Africa ICDEIA Specialist Statement of Work.DOCX

FINAL: July 2022

STATEMENT OF WORK

ICDEIA Specialist

1. Background

a. Summary Through Strategic Objective two of Peace Corps’ 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, Peace Corps is focused on Advancing Equity by: Establishing a coordinated system to understand perceptions, identify barriers, and expand access and opportunities for historically underrepresented communities to serve as staff and Volunteers; Creating an organizational culture of equity and inclusion by developing policies, practices, processes, and structures that take into account U.S., host country staff, and Volunteer diversity and create enduring relationships of mutual trust and respect; and improving systems, processes, and support for Volunteers and returned Volunteers engaging in Third Goal activities with historically underrepresented communities in the U.S.

The AF Region intercultural competence, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (ICDEIA) Specialist will support AF Region to realize this objective through providing training, consulting, and direct collaboration with staff on ICDEIA skill building including facilitating the identification and sharing of promising practices and supporting integration of ICDEIA into relevant systems and tools. The Specialist will travel to posts throughout the region to implement these duties as well as support the on-boarding of new Deputy Directors of Programming and Training (DDPTs) and/or act as DDPT in order to foster, support, and maintain an AF Region culture of equity and inclusion.

The ICDEIA Specialist reports to, and is supervised by, the AF Region Chief of Programming and Training. The duties will be carried out in consultation with the Chief of Programming and Training, as well as Country Directors (CDs), Directors of Programming and Training (DPTs), Program Managers (PMs), Training Managers (TMs), and other AF Region HQ and Region-based Staff as necessary.

b. Location of Assignment The anticipated location of this position is the Peace Corps/Togo office in Lome, Togo; however, the final location may be determined based on the successful applicant. If not located in Togo, the applicant must reside and work within one of Peace Corps’ Africa posts. Relocation expenses may be offered in accordance with the terms of the contract.

As requested, the specialist will travel to different countries in the Africa Region to support new Deputy Directors of Programming and Training (DDPTs); act as DDPT; and/or provide specific ICDEIA-related technical, operational, and/or training support to posts. This position may travel up to 70% of the time.

c. Reference Materials US Government-wide and Peace Corps-specific laws, regulations, rules, policies, procedures, and guidance. This includes the Peace Corps Manual and associated referenced documents and other guidance published on the Peace Corps Intranet.

All Peace Corps-post specific documents applicable to the position, which may include but are not limited to: Integrated Planning and Budget System (IPBS), Project Status Reports (PSRs), Training Status Reports (TSRs), Volunteer Assignment Descriptions (VADs), Job Specific Requests (JSRs), Initiative Reports (IRs), Quarterly Trainee Requests Submissions (QTRSs), Monitoring and Evaluation Plans (M&E Plans), Volunteer Reporting and Grants (VRG), Volunteer Information Database Application (VIDA), Annual Volunteer Survey (AVS), Administrative Management Control Survey (AMCS), Site management guidance and associated forms, partnership agreements, the specific development and operational plans of the Host Country Government, and project logical project frameworks (LPFs) and implementation plans for Peace Corps projects, and the Volunteer Service Handbook for each post.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Africa Region ICDEIA Specialist will support the needs of all Posts in the AF Region working in close collaboration with the Africa Region programming and training unit (PTU), overseas post staff across posts and units, ICDEIA specialists in the Office for Overseas Programming and Training Support (OPATS) and other offices in Washington, DC and throughout the agency. Duties include but are not limited to: working across regions and teams to support Africa Region Staff to continue to build their capacity to support, coach, guide, and train Volunteers using an intercultural competence, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility lens; supporting posts to integrate ICDEIA into post operations; facilitating an Africa Region ICDEIA community of practice (COP) as well as provide specific support to posts on dimensions of diversity (i.e. race, disability, LGBTQ); and being a resource on both intercultural competence, diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility training issues and consulting on specific issues. On occasion, the specialist may also provide training, coaching, and/or support directly to Volunteers.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

Collaboration

· Works with AF Region, OPATS, and experts to develop and implement an AF Region ICDEIA strategy;

· Convenes forums and facilitates communities of practice (COP) to share promising practices between and among posts;

· Collects, assesses, and recommends promising practices external to Peace Corps;

· Curates resources such as session plans and guidance that posts can adapt to their specific contexts;

· Works with region and post leadership, regional advisors (RAs), other ICDEIA Specialists, and other relevant offices and groups to identify and meet AF Region ICDEIA needs and advance organizational development efforts in the areas of ICDEIA and Volunteer support; and

· Works with region and post leadership, RAs, other ICDEIA Specialists, and other relevant offices and groups to identify and meet AF Region ICDEIA needs and advance organizational development efforts in the areas of ICDEIA and Volunteer support.

