SOL-278-16-000012_USPSC_Supervisory_Financial_Management_Specialist_(Deputy_Controller).pdf

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-278-16-000012

2. ISSUANCE DATE: Immediate

3. CLOSING DATE: August 28, 2016 by 9:30 am DC Time eliminate

4. POSITION TITLE: Supervisory Financial Management Specialist Deputy Controller

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14

(Min. $87,263 – Max. $113,444) per annum non-locality pay. USAID\Jordan will not negotiate more than the maximum listed for GS-14 market value, and final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history, and educational background.

6. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION POSITION: Amman, Jordan

7. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: USAID Jordan Controller

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The Personal Services Contract (PSC) will be for approximately one-year with no renewals.

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens Only

10. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE: The contractor shall obtain necessary medical clearance (as defined by the Department of State Medical Unit), and must be able to receive USG TOP SECRET clearance prior to travel to post. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period. USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

The USAID/Jordan Mission is issuing a solicitation to qualified U.S. citizens for the position of Supervisory Financial Management Specialist (Deputy Controller). This position has been approved by the USAID/Jordan Mission at a GS-14 grade level and the annual salary range for a GS-14 Level (Min. $87,263 – Max.

$113,444) per annum. Apart from the salary, a full complement of expatriate benefits, customary in USAID overseas short-term positions, are included with this position, such as housing, Sunday Differentials, and Employer contribution to Medical and Life Insurance. Nonetheless, the salary level of the selected candidate (within the range above) will be determined based on meeting the required qualifications and documented previous salary history. The work schedule is 40 hours per week, and the workweek is Sunday-Thursday.

Interested candidates should submit an application as per the following Position Description (PD) elements:

BACKGROUND

The USAID Mission to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has been working to improve the quality of life for the Jordanian people for more than 50 years. Since 1996, the U.S. Government has significantly increased the levels of Economic Support Funds that it provides to the Kingdom. USAID assistance is being provided in six main objective areas including: water resource development; energy; economic opportunities; health; education reform; and democratization/good governance. With a core operating year budget in Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 of about $965 million, USAID/Jordan is one of the largest bilateral assistance programs in the region.

Jordan, a key U.S. Government (USG) partner in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), is an island of stability in a volatile region. However, development gains made by Jordan are threatened by a strained economy and overburdened public services. The massive influx of over 636,000 Syrian refugees, the equivalent to the U.S. taking in 36 million refugees, has intensified kingdom-wide tensions around inadequate delivery of water, health, and education services. Limited employment opportunities, mounting poverty, and a lack of citizen participation have resulted in a precarious macro-economic position for Jordan.

USAID/Jordan manages a $2.4 billion development assistance portfolio and maintains one of the lowest staff to budget ratios in the region. With the urgent and dynamic nature of the challenges facing Jordan, the partnership of the USG through USAID has never been more critical for Jordan and the Middle East. USAID/Jordan is focused on deepening the relationship with the Government of Jordan and ensuring that personnel and financial resources are in place to continue to respond to the Syrian refugee crisis. USAID’s efforts are highly visible, followed closely not only in Jordan, but also domestically in the US resulting in over 200 congressional level visiting delegations last year. The 13 member Southern Syria Assistance Platform (SSAP), which manages development programs inside of Syria from Jordan, receives support services from the mission.

To implement the CDCS strategy effectively, the Mission needs to strengthen core business processes, particularly financial management. With the numerous staffing shortages and transitions, change management, capacity development and mentoring will be paramount. As the Mission footprint grows the Mission will need to proactively plan to ensure appropriate programmatic, operational, and management support. The USPSC will play a key leadership role in these efforts.

STATEMENT OF WORK

USAID/Jordan requests the services of a Supervisory Financial Management Specialist (Deputy Controller) to serve for approximately one year to fill the position of the US Foreign Service Officer (Deputy Controller) in the Financial Management Office. FMO exercises supervision and quality control over fiscal and accounting operations of mission financial operations and provides expert technical advice on all matters relating to financial management.

The Supervisory Financial Management Specialist (Deputy Controller) is the principal Authorized Certifying Officer and serves as the focal point for all financial management functions including budgeting, accounting, financial analysis, payments, audits, and financial advisory services to Mission management and staff.

Additionally, the incumbent will be involved in the full range of Financial Management functions, including Phoenix (automated financial management system) accounting, financial analysis, audit liaison and financial reporting.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides Mission Staff with guidance on appropriate methods of activity implementation and financing and plans for evaluations of accounting systems and contract management capabilities as a pre-condition to providing clearance of Activity Description Documents.

2. Supervises accounting and reporting of all dollar and trust fund obligations, commitments and disbursements for USAID/Jordan.

3. Reviews and approves contracts, activity agreements, commitment documents and related correspondence.

4. In coordination with the Executive Officer (EXO), prepares and executes the Mission’s Operating Expense Budget.

5. Supervises voucher examination for all payments in dollars and local currency to vendors of

USAID/Jordan.

6. Maintains a comprehensive accounting system for operating expenses, advances, payables, non-expendable property, collections and budget allowance limitations.

7. Advises employees on the processing of payments and other documents concerning entitlements, allowances, travels, leave, etc.

8. Participates as a financial management advisor in all program portfolio review meetings with the Executive Management Team.

9. Tailors financial management reporting to meet Mission and GOJ needs and presents such reports with analytical explanations to major users.

10. In coordination with EXO, manages the level of the USAID’s share of the ICASS budget.

11. Determines appropriate methods for the financing of Mission programs and operations.

12. Provides Mission staff with expert assistance and advice relative to USAID financial management regulations and procedures.

13. Assist in resolving cash management, method of payment, cost reasonableness, and disbursement issues for projects.

14. Provides uniform guidance and procedures for the financial management of all appropriated and non-appropriated funds available to USAID/Jordan, including implementation of internal accounting controls to safeguard those funds and other USAID assets.

15. Ensures the quality review and analysis of financial information; identifies financial risks, challenges and opportunities with solutions, options, or corrective actions.

16. Provide oversight, guidance and support to the FMO staff to ensure that they possess all the necessary skills, and that they function effectively in carrying out their required duties.

17. Represent the Controller’s office, when necessary, at Mission meetings and strategic planning activities; participate in the review of the financial progress of on-going projects.

18. Assist in the development of new and review existing internal procedures and the FMFIA 2017 exercise and follow up on pending actions. Resolve mission Integrity, compliance and internal control related matters.

19. Ensure a timely 1311 review process and review and approve accruals.

Other Significant Facts

Supervision Received:

The incumbent shall report directly to the USAID/Jordan Controller. During the absence of the Controller, the incumbent shall report to the Deputy Mission Director in charge of the Financial Management Office portfolio.

Supervision Exercised:

The incumbent will have a supervisory role as assigned by the Controller.

Physical Demands/ Work Environment:

The primary location of work will be the USAID/Jordan Mission, located in USG-provided facilities in Amman, Jordan. Work in the office is expected to be mostly sedentary.

Required Qualifications & Selection Criteria:

The incumbent must be a U.S. citizen, and must have a USG Top Secret Security Clearance, or the ability to attain one is required. Ability to obtain a State Department medical clearance is required. The successful candidate must be sufficiently experienced to understand the needs of the Mission.

Applicants who do not meet the required minimum qualifications will be considered unqualified for the position and will not be assessed using the additional selection criteria below.

All other applicants will be scored, and then ranked based on the following selection criteria:

(Maximum Points Available: 100).

Education (05 points):

The incumbent should have a Bachelor degree or equivalent of a four-year U.S. university degree (equivalency accreditation if a non-U.S. institution) in accounting in accounting, finance or business administration; CPA certification is required.

Prior Work Experience (40 points):

Ten years of progressively responsible experience performing and supervising USAID financial management operations, including accounting, audit management, budget formulation and execution, financial analysis, and management controls is required. Experience as a USAID Controller, Deputy Controller, Acting Controller or Acting Deputy Controller is a plus. Strong working knowledge of USAID systems such as Phoenix, E2, ASIST, GLAAS and other Agency systems is required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (40 points):

Thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology, as well as the principles and accepted procedures of U.S. Governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting and reporting is required. A thorough knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures associated with USAID financial management and a high level of independent judgment with regard to USAID’s financial management policies and regulations, is also required.

Strong understanding of USAID project planning and implementation procedures and of USAID organization and operations is highly desirable. A high level of analytical skill and sound judgment is required.

The position requires proven management and organizational expertise as well as developing and motivating a team to effectively supervise FMO staff and direct the various elements of a complex financial management operation. The position also requires excellent interpersonal and training skills, and the candidate must have a genuine interest in developing the abilities of FMO staff. The ability to perform in an energetic and fast past environment while maintaining cordial and professional relationships with USAID staff, Host Government, NGO and Contractor personnel is a must.

Excellent English communication skills, both orally and in writing, are essential.

Language: (05 points) Fluent Reading & Writing English at the IV Level is required. Arabic language skills are preferred but not required.

Past Performance / Professional Reference Checks (10 Points)

Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks of all applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria.

EVALUATION FACTORS:

The factors listed below will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants who meet Required Qualifications and Selection Criteria for the position. All applicants are scored based on the documentation submitted with the application. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the following Evaluation Factors:

1. Education (05 points)

2. Prior Work Experience (40 points)

3. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (40 points)

4. Language: (05 points)

5. Past Performance / Professional Reference Checks (10 Points)

TERM OF PERFORMANCE:

The term of the contract will be for One (1) year, subject to 1) availability of funds 2) a continued need for the services, and 3) satisfactory performance. Within two weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Amman, Jordan. This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-14 position in the USG Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history with the GS-14 range.

In addition, at the time of this announcement, but subject to change at any time, Amman, Jordan has a 20% Post Differential allowance, a 20% Cost of Living Allowance (COLA), and because USAID/Amman’s workweek is Sunday-Thursday, a 25% Sunday differential; housing and other benefits are provided in accordance with USAID regulations for USPSCs. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by the USG. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) or 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:

https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications will be initially screened for eligibility in accordance with the qualification criteria above.

Applicants must address each criterion in their application in order to meet the minimum qualifications for this position.

USAID will screen for nepotism/conflict of interest in determining successful candidacy. Interested individuals are requested to submit their resume together with the Optional Application for Federal Employment OF612 electronically to ammanresumesusaid@usaid.gov

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

Questions may be directed to the Human Resources office, USAID/Jordan, Tel: 00962-6-5906000 ext. 6605/6876

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:

1. The Optional Application for Federal Employment OF612 signed (electronic version required).

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

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

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

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). *

6. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, as Amended (AID 500-4). *

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

* Forms 2 through 7 shall be completed upon advice of the Contract Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate.

All Forms can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/