Sol_SOL-111-16-000004.pdf

USPSC RESIDENT HIRE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

SUBJECT: Solicitation No.: SOL-111-16-000004 for a US Personal Services

Contractor (USPSC, Resident Hire), Economic Growth Adviser, USAID/Armenia

ISSUANCE DATE: May 10, 2016

CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 31, 2016 12:00 PM Yerevan Time

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Armenia), is seeking applications from U.S citizens residing in Armenia interested in providing PSC services as described in the solicitation below.

Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

1) Complete and hand-signed Form AID 302-3 available websites shortcut to:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/; the previous Application Forms OF-612 and SF-171 are obsolete.

2) Curriculum vitae/resume per the Qualifications Ranking Factors.

3) Three (3) to five (5) references with current contact information, including both email address and telephone numbers.

Submission shall be in accordance with the information below and submitted electronically to Narine Sarkisian, Acquisition Specialist at nsarkisian@usaid.gov and Armen Yeghiazarian, Senior Acquisition Specialist at ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov This solicitation will remain open until May 31, 2016, 12:00 PM Yerevan Time. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to nsarkisian@usaid.gov and ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov

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

Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered.

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USPSC Resident Hire Economic Growth Adviser

Solicitation Number: SOL-111-16-000004

Issuance Date: May 10, 2016

Closing Date/Time: May 31, 2016 (12:00 PM Yerevan Time)

Position Title: Economic Growth Adviser

Market Value: GS-13 (Base Pay): $73,846-$96,004 per annum.

Salary to be paid will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history.

Period of Performance: For an initial period of one year with possibility of extension. Extension will depend on the need for continuation of such services and availability of funds.

Place of Performance: Yerevan, Armenia

Organizational Location of Position: USAID/Armenia, Sustainable Development Office

(SDO)

Area of Consideration: U.S. Citizen: Resident Hire

Security Access/Level: Facility Access

STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION:

1. INTRODUCATION:

The United States has been actively engaged with Armenia since it achieved independence in 1991. With the opening of the first U.S. embassy in Armenia in 1992, the two countries signed a bilateral agreement on provision of U.S. humanitarian and technical economic assistance.

Following Armenia’s independence, USAID’s programs in 1992-1998 were focused on humanitarian aid. USAID started provision of more technical support in 1998-2005 and initiated local capacity building activities in addition to humanitarian and direct assistance programs. In 2005-2012, USAID transitioned from direct assistance to longer-term development initiatives aimed at increasing Armenia’s a) economic competitiveness, b) strengthening good governance, and c) ensuring higher quality and more accessible social and health services. All these activities will be managed under the combined Sustainable Development Office (SDO).

The Economic Growth Adviser will serve as the Deputy Director of the SDO, reporting to the SDO Director. He/she will co-manage a portfolio valued at about $12 million/year spanning a broad javascript:__doPostBack('ctl00$ctl00$body$homebody$RecentDocuments$C$RecentDocumentsControl$RecentDocumentResults$ctl00$DocumentNumberLink','') spectrum of economic growth, democracy and governance and social policy reform. The primary responsibility will be managing the EG portfolio. This includes activities in rural development, tourism promotion, tax reform, ground water management and regional energy integration.

Armenia also is a STIP focus country with related activities managed by the SDO. This portfolio is implemented through a creative mix of government-to-government agreements, international contracts and cooperative agreements, and local contracts and grants. The Mission emphasizes maximum use of local implementers and public/private partnerships.

2. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION:

The incumbent will serve as a technical advisor and project manager in tourism promotion, economic reform, natural resource management and private sector growth areas of the portfolio.

He/she will fully participate in portfolio and team management and represent the Mission in policy dialogue and implementation discussions. He/she will coordinate policies and activities with the Government of Armenia, other USG actors, international donors, the private sector, universities and the diaspora. The Mission seeks an innovative, energetic person with excellent technical and interpersonal skills to fill this rewarding vacancy

In addition, the incumbent will assume Partnership and Alliance Coordinator functions to facilitate the Mission’s efforts to establish viable public-private partnerships (PPP) and may be required to assist with coordinating the Mission’s interaction with the Armenian Diaspora in U.S. and other countries. More specifically, the incumbent will: (i) advise Mission senior management on matters and procedures related to PPPs and diaspora outreach (ii) develop and coordinate implementation of Mission’s PPPs; and (iii) support and consult program managers in USAID/Armenia technical offices to actively participate in alliance building including the respective negotiations with private partners.

3. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Report to the Director of the Sustainable Development office. The incumbent should be flexible and willing to support the Mission in all technical areas that the SD office encompasses.

B. Provide strategic direction and technical expertise on programs to improve the investment climate, including business climate reform, rural development, energy, environment, agricultural productivity, trade facilitation, financial sector reform, economic policy advocacy, and skills training.

C. Backstop management on policy and programmatic documentation involving the U.S.

Embassy Front Office, inter-agency, and the Europe & Eurasia (E&E) Bureau, including extensive drafting of briefing materials, event scenarios, action memos, operational reports, budget justifications, etc.

D. Serve as Agreement Officers Representative (AOR) or Contracting Officers Representative (COR) or Alternate AOR/COR for the tourism award and possibly others.

E. Help design and initiate the procurement of new projects as necessary that support mission priorities.

F. Engage in dialogue and conduct liaison with senior Government of Armenia officials on new programs, e.g., Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Energy, and others as necessary.

G. Represent the Mission with external stakeholders and collaborate closely with other donors, such as the World Bank, United Nations, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development on potential new partnerships, and represent the Mission at the various Working Group and the Assistance Coordination Committees.

H. Coordinate with the Economic Section and others at the Embassy to support EG programs as identified.

I. Serve as an advisor to the Mission Director, and as appropriate, to the Ambassador, on policy and operational matters relating to the economic growth sector.

J. Identify potential partners inside and outside of Armenia to develop relationships that may lead to alliances within Mission’s key programmatic areas, including economic growth, social services and healthcare, democracy and governance, cross-cutting and cross-border activities.

K. Work with other Public-Private Alliance builders, the American Embassy interagency (State Department, etc.), the USAID Global Development Alliance (GDA) Office in Washington, DC, and other USAID Missions to develop both local and global networking.

L. Identify other donors/stakeholders in the country and region involved in alliance building with private companies that USAID may want to join or contribute to.

M. Work with Mission technical teams and partners to promote, build and incorporate partnerships into program portfolios. Assist the Mission to report alliance projects to USAID/Washington.

4. QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE/SELECTION

CRITERIA:

1. Prior Work Experience (40 POINTS): A minimum of eight years of progressively more responsible experience working in Eastern European countries is required (preferably in Armenia), particularly in economic and private sector development, and forging partnerships. The candidate should possess demonstrated experience to work efficiently under deadlines in a complex environment with minimal support.

2. Education (20 POINTS): A Bachelor’s degree required in international studies, economics, business, political science, agriculture or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

3. Knowledge/Skills and Abilities (30 POINTS): A broad and comprehensive knowledge of economic growth sector concepts and programs is required in such areas as business climate reform, trade facilitation, financial sector reform, economic empowerment, rural development and agricultural productivity preferred. Knowledge of USG rules is preferred, including acquisition and assistance regulations and U.S. Embassy protocol. The candidate must demonstrate competence in project design and development, drafting scopes of work, action memoranda, briefing papers, etc. The candidate must have strong management, interpersonal skills to work in a team; ability to work tactfully and efficiently under deadlines in a complex environment with minimal support. S/he should be capable of representing USAID in donor coordination groups, interagency meetings, and within the U.S. Mission. Well-developed computer and desktop publishing skills are also required.

4. Communications/Language Proficiency (10 POINTS): Demonstrated excellent communications skills are critical. Excellent English speaking, reading, and writing skills are required with demonstrated ability to write clearly, quickly, and succinctly, including preparation of technical reports and presentations and briefings. Ability to converse in Armenian is a plus. Candidates must demonstrate cultural sensitivity as well as diplomatic tact with their oral communication skills dealing with sensitive political topics.

5. POSITION ELEMENTS:

a. Supervision Received: Reporting to the SDO Director: the EG Adviser will work under the general supervision and policy guidance of the SDO Director.

b. Supervision exercised: May serve as the Acting SDO Director when the USDH Director is out of the country or on leave.

c. 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 SDO Director. However, he/she may make recommendations to senior-level USAID management on a range of issues, and will serve as an advisor to the Mission Director, and as appropriate, to the Ambassador, on policy and operational matters relating to the economic growth sector.

d. Nature, level and purpose of contacts: Backstop management on policy and programmatic documentation involving the U.S. Embassy Front Office, inter-agency, and the Europe & Eurasia (E&E) Bureau; coordinate policies and activities with the Government of Armenia, other USG actors, international donors, the private sector, universities and the diaspora; represent the Mission with external stakeholders and collaborate closely with other donors, such as the World Bank, United Nations, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.

e. Guidelines: Guidelines include Agency regulations, ADS Series, the Foreign Affairs Manual, Foreign Affairs Handbook/Automated Directives System, USAID/Armenia Mission Orders, and professional development literature. All of these are general, presenting options and approaches rather than blueprints. Therefore, the incumbent must have a very sound understanding of this wide variety of regulations and be able, based on experience, to assess alternatives and interpret the guidelines accordingly. USAID has other documents and background papers on Armenia Country Development Coordination Strategy, which may also provide a resource.

6. OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

In addition, the contractor must be a U.S. Citizen with the ability to work in Armenia and be able to obtain a medical clearance, and USG-issued security clearance at facility access/employment authorization level.

7. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a U.S. Resident Hire PSC is normally authorized the benefits listed in the section below. [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, Life Insurance), including differential and allowances.]

U.S. PSC CONTRACTOR BENEFITS (As allowable under applicable federal regulations)

A. BENEFITS:

• Employee's FICA Contribution

• Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

--50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium not to exceed $7,750 for a family and $3,410 for employees without dependents) and ;

--50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500)

• Annual Pay Comparability Adjustment – Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs

• Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

• Annual & Sick Leave: Prior USG service is recognized for annual leave purposes

--Vacation Leave is based on documented years as a PSC 0-3Years = 4 hours every two weeks 3-15 Years = 6 hours every two weeks (10 hours in last pay period) 15+ Years = 8 hours every two weeks --Sick Leave is 4 hours every two weeks

B. 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.

8. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES:

The successful candidate must obtain medical and employment authorization clearance prior to commencing work.

List of Required Forms:

(A) AID 302-3

Note: The forms listed below B through G shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

(B) Medical Form (DS Form 6561)

(C) EQIP Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF-

86) or

(D) EQIP Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-86)

(E) EQIP Signature Forms (3-CER, REL, MEL)

(F) Finger print Card (SF-87) (available from requirements office)

(G) AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)

9. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified individuals MUST submit:

• Completed and hand-signed U.S. Government Form AID 302-3 available websites shortcut to: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/; the previous Application Forms OF-612 and SF-171 are obsolete

• Curriculum vitae/resume per the QRF requirements.

• Three (3) to five (5) references with current contact information, both an email address and telephone number.

To ensure applications are received in the USAID/Armenia Office before the closing date, applications shall be submitted preferably by email. Additionally, hand carry, DHL or FEDEX air courier are acceptable.

VIA EMAIL: To nsarkisian@usaid.gov copy to ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov

VIA HANDCARRY/INTERNATIONAL COURIER:

Attention: Narine Sarkisian, A&A Specialist USAID/Armenia 1 American Avenue Yerevan 0082, Armenia

All applications must be received by the closing date and time 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 of submissions.

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 scanned copy of their signature in order for their application to be considered for this position.

http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001zobGIB-8t9z7dWWzLRFbKSgO4uH4rjhAZgSs_0q5-ZVdEY9eWaZLuLLX9HxvTHnk0JSTmclQOZDXn1Wr2DYRTk99vmeenofGuK44ANsvtVbf5vlWUi1SWPnQ1gesqKA3i7P3doWaDEo1hLA1FV4u0X0mLUyYfuVp1LuWGX-HSA9oVDHge_CvlvhqXLy7tJsOuv-09OkAueyPYOSKkyt-jA==&c=YCVuuynWS_dfweLNigbgxL9_f1Sggbr4E5Um3aAYC8zOEwzaLV9GoQ==&ch=oa2Epnv4dkpgdOJ4PiG3SWGm0My-145IGpz7U7zYnE5mvJvJFfSbhA== http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION

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 application.

Filling this position is contingent upon availability of funding and completion of final internal administrative approvals.

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 http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html%23psc http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION: