Solicitation_Private_Sector_Development_Advisor.doc

USPSC VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

SUBJECT:

Solicitation: SOL-111-10-000001 for a US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC), Senior Private Sector Development Advisor

ISSUANCE DATE:

December 29, 2009

CLOSING DATE/TIME: January 20, 2010, 10:00 AM Yerevan Time

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171) from qualified individuals interested in providing PSC services as described in the solicitation below.

Submission shall be in accordance with the attached information and submitted electronically to: nsarkisian@usaid.gov (Yerevan/OAA) and ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov (Yerevan/OAA). This solicitation will remain open until January 19, 2010, 6:00 PM Yerevan Time. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Ms. Narine Sarkisian, Acquisition Specialist, USAID/Armenia; Phone: (37410) 49-43-64; Fax: (37410) 46-47-28, and/or Mr. Armen Yeghiazarian, Acquisition Specialist, USAID/Armenia; Phone: (37410) 49-44-66; Fax: (37410) 46-47-28.

The selected applicant must be able to obtain a USG Secret security clearance.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all attachments which accompany their applications.

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

SENIOR PRIVATE SECTOR DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR

Solicitation Number:

SOL-111-10-000001

Issuance Date:

December 29, 2009

Closing Date/Time:

January 20, 2010 (10:00 AM Yerevan Time)

Position Title:

Senior Private Sector Development Advisor Market Value:

GS-14 ($84,697 - $110,104 in 2010) Salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history. The standard compensation package also includes contributions for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA.

Period of Performance:

For an initial period of two years with possibility of extension. Extension will depend on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance.

Place of Performance:

Yerevan, Armenia

Organizational Location of Position:

USAID/Armenia, Economic Growth Office

Security Access/Level:

U.S. Citizen: Secret

Area of Consideration:

U.S. Citizen: All

Direct Supervisor:

Director of the Economic Growth Office Medical and Security Clearances:

The selected candidate must be able to obtain both security and medical clearances. The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government Agency. If the candidate is unable to obtain either required clearance, he/she will be ineligible for selection.

1. Introduction: USAID/Armenia is recruiting a Senior Private Sector Development Advisor in its Economic Growth Office for a two-year personal services contract to serve as alter ego to the EGO Chief, and as technical and policy advisor for the USAID/Armenia economic growth program and for projects managed by the EGO. The Advisor will help develop and manage new EGO private sector development project(s).

The Advisor serves as a recognized expert in private sector development, with substantial experience in enterprise development, business development services, SME access to financing, and economic governance. The Advisor provides technical advice and leadership in the formulation, development, design, implementation, and monitoring of the USAID/Armenia economic growth program.

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities

A.

Technical Leadership in Strategic Planning, Program Development, and Project Design

1) Within EGO, the Advisor provides strategic, technical, and organizational leadership. As a key Advisor, the incumbent collaborates with EGO staff in managing specific components of the Office and Mission strategy, and in meeting measurable objectives. The incumbent’s recognized expertise in private sector development will have a powerful influence on strategic planning, program development, and project design.

2) Serves as a key advisor in developing new Mission economic growth interventions. In this respect, the Advisor is closely involved with host-country officials and implementing partners (IPs) in the development of new projects, writing requests for proposals and/or assistance, and other procurement mechanisms consistent with GoAM economic development initiatives, and USAID goals as outlined in the Country Assistance Strategy (CAS), or in the economic growth results framework. The Advisor plays a key role in generating ideas and advising the Mission through every step of the procurement process, and serving as a primary architect of EGO plans for the CAS period.

3) The Advisor prepares project concepts, approval papers and associated documents, and scopes of work for economic growth projects, and contributes research on political, social, cultural, and economic factors pertaining to private sector development in Armenia. In addition, the Advisor contributes to development of the overall EGO conceptual framework and formulates plans for implementation.

4) The Advisor develops and sustains close collaborative, professional relationships with senior GoAM officials, business and association leaders, civic organization leaders, donors, international organizations, and leading economic development research institutions.

5) The Advisor represents EGO to USAID stakeholders and external development partners in a wide variety of fora, including events sponsored by USAID development partners, conferences, workshops, donor subgroup meetings, and other relevant forums on economic development. The Advisor collaborates with the host-country government on project design and implementation, ensuring that host-country officials at the highest levels are apprised of program progress. These responsibilities require the Advisor to demonstrate highly developed professional judgment, and to provide technical direction and management oversight.

6) The Advisor ensures effective coordination of USAID-funded activities with other donors in Armenia, and promotes the expansion of effective strategies and approaches that may expand the coverage and quality of economic development assistance.

7) The Advisor engages with corporations and with philanthropic organizations, in order to build public/private alliances, including exploring ways in which to leverage private funding to complement USAID efforts to expand the coverage and quality of economic development assistance to Armenia.

8) The Advisor advises senior Mission management, and other senior USG officials as requested, on specific areas related to areas of personal technical expertise and responsibilities.

B. Program/Project Management and Administration The Advisor is expected to perform the functions of COTR/AOTR, as designated by the Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer, for the management of contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements. The Advisor may supervise, as delegated by the EGO Director, one or more COTRs/AOTRs, and, in addition, the Advisor will assists the EGO Director in managing and administering the relevant project(s). Specific duties may include:

1) Overseeing implementation of USAID/Armenia economic growth activities, as delegated by the EGO Director;

2) Ensuring that projects achieve their intended results, providing technical and organizational leadership in the development, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects, and ensuring that IPs meet their agreed-upon benchmark requirements;

3) Conducting and coordinating assessments and site visits to monitor programs and IP, stakeholder, and counterpart progress in the implementation of projects;

4) Providing technical advice to IPs, grantees, GoAM officials, and other stakeholders as warranted;

5) Collaborating with other donors and organizations in the economic growth sector to ensure synergy of projects with those of other organizations;

6) Managing financial matters related to projects, such as providing administrative approval of vouchers, planning and preparing for annual incremental funding amendments, and other financial administrative activities as needed, to ensure that fiscal requirements and the needs of IPs are met in a timely manner;

7) Preparing and submitting the annual evaluation of contractor performance;

8) Coordinating and developing public-private partnerships leveraging external resources that are in line with the EGO results framework;

9) Developing monitoring and evaluation plans, as needed, and coordinating with the respective COTR/AOTR and the Program Office to insure compliance with USG regulations; and,

10) Reviewing the USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS) to insure compliance of all activities under the charge of the incumbent and providing recommendations to the EGO Director for improved performance of other EGO activities.

C. Program/Policy Analysis and Reporting

1) The Advisor ensures that activities are appropriately documented in required reports, and through regular updates given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including the Mission Strategic Plan, Operational Plan, Portfolio Reviews, Annual Budget reviews and periodic pipeline reviews, Congressional Budget Justifications, and briefs and talking points.

2) The Advisor ensures indicators to measure program impact are tracked accurately and used to revise strategy as necessary. The Advisor coordinates with EGO staff to ensure data submitted on projects are complete and consistent for reporting in the annual report, portfolio reviews, annual budget, pipeline analyses, and other required reporting.

3) The Advisor keeps the Office abreast of current events in Armenia that impact on its mission or cooperation. The Advisor advises the EGO Director and other Office staff of developments relevant to the economic growth project implementation, conducts consultations with stakeholders and tracks legislative developments, and collects, analyzes, and synthesizes information to inform and strategically guide program planning.

4) The Advisor prepares concept papers and other relevant documents, and initiates and describes project ideas and initiatives in accordance with the ADS, CAS, results framework, the current environment within Armenia, the institutional capabilities and purposes of potential USAID recipients, resource availability, and funding sources.

D. COTR/AOTR Responsibilities

The Advisor may be assigned to serve as COTR/AOTR, as designated by the Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer for the management of contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements.

Performs other duties as assigned or required.

3. Supervisory Controls The Advisor will work under the general supervision and policy guidance of the EGO Director. The EGO Director will review and approve the Advisor’s work plan and performance measures. Supervision will be generally confined to weekly staff meetings and informal daily and/or weekly consultations.

4. Supervision/Oversight over Others May supervise professional and administrative FSN personnel in the office as delegated by the EGO Director. On occasion may be called upon to serve as the acting Economic Growth Office Director when the EGO Director is out of the country or on leave.

5. Qualifications/Selection Criteria:

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria. Reference checks will seek to corroborate candidate self-assessments against these criteria.

A.

Education (10 points): At least a Masters Degree in the field of Economics, Management, Business Administration, International Marketing, Corporate Finance, International Trade and Finance, or related subject is required with strong technical emphasis or specialization in the areas of enterprise development (cluster competitiveness and value chain development), trade and investment, business services, and/or SME access to finance.

Training in the areas of economic governance policies (tax policy, trade and investment policy, policies and regulations regarding quality, health, and safety standards, business registration and licensing) is a plus.

B Economic Development experience and knowledge (50 points): The incumbent is required to have a minimum of 8 years of economic development experience – including at least 4 years experience as a program/project manager and/or COTR/AOTR with International Organizations – with increasingly responsible project development, design, and management experience.

Knowledge of project development, management, performance monitoring and reporting, and procurement policies and procedures are required. Prior experience and/or technical knowledge in evaluating economic growth projects are strongly desired.

A thorough understanding of major economic challenges frequently faced by transition economies and hands-on experience is required.

Experience in forming and managing public-private partnerships is highly desirable.

Previous experience in developing/transitioning economies managing or implementing enterprise development activities and expanding SME’s access to finance is required.

Broad experience in the areas of business development services, enterprise development (cluster competitiveness, value chain development, etc.), business advocacy, and private sector growth-enabling economic policies is highly desired.

C.

Communication skills (15 points): Demonstrated communications skills are critical. Candidate must be fluent in English and have a proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including in preparation of technical reports and presentations and briefings.

The applicant should have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and deliver authoritative, persuasive oral presentations to senior USG officials from multiple agencies, other donors, GOAM, and local governments.

The applicant must also have the ability to explain USAID economic growth program policies, objectives and procedures as well as U.S. government legislation relating to economic growth assistance to technical and non-technical colleagues.

In the same vein, the candidate must be able to transmit and interpret host country government and non-governmental sector program-related concerns to senior USAID officials and Mission management.

D Abilities and Skills (25 points): Proven, demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed upon parameters with minimal supervision or guidance and while exercising sound judgment is required.

The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional and interagency bureaucratic challenges while maintaining collaborative relations.

Experience in initiating and brokering policy dialogue and work plan development and bringing such dialogue with senior government officials, policy makers, NGOs and private sector representatives to closure is required.

Strong interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain these collaborative relations with counterparts both inside and outside of USAID.

The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skill in the analysis of statistical business, lending, public policy, and market-related data for decision making.

The following skills and abilities are also sought: operational and management skills; computer skills including ease and skill in using word processing and PowerPoint, e-mail, databases and spreadsheets; and the ability to conceptualize both strategically and programmatically with sound writing capabilities.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to manage more than one activity at a time in the performance of project/activity management.

The Mission is seeking a self-starter to be responsive to client needs with the ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and adapt to the existing management team.

· Maximum points available: 100

6. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent is required to exercise extensive, consistent and superior judgment in executing all aspects of his/her work, works with minimal supervision, and exercises wide latitude in planning and executing assignments. This includes deciding on the approaches to be taken, proactively identifying problems before they occur or in their early stages of development, resolving problems and conflicts, and interacting with senior leadership of corporations. This position requires substantive situational assessment, interpretation, judgment, and timely decision making.

7. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no authority to make any resource commitments or commit U.S. Government (USG) Mission funds on behalf of the U.S. Government, USAID/Armenia or the USAID Office of the Director. However, he/she may make recommendations to senior-level USAID management on a range of issues. These recommendations will carry significant weight, and will generally be followed if supported by adequate analysis and justification

8. Term of Performance/Compensation: The base term of the contract will be for two (2) years with a possible extension based on USG requirements and incumbent performance. The position has been classified as equivalent to a US Government Civil Service grade of GS-14. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform at the GS-14-equivalent level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be at less than the GS-14 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees, will be added (currently, 25% in post differential and 10% in COLA are in effect).

9. Medical and Security Clearances: The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a background security clearance and a worldwide available medical clearance. The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency. Details on how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

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

A. 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 B. 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) and

Danger Pay (Section 650)

Educational Allowance (Section 270)

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Educational Travel (Section 280)

C. FEDERAL TAXES:

USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion and are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC APPLICATION SUBMISSION: 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 security clearance.

2. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) AND CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs:

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website: http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D & J also applies to PSCs, which can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

3. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Standard Form SF-171 or Optional Form OF- 612. Applicant’s resume may be attached. Forms are available at the USAID websites: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp All applications must be submitted electronically to:

Attention: Narine Sarkisian

Acquisition Specialist

USAID/Armenia

E-mail: nsarkisian@usaid.gov and Armen Yeghiazarian

Acquisition Specialist

USAID/Armenia

E-mail: ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov All applications must be received by the closing date and time previously specified in this solicitation. 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.

USAID reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation.

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the forms. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants that submit their application by e-mail without an electronic signature must send a fax or scanned copy of their signature in order for their application to be considered for this position.

4. POINT OF CONTACT:

For any further questions, please contact:

Narine Sarkisian, Acquisition Specialist, USAID/Armenia/Office of Acquisition and Assistance, Phone: (37410) 49-43-64; Fax: (37410) 46-47-28; E-mail: nsarkisian@usaid.gov Or: Armen Yeghiazarian, Acquisition Specialist, USAID/Armenia/Office of Acquisition and Assistance, Phone: (37410) 49-44-66; E-mail: ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov

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