SOL-72067518R00001.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: MARCH 26, 2018

CLOSING DATE: MAY 04, 2018 midnight Guinea Local Time (GMT)

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NUMBER 72067518R00001 FOR AN OFF-SHORE HIRE US/TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR – ENERGY TRANSACTION SPECIALIST FOR USAID/GUINEA & SIERRA LEONE

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone, is seeking applications of qualified U.S Citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submission shall be in accordance with this solicitation and at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. The Energy Transaction Specialist position will be located in Conakry, Republic of Guinea.

Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation:

• Cover Letter;

• Curriculum Vitae or resume;

• Form AID 302-3 (available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/);

• Supplemental document addressing the evaluation factors;

• List of three professional references who are familiar with your work experience.

All application packages are to be submitted to:

Via email: conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov.

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email must be in a format compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or PDF and not zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.

Application letters and Form AID 302-3 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered.

USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Service Contract as a result of this solicitation. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as result of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of an application. Any questions on this solicitation should be sent to Cheryl Wilson at chewilson@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, /signed/ Cheryl Wilson Supervisory Executive Officer http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ mailto:chewilson@usaid.gov

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72067518R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: MARCH 26, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: MAY 04, 2018 at midnight Guinea local time

4. POSITION TITLE: ENERGY TRANSACTION SPECIALIST

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-13 ($75,628.00 to $98,317.00) is the equivalent market value for this position.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years with an option to extend.

Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services, availability of funds and subsequent hiring freeze guidance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Conakry, Guinea (60%), with frequent travel to Sierra Leone (40%)

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: US citizens – FACILITY ACCESS TCNs: FACILITY ACESS/ EMPLOYMENT

AUTHORIZATION

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. OVERVIEW

The United States Government (USG) is committed to more participatory governance for a healthier Guinea by increasing utilization of quality health services and strengthening democratic governance and economic processes. The USG is also committed to promoting economic growth through Power Africa, a partnership among the USG, African governments, bilateral and multilateral development partners, and the private sector to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Power Africa, launched by U.S. President Obama in 2013, is coordinated by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). On 9 February 2016, Congress passed Electrify Africa 2015 Act authorizing Power Africa until 2020.

Power Africa is represented by the Guinea/Sierra Leone Mission (USAID/Guinea) located in Conakry, Guinea. Power Africa works with host-governments, the private sector, and other development partners to expand electricity generation, access, investment, and trade in SSA. In August 2014, President Obama expanded Power

Africa’s goals to include enabling 30,000 megawatts (MW) of new, cleaner power generation capacity and 60 million new home and business connections.

The Governments of Guinea and Sierra Leone have also established ambitious goals for new energy generation capacity (6,000 MW respectively). Although constrained by limited access to capital, slow development of regional trade, and domestic institutional and technical issues (i.e. governance, “line loss”, load shedding, etc.), the two countries have vast indigenous energy resources (predominantly hydro and with solar capacity). In addition, significant political will has been expressed through unbundling the utilities sector, establishing regulatory commissions, and passing laws to promote rural electrification and financing for major projects that will contribute to Power Africa’s greater goals. As a result, USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone seeks to significantly expand activities in the energy sector, noting that the Mission will be integral to the oversight, management, and implementation of activities over 5 years.

To lead this expansion process and accelerate power sector development in Guinea & Sierra Leone, USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone will recruit an Energy and Transaction Specialist (the “Specialist”) to develop, scale-up and direct the design and implementation of the Mission’s energy program. Specifically, this will include working closely with Power Africa colleagues to advance critical power sector transactions and support regional integration efforts.

B. Basic Functions of the Position

The Specialist is a member of USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone’s Energy Team based in Conakry, Guinea. S/he will direct the development, management, implementation and scale-up of an energy program that includes rural electrification, transmission and distribution assessments. S/he will report to the USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone Senior Private Enterprise Officer on administrative and management issues. The Specialist will provide services and support to USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone and liaise with Power Africa colleagues in the West Africa Mission and other Missions in the region, as well as with the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office, in an effort to advance Power Africa goals.

As part of USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone’s Energy Team, the Specialist will provide technical and strategic support to advance critical power sector transactions, in coordination with the Regional Transaction Advisor. S/he will also provide support on program design, management, and implementation to USAID/Guinea Mission, other stakeholders at Posts in Guinea and Sierra Leone and to the Power Africa Coordinator’s Office. S/he will serve as a liaison to Ministry of Energy counterparts in Guinea and Sierra Leone, relevant Power Africa and bi-lateral Mission Transaction Advisors, the West Africa Power Pool (WAPP), the ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (ECREEE), the Gambia River Basin Authority (OMVG), the Senegal River Basin Management (OMVG), and the Power Africa Interagency, which includes the Department of State, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), the U.S.

Export-Import Bank, the U.S. African Development Foundation, and other Power Africa partners (i.e. World Bank, IFC, African Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, the African Union, etc.). S/he will assimilate, analyze, and respond to rapidly changing circumstances and help guide USAID projects to achieve results. S/he will also facilitate collaboration, camaraderie, and high achievement in a teamwork setting involving internal technical team colleagues and others based throughout the region.

S/he must have sufficient technical mastery of renewable and conventional energy and power programs, associated policy and regulatory frameworks, and issues related to power sector investment to provide analysis, options and strategic and tactical advice to USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone, as well as other stakeholders under Power Africa. S/he must have the capacity and demonstrated expertise to, as delegated;

represent USAID and Power Africa in interagency and international settings, at meetings with senior government officials, and with technical counterparts, donors, non-governmental organizations, and implementing partners.

S/he must have exceptional leadership skills to overcome work-related difficulties and challenges, and must be able to assimilate, analyze and respond to rapidly changing circumstances and help guide USAID projects to achieve results. S/he must also have experience supervising and mentoring other staff while serving as Activity Manager or Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) of Technical Assistance awards, and be able to facilitate collaboration, camaraderie, and high achievement in a teamwork setting.

S/he must have demonstrated experience in bringing state-of-the-art practices to the sustainable development and management of renewable and conventional energy resources and to power generation and distribution in West Africa. The Specialist must be experienced in proposing and advancing innovative approaches to addressing political constraints to power sector development and creating conditions attractive to private investment in energy and power. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to communicate cross-culturally, in French, and exhibit cultural sensitivity are essential.

C. Specific Components of the Position

1. Collaborate in the development and scale-up and implementation of a USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone Energy Program. This programmatic effort includes:

a. providing senior-level technical and strategic direction for program design and implementation; supervising the work of staff and/or implementing partners;

b. monitoring and evaluating implementation progress and budgets; performing site visits; addressing issues/problems as they arise;

c. providing feedback and progress reports to senior USAID staff; and

d. ensuring overall alignment with relevant USG initiatives beyond Power Africa, including Enhancing Capacity for Low Emissions Development Strategies (EC-LEDS), Powering Agriculture, Scaling Solar, Beyond the Grid (BTG), and others that may apply.

2. Work closely with regional organizations, relevant private sector entities, and the Regional Transaction Advisor to advance power sector transactions (including hydropower) in Guinea and Sierra Leone and support OMVS and WAPP in achieving regional interconnection and generation goals.

3. Provide professional advice to the Mission on sector reform, including appropriate models for private sector participation, approaches to improving utility management and operations, and development of an enabling legal and regulatory framework and institutions.

4. Support on-going dialogue among host-government authorities, USG stakeholders, and development partners to reach consensus on and ownership of program objectives and activities.

5. Ensure timely roll-out of: energy related activities and transactions;

developing, tracking and monitoring milestones; environment compliance on all USG-supported investments; and preparation of reports pertinent to performance monitoring and evaluation.

6. Lead outreach efforts, including public events, press releases, and close coordination with the USAID/Guinea Development, Outreach and Communications (DOC) officer, the Power Africa Communications team, and other USG partners.

