PSC Solicitation No. 623-09-012-RFP.doc

ISSUANCE DATE: January 26, 2009 CLOSING DATE: February 25, 2009 Ladies/Gentlemen:

SUBJECT:

GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER (GDO) FOR

DJIBOUTI

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

RFP-623-09-012

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from U.S. citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCN) with USAID experience, interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Interested applicants must submit: (i) his/her most current curriculum vitae or resume; (ii) signed form SF 171 or OF 612; and (iii) three (3) to five(5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts. 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. The Applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/EA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Form SF 171 or OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than, February 5, 2009 in writing to Amina Fazaldeen at afazaldeen@usaid.gov.

Electronic submission is authorized. All application packages are to be submitted to:

Via e-mail: to afazaldeen@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application.

U.S. Agency for International Development

USAID/East Africa P.O. Box 629 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya Courier Address:

USAID/East Africa c/o American Embassy

United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya U.S. Postal Address:

USAID/East Africa Unit 64102

APO AE 09831-4102

Tel: 254-20-862 2000 Fax: 254-20-862 2680 / 2682 www.usaidredso.org

OR Via express courier:

Tadeusz Findeisen /Amina Fazaldeen

RFP-623-09-012

USAID/EA/LPC - Global Development Officer (GDO) c/o American Embassy

United Nations Avenue

Gigiri

NAIROBI, KENYA

Sincerely, Tadeusz Findeisen Regional Contracting Officer

Attachment: RFP-623-09-012

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

RFP-623-09-012

ISSUANCE DATE:

January 26, 2009

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

February 25, 2009 at 04:00pm Nairobi, Kenya time

POSITION TITLE:

General Development Officer (GDO)

MARKET VALUE:

Position is classified at a GS-13 or GS-14 equivalent with an annual salary range of $70,615 to $ 91,801 or $ 83,445 to $108,483 respectively. Salary is not negotiable beyond this range.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

A base of two years with the possibility/options of three-one year extensions up to a maximum of five years.

Exercising the options to extend will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and satisfactory or

Better performance.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

USAID/Djibouti, Djibouti

SECURITY ACCESS:

Secret

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

US Citizens Only or Third Country National (TCN)

POSITION DESCRIPTION

A. BACKGROUND

Although relatively stable, Djibouti’s extreme poverty, high unemployment, chronic food deficits and humanitarian and social needs make it susceptible to instability. Djibouti’s arid climate and rocky soil are inhospitable to agricultural and large-scale livestock production. The only natural resources of note are salt and the deep water port. Djibouti’s population is estimated to be 660,000 of which 85 percent live in urban areas. Djibouti also harbors 9,600 refugees from Somalia and Ethiopia. Though social indicators are showing modest improvements due to increased donor and government investments, Djibouti is still ranked 149 out of 177 countries in the UNDP’s Human Development Index for 2007/2008. Among the most important challenges are Djibouti’s low health and low skills levels, a high population growth rate and sluggish economic growth.

Seventy four percent of Djibouti’s population lives in poverty, with almost half the population living in extreme poverty. In 2006, the gross enrollment rate was 67%; only 45% of girls were enrolled in school and 52.5% of the population is illiterate. Only 38% of children are immunized, and Djibouti has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world (546/100,000); infant mortality is 94/1,000 live births. The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is 2.9 % and 1,300/100,000 people in Djibouti are infect with tuberculosis (TB) — one of the highest TB prevalence rate in the world. Sixty percent of the population is in need of emergency assistance.

The USAID/Djibouti program, re-established in mid-FY 2003, is focused on improving basic education and enhancing essential health services in rural areas. USAID is also supporting democracy and governance and providing food security assistance in Djibouti through the Famine Early Warning System Network (FEWSNET) project.

USAID’s education program focuses on increasing access, equity, and quality in basic education. In FY-08, USAID consolidated program activities to focus on increasing access to basic education, teacher training, strengthening parent-teacher associations (PTAs) and developing the information management and planning capacity of the Ministry. This focus, combined with USAID supported activities in infrastructure development resulted in greater access to basic education in FY-08. USAID built and renovated latrines and water facilities in 32 schools and the Combined Joint Task Force/Horn of Africa (CJTF/HOA) collaborate with USAID to refurbish an additional 10 schools. USAID provided support to all 100 PTAs throughout Djibouti. The infrastructure projects were supported by PTAs who provided labor and were trained by USAID to manage and maintain the new water and sanitation facilities.

Despite heavy investments by the USG and initial successes in raising the rate of primary school enrollment challenges remain, particularly in improving the quality of education and retention. USAID’s main goal in the education sector is to increase access to schooling, especially to vulnerable groups such as the poor and girls; extend the quality of basic education through teacher training and the provision of learning materials; and increase the capacity of local school officials and community members to be involved in the financing and management of schools.

Life expectancy in Djibouti remains low at approximately 54 years. The vaccination rate is 38%, a substantial improvement from only four years ago when less than 11 percent for children under five years old in the rural areas were vaccinated. Since May 2004, USAID has sought to increase the supply of essential health services, improve the quality of services and enhance local capacity to sustain health services, benefiting over 150,000 Djiboutian women and children living in rural areas. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), USAID rehabilitated and equipped twenty four health posts.

USAID’s successful maternal and child health program came to an end in September, 2008. A new two-year program will be designed in March, 2009 and will support maternal and child health at rural, peri-urban and urban clinics.

In FY-08, USAID supported the parliamentary elections by training the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) in election administration and civil society in voter education. FY-09 plans focus on supporting anti-corruption bodies, strengthening the legislature and supporting a permanent CENI.

USAID/Djibouti Overview:

USAID/Djibouti manages a portfolio of development and humanitarian activities valued at approximately $8 million in FY-08. Activities aim to strengthen access to and quality of services in health and education, support democracy and governance and address humanitarian needs. The program partners with the Government of the Republic of Djibouti (GORD) and Public International Organizations (PIOs) like UNICEF and WHO.

USAID/Djibouti, a Limited Presence Country (LPC), comprises a U.S. Direct Hire Representative who sits in Djiboutiville, a Djiboutian Foreign Service National (FSN) Program Development Specialist, a FSN Democracy and Governance Specialist, a FSN Health Specialist, a FSN Education Specialist, a FSN Procurement and Food Aid Assistant, and two support staff. The Regional Mission Director for USAID/East Africa has delegated overall management authority for USAID-managed assistance programming in Djibouti to the USAID Representative.

B. SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The General Development Officer (GDO) serves as the principal advisor to the USAID/Djibouti Representative on USAID strategic focus for poverty alleviation through improved access to health and education. Based on the skills of the candidate, the GDO will provide management and fiduciary oversight for two of the three sector programs in health, education and/or democracy and governance and other duties that may be assigned from time to time. She/he will lead the development of a new generation of assistance activities that aim to consolidate and extend past gains, and expand into new areas.

The position of General Development Officer is supervised by the USAID Representative to Djibouti. The incumbent will directly supervise at least three to four FSNs: the Health Specialist, the Education specialist, and/or the Democracy and Governance Specialist and one Secretary. S/he is the USAID cognizant technical officer for assigned awards to international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), Public International Organizations (PIOs), and contractors

C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Deputy to the USAID/Djibouti Representative

· Serves as the Representative in day-to-day management of the office

· Drafts and or edits documents before being passed to the Representative for signature

· Advises the Representative on sector wide issues

· Represents USAID at meetings

· Provides on-the-job training to local staff

The incumbent shall take on significant responsibility for activity planning, management and evaluation of programs within the health, education and/or democracy and governance units.

2. Activity Design and Implementation

· Analyzing sector-wide trends for reform, identifying key counterparts, and synthesizing other interventions in order to design value-added, “niche” programs for the US Mission

· Describing and budgeting for the activity in the Operational Plan

· Drafting Scopes of Work, Program Descriptions as part of Requests for (RFPs) Proposals and Requests for Applications (RFAs)

· Preparing activity approval documentation in accordance with USAID/East Africa’s Mission Order on pre-obligation requirements

· Preparing activity checklists

· Liaising with the Regional Contracting Officer during the award process

· Designing the new Maternal and Child Health program at the end of FY-09

The incumbent shall serve as delegated Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for assigned grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts to USAID/Djibouti’s education, health and/or democracy and governance implementing partners. In addition to functions to be elaborated in official CTO designation letters, activity oversight responsibilities shall include, in part:

· Empowering the FSN activity managers in their role as they grow to become full time CTOs

· Maintaining close contact with NGO or contractor Chiefs of Party

· Reviewing and approving work-plans

· Preparing budget and work-plan realignments when needed

· Reviewing technical qualifications for staff implementing awards

· Routine and extraordinary monitoring of activity implementation

· Performing accrued expenditure calculations

· Troubleshooting programs to respond to emergent opportunities or obstacles for implementation

· Reporting on achieved results within the Mission, to counterparts, and Washington personnel.

