SOL-72067519R00002.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: APRIL 29, 2019

CLOSING DATE: MAY 24, 2019, midnight Local Time (GMT – GUINEA)

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NUMBER 72067519R00002 FOR A RESIDENT-HIRE US PERSONAL

SERVICES CONTRACTOR – DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE ADVISOR FOR GUINEA AND 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.

Offers must be in accordance with the Attachment 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 offers.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, /signed/ Cheryl Wilson Supervisory Executive Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72067519R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: APRIL 29, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: MAY 24, 2019 at midnight local Time (GMT – Guinea

4. POSITION TITLE: DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE ADVISOR

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-10 ($48,973.00 to $63,661.00) 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, Republic of Guinea with travel to Freetown, Sierra Leone

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: FACILITY ACCESS

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Overview

The USAID mission in Conakry manages activities to strengthen democracy, human rights, gender equality, youth participation, conflict mitigation, governance and related cross-sectoral programs (such as governance in the public health sector) in both Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Both countries represent young democracies that are striving to overcome extreme poverty while continuing to rebuild their systems of public health in the aftermath of the Ebola virus epidemic of 2014-2016. Both countries also face challenges to mitigate and control simmering inter-communal conflicts: Sierra Leone continues to recover from a tragic civil war from 1991 to 2002; while the Guinean political system struggles to manage and find compromises in an environment too often characterized by political polarization and distrust among diverse communities.

Yet both countries also offer opportunities for reforms in such areas as decentralized governance, particularly in Sierra Leone in the aftermath of that country’s comparatively peaceful and orderly General Elections of March, 2018.

The Democracy, Rights and Governance Advisor (DRG Advisor) will serve on the Mission’s DRG team and will perform a range of duties to support the drafting, implementation and monitoring of Mission strategies, program designs and descriptions, procurement documents, and management/supervision of program activities in the democratic, human rights and governance (DRG) sectors of both Guinea and Sierra Leone. The Advisor will represent the mission on DRG-related issues with the U.S. Embassies, other donors, host country officials and implementing partners. The assignment will be for 12 months, with potential for annual contract renewals subject to sufficient performance and availability of funds.

Major Roles and Responsibilities

Program Management and Development Objective Achievement Responsibility

The Democracy, Rights and Governance Advisor will provide leadership and have discretion to exercise judgment in the planning, development and management of DRG programs, including: development of policy recommendations; determination of work priorities; making decisions on activity implementation matters; identifying and resolving program issues; assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically-sound and cost-effective manner; and assuring activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable USAID requirements.

DRG programs in Guinea and Sierra Leone are technically complex and politically sensitive, requiring analysis and decision making of unusual difficulty. The Advisor will design, report on, and oversee the implementation of a portfolio of activities that respond to country needs.

The Advisor will be relied upon to provide technical and policy advice to USAID, the Department of State, other USG agencies, donor agencies, implementing partners, recipients, contractors, customers, and other stakeholders. The Advisor will also consult with senior management of the US Mission on DRG-related issues.

Provide subject matter expertise on civil society, elections, governance, conflict mitigation, gender, youth, media and public messaging issues relevant to the Democracy, Rights and Governance portfolios in both Guinea and Sierra Leone.

As the subject matter specialist, the Senior Advisor will prepare written policy papers and provide oral briefings as needed.

Coordinate closely with the USAID Mission’s Program Office, ensuring a strategic, coordinated approach to public sector reforms, citizen participation and capacity development as cross-cutting issues across the Mission’s portfolios.

Maintain a diplomatic and productive dialogue with host country officials at the technical level up to and including the ministerial level. Develop a strong working relationship with host country government counterparts, implementing partners and key stakeholders including private sector and civil society actors to gain knowledge of Guinea and Sierra Leone, identify needs, and promote shared priorities.

Develop and maintain effective dialogue with USAID program implementers based in Guinea and Sierra Leone, and lead coordination in program design, information sharing and activity implementation among stakeholders. The Advisor plays a critical role in formulating the content of USAID's assistance and ensuring coordination with the State Department and other United States Government (USG) agencies.

Serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or Assistance Officer’s Representative (AOR) for assigned contracts and grants, or as the Technical Representative for grants to public international organizations. The Advisor will take full project and activity management responsibility for DRG and health governance activities which will be assigned to his/her portfolio in accordance with USG procurement regulations. The COR/AOR/ Technical Representative functions include the day-to-day responsibility for monitoring the implementation of activities, monitoring pipelines, processing obligation actions, and responding to requests for approvals or modifications to specific activities. It also may include writing technical justifications for changes to on-going programs, objectives, activities or indicators. The Advisor will work closely with the Office of Financial Management to review and assess quarterly accruals and disbursements, and track funding pipelines to ensure compliance with the USAID guidelines.