The Specialist must have an in-depth technical understanding of power sector challenges and opportunities across the multiple technologies (i.e hydro, air, solar, fuel), based on practical experience in developing country contexts – preferably within West Africa. The Specialist must be highly motivated and have experience in developing and supervising energy programs and activities in complex political environments requiring coordination among multiple stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership and communication skills, and preferably experience with USAID or bilateral donor processes and procedures.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. citizens & Third Country Nationals

A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

A Third Country National by definition is an individual who is neither a citizen of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and who is eligible for return travel to the TCN's home country or country from which recruited at U.S. Government expense.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: Any questions about this solicitation may be directed to: Conakryhr@usaid.gov

13. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must have the following minimum qualifications.

a) Education: A Master’s degree in a field of study related to energy and/or power, public policy, economics, or finance as related to energy and/economic development and other relevant discipline (electric engineering or petroleum engineering or chemical engineering or a combination of these) is required.

mailto:Conakryhr@usaid.gov

b) Work Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in development and/or energy/power sector with a focus on such issues as public policy reform and private sector investment (Independent Power Producers; Public-Private Partnerships) in generation, transmission, and distribution; or privatization, utility management and performance improvement (e.g., aggregate loss reduction; technological transformation; least cost production, energy efficiency, change management); infrastructure rehabilitation and expansion; or off-grid electrification. In addition, some understanding of the current status of the energy and power sectors in West Africa, as well as experience working in the region is highly preferred.

c) Language Proficiency: Level 4 English; French familiarity desirable.

14. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

The Evaluation Factors listed will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application. Applicants must submit a supplemental document outlining their responses to the evaluation factors listed in paragraph 2, below, in order to be considered. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

(a). Selection Process After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. 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; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must:

- Be a United States or Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (USPSC or TCNPSC). “Third Country National” means an individual: (1) Who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty (Mali), and (2) Who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expenses.

- Submit a complete application as outlined in the section titled APPLYING &

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS;

- Be able to attain Medium Risk/Public Trust employment authorization;

- Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

- Be available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour work week, including weekends, as may be required or necessary;

- Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested

(b) EVALUATION FACTORS AND BASIS OF RATING:

Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of their Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. The applicants are required to provide at least three (3) references who can provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one of the references provided should be a current or former supervisor.

Candidates who are applying for this position must fully meet the education requirement (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified. At the time of applications, candidates must also meet in full the experience and French FSI S2/R2 level requirement. There is no exception for meeting the minimum requirements.

FACTOR #1 – Knowledge (15 points):

In 1,000 words or less, outline how you have demonstrated your knowledge in energy transactions, Public-Private Partnerships with regard to energy/power generation, connection, and distribution. Provide examples of your success in one or more of the position’s responsibilities: development and management, planning, communications skills, leadership skills, etc.

FACTOR #2 – Experience (15 points):

In 500 words or less, outline how you have demonstrated an ability to work independently, manage competing and/or complex situations, monitoring & evaluation, activity/sector/partner coordination, etc.

FACTOR #3 - Skills & Abilities (10 points):

Candidates must demonstrate his/her capacity-building results of managing energy programs (especially power sector reform) in difficult political environments requiring coordination with multiple stakeholders and collaborators. The candidate must be able to build effective working relationships with senior country officials, USG partners, donors, international financial institutions, and other sector counterparts

FACTOR #4 – Interview Performance (60 points)

TOTAL POINTS: 100

Satisfactory professional Reference Checks will be conducted but yield no points.

15. APPLYING:

All applications must be submitted electronically by e-mail with the subject line – SOL 72067518R00001 – ENERGY TRANSACTION SPECIALIST to conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov Attention: Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone

• Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 302-3, “Offeror information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at

(Note: All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the Form a302-3 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences.)

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.

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

• Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that mailto:conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

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

• Applicants also must address the above Section E: Selection Criteria in a summary statement to be included in the application. This summary statement, limited to two 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. Failure to provide this summary statement may result in the applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training, and/or awards.

• Application letters and Form a302-3 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered

The final selected candidate must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

The Agency retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

16. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:

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

1) Application for Application for Federal Employment (AID 302-3).

2) Medical History and Examination Forms (DS-6561 and 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.

The Contractor will be required to obtain a medical clearance prior to service overseas. Also, a temporary employment authorization security clearance must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty.

17. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized benefits and allowances in accordance with AIDAR Appendix D and other relevant Agency and Mission polices.

BENEFITS:

Employer’s FICA and Medicare Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment (Annual across board salary increase)

Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave

ALLOWANCES (If applicable).

(A)Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).

(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).

(D)Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

(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)

18. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income Taxes.

19. 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 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

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations