SOL-306-12-000047-OFM-TCNPSC FA.DOC

Solicitation no. 306-12-000047

USAID AFGHANISTAN

FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

ISSUANCE DATE:

May 07, 2012

CLOSING DATE:

May 21, 2012

SUBJECT:

Solicitation No. 306-12-000047/OFM for Third Country National Personnel Service Contractor (TCNPSC) Financial Analyst Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing the PSC/TCN services as described in the attached solicitation. For further information please visit http://afghanistan.usaid.gov

Submission shall be in accordance with the attached information and applications must be submitted electronically to the e-mail address provided in the attached solicitation.

This solicitation will close on May 21, 2012, at 16:30hrs Kabul time.

Any questions about this solicitation may be directed to Eric D. Adams, Contracting Officer, Phone (in Afghanistan) (202) 216-6288, Ext. 4544 or e-mail at EAdams@state.gov or Sameer Lodeen (202) 216-6288, Ext. 4344, e-mail at slodeen@usaid.gov. However, all applications must be sent to the e-mail address provided in the attached solicitation.

Sincerely, Eric D. Adams Contracting Officer USAID/Afghanistan

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER:

306-12-000047/OFM

2. ISSUING DATE:

May 07, 2012

3. CLOSING DATE:

May 21, 2012

4. POSITION TITLE:

Financial Analyst

5. Number of Positions:

One

6. MARKETING VALUE:

GS-11 ($50,287 – $65,371)

7. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION:

USAID/AFGHANISTAN

8. DIRECT SUPERVISOR:

USAID/Afghanistan, Deputy Controller

9. SUPERVISORY CONTROL:

Minimal. The incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction.

10. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

12 (twelve) months with an option for renewal

11. SECURITY ACCES:

Third Country Nationals: Employment Authorization-Certification

12. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

Third Country Nationals (TCN) POSITION DESCRIPTION: USAID Financial Analyst Basic Function of the Position

The incumbent serves as a Financial Analyst in the Office of Financial Management/Financial Analysis Section (OFM/FA), USAID/Afghanistan reporting to the Deputy Controller. He/She provides professional financial management advice on a broad range of financial management issues to the Controller, Mission Management, Strategic Objective/Assistance Objective Teams (SO/AO Teams) and various governmental and non-governmental partner institutions, which implement an array of complex development activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. As the cognizant senior OFM/FA backstop to his/her assigned portfolio, he/she reviews activity approval documents, commitment and obligating documents to ensure the reasonableness of budgets, compliance with forward-funding guidelines, appropriateness of the methods of financing/payment, and adequacy of financial reporting and audit coverage. Commitment/sub-commitment documents include but are not limited to MAARDs and draft obligating documents. Obligating/sub-obligating documents include various instruments such as implementation letters (ILs) issued to host government implementing agencies; contracts, grants and cooperative agreements with non-government organizations and public international organizations; and, inter-agency agreements with other U.S. Government agencies. He/she provides financial status reports needed by AO/COTRs to monitor the financial progress of the activities they manage. He/she prepares required monthly/quarterly and ad hoc financial reports related to program funds for Mission Management and other interested parties.

He/she also provides advice and guidance to Agreement Officer/Contracting Officer Technical Representatives (AO/COTRs) and technical office budget assistants in the development of quarterly accruals, reviews the reasonableness of accrual estimates and posts accrual data into Phoenix. He/she participates in program portfolio/pipeline reviews and provides appropriate advice in identifying funds for alternative use or reprogramming. He/she reviews closeout documents to ensure that finance-related closeout actions such as completion of required audits, finalization of NICRAs, payment of final claims and de-obligation of excess funds are properly carried out, if necessary.

B. In line with the Agency’s Audit Management and Resolution Program and accountability requirements, he/she conducts periodic financial reviews of institutions (both governmental and non-governmental) receiving USAID funding to: 1) determine the adequacy of key systems and procedures including but not limited to accounting, procurement, accounts payable, personnel, assets management, and audits; 2) verify compliance with agreement terms and conditions; and 3) verify allowability of actual costs incurred. Makes recommendations for system improvements of institutions reviewed in order to strengthen their capacity particularly in the financial management of USAID funds. This includes preparing reports to document findings and recommendations and following up on actions taken to address recommendations.

The incumbent’s audit-related tasks also include developing the annual audit inventory under his/her assigned portfolio and obtaining inputs from cognizant AO/COTRs on activities that need to be audited or on which financial reviews need to be conducted. Acts as the Audit Management Officer’s designee for the assigned portfolios and assists SO/AO teams in meeting their audit management responsibilities. In coordination with the AO/COTRs, he/she ensures the completion of required financial audits in accordance with the Recipient Contracted Audit Guidelines and develops audit scopes of work for Agency-contracted financial audits of USAID/Afghanistan-funded activities based on policies contained in the ADS. He/she provides advice/guidance to auditees and audit firms in consultation with OIG to ensure full compliance with USAID audit requirements. He/she participates in audit entrance and exit conferences, as necessary, and reviews recommendations and draft audit reports. He/she participates in the development of management decisions and also works closely with the USAID AO/COTRs, the Contracting/Grant Officer and grantees/contractors to resolve and close audit recommendations in a timely manner.

When financial reviews and financial audits are contracted out to local audit firms, he/she acts as COTR of the award, and works closely with the firms’ assigned staff and reviews their performance to ensure compliance with the contract scope of work.

In coordination with the cognizant technical and support offices, he/she conducts pre-award surveys of potential non-governmental recipients/contractors to determine if those organizations possess the institutional capability, systems and procedures that are in accordance with USAID standards and are adequate to effectively manage USAID resources. He/she also performs general or limited assessments of host country government institutions to determine their overall capability to manage USAID funds that are planned to be channeled directly through the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA)’s existing systems. Based on the surveys/assessments, he/she develops appropriate recommendations to improve and strengthen the prospective recipients’ systems, if needed. Conclusions drawn from the institutional reviews serve as the basis for the Agreement Officer or Mission Management to determine if the institution is eligible to receive USAID funding, and for the Controller to determine the appropriate payment mechanism for the activity. When the pre-award survey or assessment is contracted out to local audit firms, he/sheacts as COTR and oversees the work of the contractor to ensure that the required services are performed in compliance with the scope of work.

C. Aside from performing reviews of implementing partners’ systems, he/she also participates in the performance of required annual reviews of the Mission’s internal/management control system in accordance with the Federal Managers’ Financial Integrity Act (FMFIA); he/she performs the risk assessment of various functional areas as assigned by the Supervisory FA; he/she assists in performing follow-up reviews to determine if significant deficiencies have been properly addressed and appropriate actions are taken by concerned Mission offices.

He/she assists in the capacity building of Mission and implementing partner staff who are not familiar with USAID’s financial management requirements by providing training on accruals, audit management, payment methods, and other related topics.

He/she also acts as mentor/coach to Financial Analysts to assist in their professional growth and enable them to perform the full range of FA duties relating to program/project design and implementation.

Other duties as assigned by the Supervisory FA, Deputy Controller, or Controller including but not limited to reviewing documents related to major OE-funded awards with estimated unliquidated obligations of $32.9 million, reviewing retroactive claims under long-expired contracts, and other similar tasks.

B. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITRIA:

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

1. Education: (10 Points) BA/BS in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration is required.

2. Work Experience: (25 Points) A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, auditing, or financial management, with at least 5 years of international experience. Prior work experience with USG or USG partners with direct responsibility for financial management are desired.

3. Language Proficiency: (20 Points) Native level fluency in English; strong writing, editing, and composition skills are essential.

4. Knowledge: (20 Points) Thorough knowledge of professional accounting principles, theories, practices and terminology is required. Thorough knowledge of principles and accepted practices of the U.S. Government and host country laws, regulations and procedures relating to budgeting, auditing, accounting and financial management is required. Thorough knowledge of the procedures governing the design, development, implementation and evaluation of projects is essential.

5. Skills and Abilities: (25 Points) Must be able to conceptualize, plan, and manage a multi-task, multi-level project implementation support service operation. Must have excellent interpersonal skills. Must have excellent analytical ability to review and constructively critique data, findings, and recommendations regarding contractor/grantee performance often without benefit of first-hand observation. Demonstrated ability to perform training needs assessments, design materials and delivery methodology, and manage implementation. Must be able to assimilate, distill, prioritize, and present varied and complex data in an easy to comprehend format. Must be able to represent the USAID/Afghanistan Financial Analysis Section to Mission management, other federal agencies, host government, contractors/grantees, and the general public in a professional manner. Must be computer literate in word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, etc.

