Solicitation_ USAID Mali Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist position 09-20-2010.pdf

USAID Mali Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist

Solicitation Number: 688-P-00-10-00138-00

Issuance Date: September 20, 2010

Closing date and time specified for receipt of applications at USAID Mali: October 22, 2010

Position Title: USAID Mali Senior Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist (GS14) or Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist (GS13)

Market value: One position is advertised with two different position descriptions, one at the GS 13 level and one at the GS 14 level. (GS 13: S71,674-93,175;

GS 14 $84,697-8116,164). All candidates applying will be considered for both the GS 13 and 14 Position Descriptions. Only those candidates meeting all advertised requirements of the GS 14 Position Description will be eligible for a contract award at the GS 14 salary level. USAID Mali intends to give preference to selecting the best candidate meeting all the GS 14 advertised requirements. If no candidate meets all advertised requirements of the GS 14 Position Description, then USAID Mali may opt to select the candidate best qualified at the GS 13 level and award the contract to that candidate at the GS 13 level.

Final compensation within either the GS-13 or GS 14 grade range will be based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background.

Organization Location of Position: USAID/Mali, Bamako, Mali

Senior Agriculture Development Officer (Economic Growth Office Director)

Minimal technical supervision.

The Personal Services Contract will be for two years with the possibility of extension. Extensions will depend on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance.

Bamako, Mali

US: "Secret" clearance TCN: Employment Authorization

Direct Supervisor:

Supervisory Control:

9. Period of Performance:

Place of Performance:

Security Access:

12. Area of Consideration: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens (Offshore or Residents) or Third Country Nationals.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Senior Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist (GS-14)

COUNTRY BACKGROUND

As Mali celebrates its 5o th Anniversary of Independence this year, the USAID Mission in Mali (USAID/Mali) also celebrates five decades of work in the country. USAID/Mali implements programming in four sectors: governance and communication, health, education and economic growth. The Economic Growth Office works primarily to reduce poverty and raise rural incomes through inclusive agricultural growth and improved productivity, strong markets, facilitated national and sub-regional trade, private sector development and natural resource management.

Stronger economic growth, particularly in agriculture, where Mali has an under-exploited comparative advantage, is a necessity for poverty reduction in Mali. USAID is working to strengthen Mali's agricultural extension system, weakened by insufficient GOM support, poor agricultural education, and general neglect over the years. The Mission also seeks to improve the policy environment to foster market-based food security at both the national and community levels. USAID/Mali closely supports GOM efforts to implement its Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program (CAADP), which commits African countries to invest ten percent of the national budget in agriculture, with the goal of achieving seven percent annual agricultural growth. The CAADP process paired with a new sector-wide approach to agriculture will prepare Mali for further investment in its National Priority Investment Plan for the Agricultural Sector.

USAID/Mali is implementing the new multi-year initiative Feed the Future, the US Government's global hunger and food security initiative, to address the impact of food insecurity in Mali. The initiative seeks to sustainably reduce global poverty and hunger through inclusive agriculture sector growth and improved nutritional status especially of women and children.

Since 2009, the USAID/Mali has been implementing programming under the Global Food Security Response, which has and will continue to support critical agricultural and trade measures aimed at increasing the production and marketing of food staples. These measures follow a market-based, sub-regional approach that allows food staples to move from surplus to deficit areas, redresses the imbalance in the supply of and demand for key food staples, raises the incomes of producers, and lowers the cost of food delivered to poor urban consumers.

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

This position is located in the Accelerate Economic Growth (AEG) Office, USAID/Mali. The Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist's primary responsibility is to serve as a technical advisor on key issues pertaining to agriculture, rural development, links to nutrition and their relationship to poverty reduction. A secondary function will be the management of a diverse set of activities related to any existing or new food security efforts. As such, the Agriculture Specialist provides expertise on reviewing and tracking the implementation status of the GOM development policies for agriculture and rural development in a very broad sense. This position is responsible for the design, planning, monitoring and evaluation of agriculture and rural development activities within the AEG Office and is expected to provide input into related programming in natural resource management, forestry, aquaculture, and nutrition. The purpose of the Specialist position is to (a) serve as an advisor to the Mission on necessary policy reforms to promote agriculture growth; (b) assist the Mission to develop assistance programs to improve agriculture in Mali; (c) provide advice and counsel on necessary agriculture, nutrition and economic policy reforms; (d) perform analysis of agricultural and economic growth issues; and (e) promote partnerships and joint ventures in the rural development sector and USAID programs. The incumbent establishes a network with business associations, other donors and GOM agencies developing agricultural and rural development policy to keep abreast of economic growth and agriculture related reforms.

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The incumbent will provide advice and counsel to the Mission Director and Deputy Director, the AEG Office Director, other Mission Office Directors and technical experts. In addition, the position is responsible for developing and maintaining comprehensive knowledge of current agriculture issues and model interventions and for establishing and maintaining professional working relationships with senior Government of Mali (GOM) officials, local businesses, key implementing partners and local leaders and other business professionals.

a. Technical Leadership in Strategic Planning, Program Development, and Activity Design :

Specifically, the incumbent will be expected to work in tandem with other professionals in the Economic Growth Office to:

Provide post-wide strategic, technical and organizational leadership in agriculture development, particularly as it relates to implementing Feed the Future (FtF), the USG Global Hunger and Food security initiative in Mali. As a key advisor, the incumbent collaborates with the inter-agency team in managing major components of the FtF implementation plan and meeting measurable objectives. The incumbent's recognized expertise in agricultural development, including host-country agriculture development programs and policies, is a powerful influence on program policy and design.

Provide design documents for agriculture development/food security programs and leads research on social, political, cultural and economic factors pertaining to agriculture/security in Mali. Contributes to the development of the Mission's overall conceptual framework and formulates plans for implementation.

Research and develop thorough analyses of opportunities and constraints to improve rural development and poverty reduction from domestic or international sources.

Develop and sustain close collaborative, professional relationships with highest-level officials of other USG agencies and GOM, key business leaders, other major donors, international organizations, and leading economic development research institutions.

Represent the USAID Economic Growth Team to extend development partners in a wide variety of events, including conferences, workshops, donor subgroup meetings, GOM meetings, agriculture sector working group meetings, and other relevant forums on agriculture development and food security.

Provide expert advice and counsel on Malian agriculture policies and related international agreements or conventions. Provides analysis and proposes policy reforms to the mission and partners including effective means to promote policy changes.

S/he negotiates with host country government on project design and implementation, ensuring that host country officials at the highest level are apprised of FtF program progress. S/he coordinates information and builds consensus from various organizations involved in the preparation and approval of various documents. These responsibilities require the incumbent to demonstrate highly developed professional judgment and to provide technical direction and management oversight.

Maintain active dialogue with other donor programs, local organizations, and various GOM offices on agriculture, nutrition, rural development and the environment, building contacts to facilitate dissemination of information and coordination of activities.

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Identify and facilitate public/private partnerships and/or global development alliances that improve agriculture development. Assist in the development of financial mechanisms in support of other USAID programs.

Coach and provide formal and informal training to economic growth team members in areas of expertise and develop/implement improved approaches to activity management.

Maintains contacts with a variety USAID/Washington staff to keep abreast of current developments and successful interventions. Liaise with the US Embassy to maintain up-to-date knowledge of US investors, or potential investors in Mali.

Respond to requests from partners, USAID/Washington, the GOM and other donors on USAID's agricultural initiatives (food security, climate change, etc), activities and results.

b. Program and Project Management and Administration:

The incumbent will perform the function of Contracting and or Agreement Officer Technical Representative (COTR or AOTR) as designed by the Mission Contracting/Agreement Officer for the management of contract, cooperative agreements, and/or grants.

Specific duties include:

Provides technical and organizational leadership on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of assigned projects.

S/he ensures that assigned projects achieve their intended results.

Provides technical advice and direction to the Agreements/Contracting Officer in responding to the proposed changes in the scopes of work and program descriptions of assigned projects.

Provides expert technical advice and direction to institutional contractors, grantees, GOM officials and other stakeholders as warranted.

Reviews and approves implementing organizations' work plans and technical reports, verifies that they meet the acceptance standards and delivery schedules, as specified in the contract/agreement.

Conducts assessments and site visits to monitor the program and implementing partner, stakeholder and counterpart progress in the implementation of projects.

Collaborates with other donors and organizations in agriculture development to ensure synergy of program activities with those of other organizations. Actively participates in agricultural sector working groups.

Manages financial matters related to program activities, such as providing administrative approval of vouchers, planning and preparing for annual incremental funding amendments, and other financial administrative activities as needed, to ensure that fiscal needs of the recipient organizations are met in a timely manner.

