SOL- 72047221R000001 OGD Technical Specialist.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development Rua Sergio Viera de Melo, Lighthouse Area, Farol, Dili, Timor-Leste Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72047221R000001

ISSUANCE DATE: 12-15-2020

CLOSING DATE: 01-16-2021

5.00 pm Timor-Leste Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Citizen, U.S. Citizen Resident-Hire, or Third Country National (TCN) Citizen Personal Service Contractor (US/TCN PSC) – Development Assistance Technical Specialist, Office of General Development, USAID/Timor-Leste

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking an application from U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in the attachment.

Offers must be in accordance with the Attachment 1, Sections I through IX of this solicitation.

Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Permanent residence status and/or requisite visas and work permits for Timor-Leste are required. USAID/Timor-Leste will not provide any assistance in obtaining the visa.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.

Email submissions and questions shall be sent to Ms. Maria Isabel Soares, HR Assistant, at the email address msoares@usaid.gov with a copy to Mr. Timothy Marlowe, Contracting Officer, at tmarlowe@usaid.gov. To ensure delivery by the due date it is recommended that applications be sent in as email attachments. Applications that are received without a signature or incomplete applications will not be considered for the position.

Sincerely, Timothy Marlowe Contracting Officer USAID/Dili, Timor-Leste

Mailing Address:

8250 Dili Place Washington, DC 20521-8250 or

USAID/Timor-Leste 4 Travessa Sergio Vieira de Melo, Farol Dili, Timor-Leste

ATTACHMENT 1:

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

I. GENERAL INFORMATION:

A. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72047221R000001

B. ISSUANCE DATE:12-15-2020

C. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: January 16, 2021 at 5.00 pm Timor-Leste time.

D. POSITION TITLE: U.S. Citizen, U.S. Citizen Resident-Hire, or Third Country National (TCN) Citizen Personal Service Contractor (US/TCN PSC) – Development Assistance Technical Specialist, Office of General Development, USAID/Timor-Leste.

E. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-13 equivalent ($76,687 - $99,961) Salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history.

The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA.

F. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: To start as soon as possible for a period of 12 months from the date of award with the possibility of extensions depending on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance and the needs of the USAID Mission.

G. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Dili, Timor-Leste

H. SECURITY ACCESS: Facility Access

I. WORK HOURS: 40 hours/week

II. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

A. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Timor-Leste gained independence in 2002 after almost 25 years of Indonesian occupation. It is a democratic post-conflict, fragile state that is a member of the G7+ and aspires to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Human and institutional capacity remains weak while poor infrastructure, constrains economic growth and inhibits access to rural areas. Thirty-five percent of Timorese live in extreme poverty and malnutrition rates for children under five are among the highest in the world at 46 percent.

With a population of 1.2 million, 60 percent of which being under the age of 25, instability of the private sector is not supported to establish enterprises and create jobs. The economy is almost entirely dependent on offshore petroleum production, supplemented by remittances, donor assistance, and limited coffee exports. Timor-Leste, as a relatively remote location, was able to minimize their exposure to COVID 19, reporting a total of 29 confirmed cases and zero deaths (as of November 2020). Despite the successes achieved so far, the country remains vulnerable due to its shared land border with Indonesia, the anticipated return of Timorese and expatriates, the weak capacity of the health and surveillance systems, and its economic dependency on imports and oil.

USAID/Timor-Leste strives to build a more prosperous, healthy and democratic nation. The Journey to Self-Reliance is emphasized in all USAID interventions —whether with government, civil society, or the private sector—and is delivered through activities that foster inclusive economic growth, improved health of women and children, and strengthened foundations of good governance.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

The Technical Specialist is located within the Office of General Development (OGD) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Timor-Leste Mission. OGD comprises one American Office Director, four Foreign Service Nationals, and a portfolio of about $60 million (life-of-project) activities advancing health governance and democratic governance. The Advisor promotes an inclusive, prosperous, and healthy Timor-Leste that is more self-reliant, and supports USAID/Timor-Leste’s Development.

B. MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Technical Specialist reports to the Office Director and provides guidance for various aspects of activity design, planning, monitoring, evaluation, budgeting, and reporting. The Advisor will frequently represent OGD to expand outreach and communication, and coordinate with and support USAID/Timor-Leste staff regarding issues affecting assistance design and implementation while managing for results:

1) Activity Monitoring, Analysis, and Communication (30%)

a. Assist OGD staff to monitor and evaluate activities. Summarize and present monitoring policies and guidance to OGD staff. Coordinate with the Program Office to support the Performance Management Plan and the Mission’s monitoring and learning agenda.

b. Assist Agreement Officer Representatives/Contracting Officer Representatives (AOR/COR) to assess and report monitoring and evaluating of assistance.

Ensure A/CORs are aware of Agency compliance issues related to the monitoring of activities and projects.

c. Assist the Mission's Data Quality Assessment processes to collect performance data from implementing partners and analyze it to confirm that it meets Agency quality standards of validity, integrity precision, reliability, and timeliness. Advise A/CORs on determining data use and reporting to better manage activities and report on successes, as well as understand and assess limitations.

d. Coordinate with the Program Office to ensure overall quality and coherence of communications and outreach products and initiatives for activities in the OGD portfolio. Support the CORs and AORs with guidance from the Program Office to adhere to branding and marking guidelines. Assist the ODG to coordinate with other USG agencies, and OGD implementers to achieve maximum exposure and understanding of U.S. development efforts and initiatives.

e. Coordinate with USAID staff and OGD implementers on developing public information initiatives, and their communications and media strategy and relations. Assist with drafting timely and accurate information, fact sheets, press releases, responses to requests for information, and other public information materials relating to OGD activities.

2) Supervision, Mentoring, and Staff Development (30%)

a. Supervise foreign service national (Timorese) staff while developing a capable and results-oriented OGD team. Provide regular feedback to managers and staff to ensure performance reviews are carried out throughout the year and annually.

Proactively address performance issues through regular, constructive, and honest feedback and coaching.

b. Maintain staff management systems which reflect principles of fairness, transparency, and efficiency, and ensure that health, safety, and security of staff are prioritized.

c. Promote professional growth of foreign service national staff through strategic, deliberate capacity building, by identifying professional improvement needs, and recommending training and development opportunities.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

3) Program and Activity Design (20%): Serve as OGD’s primary point of contact with USAID/Timor-Leste’s Program Office regarding OGD activity designs and approval documents to help ensure all technical design, evaluation, and other criteria for activity approval are complied with and activity design documents readied for approval by legal, technical, and acquisition/assistance experts.

4) Activity Documentation and Reporting (20%)

a. In partnership with the Program Office’s Development Outreach and Communication team, review all OGD drafted internal and external communications and outreach material to ensure USAID standards of quality are assured before being distributed to the U.S. Embassy or publicly.

b. Coordinate OGD technical input to the Mission’s Annual Performance Plan and Report PPR, Operational Plan, Country Development Cooperation Strategy, and other documents. Compile and edit narratives, data tables, and reports to ensure quality and compliance with Agency guidance.

C. POSITION ELEMENTS

1. Supervision Received: The Technical Specialist works under the direct supervision of the OGD Director, USAID/Timor-Leste or her/his designee.

2. Supervision Exercised: The Technical Specialist supervises up to 4 foreign service nationals: two Health Governance Project Management Specialists and two Governance Project Management Specialists.

3. Guidelines: The Technical Specialist must comply with Agency regulations, Automated Directive System requirements, Asia Bureau procedural guidance, Agency procurement and acquisition guidance, Mission Orders, and U.S. Government guidance including laws, legislative initiatives, and Congressional interests.

4. Complexity: The position operates in an complex work environment as it works across general development; interfaces with the Bureau for Global Health and the Bureau for The Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment as well as a number of US Government agencies; advises on highly detailed and complex budget and program planning as well as reporting requirements; in addition to team management responsibilities.

5. Exercise of Judgment: The Technical Specialist is required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID/Timor Leste office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required in working effectively with officials of the Ministries and the private sector, in overseeing contractor activities, coordinating multi-sectoral efforts in support of USAID/Timor Leste development objectives, and in collecting, analyzing, and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

6. Nature, Level, Purpose of Contacts: To effectively function in this position, the incumbent will be required to establish and maintain working relationships with all categories of USAID staff and U.S. Embassy staff; engage a U.S. Government inter-agency network including the Department of State, Department of Defense, U.S.

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

Department of Agriculture, CDC and other U.S. Government personnel in the field and in Washington; highest level staff of United Nation agencies, other international and donor organizations; representatives of regional organizations such as ASEAN and APEC;

international and local NGOs; Faith Based Organizations, private sector representatives and the general public. With local contacts, the incumbent will be required to develop and maintain an extensive range of high level contacts with senior level government officials in the Ministries of Health, the Ministries of Agriculture, and senior level academic, business and community leaders in the region with the purpose ranging from simple information gathering to obtaining or verifying information which is otherwise unavailable as well as assisting in the development of complex programs. The incumbent actively participates in substantive discussions and negotiations of design/implementation issues and matters of national health policy up to the level of the Ministries. In the USAID Mission, she/he actively participates in substantive discussions and recommends U.S.

positions on policy issues up to the level of Office Director.

7. Physical Demands/Work Environment: The position operates in an complex work environment as it works across general development; interfaces with the Bureau for Global Health and the Bureau for The Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and Environment as well as a number of US Government agencies; advises on highly detailed and complex budget and program planning as well as reporting requirements; in addition to team management responsibilities.

8. Authority to Make Commitments: The Technical Specialist will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government funds.

9. Other Requirements: The Technical Specialist must be able to obtain a U.S.

Government medical clearance and Employment Authorization or facilities access clearance.

III. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCN). Per ADS 309.3.1.11(c), if the Contracting Officer (CO) issued a combined solicitation that was open to multiple eligible sources (i.e. U.S. Citizens and TCNs), the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) must not evaluate U.S. Citizens and TCN offers together. In order to comply with the order of preference in section 309.3.1.4, the CO must provide the TEC only those offers received from the preferred type first. After the evaluation of U.S. Citizens offers, if the CO, as the Source Selection Authority, determines that there are no qualified U.S. Citizens for the position, the CO may then provide the TCN offers to the TEC for evaluation.

Applicants who do not meet all of the following factors are considered NOT qualified for the position:

A. Applicant is a US citizen or Third Country Nationals;

B. In possession of, or able to obtain, a facility access security clearance. The successful applicant must be able to receive a USAID security clearance that involves an applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

C. In possession of, or able to obtain, a medical clearance. The successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving in Timor-Leste. Details of how to obtain US Department of State medical clearance will be provided.

D. Must already have an appropriate visa or permit to work in Timor-Leste.

IV. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work request does not involve undue physical demands.

V. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA:

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

The applicants must address each Evaluation Factors listed below. When addressing the Evaluation Factors below, demonstrate how your experience relates to the duties and responsibilities. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following evaluation criteria:

A. Education: (pass/fail): Master's Degree in a health-related field, international development/relations, business administration, economics, social sciences, medical science, public administration, or equivalent.

B. Prior Work Experience:

1. At least five years of relevant work experience on health and/or governance programs with an international development agency or on international development programs is required.

2. Documented experience in analyzing problems, working with teams to develop solutions, writing analytic reports, and using empirical data to improve the effectiveness of the work product is required.

C. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Demonstrated ability to analyze development issues and work with teams to resolve them.

2. Excellent writing and speaking abilities.

3. Demonstrated ability to organize work, develop schedules, and meet deadlines.

4. Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office and Google Share computer applications.

5. Demonstrated knowledge of advanced development principles, program/project/activity development, budgeting, management, and analytical skills to assess activity feasibility.

D. Language: Demonstrated proficiency/ fluency in oral and written English (Level 4) are required.

VI. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

Application Rating System The applicant rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. Applicants must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The rating factors are as follows:

a. Experience: (35 points)

i. At least five years of relevant work experience on health and/or governance programs with an international development agency or on international development programs is required.

ii. Documented experience in analyzing problems, working with teams to develop solutions, writing analytic reports, and using empirical data to improve the effectiveness of the work product is required.

b. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (35 points)

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

i. Demonstrated ability to analyze development issues and work with teams to resolve them.

ii. Excellent writing and speaking abilities.

iii. Demonstrated ability to organize work, develop schedules, and meet deadlines.

iv. Demonstrated ability to use Microsoft Office and Google Share computer applications.

v. Demonstrated knowledge of advanced development principles, program/project/activity development, budgeting, management, and analytical skills to assess activity feasibility.

c. Interpersonal and Communication Skills: (30 points)

i. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work in diverse, multicultural teams, including an ability to build consensus, provide leadership, and effectively coordinate with internal and external stakeholders while supporting a culture of inquiry and engaging in continuous critical reflection of USAID’s assistance and emerging issues.

ii. Demonstrated ability to produce written communication in a clear, concise manner.

iii. Demonstrated experience leading and facilitating groups with differing views.

Total Application Rating: 100 points

Interview Performance: 100 points

Total Possible Points: 200 points

Applicants who meet the Minimum Qualifications and Basic Eligibility Criteria will be further evaluated in accordance with the Applicant Rating System. Applicants are required to address each factor of the Applicant Rating System in their resume, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to each factor. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Applicant Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on writing test, interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. USAID/Timor-Leste will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews and writing test. Reference checks will be conducted for the finalists. Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant.

VII. SELECTION PROCESS:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required qualifications will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications.

VIII. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Interested individuals are requested to submit following:

1. Fully completed and hand-signed copy of an Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2) at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID-302-3 is the base salary paid, Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216 excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.

2. A current resume or curriculum vitae (CV);

3. Personal Information: full name, mailing address, email address, day and evening phone numbers, and country of citizenship;

4. Written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Section III.

Evaluation and Selection Factors);

5. A minimum of three and a maximum of five references, including two references which must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s knowledge.

6. Information on current or prior U.S. Government security or employment authorization clearance and current or prior U.S. Government/employment medical clearances.

7. PROOF OF REQUIRED RESIDENCY PERMIT/VISA.

NOTE: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section.

Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

This office must receive your application prior to the closing date and time specified in this solicitation. Late applications will not be considered. Please note all applications must be hand-signed. Applications can be scanned and sent as an email attachment. Unsigned applications shall NOT be considered. Please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter.

IX. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

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

A. BENEFITS:

Base Salary Employer’s FICA and Medicare Contribution* Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability and Adjustment Annual Salary Increase Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation (USPSC only) Annual & Sick Leave

* Note: If a US citizen, the contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

B. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal income taxes.

C. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE:

A Facility Access level of Security Clearance is required. Medical clearance is required.

D. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETIN (CIBs) AND ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE

POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS:

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contract. Those documents can be found at this website:

http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/

Phone: (670) 3300-500 Fax: (670) 332-2216

Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D can be found at:

http://transition.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Timor-Leste provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Timor-Leste also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations.

The EEO complaint procedure is available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

- End of solicitation -