SOL- 72047221R00006 - Development Assistance Technical Specialist.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Rua Sergio Viera de Melo, Lighthouse Area, Farol, Dili, Timor-Leste Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

ATTACHMENT 1:

I. GENERAL INFORMATION:

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72047221R00006

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 06-10-2021

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 07-08-2021 at

5:00 p.m. Timor-Leste time.

4. POSITION TITLE: U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Development Assistance

Technical Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-13 equivalent ($79,468 - $103,309).

Salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Subject to HCTM and NSDD-38 approvals to start as soon as possible for a period of 12 months from the date of award with the possibility of extensions depending on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance and the needs of the USAID Mission.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dili, Timor-Leste

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED/ACCESS: Confidential

9. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Located between Indonesia and Australia, Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002 after almost 25 years of Indonesian occupation. It is a majority Christian democracy and post-conflict, fragile state that is a member of the G7+ and aspires to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Located in the Indo-Pacific region, Timor-Leste is of great interest to China. Many government buildings have been built by the Chinese and much of the new road infrastructure has been awarded to Chinese companies. Human and institutional capacity remains weak while poor infrastructure, combined with uncertain land tenure, constrains economic growth and inhibits access to rural areas. Thirty-five percent of Timorese live in extreme poverty and malnutrition rates for children under 5 are among the highest in the world at 46 percent.

With a population of 1.2 million, 60 percent under the age of 25, instability is likely if the government cannot grow the economy or if the private sector is not supported to establish enterprises and create jobs. The economy is almost entirely dependent on offshore petroleum production, supplemented by remittances, donor assistance, and limited coffee exports. Timor-Leste, as a relatively remote location, was able to minimize their exposure to COVID 19 until 2021 and as of June 2 the country is reporting over 7,300 cases and 16 deaths. The country remains vulnerable due to their shared land border with Indonesia, the anticipated return of Timorese and expatriates, the weak capacity of the health and surveillance systems, and their economic dependency on imports and oil.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Timor-Leste strategy encompasses three ambitious themes, inclusiveness, prosperity, and health, that are essential to furthering self-reliance, from workforce development to the business-enabling environment, and greater government accountability. With relatively modest investments, USAID/Timor-Leste will lay the foundation to ensure that all Timorese, particularly the most vulnerable, are able to reap the benefits of a nascent private sector and a better governed Timor-Leste.

B. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Development Assistance Technical Specialist is located within the Office of General Development (OGD) of the (USAID)/Timor-Leste Mission. The OGD includes five Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs), and a portfolio of about $60 million (life-of-project) activities advancing health governae and democratic governance. The Advisor promotes an inclusive, prosperous, and healthy Timor-Leste that is more self-reliant, and supports USAID/Timor-Leste’s Development Objective 2: Democratic Governance Strengthened, supporting Intermediate Result (IR) 2.1 Government Accountability Improved and IR 2.2 Institutional Effectiveness Strengthened.

The Development Assistance Technical Specialist reports to the Office Director and provides guidance for various aspects of activity design, planning, monitoring, evaluation, budgeting, and reporting. The Development Assistance Technical Specialist will frequently represent OGD to expand outreach and communication, and coordinate with and support USAID/Timor-Leste staff regarding issues affecting assistance design and implementation while managing for results.

a) Activity Monitoring, Analysis, and Communication (30%)

• Assist OGD staff to monitor and evaluate activities. Summarize and present monitoring policies and guidance to OGD staff. Coordinate with the Program Office to support the Performance Management Plan and the Mission’s monitoring and learning agenda.

• Assist Agreement Officer Representatives/Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/COR) to assess and report monitoring and evaluating of assistance. Ensure A/CORs are aware of Agency compliance issues related to the monitoring of activities and projects.

• Assist the Mission's Data Quality Assessment processes to collect performance data from implementing partners and analyze it to confirm that it meets Agency quality standards of validity, integrity precision, reliability, and timeliness. Advise A/CORs on determining data use and reporting to better manage activities and report on successes, as well as understand and assess limitations.

• Coordinate with the Program Office to ensure overall quality and coherence of communications and outreach products and initiatives for activities in the OGD portfolio. Support the CORs and AORs with guidance from the Program Office to adhere to branding and marking guidelines. Assist the ODG to coordinate with other USG agencies, and OGD implementers to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development efforts and initiatives.

• Coordinate with USAID staff and OGD implementers on developing public information initiatives, and their communications and media strategy and relations.

Assist with drafting timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, responses to requests for information, and other public information materials relating to OGD activities.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

b) Supervision, Mentoring, and Staff Development (30%)

● Supervise FSN staff while developing a capable and results oriented OGD team.

Provide regular feedback to managers and staff to ensure performance reviews are carried out throughout the year and annually. Proactively address performance issues through regular, constructive, and honest feedback and coaching.

● Maintain staff management systems which reflect principles of fairness, transparency, and efficiency, and ensure that health, safety, and security of staff are prioritized.

● Promote professional growth of FSN staff through strategic, deliberate capacity building, by identifying professional improvement needs, and recommending training and development opportunities.

c) Program and Activity Design (20%)

Serve as OGD’s primary point of contact with USAID/Timor-Leste’s Program Office regarding OGD activity designs and approval documents to help ensure all technical design, evaluation, and other criteria for activity approval are complied with and activity design documents readied for approval by legal, technical, and acquisition/assistance experts.

d) Activity Documentation and Reporting (20%)

● In partnership with the Program Office’s Development Outreach and Communication team, review all OGD drafted internal and external communications and outreach material to ensure USAID standards of quality are assured before being distributed to the U.S. Embassy or publicly.

● Coordinate OGD technical input to the Mission’s Annual Performance Plan and Report PPR, Operational Plan, Country Development Cooperation Strategy, and other documents. Compile and edit narratives, data tables, and reports to ensure quality and compliance with Agency guidance.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

a) Supervision Received: Formal supervision and evaluation will be by the OGD Director, who advises on general responsibilities to meet USAID/Timor-Leste strategic objectives and goals. In collaboration with the incumbent, the immediate supervisor will: 1) establish annual work objectives and performance measures; 2) review work outputs and accomplishments to ensure compliance with Agency policies, and implementation of best practices; 3) provide regular feedback to incumbent throughout the Performance Evaluation Period; 4) prepare the annual Evaluation Report as/when required; and 5) obtain input from the appropriate peers, counterparts, and team members. The Advisor is expected to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance.

The incumbent must be proactive, self-motivated, and self-directed.

b) Supervision Exercised: The Advisor supervises up to 4 FSNs: two Health

Governance Project Management Specialists and two Governance Project Management Specialists.

D. GUIDELINES: The Specialist must comply with Agency regulations, Automated Directive

System requirements, Asia Bureau procedural guidance, Agency procurement and acquisition guidance, Mission Orders, and U.S. Government guidance including laws, legislative initiatives, and Congressional interests.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

E. COMPLEXITY: The position operates in a complex work environment as it works across general development; interfaces with the Bureau for Global Health and the Bureau for The Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment as well as a number of US Government agencies; advises on highly detailed and complex budget and program planning as well as reporting requirements; in addition to team management responsibilities.

F. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT: Activities assigned to the incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment. In instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, the incumbent will use her/his own personal, well-informed judgment in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID/Timor-Leste personnel, as well as representatives from other organizations, including the Government of Timor-Leste, to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

G. NATURE, LEVEL, PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: To effectively function in this position, the incumbent will be required to establish and maintain working relationships with all categories of USAID staff and U.S. Embassy staff; engage a U.S. Government inter-agency network including the Department of State, Department of Defense, U.S. Department of Agriculture, CDC and other U.S. Government personnel in the field and in Washington; highest level staff of United Nation agencies, other international and donor organizations; representatives of regional organizations such as ASEAN and APEC; international and local NGOs; Faith Based Organizations, private sector representatives and the general public. With local contacts, the incumbent will be required to develop and maintain an extensive range of high-level contacts with senior level government officials in the Ministries of Health, the Ministries of Agriculture, and senior level academic, business and community leaders in the region with the purpose ranging from simple information gathering to obtaining or verifying information which is otherwise unavailable as well as assisting in the development of complex programs. The incumbent actively participates in substantive discussions and negotiations of design/implementation issues and matters of national health policy up to the level of the Ministries. In the USAID mission, she/he actively participates in substantive discussions and recommends U.S. positions on policy issues up to the level of Office Director.

H. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: This is primarily a sedentary position supporting General Development Office related activities with technical and other support offices. The incumbent will be physically located at the USAID/Timor-Leste Mission compound in Dili, Timor-Leste and may be expected to attend required meetings, and occasional site visits to current projects in coordination with technical teams. Up to 15 percent domestic travel is anticipated.

I. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS: None Incumbents’ recommendations will form basis for making commitments and contribute to informing policy decisions made by the USAID/Timor-Leste management team. The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG) (USAID/Timor-Leste) funds on behalf of the U.S.

Government.

J. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: In possession of, or able to obtain, a secret level security clearance. The successful applicant must be able to receive a USAID security clearance that involves an applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

11. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. Citizens only.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA:

The applicants must address each Evaluation Factors listed below. When addressing the Evaluation Factors below, demonstrate how your experience relates to the duties and responsibilities. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following evaluation criteria:

1. Education: (pass/fail): Bachelor’s Degree in a health-related field, international development/relations, business administration, economics, social, medical science, public administration, or equivalent

2. Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience demonstrating progressively increasing levels of responsibility is required in public health governance or related areas such as governance of health systems, primary health care, maternal and child health, family planning, and/or experience promoting democratic governance, human rights, civil society, or relevant sectors. International experience working with experts from different countries is required.

3. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to analyze program and project development issues and work with teams to resolve them. The Development Assistance Technical Specialist reports to the Office Director and provides guidance for various aspects of activity design, planning, monitoring, evaluation, budgeting, and reporting.

Excellent computer skills to use Microsoft Office and Google Share.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

Application Rating System

The applicant rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. Applicants must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided.

The rating factors are as follows:

1. Experience: (35 points)

● At least five years of relevant work experience on health and/or governance programs with an international development agency or on international development programs is required.

● Documented experience in analyzing problems, working with teams to develop solutions, writing analytic reports, and using empirical data to improve the effectiveness of the work product is required.

2. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (35 points)

• Demonstrated ability to analyze development issues and work with teams to resolve them.

• Excellent writing and speaking abilities.

• Demonstrated ability to organize work, develop schedules, and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office and Google Share computer applications.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

• Demonstrated knowledge of advanced development principles, program/project/activity development, budgeting, management, and analytical skills to assess activity feasibility.

3. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: (30 points)

● Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work in diverse, multicultural teams, including an ability to build consensus, provide leadership, and effectively coordinate with internal and external stakeholders while supporting a culture of inquiry and engaging in continuous critical reflection of USAID’s assistance and emerging issues.

● Demonstrated ability to produce written communication in a clear, concise manner.

● Demonstrated experience leading and facilitating groups with differing views.

Total Application Rating: 100 points

Interview Performance: 100 points

Total Possible Points: 200 points

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications and Basic Eligibility Criteria will be further evaluated in accordance with the Applicant Rating System. Applicants are required to address each factor of the Applicant Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to each factor. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Applicant Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on writing test, interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. USAID/Timor-Leste will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews and writing test. Reference checks will be conducted for the finalists. Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant.

IV. SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required qualifications will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications.

V. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Interested individuals are requested to submit following:

1. Fully completed and hand-signed or e-sign copy of an Offeror Information for Personal

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2) at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID-302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV).

3. Personal Information: full name, mailing address, email address, day and evening phone numbers, and country of citizenship.

4. Written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Section III.

Evaluation and Selection Factors).

5. A minimum of three and a maximum of five references, including two references which must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge.

6. Information on current or prior U.S. Government security or employment authorization clearance and current or prior U.S. Government/employment medical clearances.

NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section.

Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time specified in this solicitation. Late applications will not be considered. Please note all applications must be hand-signed or e-signed. Applications can be scanned and sent as an email attachment.

Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

• Base Salary

• Employer’s FICA and Medicare Contribution*

• Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

• Pay Comparability and Adjustment

• Annual Salary Increase

• Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

• Annual & Sick Leave

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

2. ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

• Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

• Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

• Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

• Post Allowance (Section 220) https://www.usaid.gov/forms

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

• Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

• Education Allowance (Section 270)

• Education Travel (Section 280)

• Post Differential (Chapter 500)

• Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

• Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

3. FEDERAL TAXES:

USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal income taxes. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes.

4. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE:

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

• Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

• Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

• Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

• Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

5. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIBs) AND ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE

POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS:

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contract. Those documents can be found at this website:

http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/

Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D can be found at:

http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Timor-Leste 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. USAID/Timor-Leste also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations.

The EEO complaint procedure is available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

- End of solicitation -http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/ http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf