72068520R00010 Solicitation for USPSC Country Program Manager-Mauritania.pdf

Route des Almadies B.P. 49 Dakar, Senegal Tel.: (221) 33 879 4000 Website: http://www.usaid.gov/senegal

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068520R00010

ISSUANCE DATE: August 20, 2020 CLOSING DATE: September 10, 2020 - 5:00 p.m.

(Senegal time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor

Country Program Manager, Mauritania, GS-14

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from U.S. citizens qualified to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through VIII 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, Chadwick Mills Deputy Regional Contracting Officer http://www.usaid.gov/senegal

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068520R00010

2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 20, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 10, 2020 - 5:00 p.m. (Senegal time)

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Recruitment team, usaiddakar-hr@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Country Program Manager, Mauritania

6. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($92,977 – $120,868) per annum) (Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.)

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Immediate upon receipt of security/medical clearances (The duration of the US Personal Services Contract will be for two (2) years, with three one-year option periods, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and continuing need for the position.) Level of effort is full time (40 hours per week).

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nouakchott, Mauritania

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. citizens

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. COUNTRY BACKGROUND

The USAID Senegal Regional Mission (USAID/Senegal) works in a regional capacity to support presence and non-presence Francophone countries (NPC) in West Africa. Mauritania is one such NPC. USAID established a field office in Mauritania in early 2007 to effectively manage its programs in the country; one being a Limited Scope Grant Agreement (LSGA) with the mailto:usaiddakar-hr@usaid.gov host-country government. This and other smaller programs for which the incumbent will be responsible are detailed below.

The office was closed in early 2009 due to the suspension of all USG development programs as a result of the military coup in August 2008 and political instability in the country. On July 18, 2009 however, Mauritania held a Presidential Election which was declared by the international community and international observers as free and fair. Since that time, the USG has reinstated its development assistance due to the democratic election and the return of seemingly peace and stability in the country. Mauritania faced long standing issues with Trafficking in Persons (TIP) and was placed on the USG watch list and subsequently, due to the application of TIP-Tier3 sanctions in FY 2019, a previous youth-focused activity was terminated in May 2019. In alignment with TIP Tier 3 guidance established for FY 2020. This meant that USAID’s funding that supported the Government of Mauritania was paused and adaptations in programs instituted.

In calendar year 2020, Mauritania was removed from Tier 3 and USG sanctions lifted. USAID’s programming cycle has restarted.

The Country Program Manager (CPM) will be the principal advisor to the Ambassador and his/her designee on USAID development programs; be the resident point of contact and liaison for USAID in Mauritania; oversee, support, assess, critique, monitor and evaluate USAID activities managed in-country; analyze the operating environment (political, economic and physical); and coordinate USAID activities with State, DoD, and assistance provided by other donors, including international and private assistance agencies.

The level of current and planned activities in Mauritania will warrant the full attention of a dedicated and experienced development professional. USAID therefore plans to recruit a USPSC to serve as the Mauritania Country Program Manager to administratively oversee and coordinate, as appropriate, all USAID-funded activities and locally employed USAID staff in Mauritania. S/he will monitor and provide oversight on the growing portfolio of current activities and other potential USAID projects. The CPM will liaise with USAID/Senegal staff, and with USAID/Senegal’s principal grantees to facilitate performance tracking. The person will receive support from technical offices in Dakar and Washington, as appropriate, and will coordinate and respond to tasks from USAID/Washington.

This is a high-profile position and requires that the incumbent maintain high-level professional contacts among regional institutions, donors, the private sector, and USG agencies. The incumbent is therefore expected to have the initiative, knowledge of Agency regulations and procedures, experience and maturity required to exercise professional judgment for conducting negotiations with relevant counterparts to further the Agency’s interests.

B. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

a. Program Administration and Oversight (40%)

The incumbent will undertake relevant tasks as requested by his or her supervisor, or his or her designee. S/he will have a broad range of decision-making authority per the Mission Director and is expected to exercise independent judgment and perform work of outstanding difficulty. S/he has a range of technical, management, coordination and analytical responsibilities in the design and implementation of activities in Mauritania. S/he is responsible at a professional level for a full range of services related to program management and oversight, such as fiscal and programmatic monitoring and will prepare briefing papers, activity reports, reporting cables, procurement and operational plans and results reporting, etc., as required. Additionally, s/he will be responsible for organizing and managing all official visits related to USAID programs, as necessary, oral briefs on USAID activities in Mauritania. S/he will also be responsible for maintaining in good order working files on USAID program work in Mauritania. S/he will also be called upon to participate in program audits and will coordinate all USAID affairs in Mauritania and support services with the Embassy. S/he will supervise one locally employed staff member.

a. Monitoring and Evaluation, Analysis and Reporting (25%)

S/he provides inputs as required to ensure that all USAID reporting requirements on the performance of all activities in Mauritania are met. S/he will oversee, where necessary, implementation partners in setting up reporting and tracking systems to provide such information in an efficient and timely manner. Monitoring and evaluation responsibilities will include extensive in-country travels to observe and report on all program-funded partner interventions.

S/he will also assist in the review and analysis of data and information on relevant technical areas as a basis for providing accurate information on impact and effectiveness of the program in achieving its objectives. S/he will conduct pipeline analysis and reporting, review and respond to quarterly and annual progress reports and participate in the assessment of the work of implementing partners. S/he will coordinate all evaluation activities with USAID/Washington and USAID/Senegal, and ensure that targeted beneficiaries take part in the evaluation process.

b. Maintain USG and Partner relationships (25%)

The incumbent serves as the USAID/Senegal in-country coordinator maintaining regular contact and coordinating activities with other USG agencies in Mauritania, specifically the Department of State and Department of Defense. S/he maintains frequent face-to-face contact with implementing partners, stays abreast with activities conducted by them, and forms relationships with indigenous partner(s) with whom the USAID implementing partner(s) is working. S/he actively identifies and develops opportunities for improved coordination. S/he is also the primary point of contact for non-governmental development organizations operating in or visiting Mauritania. The CPM also acts as the primary point of contact for USAID visitors and is responsible for USAID visitor orientation and ensuring the Ambassador and other members of the country team have a good understanding of programs. S/he also produces briefing papers and activities and provides guidance and support for visitors and consultants. S/he will draft materials such as briefing papers, press releases, PowerPoint presentations, etc., for use in communicating USAID program content and progress to the public and other stakeholders.

c. Perform other tasks as assigned (10%)

From time to time, the incumbent may be required to perform other duties relevant to this position but not specifically identified above. The incumbent will be a key contributor to overall USG development assistance planning for Mauritania. S/he may periodically be involved in events of the U.S. Embassy mission and perform duties as assigned by the USAID/Senegal Mission Director, U.S. Ambassador to Mauritania or by other USG Agency heads inherent to the position. S/he may be asked for support to other country offices on an ad-hoc basis in the region.

POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision Received: The incumbent will be supervised by the Regional Deputy Mission Director.

Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will have supervisory responsibilities for at least one local staff member for USAID in Mauritania.

Security and Medical Clearance Requirements

The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance, which involves a comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive a Worldwide available clearance (Class 1) and will be expected to be able to pass random drug tests for illegal drug use. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

The Contracting Officer will not execute an award until all medical, security and other required approvals have been obtained.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

This position requires a professional that has program management, a track record of donor and host country engagement at senior levels, budgetary and monitoring and evaluation skills. They need to be well versed in relevant West African/Sahel/Arab affairs as they apply to Mauritania and its neighboring countries. They need to be able to function independently as well as demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and be able to work well in teams. Specifics for job knowledge and skills are listed in the next section under evaluation criteria. The minimum criteria is below:

Education: A minimum of master’s degree from accredited institution in a field directly related to international relations, education, business administration, international development, public administration or related disciplines, is required.

Experience: A minimum 15 years of relevant experience in development and humanitarian assistance programs, is required - Minimum Arab world or West African experience is required.