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Prepares all necessary internal USAID project obligation and implementation documentation for smooth program implementation, including GLAAS and other required reporting. Maintain project files.

Prepares and submits the annual evaluation of contractors' performance for inclusion in their central database on contractors.

c. Program/Policy Analysis and Reporting

S/he ensures that all FtF projects are appropriately documented in required reports and through regular updates given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including the Annual Report, Portfolio Reviews, annual budget and pipeline analyses, Congressional Presentations, briefs and talking points. Oversees the preparation of reports and records by direct subordinates.

Works with the Monitoring and Evaluation officer to ensure that the indicators to measure FtF program impact are tracked accurately and used to revise strategy as necessary. Coordinates with other AEG team members to ensure data submitted on activities are complete and consistent for reporting in the annual report, portfolio reviews, annual budget, pipeline analyses, and other required reporting.

Keeps the team abreast of current events in Mali that impact on its mission or cooperation. Advise Mission senior management and other office staff of developments relevant to the FtF program's implementation. Conduct consultations with stakeholders and tracks legislative developments. Collects, analyzes, and synthesizes information to inform and strategically guide program planning.

In active collaboration with team members, prepare concept papers and other relevant documents and initiatives and describes project ideas and initiatives in accordance with Mali's agriculture sector strategy, the current environment in Mali, the institutional capabilities and purposes of potential USAID recipients, resource availability, and funding sources.

REQUIRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

The successful candidate is expected to have the following qualifications.

General: Must possess or be able to qualify for a U.S. Government "SECRET" security clearance due to the sensitivity of the policy development, analysis and report aspects of the position and the required level and nature of interaction and dialogue planned with senior State Department and GRM officials. The incumbent must be willingness to travel up to 20% of the time in the country of Mali and elsewhere in the sub-region.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of a Masters Degree in economics agriculture, forestry, soil science, or other closely related field is required.

Eight years of prior work experience in the agriculture and rural development sector required;

Five years direct experience with program/project design, performance monitoring and reporting is required;

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Knowledge of Mali and or other West African agriculture policies and laws is required;

Experience working with local communities and farmer's associations, development alliances, information dissemination and communication of agriculture issues is required;

English oral and writing skills are mandatory for the position;

Level IV proficiency in spoken and written French is required for this position.

Selection Criteria: Qualification/Experience Required

Work Experience and Knowledge (30%)

Thorough knowledge of development theory and programming in general and rural development and/or poverty reduction programming in particular;

Comprehensive knowledge of agriculture programs and policies, agricultural trade and food policies, nutrition, land tenure and macro-economic issues, and the legal and policy framework of the GOM, specifically as it related to rural development

Broad knowledge of current political, social, economic and strategic factors in Mali and an excellent understanding of the complexity of Mali organizational structure, bureaucracy and the reform processes which are on-going;

Considerable familiarity with approaches and goals of development organizations and other partners and their approaches to agriculture programs; and

Must have an understanding of the changing direction of the agriculture sector in Mali.

Skills and abilities (30%)

Capacity for critical analysis of current agricultural and rural development issues, initiative in carrying out assigned tasks and strong interpersonal qualities are essential;

Originality of ideas and creative thinking highly desired;

Plans, organizes, and executes complex agricultural related activities;

Prepare precise, accurate reports using rigorous analytical and interpretive skills;

Prepares internal reporting documentation in English and external reports as assigned;

Establishes and maintains professional and effective contacts with GOM counterparts, other donor technical staff and implementing partner Chief-of- Party;

Willingness to travel up to 40% of the time in the Mali region.

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Education (io%)

Master's Degree in economics, agriculture, forestry, soil science, or other closely related field is required; PhD in one of the above fields preferred.

Language Proficiency (25%)

Fluency in English and French at R-3, S-3 required

Language capabilities in other languages in the region such as Bambara are also desirable.

Past Performance Evaluation (5%)

Effective work experience and mastery of the above skills, evidencing an ability to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position, as demonstrated through feedback received from employers and co-workers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Factor Points Experience and Knowledge 30% Skills and Abilities 3o% Education to% Language Proficiency 25% Past Performance Evaluation 05% Total t00%

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

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Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist (GS-13)

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

This position is located in the Accelerate Economic Growth (AEG) Office, USAID/Mali. The Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist's primary responsibility is to serve as a technical advisor on key issues pertaining to agriculture, rural development, links to nutrition and their relationship to poverty reduction. A secondary function will be the management of a diverse set of activities related to any existing or new food security efforts. As such, the Agriculture Specialist provides expertise on reviewing and tracking the implementation status of the GOM development policies for agriculture and rural development in a very broad sense. This position is responsible for the design, planning, monitoring and evaluation of agriculture and rural development activities within the AEG Office and is expected to provide input into related programming in natural resource management, forestry, aquaculture, and nutrition. The purpose of the Specialist position is to (a) serve as an advisor to the Mission on necessary policy reforms to promote agriculture growth; (b) assist the Mission to develop assistance programs to improve agriculture in Mali; (c) provide advice and counsel on necessary agriculture, nutrition and economic policy reforms; (d) perform analysis of agricultural and economic growth issues; and (e) promote partnerships and joint ventures in the rural development sector and USAID programs. The incumbent establishes a network with business associations, other donors and GOM agencies developing agricultural and rural development policy to keep abreast of economic growth and agriculture related reforms.

The incumbent will provide advice and counsel to the Mission Director and Deputy Director, the AEG Office Director, other Mission Office Directors and technical experts. In addition, the position is responsible for developing and maintaining comprehensive knowledge of current agriculture issues and model interventions and for establishing and maintaining professional working relationships with senior Government of Mali (GOM) officials, local businesses, key implementing partners and local leaders and other business professionals.

a. Technical and Policy Advisory Support:

Provide expert advice on rural development, agriculture and human nutrition as it relates to agriculture, the production and transformation of agricultural products, and the improved provision of agricultural inputs to private farmers and enterprises.

Research and develop thorough analyses of opportunities and constraints to improve rural development and poverty reduction from domestic or international sources.

iii. Provide expert advice and counsel on Malian agriculture policies and related international agreements or conventions. Provides analysis and proposes policy reforms to the mission and partners including effective means to promote policy changes.

b. Program Management and Oversight:

Serve as Contracting or Assistance Officer Technical Representative (COTR/AOTR) for Mission contract and grant activities promoting agriculture and rural development which include constantly monitoring and evaluation program performance and financial oversight of programs managed under his/her supervision. Provides technical guidance to contractors and grantees within the scope of the grant agreements. Accepts deliverables from contractors on behalf of the mission.

Contribute to regular reporting requirements such as field trip reports, quarterly accruals, procurement obligations and pipeline reviews and the semi-annual portfolio reviews.

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vi. Works closely with Mission monitoring and evaluation specialists and implementing partners to develop results frameworks for economic growth contract and grant activities. Will track and evaluate results achievement. Analyzes data and results needs to confirm their continuing validity. Takes a lead role in developing performance information for annual results reporting to USAID/Washington.

Conducts analysis of program performance and recommends changes in strategic and/or implementation approaches as required.

c. Coordination:

Maintain close contact with GOM and other actors active in agriculture and rural development. The incumbent will have oversight on all technical and financial partners meetings.

Assist USAID's liaison with the donors group on rural development and agriculture by preparing necessary documents, presenting USAID's positions at meetings, and briefing USAID management on issues and discussions.

Maintain active dialogue with other donor programs, local organizations, and various GOM offices on agriculture, nutrition, rural development and the environment, building contacts to facilitate dissemination of information and coordination of activities.

Identify and facilitate public/private partnerships and/or global development alliances that improve agriculture development. Assists in the development of financial mechanisms in support of other USAID programs.

Maintains contacts with a variety USAID/Washington staff to keep abreast of current developments and successful interventions. Liaises with the US Embassy to maintain up-to-date knowledge of US investors, or potential investors in Mali.

Responds to requests from partners, USAID/Washington, the GOM and other donors on USAID's agricultural initiatives (food security, climate change, etc), activities and results.

REQUIRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

The successful candidate is expected to have the following qualifications.

General: Must possess or be able to qualify for a U.S. Government "SECRET" security clearance due to the sensitivity of the policy development, analysis and report aspects of the position and the required level and nature of interaction and dialogue planned with senior State Department and GRM officials. The incumbent must be willingness to travel up to 20% of the time in the country of Mali and elsewhere in the sub-region.

Education: (to%) The completion of a Masters Degree, or equivalent education with experience, in economics agriculture, forestry, soil science, or other closely related field is required. PhD in one of the above fields preferred.

Prior Work Experience: (5%) Must be a recognized professional with effective work experience and mastery of the skills and knowledge detailed above. Eight years of prior work experience in the agriculture and rural development sector is required. Five years direct experience with program/project design, performance monitoring and reporting is also required. Intimate knowledge of Malian agriculture policies and laws highly desired and experience working with local communities and farmer's associations, development alliances, information dissemination and communication of agriculture issues is also desirable. There should be evidence of an ability to successfully perform the responsibilities of the position as demonstrated through feedback received from previous employers and co-workers.

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Experience and Knowledge: (30%) The ideal candidate would have thorough knowledge of development theory and programming in general and rural development and/or poverty reduction programming in particular. S/he should have comprehensive knowledge of agriculture programs and policies, agricultural trade and food policies, nutrition, land tenure and macro-economic issues, and the legal and policy framework of the GRM, specifically as it related to rural development. Broad knowledge of current political, social, economic and strategic factors in Mali and an excellent understanding of the complexity of Mali organizational structure, bureaucracy and the reform processes which are on-going is necessary. The incumbent should also be considerably familiar with approaches and goals of development organizations and other partners and their approaches to agriculture programs. S/he must have an understanding of the changing direction of the agriculture sector in Mali.

Language and Communication Skills (25%) Fluency (written and spoken) in English and French at a R-4, S-4 level is required. Language capabilities in other languages in the region such as Bambara are also desirable. S/he must be able to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. S/he should have the ability to produce professional quality analytical reports and the ability to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior GRM officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG personnel.

Skills and Abilities: (30%) Capacity for critical analysis of current agricultural and rural development issues, initiative in carrying out assigned tasks and strong interpersonal qualities are essential. Originality of ideas and creative thinking highly desired. The incumbent will have the ability to plans, organize, and execute complex agricultural related activities. S/he will prepare precise, accurate reports using rigorous analytical and interpretive skills. Must be able to prepares internal reporting documentation in English and external reports as assigned. As the incumbent will establish and maintain professional and effective contacts with GRM counterparts, other donor technical staff and implementing partner Chief-of-Party, s/he will need to possess strong interpersonal skills. In addition, the incumbent must be able to interact and work effectively in a team environment. Excellent computer skills (MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook) are required for effectively operating in this position.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Factor Points Education 10% Prior Work Experience 5% Language Proficiency and Communication Skills 25%

3o%Experience and Knowledge Skills and Abilities 30% l00%Total

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CM-n.4, AHD Cag-n5

POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR

The Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist will be supervised by and report to the Economic Growth Office Director

SUPERVISORY CONTROL

The Agriculture Management and Policy Specialist will work under the general supervision of the Economic Growth (EG) Office Director.

Oversight: The USPSC shall develop an annual work plan within 45 days upon arrival at post. S/he will submit a yearly revision to the work plan to the EG Office Director within 3o days following the anniversary date of arrival. The contractor is responsible for preparing 1) annual work plans and semi-annual reviews of progress on work objectives; 2) trip reports covering purpose, pending issues/actions, and persons met, after the completion of each TDY, and 3) other work products as specified by the EG Office Director or his/her designee.

The EG Office Director will review and approve the incumbent's work plan, work objectives and performance measures. Supervision will be generally limited to weekly Team Meetings and informal daily and/or weekly consultations. S/he is expected to carry out assigned duties independently with minimal technical supervision. The incumbent will not play a supervisory role.

At the beginning of each year the contractor shall determine with the EG Office Director the deliverables and their specific due dates during that year. Progress shall be reviewed semi-annually with the Mission Director or his/her designee.

C. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES

Employee implements activities in accordance with applicable ADS regulations and Mission guidelines. Employee develops working knowledge of Africa Bureau directives.

Working within the parameters established by ADS regulations and Mission guidelines, the employee draws on experience and professional judgment to make program implementation decisions and undertake policy discussions.

Exercises delegations of authorities granted in USAID/Mali Mission Orders and those for Cognizant Technical Officers (COTR/AOTR). Clears key written communications with Office Director.

EXERCISE JUDGMENT

Incumbent exercises a broad scope of independent judgment. Refers to immediate supervisor and other professional staff members on matters pertaining to policy, priority or resolution of problems for which there is no clear precedent. Incumbent must demonstrate a keen sense of timeliness in exercising judgment and completing an array of simultaneous actions.

AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS

Exercise authority in accordance with delegation granted in USAID Mission Orders.

I. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Develops and maintains an extensive range of high level contacts with business and GOM officials, community leaders and multilateral and bilateral donor missions represented in Mali for the purpose of obtaining or verifying published and unpublished information on Mali's agriculture trends and events, and for following developments in finance and PPP development and business associations and groups. Contacts may also include the Director, Deputy Director, Office Directors, and Program Officer of USAID/MALL

J. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Interested applicants must submit: (i) his/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

(ii) signed SF 171 or OF 612; and (iii) three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts, (iv) a written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position; and

(v) a written statement that addresses the Quality Ranking Factors in this solicitation. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/WA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. (The OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.)

Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

The U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement bus opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov , or at Federal offices).

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

The individual shall be required to obtain a medical clearance and a security clearance.

Applicant must also be available and capable of travel in West Africa region.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND COMPENSATION

Subject to the availability of funds, this will be a two-year contract. Since there's an immediate need to fill in this position, incumbent is expected to arrive at post no later than December 1, 2010 contingent on medical and security clearances.

The position has been classified at a U. S. Government GS14. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on qualifications and previous earning history.

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances in accordance with the AIDAR Appendix D &J which can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/policy ads oo aidar. df

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website htt : www.usaid.roctem ment sc solicit to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.

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N. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

Successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving in Mali. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit medical clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

Successful applicant must be able to receive USAID security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

Successful applicant must be able to report to post in Bamako, Mali to assume duties promptly upon medical and security clearances being granted.

0. COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENT IN U.S. DOLLARS

Except to the extent reimbursement is payable in the currency of the Cooperating Country, USAID shall pay the contractor compensation after it has accrued and reimburse him/her in U.S. dollars for necessary and reasonable costs actually incurred by him/her in the performance of this contract.

The amount budgeted and available as personal compensation to the contractor is calculated to cover a calendar period of approximately 1 year renewable, which is to include: Vacation, sick, and home leave which may be earned during the Contractor's tour of duty (GP Clause 5).

P. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a USPSC employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.) For a Third Country National (TCN), benefits shall be in accordance with the USAID/Mali Mission Order policy.

Benefits

F.I.C.A & MEDICARE*

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Shipment and Storage of Household Effects Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service for USPSC

* Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor's salary will be subject to employee's FICA and Medicare contribution.

Allowances (if applicable)*

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 12o) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 13o) Post Allowance (Section 22o) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 23o) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 26o) Education Allowance (Section 270) Education Travel (Section 28o) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) Danger Pay (Section 65o) Consumables Allowance

Note: * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas)

d. D. List of Required Forms for a Security Clearance

(A) Optional Form 612 Applicants shall sign the application form. Unsigned OF-612 forms shall not be accepted and therefore applicants shall not be considered for the advertised position.

** (B) Physical Examination (Form DS-1843 and DS-1622) ** (C) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National

Security (SF-86) or ** (D) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) ** (E) Finger print Card (FD-258) (available from requirements office)

Note: ** The forms listed B thru E shall only be completed upon the advice of the contracting officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.

Forms A through E can be found at:

http://www.fedforms.gov/bgfPortal/docSearch.do

FEDERAL TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.goviprocurement bus opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillformzsa., or at Federal offices)

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter and should be sent to the following email address:

Attn.: Kadi Traore, kaditraol. ov Human Resources Specialist or Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, ccoulibaly(&usaid.gov Supervisory Executive Officer

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

S. CLOSING DATE

Applications must be in the USAID Mali Executive Office no later than October 22, 2010.

EEO/AA: USAID IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

EMPLOYER AND PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE

TREATMENT IN EMPLOYMENT TO ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR,

RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION,

MARITAL STATUS, OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION

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ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) AND CONTRACT

INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website htt : o rocure ent sc Solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.

CIB 96-23

CIB 94-09

CIB 93-17

CIB 89-29

Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays PSC Medical expense payment responsibility AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase Medical evacuation insurance Revision of medical clearance process — PSC with U.S. Citizens Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) Revision of Competitive Process — PSCs with U.S. Citizens FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts PSC Policy Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D.

PSC's with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and 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 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles

AAPD

AAPD 06-10

AAPD 06-07

AAPD o6-oi CIB o1-10

CIB 01-07

CIB 01-05

CIB oo-o8

CIB 00-03

CIB 99-22

CIB 98-23

CIB 98-16

CIB 98-14

CIB 98-11

CIB 97-17

CIB 97-16

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

http: //www.usaid.g,oy/procurement bus opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc

Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at:

tut : www.tisaic

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