3. Strategy Development The incumbent will be an integral member of the USAID/Djibouti Team. S/he will assist in the preparation of key strategy and planning documents including, but not limited to, the following:

· Annual Operational Plans

· Country Assistance Strategies

· Mission Strategic Plans

· Performance Monitoring Plan and PMP database

· Ad-hoc reports requested by Mission management and USAID/Washington

· Congressional Budget Justifications, Congressional Notifications;

· Public outreach, including any and all briefing materials.

4. Office Management On an as-needed basis, and in particular when the USAID/Djibouti Representative is absent from Djiboutiville, the incumbent shall manage the office. Managing the office shall include:

· Routine employee supervision

· Administrative functions such as approving time-sheets, leave requests and travel vouchers

· Assisting with employee evaluation

· Financial management for the portfolio, e.g. preparation and tracking of funding histories and accruals

· Ensuring office electronic and hard-copy filing systems are in order, complete, easy to access, and properly archived.

· Assist in GLAAS management

5. Representing USAID/Djibouti The incumbent shall, on an as needed basis, and in particular when the USAID/Djibouti Representative is absent from post, represent USAID at meetings, conferences, seminars and other events. Representing USAID shall entail:

· Representing USAID at Embassy and Combined Joint Task Force/Horn of Africa (CJTF/HOA) meetings and functions

· Preparing and obtaining approval of position statements (as required)

· Communicating USAID’s position orally and verbally to Government, other donor or UN organizations

· Delivering speeches

· Giving interviews to local media

· Organizing delegations and other high-level visits, including developing of a schedule, coordination with implementers and other counterparts to plan events, preparation of briefing materials, and serving as site officer for events.

· Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

D. CONDUCT, TRAVEL, REPORTING AND LIASON

The GDO will handle all assigned work independently or, as required as part of a team identified by USAID Representative in Djibouti or the USAID/East Africa Regional Mission Director in Nairobi, in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance as provided in the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) and regulations. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance is placed on the employee to independently plan and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The employee will resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methods to be used, developing, coordinating and clearing proposed solutions with all necessary parties, and then taking appropriate actions to resolve the problems. The incumbent will maintain contact and interact technically and professionally in a highly collaborative manner with a wide range of interlocutors. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate appropriate levels of skill in the following areas: 1) teamwork and professionalism, 2) resource management, 3) leadership, and 4) technical and analytical skills.

Travel in Djibouti will be required, and travel outside of Djibouti may also be required.

All duties will be carried out under the general or specific guidance of the Representative who will supervise the PSC GDO. The PSC GDO will be expected to prepare and deliver written and oral reports on all aspects of his/her responsibilities or work, including site visits, as requested by the Representative and/or the Mission Director.

The incumbent shall maintain contact with high-level GORD officials, NGO representatives, contractor representatives, and representatives of other donors and international organizations. In collaboration with the Resident Representative, the incumbent will coordinate closely with other elements of the US presence in Djibouti, in particular the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and with other Mission offices as required.

E. POSITION ELEMENTS

a.

Supervision Received / Exercised: The GDO will work under the general and specific supervision and policy guidance of the USAID/Djibouti Representative. The Representative will review and approve his/her work plan and performance measures.

In carrying out specific assignments, the incumbent will consult and work closely with the USAID/Djibouti FSN staff, the Djibouti Program Manager in Nairobi, the GORD, other international donors and the Departments of State and Defense. The incumbent is expected to work independently with limited guidance, take initiative, supervise and direct professional and support FSN staff as required.

b.

Available Guidelines: The incumbent is required to understand and analyze Mission and Agency‑specific policies and procedures which govern implementation of education and health development activities, in addition to the USAID/EA-LPC and USAID/Djibouti established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies of the East Africa regional and Djibouti Missions, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, Mission Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID and State Program Strategy and Policy Documents.

c.

Decision Making / Exercise of Judgment: At the full performance level, it is expected that the incumbent will exercise considerable independence and decision making authority in carrying out duties, subject to final review by the Representative.

d.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG) Mission funds.

e.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are with senior management-type persons within and outside USAID, which may include Congressional staff, other U.S. government officials, and government officials from other countries as appropriate, consultants, contractors, grantees, or business executives.

f.

Complexity: Analyzes inter-related issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of individual contracts, grants and cooperative agreements. Develops detailed plans, goals, and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of the Education, Health and/or Democracy and Governance programs, and/or develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Decisions concerning design, planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating individual activities are complicated by the difficulty of operating in a politically sensitive country.

g.

Length of Contract: The US/TCN PSC position is envisioned for a five year period.

F.

EDUCATIONAL AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND CRITERIA

1. Education: A graduate degree in Education, International Education, Public Health, International Development, International Relations, Political Science, African studies, or a closely related field is required. Fifteen years of work experience can be substituted for a graduate degree. 10 Points

2. Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five to seven years work experience in international education, health development or public health, African development, international affairs, democracy and governance or a related area. 15 Points

3. Language Proficiency: Strong English language skills (written and oral) are required. French language skills at the FSI 2/2 level (speaking and reading) is preferred. 15 Points

4. Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of international development concepts, principles and activity implementation is required. Knowledge and experience in basic education, health and/or democracy and governance, particularly in the context of developing countries, is required. Extensive knowledge of USAID procedures and regulations is preferred, but is not required. 30 Points

5. Skills and Abilities: The GDO must have proven capacity to analyze complex situations and provide technical guidance and recommendations up and down the hierarchy. S/he will have strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, technical and analytic skills and leadership abilities. 30 Points

G. LOGISTICAL SUPPORT

The logistical support includes office space, transportation in cooperating country for official field work as well as travel arrangements and tickets for work related business, transportation to/from country, and secretarial support.

H.

Period of Performance

The Personal Services Contract will be for two years with the possibility/options of three-one year extensions up to a maximum of five years. Exercising the options to extend will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and satisfactory or better performance funds.

I.

Minimum Qualifications. (Determines basic eligibility for the position, candidates not meeting the basic qualifications are NOT qualified for the position):

1.

U.S. Citizen or Third Country National (TCN) 2.

A graduate degree in Education, International Education, Public Health, International Development, International Relations, Political Science, African studies, or a closely related field is required. Fifteen years of work experience can be substituted for a graduate degree.

3.

Minimum of five to seven years work experience in international education, health development or public health, African development, international affairs, democracy and governance or a related area.

4.

Strong English language skills (written and oral) are required. French language skills at the FSI 2/2 level (speaking and reading) is preferred 5.

Extensive knowledge of international development concepts, principles and activity implementation is required. Knowledge and experience in basic education, health and/or democracy and governance, particularly in the context of developing countries, is required. Extensive knowledge of USAID procedures and regulations is preferred, but is not required 6.

The GDO must have proven capacity to analyze complex situations and provide technical guidance and recommendations up and down the hierarchy. S/he will have strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, technical and analytic skills and leadership abilities.

7.

Capability in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related logistics software for management, forecasting, etc.

J.

Compensation This position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS 13 or GS 14. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS13 or GS14 salary range depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition, the Mission has a [30]% Post Differential allowance.

K. APPLYING:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit:

A U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices);

All applicants must submit a cover letter (3 pages maximum) addressing how they meet the required qualifications for this position (see Qualification section of this Solicitation). Each of the expected qualifications should be addressed in the cover letter.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

L.

Basis of Rating.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated based on the criteria listed above. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selective and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

M.

Medical and Security Clearance Requirements

1. The successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving in Djibouti. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit medical clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

2. The successful applicant must be able to receive USAID secret security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

N. Benefits and Allowances

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]

1. BENEFITS:

Employee's FICA Contribution

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service per post policy

2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable*):

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

Post Allowance (Section 220)

Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

Post Differential (Chapter 500)

Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

Danger Pay (Section 650)

Educational Allowance (Section 270)

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

3. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs and TCNPSC green card holders are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

O.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).**

3. AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action)**

4. SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)**

5. FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 each**

6. AID 610-14 (Authority for Release of Information)**

7. AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)**

8. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended**

9. Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974**

** Forms 2 through 9 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Note: The selected individual shall be required to obtain a background security clearance.

P. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs/AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

AAPD 06-11

Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays

AAPD 06-10

PSC Medical expense payment responsibility

AAPD 06-07

AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase

AAPD 06-01

Medical evacuation insurance

CIB 01-10

Revision of medical clearance process – PSC with U.S. Citizens

CIB 01-07

Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs

CIB 01-05

Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

CIB 00-08

Revision of Competitive Process – PSCs with U.S. Citizens

CIB 00-03

FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts

CIB 99-22

PSC Policy

CIB 98-23

Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

CIB 98-16

Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs

CIB 98-14

Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs

CIB 98-11

Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D.

CIB 97-17

PSC’s with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens

CIB 97-16

Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less

CIB 96-23

Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts

CIB 94-09

Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

CIB 93-17

Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract

CIB 89-29

Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

Q.

Point of Contact

Via e-mail: to Amina Fazaldeen at afazaldeen@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than February 5, 2009.