Staff Development

· Collaborates with the Chief of Programming and Training, other PC/HQ staff, and post programming and training (P&T) staff, to assist in the planning, organizing and facilitating of Regional staff development activities related to ICDEIA;

· Serves as an region-wide technical expert in supporting regional and post-specific efforts to advance ICDEIA awareness and skill development in both Volunteers and post staff;

· Supports coordination of agency-wide efforts to assess and evaluate intercultural competence development and organizational advancement in terms of diversity and inclusion (D&I);

· Designs and facilitates delivery of in-person (e.g. co-facilitation of ICDEIA Foundations workshops with RAs and/or OPATS Specialists) and distance learning programs, including training of trainers (TOT) workshops for overseas staff;

· Provides ongoing training and technical assistance to field-based staff on intercultural and D&I issues and lessons learned; and

· Works with other ICDEIA Specialists to modify highly complex curricula as needed for intercultural and diversity training.

Consultation

· Serves as an expert consultant together with OPATS specialists to provide just-in-time support to posts in ICDEIA content areas;

· Maintains current knowledge of ICEDEIA approaches, trends, and research;

· Identifies, vets, and shares existing materials to ensure it is aligned with Peace Corps’ approach to development and addresses post-identified needs;

· Disseminates information and education materials across a variety of technological platforms and applications;

· Consults with posts on real-time ICDEIA challenges and provides appropriate resources;

· Participates in the evaluation of Peace Corps training programs by promoting continuous assessment of ICDEIA training activities in order to determine those training models which are most effective in achieving learning objectives; and

· Provides guidance around agency policy, content standards, and product development processes related to ICDEIA.

Systems Strengthening

· Supports assessment of current ICDEIA-related practices and supports integration of new policies and practices into Peace Corps systems and tools (e.g. VIDA, VRG, AMCS, and others) across units;

· Provides ICDEIA training and systems support to AF HQ, PTU, and other internal and external colleagues and stakeholders when available;

· Travels to post to mentor and coach staff in implementation of ICDEIA tools, techniques, and culture;

· Onboards new DDPTs and/or acts as DDPT as requested.

Other Tasks

· Performs other duties or assignments, when deemed necessary by the ChiPT, for the successful implementation of Peace Corps program(s) and/or operations.

· If there is a time at post, due to the COVID-19 pandemic or for any other reason, when there are limited or no Peace Corps Trainees and/or Volunteers (jointly referred to as “Volunteers”) at Peace Corps/[Country], the PSC may be temporarily assigned during that period, as determined by the Peace Corps Country Director (CD), to carry out additional duties and responsibilities in furtherance of the goals of the Peace Corps in order to enhance the ability of Peace Corps Volunteers to perform functions under the Peace Corps Act, including facilitating a safe environment in order for the successful return or increase of Volunteers.

This temporary assignment may require the PSC to provide services and/or support beyond what is listed in their current Statement of Work (SOW). The services and/or support may take many forms, examples of which may include but are not limited to, training, providing administrative, technical, medical, and/or operational assistance, building on host country programs, etc. This temporary assignment also may require the PSC to provide these services and/or support to individuals/organizations other than those listed in their current SOW such as host country government, partner organization(s), community member(s), staff, and/or contractors.

· The Contractor may be requested by the Peace Corps to a) perform one or more temporary assignments (TDYs) at another Peace Corps post or Headquarters, or b) transfer permanently to another Peace Corps post or Headquarters during the period of performance of this Contract. Any such TDY or transfer shall be subject to the agreement of the Contractor. If a transfer is approved, either the contract will be bi-laterally modified or a new contract will be awarded. If a transfer is approved and a new contract is awarded, the Statement of Work from this contract will be carried forward into any resulting new contract issued by the gaining post/Headquarters.

· The Contractor may be requested by the Peace Corps to perform one or more temporary details with another Agency of the United States Government (USG) or with a Peace Corps Headquarters office or a post other than the post of assignment to perform work that may be specifically in line with or may add to the Statement of Work specified in this contract. Any such detail shall be subject to the agreement of the Contractor and must be approved in advance in accordance with Peace Corps policies and/or procedures.

· To the extent the Contractor is allowed to operate a U.S. government owned, leased, or rented vehicle (GOV) to perform their job duties, the Contractor must operate that vehicle safely at all times and only operate it for official business purposes as defined in 31 USC 1334 and Peace Corps Manual Section (MS) 522 Motor Vehicle Use and Insurance. The Contractor must also follow any post-specific policy/policies on the use GOVs – including complying with any medical and/or training requirements the policy/policies specify.

· The Contractor is encouraged to refrain from texting or from engaging in any behavior that distracts attention from driving safely at any time. Except in an emergency situation, Contractor shall not text message (i) when driving a GOV; (ii) when driving a privately-owned vehicle (POV) while on official government business; or (iii) while using electronic equipment supplied by the government while driving any vehicle (even during off-duty hours).

· The Contractor is required to follow any workplace health and/or safety rules indicated for their position specified in a Peace Corps policy/policies (whether implemented under a Peace Corps Manual or Procedures/Program thereunder, Interim Policy Statement, a Medical Technical Guideline, a Peace Corps Headquarters official notice, and/or a post-specific Policy or Management Notice) – including complying with any medical and/or training requirements the policy/policies specify.

3. Safety and Security

· Addresses Volunteer safety and security by adhering to Peace Corps site development policies and procedures.

· Identifies and immediately communicates Volunteer safety and security concerns and issues to the Safety and Security Manager (SSM) and the Country Director (CD).

