SOL# 72062420R00003 Sr. CVE ADVISOR Final.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062420R00003

ISSUANCE DATE: December 2, 2019

CLOSING DATE/TIME: January 2, 2020 at 17:00 HRS

GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Short Term

Senior Countering Violent Extremism Advisor, USAID/West Africa

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International

Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit

USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

All offers must be submitted to the Point of contact: accrapsc@usaid.gov

Any questions must be directed in writing to Yusif Ibrahim at yibrahim@usaid.gov with a copy to

Karla Camp at kcamp@usaid.gov.

U.S. Agency for International Development No. 24 Fourth Circular Rd

Cantonments, Accra

P.O.Box 1630, Accra-Ghana

Tel: 233-302-741200

Fax: 233-302-741365 www.usaid.gov/west-africa-regional mailto:accrapsc@usaid.gov mailto:yibrahim@usaid.gov mailto:kcamp@usaid.gov

ATTACHMENT Solicitation Number: 72062420R00003

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72062420R00003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 02, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Countering Violent Extremism Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE: $90,621 - $117,810 equivalent to GS-14

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) Year.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/West Africa - Accra, Ghana The incumbent will work six (6) months in the RPGO office in Accra, and six (6) months offsite in the field (West Africa) and/or Washington.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

i. BACKGROUND

USAID/West Africa is a regional mission with development assistance activities in 19 countries.

The Mission is located in Accra, Ghana. The USAID/West Africa’s regional democracy, governance, and human rights (DRG) and countering violent extremism (CVE) activities are managed from the Regional Peace and Governance Office (RPGO).

USAID/West Africa implements the majority of the USAID portion of the multi-agency (USAID, Department of State, and Department of Defense) Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership

(TSCTP). This strategic partnership represents the U.S. government’s (USG) single, largest effort to assist potentially vulnerable regional and national actors to constrict the tactical and strategic operating environment of terrorists in the West Africa sub-region. RPGO’s CVE work spans the region and addresses threats from various extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda in the Islamic

Maghreb and Boko Haram, among others. Funding for these efforts, from TSCTP and other sources, averages approximately $15 million a year.

RPGO is seeking the services of a Senior Technical Advisor to support the technical engagement of the multi-country team in designing innovative CVE programming, contribute to the development of a new Regional Development and Coordination Strategy (RDCS) and responding quickly and thoughtfully to various tasks to inform new RPGO CVE activities and interventions across the region.

ii. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

The Sr. Technical Advisor – CVE combines a range of roles and responsibilities associated with program design, coordination, planning and strategy development to inform and facilitate the work of the Regional Peace and Governance Office. The Technical Advisor assists the RPGO with the design of select countering violent extremism activities (CVE), provides analysis and strategic advice to the Regional Peace and Governance Office, and contributes to the overall conception, formulation and implementation of the RPGO’s CVE programming in the region. This includes: (1) strategically plan the implementation of TSCTP programs in coordination with the RPGO team members; (2) analyze the operating political, economic and social environments to inform countering violent extremism programming; (3) support, assess, and evaluate CVE activities; and,

(4) coordinate RPGO’s CVE activities with State, DoD, and others as directed by the Regional

Peace and Governance Office Director. The Sr. Technical Advisor will also provide, on as needed basis, technical guidance and assistance to other USAID Missions and Representative Offices, as well as Embassies in the region on CVE programming.

iii. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a. STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNICAL ANALYSIS (40%)

• The incumbent will advise Mission leadership on the direction and implementation of

RPGO’s CVE portfolio, to include setting priorities for strategic actions. S/he will lead the development of RPGO’s contribution to USAID West Africa’s new RDCS, performing research and providing analysis on CVE. This may include drafting background documents outlining the institutional history of CVE strategy and programming;

participating in field research and/or assessments; developing internal and external communications on CVE topics of interest, such as briefing papers, technical presentations, and trends analysis.

• Work, as directed by the RPGO Office Director, with country offices and project design teams to ensure technical excellence and coherence with local contexts with the aim of improving collaboration, building synergies, and elevating development results related to

CVE as well as broader USAID West Africa programming in the region.

b. PROGRAM DESIGN, COORDINATION, AND PLANNING (40%)

• Provide strategic advice and assistance to RPGO in the planning and analysis of CVE programming. This includes coordination with relevant technical team members and experts across USAID offices and missions, and drafting, reviewing, and commenting on planning documents.