Maximum Points Available: 100.

Term of Performance

The term of the contract will be for one year with the option for an extension based upon performance and need. Selection of the preferred candidate and contract award will be made as soon as possible, subject to an interviews and medical and security clearances. Within 4 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 Kabul to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS 11. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history.

In addition, the Mission has 35% Post Differential allowance and 35% Danger Pay. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID for U.S. PSCs only. Employee is authorized two R&R (Rest and Recuperation) and three RRBs (Regional Rest Break) during the 1-year assignment period. In lieu of the three RRBs, employee may be authorized an additional R&R trip for a total of three R&R trips.

Afghanistan is a no-dependent post.

F. General information regarding living and working conditions in Afghanistan

Life in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan has somewhat improved since the establishment of the government, and great strides have been made to regularize the availability of services, utilities, and supplies of common consumer items. Living conditions, however, are still difficult but this is an historical opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team to assist the Afghans to bring about peace and stability to their war-torn country. Afghanistan is an unaccompanied post. All staff will be housed on the heavily guarded and fortified Embassy compound, at a military compound, or at a PRT.

Physical Demands and Work Environment: Work in the office is mostly sedentary but travel to program activity implementation sites outside of Kabul requires U.S. Government Regional Security Officer (RSO) approval, travel in fully armored vehicles and close coordination with the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate security officers, DoD, and ISAF as relevant. PRT sites are in remote areas of Afghanistan in rugged terrain that requires good physical condition to conduct site assessments.

G. Medical and Security Clearance

The selected TCN applicant must be able to obtain Employment Certification/Authorization from the Embassy Regional Security Office; and must be able to obtain a Department of State Class I Medical Clearance and certify it by USG certified doctor.

H. Benefits:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [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, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]

A. BENEFITS:

· 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 as per post policy

B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and

(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(8) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(10)Education Travel (Section 280)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

C. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

I. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs/AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

AAPD 06-11

Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays

AAPD 06-10

PSC Medical expense payment responsibility

AAPD 06-07

AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase

AAPD 06-01

Medical evacuation insurance

CIB 01-10

Revision of medical clearance process – PSC with U.S. Citizens

CIB 01-07

Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs

CIB 01-05

Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

CIB 00-08

Revision of Competitive Process – PSCs with U.S. Citizens

CIB 00-03

FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts

CIB 99-22

PSC Policy

CIB 98-23

Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

CIB 98-16

Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs

CIB 98-14

Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs

CIB 98-11

Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D.

CIB 97-17

PSC’s with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens

CIB 97-16

Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less

CIB 96-23

Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts

CIB 94-09

Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

CIB 93-17

Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract

CIB 89-29

Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc

Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

J. APPLYING

All applications should be submitted electronically to e-mail address

AfUSAIDJobs@state.gov Attention: Sameer Lodeen Human Resources Specialist

USAID/Afghanistan To ensure that your application is received for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number in the subject line of your e-mail as (SOL-306-12-000047/OFM) or your application may not be considered.

Applicants may submit an application against this solicitation at any time but prior to May 21, 2012 16:30 local (Kabul) time unless revised.

The highest ranking applications may be selected for an interview.

Please note that only short listed candidates will be notified.

K.

LIST OF REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

For initial consideration:

1. Cover Letter

2. his/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

3. three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts,

a. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Afghanistan will only contact references for the finalist, and will only do so with the permission of the applicant.

4. a written statement that addresses the Evaluation/Selection Criteria in this solicitation.

The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

L. Other Information related to PSCs:

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts. Those documents can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc

Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs, which can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Point of Contact:

Sameer Lodeen

Human Resources Specialist

Email: slodeen@usaid.gov Phone (in Afghanistan) –

(202) 216-6288 Ext. 4344;

Cell 0093797777301 or Fax (202) 216-6288 (Ext. 105) Place of Performance USAID/Afghanistan

U.S. Embassy

Great Masoud Road

Kabul, Afghanistan

U.S. Agency for International Development

Great Massoud Road

Kabul

Afghanistan

Tel: (202) 216-6288

Fax: (202) 216-6288 ext. 4162 http://www.usaid.gov/locations/asia_near_east/afghanistan

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