· Assist Program Manager/APCDs to ensure that prospective sites meet established programmatic and safety/security criteria (e.g. safe housing, a clearly defined assignment with an organization that shows real interest in working with a volunteer, etc.).

· Reviews and references site history files when evaluating potential sites, and incorporates appropriate safety and security-related information into site history files.

· Monitors Volunteer compliance with Peace Corps policies, especially related to safety and security.

· Participates in the design and implementation of the Emergency Action Plan (EAP).

· Acts as duty officer, as needed.

· Knowledgeable and supportive of Peace Corps safety and security policies and procedures, including the timely reporting of suspicious incidents, persons or articles.

4. Roles and Responsibilities

The services to be performed shall be subject to the ultimate responsibility and authority of the Peace Corps Country Director, who is responsible for all Peace Corps activities in the host country. The ICDEIA Specialist is supervised by the AF Region ChiPT and is a member of the AF Region PTU. The personal services contract is administered by an Overseas Contracting Officer at the post of assignment in accordance with the applicable policies and procedures.

The ICDEIA Specialist has no supervisory responsibilities, except during the periods when delegated as acting DDPT, then the following will apply:

· May be designated limited supervisory responsibilities if assigned by the Country Director and with the approval of the Regional Director. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) may only supervise other PSCs. (See MS 732 and the Personal Services Contracts Chapter of the Overseas Contracting Handbook.)

The ICDEIA Specialist is not an Occasional Money Handler/Holder (OMH), except during the periods when delegated as acting DDPT, then the following will apply:

· May be designated as an Occasional Money Handler/Holder (OMH) if assigned by the Director of Management and Operations. As an OMH, may be requested to courier cash and/or purchase orders to various vendors who furnish supplies and/or services to Pre-Service Training/In-Service Training site(s), or other locations as directed by the Overseas Contracting Officer (OCO). May also be requested to courier cash to Peace Corps Trainees or Volunteers. The Contractor will not be functioning as a procurement or disbursing official but will only be acting as an intermediary between the Contracting or Disbursing Officer and the recipient. In the case of dealing with vendors, the Contractor will not exercise any procurement discretion concerning the supplies or services to be purchased or the cost limits of these purchases; these will be determined by the OCO. (See OFMH 13)

5. Logistics and Work Guidelines

The ICDEIA specialist will be stationed in Lomé, Togo or a location determined at time of engagement. When needed, the specialist may support technical assistance requests and travel to posts. This could include performing in-person training in posts in AF Region and on occasion the other two Peace Corps regions. The contractor may be required to travel internationally away from Lomé up to 70% of the time.

This is neither a remote position nor will telework be permitted beyond that permitted by the applicable Peace Corps policies/procedures regarding personal services contractor (PSC) telework.

The Contractor will be provided with a desktop and/or laptop for completing their work, as well as a smartphone. The Contractor may only use Peace Corps equipment and systems in accordance with the Peace Corps Country Policy on Peace Corps equipment and computer systems.

6. Level of Effort and Schedule

This is a contract for full-time work of 40 hours per week, with periods of increased work expected. This work will be compensated with credit hours, when requested and approved in advance in accordance with procedures outlined in the staff handbook at the post of assignment. Contractor may be expected to work nights, weekends, and holidays; travel and stay away from home up to approximately 70% of the time, and will be expected to carry a duty phone when requested. Contractor will adhere to the standard office schedule specified in the Peace Corps Togo Staff Handbook unless on approved leave or working an approved alternative schedule.

7. Minimum Qualifications

· No known impediments to obtaining and maintaining a background security certificate.

· No known impediments to obtaining and maintaining a medical evaluation and clearance for overseas assignments worldwide. For US Citizens, no known impediments to obtaining and maintaining a Worldwide Medical clearance.

· No known impediments to obtaining and maintaining an active registration in the System for Award Management (www.sam.gov).

· For non-US citizen applicants, no known impediments to obtaining and maintaining a US visa.

· University degree from a recognized university.

· Has received formal training in the area of intercultural competence, diversity of the United States of America, equity, and/or inclusion.

· Professional written and oral proficiency and comprehension in English.

· Minimum ten years living and working in transitioning or developing international countries while working for Peace Corps or in an international institution comparable to Peace Corps. Experience gained must include experience advising, managing, coaching, mentoring, and supervising of staff and/or leading teams, people, and/or programs.

· Minimum of five years of each of the following types of experience:

a. Supervisory experience as a first-level manager or higher (e.g. Deputy Director of Programming and Training, Training Manager, Regional Manager, or Program Manager)

b. Supporting and coaching United States citizen volunteers who identify with different dimensions of diversity (i.e. race, disability, LGBTQ) during volunteer service abroad;

c. Developing and leading training on ICDEIA-related topics for multicultural staff, volunteers, interns, or students including follow-on support and consulting on ICDEIA issues in an intercultural setting;

d. Designing, managing, and evaluating projects and/or programs.

· Experience conducting needs assessments and developing and executing strategic plans/projects;

· Advanced proficiency in all MS Office Suite tools including: Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Word; and digital communication tools such as Zoom, WebEx, and/or Teams.