Design development activities to meet Mission strategic objectives. This includes preparing statements of work or program descriptions, requests for proposals/applications, Acquisition and Assistance requests, decision memos, Congressional Notifications, inter-agency agreement letters, etc.

Participate actively in procurement processes, including activity designs and supporting documentation, in consultation with USAID/Guinea’s Office of Acquisition and Assistance and USG stakeholders.

Fully understand U.S. foreign policy in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Serve as the USAID representative in international bodies and promote projects that help to meet U.S. foreign policy objectives. Provide briefings to U.S. and foreign officials and other donors on USAID programming in the region as necessary.

Contribute to briefers or testimony for high level U.S. Government staff.

Maintain contact with USAID/Washington staff on latest democracy, rights and governance policy and technical issues.

Write and review procurement documents including, but not limited to: GLAAS requests, requests for proposals, requests for assistance, action memos, justifications and annual program statements as applicable.

Serve, as needed, as a member of technical panels reviewing bids or proposals for the provision of technical assistance, commodities, or the award of contracts/grants.

Perform Monitoring & Evaluation function:

The Advisor will work closely with the Mission’s Program Office Monitoring and Evaluation Team performance monitoring, and regular evaluations of USAID-managed public sector reform activities. This includes: review of quarterly and annual program and financial reports from program partners; review partner reports, paying particular attention to the data pertaining to:

Activity performance indicators as identified within the Performance Management Plan (PMP) and Operational Plan;

Program objectives achievement, methodology and lessons learned, including attention to inputs, output and expected outcomes including economic, social, cultural and technical factors; financial indicators (e.g., expenditures, burn rate/pipeline analysis and congruity of expenditures against activities); and justifications for incremental funding.

Travel as needed in both countries to coordinate and monitor field operations, identify program implementation constraints, and assess and facilitate progress towards planned results.

Assess impact and propose new directions for public financial management, decentralization, civil service or other public sector reform, civil society or media strengthening, inclusive democratic participation, and/or other activities to strengthen democratic governance. The Advisor should ensure that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements.

Prepare required documents including trip reports, briefing papers, reporting cables and results reports.

Strategy Development Function

Provide analysis, advice and recommendations regarding the formulation of Mission strategy to the supervisor and Mission management on issues related to the Democracy, Rights and Governance portfolio.

Contribute to Mission-level Planning and Reporting:

Working closely with the Mission’s Program Office Monitoring and Evaluation Team, the Advisor will be responsible for data collection and synthesis for select sections of the USAID/Guinea/Sierra Leone Congressional Budget Justification, Annual Operational Plan, Performance Plan and Report, Country Development Cooperation Strategy, and satisfying other program management requirements as described in USAID’s Automated Directive System (ADS) 200 Series.

The Advisor will assist the Mission’s Program Office Monitoring and Evaluation Team with:

Tracking the collection of performance data that originate from various sources such as USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone’s implementing partners, local partners and other international organizations;

Preparing inventories of current indicators, information collected and information still needed;

Devising more efficient methods for collecting information;

Verifying data reliability and accuracy;

Determining that the information gathered responds to the indicators of the Annual Report and related performance monitoring plans; and

Utilizing, as appropriate, partner reports to contribute quantitative and qualitative input into the USAID/Guinea’s annual reporting requirement.

Other Tasks:

Ensure effective responses to Program Office requests for participation or information, such as participation in strategic planning exercises, or information for newsletters, other USG agencies, USAID/Washington, the U.S.

Congress, etc.

Gather the latest information about developments pertaining to the Senior Advisor’s portfolio and report such information as requested by the Mission Director and other Mission management and staff.

Perform other tasks as requested by the DRG Team Leader or senior Mission managers which are consistent with the advisory, managerial, and reporting requirements of the Advisor’s position.

Accompany, brief and guide visiting Congressional Delegations, Staff Delegations, and other mid-to-high level delegations from the United States and other countries as necessary.

Maintain contact and dialogue with donor organizations as well as non-governmental organization (NGOs).

Organize donor coordination events in support of program activities.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

Supervision Received: The Advisor will work under the general supervision of the Democracy & Governance Officer, USAID/Guinea. The supervisor will assist the Advisor to: 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; and 3) assess the incumbent's performance seeking input from appropriate USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone team members and external stakeholders. As the incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of independence, s/he must be able to establish priorities, adhere to and meet deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance.

SUPERVISORY EXERCISE: NONE

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to Resident U.S. citizens

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.

“U.S. Resident Hire Personal Services Contractor” (“PSC”) means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hiring as a PSC, resides in the Cooperating Country:

(1) As a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. Government Agency or under any U.S. Government-financed contract or agreement, or

(2) For reasons other than for employment with a U.S. Government Agency or under any U.S. Government-financed contract or agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes a person who at the time of contracting, is a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States.

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 mailto: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.

Education

● A Master’s degree in public administration, management, international development, social sciences or other closely related field.

Work Experience

● Relevant Development Experience Current professional knowledge of development assistance issues, development approaches and best practices. Knowledge of relevant evaluations, assessments and analyses. Demonstrated technical skills related to the design, management and evaluation of development projects in general. Well informed on recent general political developments in Guinea and Sierra Leone.

Current subject matter expertise and specialized technical knowledge about multiple DRG-related areas, such as: civil society, civic and voter education, elections, governance, decentralization, public financial management, conflict mitigation, gender, youth, media and public messaging approaches. (While USAID recognizes that knowledge/expertise in all listed areas would be a tall order, an applicant’s broad knowledge in multiple areas (the more areas of DRG-related knowledge, the better) would prove useful for carrying out the functions of the DRG Advisor).

At least ten years of work experience in private, civil society and/or public service sectors, including at least five years designing, managing and evaluating development projects with increasingly responsible project management experience.

At least five years of experience designing, managing and/or evaluating projects related to democratic governance and/or development (such as public sector reform, public financial management, strengthening organizational capacities, decentralization, civil society strengthening or advocacy, gender equality, inclusive democratic participation and/or human rights.)

A sound understanding of the governance challenges and development realities of post-conflict/recovery nations. Although experience in Guinea and Sierra Leone is preferred, candidates with broad experience in sub-Saharan African will also be considered.

Working knowledge of international donor business practices.

Management Experience

a. Experience communicating and managing relationships in a multi-cultural, international environment is vital.

b. Demonstrated program management skills.

c. Demonstrated experience managing stakeholder relationships in developing countries at senior levels of government and with international donors.

d. Professional level management experience in personnel and budget management is also preferred.

Communication, Knowledge & skills A strong ability to work as a member of a team and to foster teamwork is required, as is the ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships at all levels, including with staff and colleagues, ministerial-level officials in the Government of Guinea, the heads of other donor agencies, the U.S. Ambassador and members of the U.S. country team.

Ability to lead policy and program negotiations and dialogue with host country officials.

Excellent English and French language communications skills, both written and oral, including public speaking skills (as the incumbent may be called upon to deliver presentations before large and varied audiences) are essential.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations and briefings, written reporting and analysis, and information technology tools.

Knowledge of other local Guinean or Sierra Leonean languages is regarded as a plus, although not required.

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.

- 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 (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified and work experience requirement. There is no exception for meeting the minimum requirements.

FACTOR #1:

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 #2:

In 1,000 words or less, outline the key challenges to strengthening democratic governance in Guinea and/or Sierra Leone (although you may also note your pertinent knowledge/experience in addressing DG-related challenges elsewhere in Africa). Provide examples of your success in one or more of the position’s responsibilities: program development and management, monitoring and evaluation, planning, communications skills, leadership skills, etc. The candidate must be able to build effective working relationships with senior country officials, US Government partners, local and international implementing partners, international donors, and other development sector counterparts.

FACTOR #3:

In 500 words or less, describe your experience with a project that you initiated, managed and/or supported that achieved successful results, including why the project succeeded and the hurdles you needed to overcome.

The Offeror Rating System is as follows:

Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points:

Factor #1: 15 Factor #2: 30 Factor #3: 15 Total possible points: 60 Points

FACTOR #4 – Interview Performance (40 points)

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

TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 100

15. APPLYING:

All applications must be submitted electronically by e-mail with the subject line – SOL - 72063619R00002 – DEMOCRACY & GOVERNANCE (D&G) ADVISOR to conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov Attention: Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Guinea & Sierra Leone

• Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

(Note: All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the Form a309-2 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 12.

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 are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

mailto:conakrypscjobs@usaid.gov

• 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 a309-2 must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered. ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE PREPARED

AND SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH.

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 309-2).

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:

In accordance with CIB 99-15, "U.S. resident-hire PSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances."

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:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

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