DG_Advisor_solicitation.docx

SOLICITATION INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-280-16-000007

2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 26, 2016

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 16, 2016 - 16:00 Frankfurt time

5. POSITION TITLE: Democracy and Governance Advisor to Libya

6. MARKET VALUE: Position is classified at a GS-13 equivalent with an annual salary range of $73,846.00 to $96,004.00. The final compensation will be negotiated within the market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience and educational background. Incumbent will be eligible for locality pay, cost of living allowance, or other depending on location of position.

7. WHO MAY APPLY: Applicants must be U.S. Citizens.

8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year with possibility of extension pending need and availability of funds.

9. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Frankfurt, Germany; Tunis, Tunisia; and/or Tripoli, Libya (See Background – significant overseas travel may also be required.)

12. POSITION DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND:

In the aftermath of the Libyan revolution, USAID began a few nascent programs focused on bolstering key political and economic elements of Libya’s transition to a stable, prosperous democracy. The programs included emphasis on supporting civil society and media organizations to inform the public about political transition processes; building links between the government and its citizens and promoting justice, reconciliation and economic opportunity. Despite Libya’s political and security instability, USAID maintains its existing programming focused on strengthening the ability of the country’s representative governing bodies, independent institutions and civil society. USAID is helping Libyans as they navigate their transition to build a democratic and prosperous Libya that is a capable of utilizing its human, financial and natural resources for the benefit of all Libyans. USAID is particularly focused on engaging marginalized populations, including youth, women and minorities, and increasing opportunities for their voices and interests to be heard in critical decision-making processes that will shape Libya’s future.

USAID/Libya is a small office consisting of a Senior Development Advisor and a Democracy and Governance Officer in Frankfurt, a USAID/OTI Country Representative located in Tunis, and three Foreign National Staff located in Libya. Programs are run by local Libyan staff and expat staff located outside of Libya with programming happening both in Libya and in neighboring countries. Currently there are six implementing partners and an average annual budget of approximately $10 million.

Location: The position could be initially located in Frankfurt, Germany or Tunis, Tunisia. Should the U.S. Embassy in Libya re-open, the position could also be re-located to Tripoli. Note that currently Tunis and Tripoli are unaccompanied posts and families may not be safe havened in Germany.

13. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

I. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

· The Democracy and Governance Officer (DG) is a member of the USAID/Libya team. She/He serves as an expert and coordinator in providing technical support and assistance in the areas of Democracy and Governance (DG) and Economic Growth, with a key focus on elections; legislatures; local government; civil society; media; human rights/rule of law; demobilization, disarmament, and reintegration (DDR); public financial management, and workforce development.

II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Principal responsibilities include:

· Assist the USAID/Libya team in the design of new instruments and management of existing instruments to carry out DG/economic growth related activities in Libya such as elections, DDR, public financial management and improvement of the government’s capacity (national and sub-national) to deliver services;

· Serve as Contracting/Assistance Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) or back up on agreements;

· Plan period partners’ meetings and other strategic planning workshops including all logistics, presentations, agendas, etc.

· Advise/assist with strategies, effective reporting and activity design including writing scopes of work, assessments, evaluations, etc.

· Analyze proposals to ensure compliance with USAID policy, technical, cost/financial, and legal requirements, as well as all applicable Federal regulations, Directives and Executive Orders;

· Work with Contracting Office on procurements and researching new mechanisms and indefinite quantity contracts located in DC as well as applying for related funding;

· Draft any outreach material including factsheets, success stories, website content, maps, etc.

· Maintain a close relationship, communication and coordination with the USAID Libya team in Washington, Frankfurt, Tunis, and Tripoli.

· Ensure that the appropriate program paperwork is drafted, cleared, and completed to conduct existing and future programs in Libya (including reprogramming memos, congressional notifications, strategy documents, etc.);

· Track and maintain up to date information on USAID programs and budgets for Libya;

· Provide guidance and direction to the USAID Libya team in Tunis, Frankfurt (or Tripoli) to facilitate core planning and reporting, including Operational Plans, Mission Strategic Resource Plans, Spend Plans, Congressional Budget justification, Congressional Notifications, and strategies;

· Keep abreast of the political, security, social, and economic conditions in Libya that will affect USAID’s programs and operations;

· Support communications between USAID Libya team and the Dept of State, the Libya External Office, the ME Bureau, the White House, implementing partners, international donors, and other stakeholders and institutions;

· Coordinate with internal stakeholders to draft materials on the USG approach to Libya for ME Senior Staff, the State Department, Congress, the National Security Council, AFRICOM, other Interagency partners, and the public;

· Provide Agency oversight and serve as control officer for Congressional member, staff, and other high-level visits, and prepare briefing material, talking points, analyses, reports, and presentations for internal and external audiences as needed;

· Represent USAID on Libya issues on interagency calls, forums, and meetings inside and outside of USAID;

· As appropriate, travel to partner sites for meetings and to conducts site visits to evaluate recipient performance, carry out other M&E related duties including the annual, Performance Plan Report, and provide technical advice and programmatic support to partners and USAID; and

· And other duties as assigned.

· The ideal candidate will have the following skills and abilities:

· Strong technical DG and economic skills especially in regards to DDR and PFM.

· Strategic planning, project management, and program development and design skills and abilities;

· Data analysis skills to organize and synthesize key conclusions from large groups of data and reports;

· Ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically;

· Strong interpersonal skills including ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment, sensitivity to others, and balanced judgment;

· Be a self-starter and have the ability to work effectively under significant time constraints and in high stress environments;

· Excellent attention to detail and time management skills; and

· High-level proficiency in oral and written communications to report on the status of activities and projects; represent USAID/Libya and the ME Bureau with key stakeholders, e.g., the interagency, private sector, Congress, and foreign governments; and establish and maintain effective relations with key stakeholders.

14. POSITION ELEMENTS:

Supervision Received: The incumbent will be supervised by the Senior Democracy and Governance Officer. The supervisor will set overall objectives. The incumbent and supervisor will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be completed. The incumbent will be expected to independently plan, design, and carry out the duties of the position. Completed work will be reviewed for effectiveness of results and compliance with prevailing policies, regulations, directives, and objectives.

Exercise of Judgment: Incumbent is expected to apply independent judgment in providing support to Libya staff and partners. Incumbent must be able to evaluate situations, issues, problems, and have the judgment to resolve these issues. The incumbent must be capable of conducting an analysis of a situation, interpret and apply rules and policies, and apply the interpretation. Some of the work performed is sensitive in nature as it applies to approvals, performance issues, top secret information, etc. and requires significant discretion.

The incumbent will interact with USAID Washington, NSC, State Department, and other USG counterparts and must show judgment in working on Libya-related issues.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government funds on behalf of the US Government or USAID/Libya. The incumbent does have substantial authority in terms of managing USAID partners via contracts and cooperative agreements as the Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative.

Limitations:

While the contractor may supervise USPSCs and non-U.S. citizen employees, s/he may not supervise U.S. citizen direct-hire (USDH) employees of USAID as part of their regular duties and responsibilities. S/he may supervise USDH employees on a limited basis, not to exceed 60 days in any 180 day period, to cover a temporary USDH absence.

The contractor may participate in personnel selection matters but may not be delegated authority to make a final decision on USDH personnel selections.

The contractor may be designated a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) if he/she has completed required agency training and has been designated in writing. S/he may represent the Agency and communicate planning and implementation decisions. Communications that reflect a final policy decision of the Agency must be cleared by a USDH employee.

The contractor may not be authorized to sign (1) grants, contracts, and other obligations that require a warrant and (2) grants to foreign governments and public international organizations. S/he may be authorized to sign other obligating documents, e.g., travel authorizations (TAs), miscellaneous obligation documents (MODs), and SF-1190s (Foreign Allowances Application, Grant and Report).

15. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS, SELECTION CRITERIA AND EVALUATION PROCESS:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EVALUATION PROCESS

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors.

Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted.

USAID does not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre- authorized. Reference checks will be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID may reach beyond the provided list when checking references.

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

(Maximum of 100 Points Available):

Education (10 points) Applicant must have a graduate degree (masters or doctorate) in a functional area directly related to international development such as international affairs, international relations, stabilization, peace and conflict studies, law, political science, economics, journalism, rural/community development, public administration, public policy, or other related social science with an international emphasis.

Work Experience (50 points) Applicant must have seven years of applicable DG work experience including five relevant years overseas. Work experience includes project management managing contracts/grants and development assistance in the areas of democracy and governance; stabilization; conflict prevention and peace building; local governance and service delivery; elections and legislative processes; gender and social inclusion; economic growth, or a related field. The Advisor must demonstrate prior experience effectively managing more than one activity at a time. At least two years required experience in planning, developing, or managing donor-funded programs in the relevant fields. Prior experience with writing and designing Statements of Work for donor-funded DG programs preferred as is experience with USAID or a USAID-funded implementer. Demonstrated experience with cross-sector application of DG programs is desirable.

Job Knowledge (20 points) The DG Advisor must demonstrate broad technical knowledge and understanding of DG, methodologies, and context. The Advisor must have broad technical knowledge of two or more of the following areas related to USAID/ Libya’s objectives: conflict prevention and peace building; public accountability and oversight; civic participation and advocacy; good governance and service delivery; gender and social inclusion, post-conflict stabilization, and post conflict economic growth. S/he must have strong knowledge of project or program management and organizational management, as well as NGO operations. The Advisor must also possess knowledge of existing DG-related policies, procedures and regulations with a demonstrated understanding of how these policies impact other sectors. Preferably, the incumbent will have experience with programming in insecure settings.

