giffen (sgiffen@usaid.gov), Human Resources Assistant, 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 NORTH SUDAN PROGRAM MANAGER

USAID/SUDAN - KHARTOUM

1.

SOLICITATION No:

USAID/Sudan 650-SU-OTCM-11-001 2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

January 16, 2011 3.

CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED:

February 15, 2011, 16:30 hrs GMT+3 4.

POSITION TITLE:

North Sudan Program Manager 5.

MARKET VALUE:

GS-12 ($60,274-$78,355)

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:

Office Chief, OTCM or designee

10. BACKGROUND:

The crisis that began in Darfur in 2003 continues today. Approximately 1.9 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 2010, 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.

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, and the development of a Government of Sudan Darfur Strategy have significantly increased movement and energy related to the humanitarian issues and the peace process for Darfur.

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 and Conflict Mitigation (OTCM). Almost half a billion dollars in humanitarian assistance has been provided each year over the past few years. There has been little 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. USAID is now seeking to promote a transition from humanitarian assistance to early recovery and development.

Less well known to the outside, is how far eastern Sudan, and particularly Kassala State, lags in development outcomes. Forty-two percent of children under five years old suffer from stunting and one in five from wasting (SHHS 2006). Seventy percent of the adult population and over 90 percent of the adult women in Kassala State are illiterate. A World Food Program survey placed per capita annual income there at $93, even lower than Darfur, and among the lowest in the world. Resources and political climate permitting, USAID hopes to begin modest programming in the east during FY 2011.

11. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

A. Basic Function of the Position:

The USAID/Sudan North Sudan Program Manager will serve as the Mission’s primary contact for coordination and management of Mission early recovery and development activities in the Darfur and Eastern Sudan regions. The incumbent will work closely with both humanitarian and development partners. The situation in both areas is extremely complex, challenging and varied.

B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

The Sudan Program Manager’s duties will include but not be limited to:

Recommend strategic objectives for the program and identify staffing and administrative needs necessary to achieve them.

· Manage regional programs and implementing partners, determining regional programmatic priorities.

Assist OTCM Office Chief in reporting regularly on the status of: (1) small grants program development and implementation; (2) performance of USAID contractors; (3) communications and coordination issues; (4) security concerns; (5) relations between OTCM and the contractor, USAID/SFO, The State Department, implementing partners, and other donor organizations; (6) the current political situation; and (7) other pertinent information required to achieve OTCM's program objectives in Sudan.

Consult with the Office Chief and OTCM Staff and the widest range of potential partners and coordinate with other USAID project managers, UN Organizations, other International Organizations, NGOs, and bilateral donors in order to identify opportunities for OTCM to achieve greater visibility and synergy with other programs.

Assist the OTCM Office Chief in representing OTCM during meetings with USAID personnel, State Department representatives, local Government officials, indigenous and international NGOs, international donors, and other involved agencies and organizations.

Assist the OTCM Office Chief in monitoring the performance of OTCM implementing partners in the implementation of OTCM-financed activities designed to achieve OTCM strategic objectives.

Assist in the monitoring and evaluation of OTCM-sponsored activities.

Assist in preparing and disseminating of bi-weekly and monthly reports to OTCM Washington, and other organizations as deemed appropriate.

Assist the OTCM Office Chief with program and administrative requests to the USAID Mission.

Perform other duties as determined by the OTCM Office Chief or his/her designee.

Serve as Acting Office Chief or Deputy Office Chief, as required.

12. POSITION ELEMENTS:

A. Supervision Received: - Incumbent works under the general guidance of and reports directly to the Office Chief, Office of Transition and Conflict Mitigation (OTCM), 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 North Sudan 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 coordination and management, exchanging information, and explaining USAID and Mission strategies, requirements and other matters.

F. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent may provide supervision to administrative staff working directly on North Sudan programs 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 Sudan 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 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 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 five years (in addition to other experience requirements) may be substituted for the degree.

Prior Relevant and Overseas Work Experience (30 points)

Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience and project management in USG foreign affairs agencies or large international organizations; minimum of two (2) years professional experience in political transition or humanitarian assistance overseas. Experience working in countries in conflict or post-conflict situations is required. Experience with mediation, conflict resolution, democracy/governance and human rights activities; experience in contract and/or grant management; experience overseas in the management of an emergency or crisis situation; professional experience in international development and/or response to complex humanitarian emergencies. Direct experience in Darfur, Khartoum and/or Eastern Sudan is desirable.

Knowledge (25 points) Knowledge of humanitarian, rehabilitation, and development assistance principles and USAID activities, policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation desired. Demonstrated experience in conceptualization, design and management of projects similar to those of USAID/OTCM; experience drafting status reports, briefing papers or other regular written documentation 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. Sara Giffen (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.

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