• Lead stakeholder consultations supporting the planning and design of a new RDCS, Project

Appraisal Documents, and new CVE activities. Lead activity approval document preparations and review process in coordination with the RPGO team members. These efforts will involve drafting and reviewing critical programmatic documents for approval, such as program descriptions, scope of works, approval and decisions memos, and other technical documents.

• Contribute to the preparation of internal reporting requirements including program management reviews, annual reports, cables, project agreements, correspondence and other documentation, as required.

• Represent RPGO in internal and external stakeholder engagements with entities such as

West Africa governments and regional institutions, USAID implementing partners, other donors, and U.S. Embassy staff.

• As needed, produce briefing papers and coordinate visits and other activities for internal visitors such as congressional delegations, senior-level USAID officials, etc.

c. SHORT-TERM TECHNICAL SUPPORT (30%)

• Provide technical assistance in the area of CVE to USAID missions and offices in the region (outside of Accra) as needed. Technical assistance will, as feasible, include augmentation to teams during the absence of key staff or to supplement teams that are leading designs, evaluations or assessments and requiring short-term internal expertise. In conjunction with relevant experts, develop scopes of work, review draft assessments, participate in technical evaluations committees, and other similar time-bound tasks will be required.

9. SUPERVISION/OVERSIGHT OVER OTHERS

The Senior CVE Advisor will not directly supervise any staff members but will play a significant role in mentoring staff.

10. TIMELINE

The services of the Sr. Technical Advisor-CVE will be required from o/a January 2020 through o/a December 2020 with a total period of performance of up to one year. The Sr.

Technical Advisor will work six (6) months in the RPGO office in Accra, and six (6) months offsite in another country in West Africa and/or Washington DC, depending on the nature of the various tasks.

11. Other Factors

AVAILABLE GUIDELINES: The incumbent is expected to be familiar with USAID processes, procedures and rules as documented in the Automated Directive System (ADS).

In situations where the Sr. Technical Advisor’s judgment points to a need for additional clarity or guidance, his/her supervisor will provide such guidance with the assistance of the

USAID/West Africa support offices, as appropriate. The Sr. Technical Advisor will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies, including but not limited to the Automated Directive System, USG procurement regulations, and

USAID program strategy, design and policy documents. The Sr. Technical Advisor-CVE must be able to use his/her judgment in interpreting and applying guidelines even when the specificity and applicability of them is not well defined. The Sr. Technical Advisor is required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems.

COMPLEXITY: The management environment in which the incumbent will operate is complex, with many donors, country interests and USG interests and requires a professional with team-building and public diplomacy skills. Excellent, balanced judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. Over the course of project management and providing technical advice, the Sr. Technical Advisor will represent USAID in consultation with a wide range of senior USG and host-country actors, public and private sector officials, civil society and community leaders, regional institutions and donors.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The Sr. Technical Advisor contributes technical expertise to inform the management and implementation of CVE activities designed by USAID/West

Africa under the direction of the RPGO Director. The design and management of CVE activities requires high-level technical and organizational skills as they represent a complex array of projects and initiatives that require constant monitoring and high-level consultations with host country and Embassy officials in USAID non-presence countries, where the majority of these activities are conducted. Successful work will have a significant impact on key USG foreign policy priorities in the region, including reducing the spread of violent extremism and ensuring peaceful and positive democratic transitions among U.S. allies in the region. The issues and countries at stake are discussed at the highest levels of the USG.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: The Sr. Technical Advisor-CVE will establish and maintain professional contacts/relationships at all levels, including USAID/West Africa and other

USAID staff and colleagues in the region, USAID/Washington technical and senior management staff, US Embassy senior staff in target countries, senior officials at Africa regional organizations and institutions, and other major donor representatives.

LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: The purpose of contacts is to inform on or elicit information about USAID-funded or otherwise-funded CVE activities in order to guide project design, perform project management actions, and provide policy advice and guidance. This may include information and communication to and with senior USG representatives, host-country counterparts, regional institution representatives and other donors. The Sr. Technical Advisor-CVE will not be authorized to make commitments or policy revisions. S/he is expected to maintain close contact with USAID/Washington officials, U.S. Embassy personnel working on CVE-related activities.

The broad use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the Sr. Technical

Advisor in dealing with USAID office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations and U.S. Embassies to resolve problems that arise during the course of work where there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required in working effectively and coordinating multi-sectorial efforts in support of USAID’s development and security objectives and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed primarily in the

USAID/WA Regional Peace and Governance Office in Accra, Ghana with frequent regional travel and/or consultations in Washington DC. RPGO will provide to the USPSC the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the described work.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. Citizens only (including

Permanent legal residents).

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/West Africa, Accra e-mail at accrapsc@usaid.gov mailto:accrapsc@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

The Senior Technical Adviser - CVE position requires the ability to work effectively with a wide array of individuals and institutions and an in-depth knowledge of international relations in general and of the sub-region in particular. Experience in contract/grant management is required. Prior work and/or program management experience in support of Host Country governments in countries undergoing reform processes is also required. The successful offeror will possess excellent political analysis, knowledge of CVE issues, as well as writing and reporting skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and authority in a high stress and politically charged environment. Strong team-building skills are essential. At minimum, the offeror must have:

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree in a field related to social sector development or international relations is required.

Prior Work Experience:

A minimum of ten (10) years of professional experience coordinating humanitarian assistance or development programs in developing countries relevant to this scope of work is required.

Language:

Fluent in French and English languages is required. Should be able to read and comprehend technical document and conduct technical discussions with USG partners and stakeholders in both languages.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified offerors in comparison to the technical evaluation criteria. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided.

The evaluation factors are as follows:

Relevant Experience (40 Points)

● At least ten (10) years of relevant and progressively responsible experience implementing humanitarian assistance or development programs with demonstrated management expertise and skill implementing public and international development cooperation programs.

Professional experience at a senior management level in coordinating activities with host governments and/or donors and demonstrated ability to interact professionally and provide technical guidance to high-level USG and host government officials and represent the USG in program development discussions. Ten points will be assigned to applicants with experience working in the Francophone West Africa and on countering violent extremism development efforts;

● Previous experience with program design, strategy development, writing of programmatic briefs, performing desk and field assessments, and ability to perform complex analysis around countering violent extremism issues.

Language Proficiency (20 Points)

● Must be fluent in both French and English and should be able to speak and write at a professional level in both languages. Should be able to read technical document and conduct technical discussions in both languages. French language skills will be tested during the interview process.

Knowledge (30 Points)

● Demonstrated knowledge of socio-cultural factors affecting development in West Africa and the

Sahel;

● Knowledge of the Sahel and West Africa conflict dynamics, its people and the development challenge it faces;

● Knowledge and experience with development programs in the West Africa region such as conflict prevention, countering violent extremism, governance, and other relevant areas.

Skills and Ability (10 Points)

● Ability to lead strategic and programmatic development efforts;

● Strong computer skills in Word Processing, Excel Spreadsheets and Graphic Programs.

BASIS OF RATING

Offerors who clearly meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. USAID reserves the right to conduct written examinations and interviews with the top ranked short-listed candidates. If the interview is conducted, the interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

The most qualified candidates will be interviewed and may be required to provide a writing sample.

Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection. USAID reserves the right to contact previous employers to verify employment history. In the event that an Offeror has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive offerors, USAID reserves the right to forego the interview process.

IV. APPLYING

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11.

3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

4. A Cover Letter of not more than three (3) pages describing how the incumbent’s skills and experience fit the requirements of the position.

5. A current CV/resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the

Offers 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.

Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

6. Applicants also must address the above Section III: Evaluation and Selection Factors, in a

Summary Statement to be included in the Offers. This Summary Statement, limited to two (2) pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The Summary

Statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

7. Applicants must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

8. Hard copies of diplomas, certificates or relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the

CV/resume.

9. Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers (if available) and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

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.

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2);

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62); *

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86); * or

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85); *

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). *

* Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

(g) Access to the Embassy commissary (with Associate Membership).

*Note: A US citizen’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations

(Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State

Income taxes.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical http://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.

See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .

End of Solicitation http://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations