Solicitation_HR_Specialist _Oct_2013.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

SOL-267-14-000002

ISSUANCE DATE:

October 29, 2013

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

November 14, 2013 / 17:00 Baghdad Time

POSITION TITLE:

Human Resources Specialist (Intermittent)

MARKET VALUE:

GS-12 equivalent ($ 60,274 to $78,355)

($ 28.88 to $ 37.54 per hour) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year intermittent, with possible extension.

The Personal Services Contractor hired under this intermittent contract will provide up to a maximum of 180 workdays of services on an annual basis.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Iraq

SECURITY ACCESS: U.S. Citizen – Secret Security Clearance Third Country National – RSO Security Certificate

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens / Third Country National (TCN)

I. STATEMENT OF WORK

Basic Function of the Position:

This is a non-supervisory Specialist position responsible for providing support in all aspects of the Human Resources Management at USAID/Iraq. Due to the high level of expertise, the incumbent is expected to perform most duties independently and recommend solutions to complex situations using broad human resources management knowledge, concepts, and principles. The HR Specialist reports to the Supervisory HR Specialist and serves as a mentor for junior HR staff. The HR Specialist serves as back-up to the Supervisory Human Resources Specialist.

Major duties and responsibilities:

Personnel Administration (70% of time)

Manages FSN Performance Evaluation program and tracks US/TCN PSC Evaluations.

Transmits requests for regular, interim or other Work Plans and Performance Evaluation Reports (PER) for the staff in Iraq, providing all needed information to assist supervisors and employees with the discharge of this responsibility. Follows up on and monitors their timely completion. When warranted, drafts and transmits notices on overdue reports, and prepares related lists for the EXO. Regularly checks the list of departing rating officers and requests interim reports, as appropriate. Reviews completed reports to ensure accurate and thorough completion, requests/explains necessary modifications, processes completed reports.

Develops and issues various Personnel Actions, such as for promotion, within grade increases, appointment, separation, on the basis of required supporting documentation. Ensures that all necessary information for issuing the actions are provided to him/her and/or collected from the appropriate records and includes the remarks and information appropriate and necessary for each type of action. Ensures the completeness and distributes copies of all personnel actions issued by EXO to appropriate staff and organizations in a timely manner, and develops and maintains related logs.

Administers Award Programs. Initiates the call for award nominations within USAID and establishes deadlines for submission. Coordinates the meeting of the internal Awards Committee to review all nominations prior to submission to the Inter Agency Awards Committee at Post and/or Bureau. Follows up on the status of all nominations and keeps nominators informed about the outcome of the nomination.

Administers Training Programs. Disseminates information on the upcoming training to the supervisors, solicits nominations from various offices and submits the list of possible participants to EXO / Mission Director for the approval. Processes nomination cables to the training institutions, follows-up on the status of training requests, and sends the requests for health insurance coverage. Maintains a tracking system recording every training taken by each Mission’s employees (FSN and USPSC). Creates reports when requested. Responsible for and serves as the focal point for distance learning and on-line training.

Maintains, organizes and updates Official Personnel files (OPFs) and PSC Contract files for the staff in Iraq and ensures their completeness, accuracy and compliance with HR & contracting content requirements and organization. Maintains, organizes and updates a variety of other HR files and records, including subject files, chronological and historical files to ensure the maintenance of complete and accurate records. Searches files and records to extract data and/or assemble information required for various documents and/or reports or to provide information.

Following USAID/Iraq’s staffing plans, the incumbent reviews the position descriptions submitted by Office Directors ensuring that all necessary documents are in place prior to conducting the position classification of USPSCs, TCNPSCs, and FSNPSCs positions accordingly. The incumbent advertises vacancies throughout the Mission, website and Federal Business Opportunities site, or USAID General Notices as necessary.

The incumbent receives applications and sends out confirmation messages to applicants. Stores all applications the HR’s shared directory and screens all applications to ensure that required documentation is complete. Prepares lists of applicants and submits copies of applications to the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC). Attends TEC meetings as required and schedules test sessions and interviews with applicants, serving as HR’s representative during all meetings and interviews. Incumbent coordinates logistics when inviting applicants for interviews with the FSN HR Assistant and responds to all incoming correspondence to the recruitment mailboxes.

The incumbent updates the recruitment report on a daily basis and follows up on all pending recruitment actions. Incumbent ensures that all applicants receive an official communication informing them of the outcome of the recruitment process.

The incumbent works closely with all the selected applicants and instructs them on which procedures are necessary for obtaining required clearances. Follows up on the clearances with Regional Security Office, USAID/SEC, and State MED as necessary. Coordinates the start date and provides orientation for new employees including check-in sheets, handbooks. For personnel who require pre-deployment training (USPSC, TCNPSC or FSN TDYers), the incumbent plans the itinerary with the employee and informs all interested parties (travel office, hiring office, USAID/W) about the tentative day of arrival.

Personal Services Contracts (20%)

The incumbent is responsible for entering and modifying contracts as needed using the Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) for US Personal Services contractors and Third-Country National Personal Services Contractors. The incumbent manages contracts for local staff as well.

The incumbent ensures that all the necessary documents are in place prior to the signature of the Contracting Officer including negotiation memorandums narrating the process of each contractual action. Incumbent is also responsible for preparing contract terminations and contract close-outs for departing personnel.

Other Duties (10%)

Prepares required staffing reports for AID/W use, ensuring the accuracy and completeness of required data. Updates the WebPass application whenever changes occur in the staffing levels.

Incumbent serves as mentor to FSN HR Assistant on all aspects of HR management.

II. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration or related field is required. (10 points) Prior Work Experience: At least six years of progressively responsible human resources management experience is required; experience in a cross-cultural setting is viewed favorably. (40 points) Language Proficiency: Fluent English (Level IV) reading, speaking and writing ability is required; knowledge of Arabic is a plus. (10 points) Knowledge: Advance knowledge of Human Resources practices (recruitment, compensation, performance) is required. A wide range of position classification concepts, principles and practices are required. Knowledge of US Government regulations applicable to Human Resources Management is a plus. (20 points) Abilities and Skills: Must be able to work with minimal supervision; must have outstanding communications skills and the ability to negotiate effectively in order to meet required objectives. The nature of the position requires the incumbent to work extensively with sensitive personal information which must be treated with discretion, maintaining confidentiality. Customer service skills are essential. (20 points)

III.

TERM OF PERFORMANCE / COMPENSATION

Within two weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances, including medical and security clearances, have been received, or unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the contractor shall proceed to the Washington, D.C. area for mandatory pre-deployment training and orientation, and then directly to Baghdad, Iraq, where s/he shall promptly commence performance of the duties specified above. The term of the contract will be for approximately one year (including the mandatory training period in Washington, D.C.), with a level of effort not to exceed 180 work days per year.

The position has been classified at a GS-12 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-12 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-12 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 minimum salary in the GS-12 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. Illustratively, these may include 25% Post Differential, 35% Danger Pay, and 5% Sunday Differential.

The new USAID offices are located at the Annex II of the US Embassy Compound within the guarded and fortified International Zone in Baghdad. All USAID TDY employees are provided TDY furnished quarters. Unless policy at Post changes, meals are provided at no cost to the employee. Internet service is available for purchase.

IV.

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.

V.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a US/TCN PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident-Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.)

A. BENEFITS:

Employer'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)

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Education Allowance (Section 270)

Education Travel (Section 280)

Post Differential (Chapter 500)

Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

Danger Pay (Section 650)

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

VI. APPLYING

Interested applicants MUST submit the following materials:

- Most current Curriculum vitae or resume

- Completed and hand-signed federal form OF-612 (including OF-612 continuation sheets as needed). The OF-612 can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/.

- Three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephones and e-mail contacts

- Brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria shown in the solicitation

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position.

Late, incomplete or unsigned applications will NOT be considered.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

iraquspscjobs@usaid.gov

All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. 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 selection will be based on the panel evaluation of the applicants vis-à-vis selection criteria mentioned previously. Applicants should also note that the salary history for the purpose of the OF-612 is the salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.

Points of Contact

PRIMARY: Mr. Francisco Santos, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, ext. 4659; Email: frsantos@usaid.gov

SECONDARY: Ms. Ellen Zehr, Supervisory Executive Officer, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276, ext. 4631; Email: ezehr@usaid.gov

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

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

1. 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 ach**

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) PERTAINING

TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC)

AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf