USPSC- ADVERTISEMENT - 685-10-004 - REGIONAL DLI - COORDINATOR.doc

USAID/SENEGAL

SOLICITATION FOR USPSC REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEADERHIP INITIATIVE COORDINATOR

1.

Solicitation Number:

685-10-004 2.

Issuance date:

12/07/2010 3.

Closing date/time at USAID/Senegal:

01/26/2011 at 17:00 pm (Senegal Time)

4. Position title:

REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE

COORDINATOR

5.

Market value:

GS 14 ($84,697 - $110,104)

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary history, work experience and educational background.

6.

Organization Location of Position:

Dakar - Senegal 7.

Direct Supervisor:

Deputy Mission Director 8.

Supervisory Control:

The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction but will have no authority to make financial commitments

9. Period of Performance:

Immediate upon receipt of security/medical clearances.

(The Personal Services Contract will be for 12 months, renewable annually for up to a total of 4 years, based on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance, and the availability of funds).

10.

Place of Performance:

Dakar - Senegal 11.

Security Access:

Employment Authorization 12.

Area of Consideration:

USPSC

13.

Other:

NSDD 38 Approval Pending

A. BACKGROUND

Over the period 2010 to 2013, Senegal and Mali expect to receive and train approximately 40 and 20 junior officers, respectively, for a total of 60 Development Leadership Initiative (DLI) junior officers. Senegal and Mali mission management envision the establishment of a high quality and comprehensive support program encompassing the administrative, training, mentoring and counseling activities required to develop these junior officers into fully functional USAID Foreign Service Officers. Establishing and administering a high quality support program of this complexity for this number of junior officers requires a dedicated manager to ensure that all administrative, training, mentoring and counseling requirements are appropriately planned, carried out, documented and evaluated. The DLI Coordinator will also play an important role as the counselor to junior officers and the local subject area expert on all matters concerning the USAID DLI program.

B. BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

The DLI Coordinator manages the administrative, training, mentoring and counseling support program for the junior officers assigned to USAID Senegal and USAID Mali. The DLI Coordinator will coordinate the DLI Program for all USAID offices in the Senegal and Mali missions (referred to as “Missions”). The incumbent will serve as the primary resource on the DLI Program, and carry out all key coordination functions related to the DLI Program and its participants (DLI Junior Officers, supervisors of DLI Junior Officers, Senior Mission Management, and rotation supervisors of DLI Junior Officers). Finally, the DLI coordinator will, in collaboration with the Executive Officer, investigate and, if feasible, develop a business case to establish Dakar as a regional training platform for the agency. The DLI coordinator will liaise with USAID/W/M Human Resources and any other relevant USAID/Washington entities to promote USAID/Senegal as a designated regional training site for Agency training events and a center of excellence for training and mentoring of junior officers.

C. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Senegal & Mali DLI Coordinator will work in close collaboration with senior mission management from both Senegal and Mali to coordinate their Missions’ DLI Programs and ensure the success of the DLI support program for both missions. Key duties and responsibilities are as follows:

1) Coordinate DLI Program in the Missions

30%

a) Maintain a repository of key templates and sample rotation memos, Individual Development Plans, Annual Evaluation Forms, and DLI Program lessons learned to facilitate orientation to the DLI Program in Dakar and Bamako to newly-arrived DLI Program participants (DLI Junior Officers and supervisors).

b) Work closely with DLI Junior Officers and supervisors to support the establishment of appropriate work objectives and performance measures, Individual Development Plans, rotation memos and rotation schedule relevant to USAID Foreign Service skills matrix and backstop-specific requirements.

c) Serve as the Missions’ primary point of contact for DLI Junior Officers when they have been assigned to Senegal and Mali. Provide resources, guidance, advice, and support to DLI Junior Officers before and after arriving in Senegal and Mali to effectively navigate organizational processes and operate within the USAID work environment.

d) Work closely with all DLI Junior Officers’ supervisors to improve understanding of the DLI Program and identify opportunities for DLI Junior Officer rotations. Actively solicit and identify rotation and other opportunities within the Missions and communicate them amongst the group of DLI Junior Officers.

e) Assist rotation supervisors in understanding rotation objectives and to identify optimal work opportunities for the DLI Junior Officers. Maintain regular contact and communication with rotation supervisors during DLI Junior Officers’ rotations to assess progress toward meeting rotation objectives. Ensure workloads are adequate for the DLI Junior Officers.

f) Facilitate DLI Program-related meetings and participate in DLI Program-related committees.

g) Coordinate the preparation, clearance and approval of DLI junior officer Memoranda of Agreement for all assignments to Senegal and Mali.

2) Ensure DLI Program is relevant to training needs of DLI Junior Officers 20%

As the DLI Program is tailored to the training needs of each DLI Junior Officer, based on their Individual Development Plan (IDP), the DLI Coordinator will:

a) Remain cognizant of each DLI Junior Officer’s IDP and background (experience, skills and areas for strengthening); training progress in the Missions, and overall contribution to the Missions. The DLI Coordinator is to have a comprehensive picture of a DLI Junior Officer’s Mission experience, progress, and contribution.

b) Liaise with DLI Program participants, i.e. DLI junior officers, their supervisors and their mentors, to identify opportunities to address IDP-specific training needs, including areas for strengthening and areas for excelling. Advocate for individualized formal training and work opportunities that specifically address each DLI Junior Officer’s IDP.

c) Collaborate with Mission management to identify a core set of tasks/activities every DLI Junior Officer is to carry out. Identify these opportunities and track to ensure every DLI Junior Officer has accomplished the core tasks within the two-year training tour (i.e. participate in a technical evaluation committee, serve as a control officer, attend a donor coordination meeting, etc.).

d) Develop training tracking plans and matrices, feedback sheets and evaluation forms to ensure that DLI rotations are productive for the junior officer, that the rotation supervisor has an opportunity to provide input to the official DLI supervisor and that the DLI officer will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the efficacy of the assigned rotation.

3) Coordinate the training development and administrative support requirements of the DLI program with the Executive Office in Senegal.

15%

a) Oversee the submission of all NSDD 38 clearances and approvals, in consultation with the R/EXO, the USAID Front Office, and the Post Management Officer

b) Plan and carry out a DLI orientation for all new DLIs coming to the missions---including basic information related to payroll, WebTA, etc.-in coordination with HR and Controller's office.

c) Oversee documentation and record keeping related to DLI Individual Development Plans (IDPs) -updated in light of training taken, training scheduled, and new opportunities, in coordination with supervisor and DLI junior officer.

d) Develop and manage the DLI training curriculum.

e) Coordinate with EXO/HR to locate, contract (if necessary), and supervise logistics and administration for instructors (USAID staff in the region, retired USAID officers, and/or USAID Washington staff).

f) Collaborate with instructors to design, develop and implement training modules and assess the progress of participants.

g) Work with EXO/HR to provide recommendations and advice to DLIs on instructor-led and web-based training opportunities at FSI, in Washington, through the DAU, etc. Assist the missions to schedule and access the USAID/W training contracts for instructor led training in Dakar.

h) Liaise with HR and other Bureaus in Washington to request and schedule instructor-led training on site in Dakar to increase the impact of training funds spent at post.

4) Synergize DLI Program as a resource to Missions.

a) Liaise with Mission management to keep abreast of Mission human resource needs (including quick turn-around requests and/or visitors from USAID/Washington, organizing key Mission events, etc.) and identify strategies to meet those needs via DLI Junior Officer training opportunities.

b) Attend Missions’ senior management/core team meetings and keep Mission management informed of DLI Program implementation, identifying areas of convergence between the Mission needs and the DLI Program.

c) Work closely with office rotation supervisors to ensure rotations are relevant training opportunities and also support the office in getting work accomplished.

5) Serve as the Missions’ resource on DLI Program policies, requirements, resources and practices.

a) Remain cognizant of policies issued by USAID/Washington affecting the DLI Program including the DLI Reference Manual (mandatory reference for ADS 459), Agency Notices and key resources such as USAID/W/OHR’s DLI website.

b) Advise on and, at times, draft Mission-wide policies related to the DLI Program for Mission Director/Deputy Mission Director approval. Specifically, work to establish a Mission-wide policy on the approval process for DLI Junior Officers to participate in non-mandatory trainings that address IDP-specific training needs.

c) Gain an understanding of, and remain familiar with, how the DLI Program is being implemented in USAID/Washington and in other Missions worldwide to ensure consistency and incorporate best practices in Dakar and Bamako.

d) Serve as the primary liaison with the USAID’s DLI Coordinator and USAID/W/Africa Bureau’s DLI Coordinator.

e) Liaise with Mission staff (Senior management and DLI Junior Officer supervisors) to advocate on behalf of the DLI Program.

f) Develop and update DLI Handbooks for mentors, orientation, mini-training sessions; seminars, etc.

g) Coordinate and arrange for TDY rotations to non-presence posts.

h) Prepare reports documenting all programming and performance.

i) Develop and maintain a strong mentoring program at the two missions by:

· Developing and updating a Mentors’ Handbook and providing guidance and coaching for the Mission’s mentors;

· Providing guidance for mentoring; including information on selecting mentors, the roles of mentors and protégé, beginning and ending a mentoring relationships, and setting and achieving goals for a productive mentor-protégé relationship;

· Tracking the DLI mentor protégé relationships, meeting with them at least once each quarter to track progress, analyze problems or provide corrective solutions, if necessary to improve the mentoring relationship;

· Serving as a sounding board to listen to DLI issues and concerns;

· Providing advice and guidance to first tour officers regarding their roles and as subordinates in the office; working with an office chief, working with local staff, etc.;

· Making recommendations for ending non-functioning mentor-protégé relationships;

· Making recommendations to improve training rotations to Office Chiefs, and to the Front Office; and

Preparing reports documenting all programming and performance.

6) Other tasks, as assigned or needed.

5%

The DLI Program depends entirely on the needs of DLI Program participants. Therefore, the DLI Coordinator shall remain flexible to support and coordinate the Missions in addressing those needs throughout the duration of the DLI Program

D. POSITON ELEMENTS:

Supervision: The DLI Coordinator will be supervised by the USAID Senegal Deputy Mission Director and is to confer with the USAID Mali Mission Director. The incumbent, with the USAID Senegal Deputy Mission Director, will develop general work objectives against which performance is measured. In the day-to-day work environment, however, the DLI Coordinator is expected to use initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity to resolve problems and attain the program’s goals and objectives.

Available Guidelines: The position requires an understanding of an array of U.S. Government and USAID regulations, such as the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH) and a variety of other USAID guidance documents.

Exercise of Judgment: The DLI Coordinator must exercise sound and independent judgment in coordinating the DLI Program and in carrying out a substantial portion of work independently, according to established procedures.

Interpersonal Skills: The DLI Coordinator must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of situations. Diplomacy is required on a daily basis to resolve challenges that arise during the course of the work. Excellent technical and communication skills are necessary as well as an ability to train others.

Authority to Make Commitments: None Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The DLI Coordinator will establish and maintain solid working relationships with all levels of USAID staff in Dakar, Bamako, Washington and, potentially, other Missions throughout the world as well as U.S. Embassy staff in Bamako and Dakar. There will be minimal contact external to the U.S. Government required.

Complexity of Work: The duties and responsibilities of the DLI Coordinator are of considerable breadth and intensity and require the participation and support of other USAID staff as well as a substantial depth of analysis.

Period of Performance: The contract will be for one year, renewable annually for up to a total of 5 years, based on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance, and the availability of funds.

Regional Travel: The Regional DLI Coordinator will travel to the USAID Mission in Mali approximately five times per year, and is expected to spend approximately 30 working days per year at that mission.

Medical and Security Clearances: The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances within 45 days of being offered the contract. US Citizens must obtain USG security clearance level of Employment Authorization. An employment authorization may be upgraded to a secret clearance, if required, at a later stage. For medical clearances, the US Citizens must be able to obtain Department of State Class 1 Medical Clearance.

E. QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA (Total: 100 points):

Education (10 points): Master’s degree required, with special consideration for candidates with a degree in Education/Training, Management, Organizational Development, Organizational Psychology or other relevant field.

Job Knowledge (20 points): Thorough understanding of USAID, including how USAID Missions operate, USAID programming, USAID strategies and effective practices, and an understanding of the inter-relationships of different technical and support offices of a USAID Mission (10 points). Thorough understanding of adult education and professional training programs, mentoring relationships and fostering newly recruited officers is required (10 points).

Skills and abilities (50 points): Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to train senior officers how to achieve learning objectives for the junior officers assigned to them through the use of rotations in various offices in the mission. Demonstrated ability to train senior-level officers to perform their training and mentoring roles. Proven ability to counsel both junior- and senior- level officers. Demonstrated ability to track and document progress (or lack thereof) for all newly recruited officers under the DLI program. Proven ability to independently establish and maintain contacts with senior-and junior-level officers. Excellent word processing and spreadsheet program skills.

Prior Work Experience (20 points): Demonstrated experience and expertise with the design, development and implementation of relevant training programs (10 points). Demonstrated experience and expertise with USAID Mission processes and procedures, including writing and reviewing AEFs, supervising Mission staff, bidding for foreign service positions, participating in the development of mission Operational Plans, and other key USAID Foreign Service Officer responsibilities (10 points).

F. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency or there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information.

Applications must be sent to the following email address:

usaiddakar-hr@usaid.gov Attn.: Aminata Dagnoko or Antoinette Faye

Human Resources Specialist

Human Resources Assistant

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number in the application, and as the subject line in any cover letter and/or email, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

The position will be filled subject to availability of funds.

List of REQUIRED Forms

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Standard Form Optional Form (OF) 612. OF 612 is available at the USAID web site, on www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants that submit their application by e-mail without an electronic signature must send a fax or scanned copy of the signature page in order for their application to be considered for this position. Applicants shall submit a résumé or curriculum vitae and write a brief appendix to the OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or education and training address the Evaluation Factors listed above.

The following forms shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. A prerequisite for employment is a medical clearance and completed background investigation that reflects one's qualification for employment authorization.

· Medical History and Examination (08-1843).

· Questionnaire for sensitive Positions (for National security) (SF-86); or

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

· Finger Print Card (FD-258).

References:

Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives with working telephone and e-mail contacts are required. The references must be able to provide substantive information about an applicant's past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to obtain past performance information from any source. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter and OF-612. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered highly rated.

Benefits and Allowances:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances].

A. Benefits:

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick leave (only earned for actual work days)

B. Allowances:

Benefits and allowances are provided in accordance with the AIDAR which can be found at: www.usaid.gov/ads/300/aidar.pdf.

C. Federal Taxes: US PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.

Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPD) and Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) pertaining to PSCs Please refer to the web site below to find the AAPDs and CIBs that apply to this contract. At the home page, please click on Personal Services Contracts.

http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subtect.html Derrière Hôtel Ngor Diarama Petit Ngor, Ngor B.P. 49 Dakar, Sénégal Téléphone : (221) 33 869 6100 Fax : 869 6101 Internet : senegal.usaid.gov

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