95332420Q0009 Attachment 1 PD.docx

Position Description (PD) DCO EPG Associate Director FT PSC 95332420Q0009

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.

This position is located in the Infrastructure, Environment and Private Sector (IEPS) Division, Department of Compact Operations (DCO), Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC).

2. Scope of Position

This position will serve as a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) within Energy Practice Group (EPG) 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 PSC will report to and be supervised by the Practice Lead and Senior Director (PDS) for EPG.

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 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 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 will 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 be listed as sole-proprietor.

· Designated and/or random drug testing required.

5. Duties

a) Major Duties and Responsibilities

Performs a variety of assignments associated with the management and oversight of the design, development, and implementation of energy sector programs and projects in MCC Compacts, including both infrastructure and sector reforms. In particular, prepares plans for energy sector programs and projects in compact development and in implementation including overall power sector analysis, project scheduling, budgeting, change management, contract administration, and project controls.

Works as part of multi-disciplinary country team consisting of a combination of MCC staff, consultants and contractors overseeing country programs involving energy projects. Works on multiple countries concurrently.

Oversees projects in context of complex political, environmental, social, and health and safety contexts or other variables and unknowns affecting planning, design and operational criteria and often-present critical challenges with respect to costs and economics. Works with other sectors towards the optimal resolution of such challenges as well as satisfying the urgency or public interest of particular investments. Solutions to these projects often establish standards and are used as a model for future similar projects.

Systematically, monitors and tracks and anticipates project challenges and pro-actively proposes options to address them, to the extent feasible, consistent with the combined needs of other sector specialists – and provides status reports to senior staff, with an emphasis on completion, integration, quality and cost risks.

Participates in the design and development of Compacts, including, but not limited to: technical assessment of constraints analyses, concept papers, and proposals; collection and analysis of data and information to finalize proposals; coordination with consultants on feasibility assessments and on project appraisal; drafting portions of the internal investment memorandum and other decision documents, supporting such inputs with appropriate analyses and supporting studies.

Works with MCC and host country MCA teams to develop project budgets for energy sector projects and related activities at the outset of the project as well as updated estimates of costs to complete and contingency requirements during the course of project implementation.

Supports the development of implementation plans for Compact programs and projects using appropriate project management tools and tracks implementation progress, anticipating and identifying issues as they arise and concurrently developing optimal solutions with a view of sustainability.

Reviews and comments on documents submitted in connection with MCC clearance of MCA procurement packages, work plans, and disbursement requests, making recommendations to EPG sector lead or IEPS management as may be appropriate, consistent with policies and procedures and technical best practice.

Provides advice and guidance when technical interpretations, opinions, or decisions are solicited. Consultations involve assessment of engineering design, specifications, evaluations, construction scheduling, and related project risks as well as assessment of operational capabilities of contractors, supervisors and project management consultants supporting the MCA.

Participates in oversight reviews of Compact operations to ascertain that energy sector projects and programs meet expectations against schedule and budget requirements; performance standards; environmental, health and safety requirements; objectives and indicators.

Reports on project-related implementation risks, providing input to risk management plans and risk analyses for MCC management.

Prepares relevant documentation and reports, and maintains the required databases during implementation of projects.

Provides analysis and interpretation of country Compact performance data. Develops, consolidates, and/or prepares briefing and background materials on energy sector and integrated projects, issues and topics.

Assists in the formulation of budgets for consultants to be hired by MCC, drafting scopes of work, serving on evaluation panels, issuance of technical directives, review and acceptance of consultant deliverables, tracking billings, in support of the COTR or Project Monitor or in the capacity of the Project Monitor.

In context of the development of Compacts and their implementation, works closely with the in country counterparts and contributes to the exchange of information, co-learning, and constructive dialogue that is needed for the MCAs to fully understand MCC policies, standards, and requirements – while also considering local context, capacity and limitations. In the course of interaction with country counterparts, contributes to their capacity building, particularly in areas of project management and implementation.

Throughout the Compact development and implementation cycle, contributes to gathering and consolidating of lessons learned resulting from the implementation of energy sector related investments and pro-actively shares these with the broader MCC staff, other MCA countries and broader stakeholders as necessary in order to position the MCC at the leading edge of the discipline in context of international development.

Provides research and analysis on complex issues regarding the monitoring and evaluation of long-term energy sector projects and programs affiliated with country compacts.

Provides independent analysis and interpretation of performance data, while considering different input from other team members. Identifies and makes recommendations regarding performance and specification compliance issues. Identifies and investigates complex problems and conflicts in assigned area of responsibility involving program and project requirements, objectives, interfaces, operations, or schedules.

Provides analytical support to the Energy Practice Lead and the EPG on a variety of energy sector matters in support of EPG goals, preparation of conference presentations, briefers, and other such quick-turnaround activities.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

b) Travel

MCC estimates that the incumbent may undertake 3-4 international trips annually.

c) Supervisory Controls

The PSC reports to the Senior Director/Practice Lead (Energy) who, along with the employee, 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 employee is responsible for planning and organizing the work, estimating costs, coordinating with staff and line management personnel, and conducting all phases of the project. The employee 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 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 employee refines or develops more specific guidelines, such as implementing new or revised processes, methods and procedures.

e) Complexity

The employee analyzes interrelated issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of substantive mission-oriented energy sector. The incumbent develops detailed plans and objectives for the implementation 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 performance.

f) Scope and Effect

The purpose of the work is to analyze and evaluate major aspects of substantive, mission-oriented programs. The employee evaluates the effectiveness of energy sector programs and operations and identifies and resolves problems and copes with issues which directly affect the accomplishment of principal MCC objectives. The employee 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 individuals and groups at all levels of the Corporation, representatives from other Federal agencies/organizations, MCAs, contractors, and the general public. 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 are not required but preferred and 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 equivalent) in a relevant discipline, e.g. engineering, energy policy, business or related field.

7.a.2) Knowledge of best practices in developing and implementing energy projects (whether enabling environment or infrastructure). – 7.a.3) Ability to integrate, and sufficient familiarity with, environmental, social, political, and economic factors relevant to energy projects to provide guidance and develop optimal and integrated solutions to challenges arising in the development and implementation of energy projects in low or lower middle income countries.

7.a.4) Mastery of the concepts and best practices of project management as they relate to development and implementation of energy projects in low income or lower middle income countries.

7.a.5) Knowledge of core principles, practices, and techniques for monitoring and resolving issues associated with complex, multi-year energy projects in low or lower middle income countries.

7.a.6) Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to work effectively with teams composed of staff of different levels -- some internal and others external to MCC --towards a common vision.

7.a.7) Ability to effectively communicate energy sector principles and concepts (whether engineering, enabling environment related policies or other) to others including those who ae not specialists in energy projects.

7.a.8) Strong oral presentation and written skills to develop comprehensive reports and to present and explain findings and recommendations to MCC management officials and other interested parties.

7.a.9) Oral, reading, and written proficiency (at least Level 2 on Bio-Data Form) to work on energy projects in French-speaking countries.

b) Desired Qualifications:

7.b.1) Knowledge of MCC specific procedures, guidelines and practices to work effectively with MCC’s country teams and Resident Country Missions, as well as with the members of MCC’s Energy Practice Group.

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 EPG Associate Director 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 Associate-Director-level Pay Band 3B ($46.48 – $73.46 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

A full-time PSC 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

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

d) Credit Hours

A full-time PSC 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.

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.