Language: Proficiency in French language (equivalent of FSI-3 or above) in both speaking and reading is required; Minimum Arabic proficiency (equivalent of FSI-2 or above) is required.

III. SELECTION AND EVALUATION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Selection Process

After the closing date for receipt of application, a Selection Committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Incomplete applications from applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, only shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in an oral interview. Required reference checks will be conducted only for shortlisted applicants who meet the specified requirements. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her performance and abilities.

Relevant Work 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 or private cooperation programs. Extensive professional experience at a senior management level and preference will be given to at least five years working in the Arab World or Francophone West Africa;

• At least five years of experience in coordinating activities with host governments and/or other 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.

Language Proficiency (15 points)

• Must be fluent in both French and English and should be able to speak and write at a professional level in both language, Modern Standard or Regional Dialect Arabic proficiency is required;

• Should be able to read technical document and conduct technical discussions in both French and English languages at FSI S3+/R3+ level;

• Ability to write at professional level in French and/or knowledge in local language (especially Arabic) would both be added advantages.

Knowledge (25 points)

• Working knowledge of development project design as well as the principles of sound program oversight, budgeting and reporting, monitoring and evaluation, and assistance and acquisition is required.

• A working knowledge of the West Africa region, its institutions, and peculiar development challenges is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to work across multiple technical sectors is required, such as education, economic growth, conflict prevention, governance, health, etc.

• Demonstrated knowledge of socio-cultural factors affecting development in West African, the Maghreb / Arab World, and the Sahel.

• Knowledge of Mauritania, its people and the development challenges it faces.

• Knowledge and experience with development programs and humanitarian assistance in

Africa.

• Knowledge of U.S. Government laws, policies, regulations and procedures related to international development assistance.

Skills and Ability (20 points)

• Ability to design, manage, monitor and evaluate programs, including programmatic, technical and financial issues;

• Ability to exercise independent judgment and perform work of outstanding difficulty;

• Strong communication skills (oral and written) in English and French, including demonstrated presentation and negotiation skills;

• Analytical and planning skill with demonstrated abilities to analyze political, social, economic and cultural factors and their impact on development;

• Strong computer skills in Google, Word Processing, Excel Spreadsheets and Graphic

Programs;

• Proven cross-cultural and interpersonal skills including demonstrated experience successfully working in teams.

Evaluation Summary

In order to be considered for the position, applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be done by the Selection Committee based on the Evaluation Factors.

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to participate in the oral interview process.

PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Applicants are required to provide no less than five (5) references with an accurate email address.

The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria.

USAID/Senegal reserves the right to obtain from previous employers’ relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3 and submitted electronically to:

usaiddakar-hr@usaid.gov with the Solicitation Number and Position Title in the application submission Subject Line.

Qualified applicants are required to submit a complete application packet including:

1. A Cover Letter with current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV) attached. The CV/résumé 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.

2. Applicants are required to provide the names and contact information of no less than five (5) references who are not family members or relatives. References should include current or former Supervisors who can provide information regarding applicant job knowledge and professional work experience. Applicants must provide accurate email addresses for all references.

3. Information for the required Personal Services Contracts Form AID 309-2 can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, etc.

Applicants are required to complete and sign the form.

To ensure consideration of applications for the position, applicants must prominently reference the Solicitation Number in the Application Submission and Cover Letter. Please note that incomplete and/or unsigned applications will not be considered.

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

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

1.Medical History and Examination form (DS-6561) 2.Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non- Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 3.Fingerprint Card (FD-258) 4.Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES*

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment about:blank http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://www.usaid.gov/forms

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES*:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Quarters 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)

*Eligibilities for allowances are in accordance with Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) based on the type of appointment and Mission Policy.

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, 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 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.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101 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 orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

END OF SOLICITATION

Cleared by:

Alisa Cameron: _____e signed Alisa M. Cameron____________ Date: 08/19/2020_______ Regional Deputy Mission Director

Robert Clink: ________________________________________________ Date: ________________ A/Supervisory Regional Executive Officer