DCO_Liberia_Development_Specialist_FT_PSC_(RFQ_Attachment_1_PD).docx

Position Description (PD) DCO Africa Liberia Development Specialist PO FT PSC 95332419Q0100

1. Introduction and Background

MCC’s mission is to provide grant assistance to support economic growth and poverty reduction in select developing countries with a demonstrated commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizenry. MCC’s partner countries enter into a five-year agreement (Compact) with MCC that includes a plan for achieving shared development objectives and the responsibilities of each country in achieving those objectives. Our model is defined by core principles, of selectivity, country ownership, transparency, and a focus on results.

Our values identify who we are and what is important to us. Our Values are CLEAR: Embrace Collaboration, Always Learn, Practice Excellence, Be Accountable and Respect individuals and ideas. MCC’s values define how we behave on a daily basis, both as individuals and as an institution, in pursuit of our mission. They guide how we make decisions, set priorities, address challenges, manage tradeoffs, recruit and develop staff, and work together with our country partners and stakeholders.

2. Scope of Position

This position will serve as a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) within Program Operations/Africa Programs in Department of Compact Operations (DCO), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). DCO is responsible for developing and implementing MCC’s compact programs. The department ensures that MCC compacts are designed and implemented in compliance with agency standards for procurement, financial management, environmental and social performance, and gender integration. The Program Officer is based in Monrovia, Liberia at the MCC Resident Country Mission and the offices of the Millennium Challenge Account-Liberia.

The PSC will report to and be supervised by a Director of DCO Front Office and report to the Monrovia-based Resident Country Director (RCD) and Deputy Resident Country Director (DRCD).

This position is not authorized to supervise any Federal employees.

3. Personal Services Contract

MCC is authorized to enter into a contract with an individual as a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) under the authority of Section 614(a) (8) of the Millennium Challenge Act of 2003.

A personal services contract is different from non-personal services Government contract, which establishes an independent contract relationship. Under a non-personal services contract, the contractor or employees of the contractor are subject to the technical direction but not the supervision of the MCC. As defined by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 37.104, a personal services contract is characterized by the employer-employee relationship it creates between the Government and the contractor personnel. Thus, the PSC is subject to the relatively continuous technical direction, supervision, and control of the MCC. PSCs may be assigned inherently governmental duties (see FAR 7.502). By law and by the contract’s terms, the PSC is subject to most of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to the direct hire employee such as MCC regulations, conflict of interest, under some circumstances MCC authorized employment security clearances and financial disclosure. However, under the MCC personal services contract authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The following elements apply to this contract:

1) Performance in Monrovia, Liberia, Washington, D.C., US, MCC eligible countries, other US and foreign cities (as required for outreach purposes), and/or at the PSC’s home of record.

2) Principal tools and equipment furnished by the Government.

3) Services are applied directly to the integral effort of agencies or an organizational subpart in furtherance of assigned function or mission.

4) Comparable services, meeting comparable needs, are performed in the same or similar agencies using civil service personnel.

5) The need for the type of service provided can reasonably be expected to last beyond 1 year.

6) The inherent nature of the service, or the manner in which it is provided, reasonably requires directly or indirectly, Government direction or supervision of contractor employees in order to—

i. Adequately protect the Government’s interest;

ii. Retain control of the function involved; or

iii. Retain full personal responsibility for the function supported in a duly authorized Federal officer or employee.

4. Key Requirements

Awardee must satisfy the following key requirements:

· U.S. citizenship.

· Must be able to obtain and maintain a federal security clearance.

· Performance in Liberia, Washington, DC USA, MCC eligible countries, other US and foreign cities (as required for outreach purposes), and/or at the PSC’s home of record.

· Domestic and international travel may be required.

· Statement of Employment & Financial Interest (e.g., Office of Government Ethics “OGE Form-450” or similar statement) may be required.

· Active System for Award Management (www.sam.gov) registration (this is a free, Government website) and the PSC should be listed as sole-proprietor. The offeror must be able to prove that she/he has, at a minimum, initiated the SAM registration process by the close of this solicitation.

· Designated and/or random drug testing may be required.

5. Duties

a) Major Duties and Responsibilities

As Personal Services Contractor (PSC):

The PSC will serve as the senior in-country advisor to MCC Liberia on matters related to the Energy Project and the Roads Project including program operations, communications, program reporting, implementation planning, adherence to MCC approvals and internal control procedures, procurement monitoring, program audit, monitoring and impact evaluation, and quarterly program reviews.

Provides oversight of the design, management, and implementation of the Roads Project and the Energy Project working directly with Millennium Challenge Account-Liberia and MCC Washington D.C. based technical teams, and reporting to the Monrovia-based Resident Country Director (RCD)/Deputy Resident Country Director (DRCD).

Advises MCA-L on the implementation of its communication strategy as it relates to the Roads Project, Energy Project and Compact close-out.

Provides oversight, feedback and guidance with respect to the implementation of Compact programs, including but not limited to (i) tracking milestones and concrete progress on the Program Implementation Agreement (PIA) and specific project work plans; (ii) tracking Government of Liberia (GOL) compliance with the conditions precedent established in the Compact; (iii) preparing technical analysis and assessments identifying areas for technical support and improved implementation; (iv) recommending program modifications to address implementation problems and ensure results; (v) coordinating efforts on program evaluation and impact assessments; (vi) communications, branding and reporting; (vII) supporting the utilization of integrated program management tools including ongoing risk assessment; (viii) monitoring and advising on issues of sustainability of program activities; and (ix) monitoring and advising on the closure of the compact program.

Serves as the key liaison with private sector institutions and other non-governmental stakeholders.

Maintains regular contact, relations and technical interactions with all relevant GOL ministries and agencies, Compact Implementing Entities, MCA-Liberia, and the designated Procurement Agent and Fiscal Agent and U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer (PAO).

Coordinates with MCC Washington staff to ensure proper implementation of MCC's approvals and other internal control procedures and advance audit and impact evaluation efforts; and ensures timely delivery of such reports, plans, approvals and agreement, as required for program implementation.

In coordination with the RCD/DRCD, develops MCC internal guidance and schedules for the development of the Annual Performance and Budget Request process in accordance with MCC Washington and U.S. Embassy in Liberia; works with the Embassy's financial management officer (FMO) to develop and oversee the MCC Resident Office budget; draft specific documents as needed, to include, but not limited to the Congressional Budget Justification Overview; manage, oversee and report on MCC's in-country presence as related to procurement, staffing, budgeting, and financial and asset management needs; writes success stories and press releases, and coordinate in-country visits by MCC staff and technical advisors; and develops tracking systems and maintains data on other donor activities, donor and academic analyses, and private sector experiences and approaches to the technical aspects of key sectors and activities reflected in the Compact.

Performs other duties as assigned.

b) Travel

MCC estimates that the incumbent may undertake 1-2 international trips annually.

c) Supervisory Controls

The supervisor or higher graded staff along with the PSC, develop a mutually acceptable project plan which typically includes identification of the work to be done, the scope of the work, and deadlines for its completion. Within the parameters of the approved project plan, the PSC is responsible for planning and organizing the work, coordinating with staff and line management personnel, and conducting all phases of the project. The PSC informs the supervisor(s) of potentially controversial findings, issues, or problems with widespread impact. Completed projects, evaluations, reports, or recommendations are reviewed by the supervisor in progress and upon completion for compatibility with organizational goals, guidelines, and effectiveness in achieving intended objectives.

d) Guidelines

Guidelines consist of general administrative policies, and program, management and organizational theories which require considerable adaptation and/or interpretation for application to issues and problems studied. Policies and precedent studies provide a basic outline of results desired, but do not go into detail as to the methods used to accomplish the project. Within the context of broad regulatory and procedural guidelines, the PSC refines or develops more specific guidelines, such as implementing new or revised processes, methods and procedures.

e) Complexity

The PSC analyzes interrelated issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of substantive mission-oriented development programs. The incumbent develops detailed plans and objectives for the development and administration of programs, and/or develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Decisions concerning planning, organizing, and conducting studies are complicated by conditions, such as conflicting program goals and objectives. Options, recommendations, and conclusions take into account uncertainties about the data and other variables which affect long-range program development performance.

f) Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to analyze and evaluate major aspects of substantive, mission-oriented development programs. The PSC evaluates the effectiveness of development programs and operations and identifies and resolves problems and copes with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of principal MCC objectives. The PSC provides input to the development of procedures or guidelines for the conduct of program operations, or new criteria for measuring program accomplishments. Study reports contain findings and recommendations of major significance to management officials, and often serve as the basis for new administrative systems, programs and practices.

g) Personal Contacts/Purpose of Contacts

Personal contacts include MCC staff, host government agencies and international organizations, local NGO's and foreign investors as well as within key US Embassy posts. The purpose of contacts is to influence, motivate, persuade or negotiate with others who may hold different points of views in order to influence managers or other officials to accept recommendations or to obtain the desired effect.

h) Physical Demands

The work is primarily sedentary, although some walking, bending, or carrying of light items may be involved. Frequent travel may be required.

i) Work Environment

Work is performed in an office setting, although there is an expectation of work in the field.

6. Deliverables

Deliverables are associated with the tasks identified in Section 5. Duties to include reports as required by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

The PSCs will submit biweekly timesheets on a schedule and format determined by MCC. Timesheets will include a list of hours worked per compact or country program, along with a brief description of the tasks undertaken for each program during the pay period.

The PSCs also will produce reports and analyses as requested by MCC.

7. Qualifications

Offerors must meet all the required qualifications described below by the closing date of this announcement. Desired qualifications will only be considered once all required qualifications are met. Offerors must demonstrate that they possess the following:

a) Required Qualifications:

7.a.1) At least a graduate degree (or its university equivalent) with a major in a relevant discipline, e.g. Procurement, Law, Management, Business or related field.

7.a.2) Knowledge of economic development policies and practices, program oversight and principles, strategic planning, program design, budgeting, analysis and reporting is required.

7.a.3) Knowledge of the principles, concepts and methodology involved in the development, implementation, management and evaluation of international development and/or investment programs/projects, in particular that involve large scale infrastructure investments.

7.a.4) Skill in project management, strategic planning, design, budgeting, analysis and reporting in the private sector, development organization, international NGO or international commercial bank that includes responsibilities in research and drafting reports.

7.a.5) Ability to negotiate and manage complex activities in a team setting.

7.a.6) Thorough understanding of the details of Compact agreements, program activities, implementation processes and benchmarks, key documents and dates.

7.a.7) Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, develop, maintain, and collaborate with host government agencies and international organizations, local NGO's and foreign investors as well as within key US Embassy posts.

7.a.8) Ability to prepare and maintain financial, budgetary, economic, and/or technical analyses and evaluations.

7.a.9) Thorough knowledge of Liberia’s economic, social, political and cultural characteristics.

7.a.10) Demonstrated experience implementing development projects or initiatives in Liberia or similarly situated countries.

7.a.11) Demonstrated experience advising, supporting and collaborating with counterparts to achieve results in development programs.

7.a.12) Ability to use qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques.

7.a.13) Ability to work with spreadsheets, project management software, basic database functions, and word processing skills.

b) Desired Qualifications:

7.b.1) Demonstrated experience in Liberia implementing development programs.

Note: All experience must be well-documented on the resume and within the Quote Submission. All aspects of the Submission must specifically show how the offeror meets the qualifications required. Credit may be given for appropriate unpaid and/or part-time work. To receive credit, Submissions should clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours worked per week.

8. Required Documentation

Interested offerors must submit following required documents, including but not limited to:

1) A completed and signed Bio-Data Form (Addendum 2) with proposed salary (see Subsection 12(c). Quote Submission Instructions to PSCs Candidates (Offerors) in regards to permissible signature types);

2) A curriculum vitae or resume (limit 10 pages);

3) A written narrative clearly describing relevant experience and knowledge of each of the qualification requirements (limit 5 pages); and

4) At least 3 and no more than 5 professional references with current contact information.

Desired Documentation:

1) A cover letter, not to exceed one page, to highlight your suitability for this position. The cover letter is not considered as the required written narrative (bullet no. 4 above); and

2) A copy of Transcript(s). Transcript(s) may be requested by MCC before award to validate the offeror’s successful education history.

9. Compensation

PSCs for the services of individual experts or consultants are limited by the Classification Act. In addition, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has established requirements which apply in acquiring the personal services of experts or consultants in this manner (e.g., benefits, taxes, conflicts of interest).

This is a full-time position for the DCO Africa Liberia Development Specialist PO FT PSC and the maximum number of hours allowed is 2,087 hours per year for each position. Each contract will include four one-year option periods that may be exercised at the sole discretion of MCC.

Overtime is not authorized on this contract. However, compensatory time (also called “credit hours”) may be authorized.

The pay range for this position is Program-Officer-level Pay Band 4B ($36.90 – $52.16 per hour) (https://www.mcc.gov/careers/pay-bands), inclusive of locality pay. Final compensation will be negotiated within this pay range based upon the successful offeror’s salary history, work experience and educational background. A salary above this pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

MCC issues W-2s to the PSCs. For U.S. citizens and legal resident aliens, MCC makes the employer contribution to FICA and Medicare for the PSCs. MCC withholds FICA, Medicare, federal tax and state tax on behalf of the PSCs. The PSCs is not eligible for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion.

10. Benefits

Under the MCC personal services contracting authority, PSCs are not employees for purposes of laws administered by OPM, such as Federal Retirement Benefits and health and life insurance. As such, the PSCs is not eligible for participation in the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System. Moreover, the PSCs is ineligible to receive Federal Health and Life Insurance or participate in the Federal Thrift Savings Plan.

Notwithstanding the above, and if agreed upon by the Government and the PSCs before the award of a contract, the PSCs may receive a pay supplement of up to 15% (for full-time PSCs) of the employee’s direct labor cost in lieu of fringe benefits.

a) Sick Leave

The full-time (FT) PSCs earns sick leave on the same basis as direct-hire MCC employees, that is, maximum four (4) hours for every biweekly pay period.

b) Annual Leave

The full-time PSCs earns four, six, or eight hours of annual leave for each biweekly pay period depending on the number of years of previous federal government employment based upon determination made by MCC.

c) Parking & Transit Subsidy

A full-time PSCs working at MCC Headquarters in Washington, DC is eligible for parking or transit subsidy, subject to the availability of funds. The full time PSCs whose duty station is overseas is not eligible for this subsidy.

d) Credit Hours

A full-time PSCs is eligible for credit hours (up to 24 hours earned) under the MCC Credit Hour Program. PSCs may not receive credit hours for time spent in travel status. The PSCs shall be compensated for the credit hour balance upon termination, subject to availability of funds.

e) Benefits Limitations

The PSC is not authorized for, but not limited to, the following benefits:

1) Agency-provided travel to post of assignment at the beginning of term and agency-provided travel to the US after the assignment is completed;

2) Shipping of Household Effects or Goods (HHE/HHG); Unaccompanied Baggage (UAB); or storage (permanent or temporary);

3) Housing assistance;

4) Personally-owned vehicle (POV) shipping;

5) Visitation travel for family members;

6) Child Education Allowance at or away from post of assignment;

7) Post Allowance (i.e. COLA);

8) Post Hardship Differential;

9) Danger Pay (if it were to be put into effect);

10) US Government-Provided Housing or a Living Quarters Allowance (LQA);

11) Separate Maintenance Allowance (SMA);

12) Home Leave Days and agency-funded Home Leave travel;

13) Agency-provided Rest & Recuperation Travel;

14) Diplomatic title; or

15) Training (no training expected).

11. Travel Rules

The PSCs is subject to the Federal Travel Regulations and MCC travel policies and procedures to the same extent as MCC direct-hire employees.

Note: A PSC at an approved remote duty station, i.e., not based at MCC Headquarters, must personally cover the cost of travel, including transportation, accommodations, meals, etc., between their remote location and Washington, DC when required to be present at MCC Headquarters. The costs related to such travel will not be subject to reimbursement. Additionally, a remote PSC must reimburse MCC for any increase in the cost of official travel due to departure from a home of record outside of the metropolitan Washington, DC area