Communication Skills and Abilities (20 points) The DG Advisor must be able to work independently with minimal supervision and in teams to achieve results. Must have outstanding communications skills, both written and spoken, and the ability to negotiate effectively in order to meet required objectives. Ability to exercise independently significant professional judgment related to the field of democracy and governance. Good analytical skills to effectively interpret and apply appropriate regulations, policies and procedures in performing duties. Good organizational skills and ability to work under pressure and in heavy workload/high stress environment. Must have knowledge of principles, concepts, theories, methods and practices associated with democracy and governance, conflict management, and other related sectors. Excellent communication, presentation and inter-personal skills. Ability to transfer technical DG knowledge into project designs, project reports, policy papers, etc. Ability to communicate DG recommendations to other sectors for improved programming. Ability to work in a team environment and across USAID offices and the US Embassy’s agencies. Ability to manage complex development assistance programs. Capacity to prepare technical documents. Ability to develop and maintain high level contacts (USG, donors, civil society, Government of Libya, etc.) and productive working relationships with other counterparts. The incumbent must have demonstrated exceptional communication and cross cultural skills.

Fluent English (Level IV) reading, writing, and speaking ability is required, and Arabic speaking is highly preferred. Strong computer skills to conduct work using MS Word, Excel and Power Point and the ability to use USAID software and computer programs is required and experience with social media (twitter, Whatsapp, Facebook) preferred.

16. PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Applicants are required provide at least three to five references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. 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. USAID/Libya reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. USAID may seek performance information beyond the reference names provided.

17. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION

A. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance/employment authorization which involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive medical clearance to work worldwide. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

B. COMPENSATION

This position has been classified at GS-13 grade. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band depending on qualifications and previous earning history.

C. TRAVEL

The position requires extensive travel in the region (up to 40%) to support Libyan activities. Travel is likely to include frequent trips to Tunis and/or Libya (depending on where the position is based and once travel is authorized for U.S. Government employees) as well as Turkey and other locations in the Middle East/North Africa region where USAID/Libya may be funding workshops and/or conferences.

D. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED INFORMATION, FACILITIES, PROPERTY AND SERVICES

The Contractor will be furnished with residential quarters.

E. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

Benefits:

1. Employee's FICA contribution only for USPSCs

1. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance as per USG regulations

1. Pay Comparability Adjustment, if any.

1. Annual Salary Increase (if applicable)

1. Annual and Sick Leave as per USG policy

1. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation as per USG regulations

1. Medevac insurance

1. Access to Embassy medical facilities when available at post.

F. APPLICABLE POLICY DIRECTIVES AND REGULATION PERTAINING TO PSCs

(1) Federal Taxes - US/PSCs and US Resident Aliens (green card holders) are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes, FICA, and Medicare.

(2) Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) or Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Those documents can be found at this website:

http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc

(3) USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) applicable to award and administration of USPSC resident hires is contained in AIDAR Appendix D, and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf. This link comprises of prescribed Contract Schedule, General Provisions as appropriate, as well as the FAR Clauses to be incorporated in full text and by reference.

(4) Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch can be accessed at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2007-title5-vol3/pdf/CFR-2007-title5-vol3-part2635.pdf or http://www.oge.gov/Laws-and-Regulations/Employee-Standards-of-Conduct/Employee-Standards-of-Conduct/

G. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:

(1) AID 302-3 can be downloaded from:: Employment form AID 302-3

(2) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)*

(3) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)*

(4) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)*

(5) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended*

(6) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974*

(7) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)*

*The above listed forms (2 through 7) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

18. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

A. Qualified applicants are requested to submit a one-page cover letter and a recent CV or resume The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria (for example, month and year for previous employment). Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

B. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to address each of the evaluation criteria above on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, training and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the criterion. Failure to address the minimum selection and/or quality factors may result in your not receiving credit for all your pertinent experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education, training and/or awards.

(1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held).

(2) Education: High school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received.

(3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week and salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor.

(4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title and year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

C. Applicants are required to provide three (3) to five (5) references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. The Applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about the applicant’s past performance and abilities.

D. Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation such as (but not limited to):

Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

Employment Form AID 302-3;

Written cover letter of not more than two pages Three (3) to five (5) references who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts.

E. Employment Form AID 302-3 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.

F. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

G. Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application.

H. Any attachments provided via email must be in or compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or Word 2010 or Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) and not “Zipped”.

I. Email submissions only shall be sent to FrankfurtHR@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail submission. Incomplete, unsigned, or late applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain, for their records, copies of all enclosures accompanying their applications. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be accepted. USAID/MERP will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement.

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