Solicitation-SOL-383-13-000004_Senior_PPS_Specialist.doc

SOLICITATION NUMBER SOL-383-13-000004: SENIOR PROGRAM & POLICY SUPPORT SPECIALIST USAID Sri Lanka U.S. Personal Services Contractor: Senior Program & Policy Support Specialist 1.

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

SOL-383-13-000004

2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

September 12, 2013 3.

CLOSING DATE / TIME:

October 10, 2013 (1600 Hrs. Colombo, Sri Lanka time/0630

Hrs. Washington, DC time)

4.

POSITION TITLE:

Senior Program & Policy Support Specialist (USPSC) 5.

MARKET VALUE:

Equivalent of a GS-14 (no locality base pay rate)

Salary range will be from $84,697 to $110,104 per annum.

Final compensation will be based on the individual’s salary and work history, experience, educational background as well as the benefits and allowances provisions in effect for Colombo, Sri Lanka, the post of assignment.

6.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Two years 7.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Colombo, Sri Lanka.

8.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR:

Mission Director, Office of the Director, USAID/Sri Lanka

9.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens Only (Security Clearance required)

10.

SCOPE OF WORK:

A.

BACKGROUND

With the military defeat of the Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam (LTTE) in May 2009, Sri Lanka is often referred to as a "post-conflict" country. The legacy of 26 years of conflict, however, combined with the recent emergence of an autocratic national leadership has led to erosion of democratic governance and a challenging operating environment for donors. The Sri Lankan military is a key political and economic actor, and is often visible on the ground where donor projects are implemented. The two regions which suffered most during the conflict still report very low levels of economic growth, especially relative to the more wealthy regions surrounding the nation's capital. Although USAID has been actively engaged in Sri Lanka for over 56 years, USAID relations with the Government of Sri Lanka (GSL) are tense. Despite this situation, USAID remains one of the larger and more influential bilateral donors in the country. In FY 2012, the Mission managed $15 million in program funds and an OE budget of $1.3 million. The Mission’s current strategy ends in 2014.

Working closely with the Departments of State and Defense, USAID manages programs in both Sri Lanka and the Maldives. The Mission supports three technical offices: Governance and Vulnerable Populations; Economic Growth; and Transition Initiatives. USAID also leads the U.S. Government (USG) response to reconciliation and natural disasters. In addition, the Mission in Sri Lanka is the leader among USG agencies in analyzing on-the-ground developments, especially in the North, which witnessed the final stages of the conflict. USAID's work in the Maldives focuses on adaptation to climate change and support to elections, which remains on schedule despite recent political tension there.

It is a challenging work environment and this position requires an experienced technically qualified professional, who can exercise sound judgment, and can articulate the Agency’s strategic objectives and goals within the broader context of the USG foreign policy objectives in a diverse and constantly changing environment.

B.

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The incumbent will serve as the Senior Program and Policy Support Specialist for USAID/Sri Lanka & Maldives, exercising the full authorities of that position and responsible for the full range of duties attributed to the acting director of the Office of Program and Policy Support (PPS). These responsibilities span all aspects of strategic planning, program policy, portfolio monitoring, budget planning and execution and participant training for USAID assistance for the two countries. The OYB for FY 2014 programs is expected to exceed $6 million. S/he is a key player on the Mission's senior management team, a senior advisor to the Director, and handles relationships with USAID/Washington program offices and other donors, playing a leading role in shaping programming across a region critical to U.S. foreign policy objectives.

In coordination with the Mission Director, s/he will provide day-to-day management oversight of all mission activities and programs. S/he will work with USAID staff from all USAID/Sri Lanka & Maldives technical offices to advance USAID’s programmatic and management interests. The contractor will be in charge of the day-to-day management of the PPS Office and will coordinate closely with the Mission Director. Illustrative duties will include the overall supervision of four Foreign Service Nationals; follow up on new project designs and drafting Activity Approval Documents; draft narrative sections for the Annual Operational Plans and Mission Strategy and Resource Plans, Performance Reports and other documents as required in conjunction with USAID/Sri Lanka’s three technical offices; and other routine program office duties.

The contractor will provide mentoring and coaching to the Mission’s PPS Foreign Service Nationals.

Other tasks will include preparation and review of scene-setters and related documents for VIP visitors, managing logistical arrangements for site visits, preparing talking points for high-level meetings, ensuring that note-taking is carried out for government-to-government meetings and managing all necessary follow-up actions, including the preparation of reports to USAID/Washington, and responses to various inquiries and requests from high-level visitors.

C. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

The Personal Services Contract will be for 24 months.

D. SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Senior Program and Policy Support Specialist will report to the USAID/Sri Lanka Mission Director. Under broad USAID/Sri Lanka Mission guidance work is performed with a very high degree of independence and is reviewed only for adherence to administrative policy of the Agency and for assurance that the broad, technical objectives have been fulfilled. The incumbent will keep the Mission informed of progress/and problems/issues, his/her recommendations are considered authoritative and are not reviewed technically.

E. SUPERVISION EXCERCISED

The incumbent will provide technical guidance, professional mentoring, and supervision to the USAID/Sri Lanka & Maldives Office of Program & Policy Support employees – three FSNPSC program development professional and one administrative support staff.

F.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1) General: Must be a U.S. citizen, and must be able to obtain a U.S. Government "Secret" security clearance. The selected candidate must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Sri Lanka and must be willing to travel throughout Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

2) Prior Work Experience: This is a position that requires maturity and a minimum of fifteen years of progressive experience in the field relating to economic development, rule of law, education development, public health management, community development, and/or food security, and analysis with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. The candidate must have at least five years of effective international program development/management experience including strategic planning and analysis while residing in a transitional or developing country. Preference will be given to those with experience in Sri Lanka or South Asia. At least three years of successful leadership experience in a team environment is required.

3) Knowledge and Technical Skills: Knowledge, experience and demonstrated competency in the design, management, and evaluation of projects to improve their quality, relevance, and cost-effectiveness. Management skills to analyze and resolve a wide range of challenges and problems arising in project/activity implementation; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; and the ability to conceptualize - both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances with donor partners. Knowledge of the political, social, and economic characteristics of South Asia and/or post-conflict countries. Exceptional proficiency in oral and written communications; to report on the status of activities and projects; to establish and maintain effective relations with all levels of people in post-conflict work environments; and, to represent USAID/Sri Lanka’s projects and strategies in professional meetings and conferences. Must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces. Must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the NGO community, and to USAID and other USG officials. Familiarity with USAID’s policies and priorities and means of delivering assistance in developing nations. Preference will also be given to individuals with knowledge of USAID procedures and systems for strategic planning, results frameworks, activity design, program monitoring and evaluation. Hands-on experience with and knowledge of Agency-provided computer software and hardware used in the USAID system.

4) Interpersonal and leadership skills: Exceptional leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability and willingness to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary and multi-functional team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Proven ability to work well in complex institutional settings and to develop networks of relationships that facilitate collaboration among colleagues and a genuine interest in assisting USAID staff with expedient program implementation. Must exercise discretion, tact and diplomacy especially when dealing with politically sensitive issues, must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or NGO counterparts. Technical skills are not sufficient to be selected for this position.

5) Education: A graduate degree in one of the social sciences, economic, or in public administration, political science, international affairs, public policy, or other relevant field.

6) Language Skills: Must be fluent in English (Level IV) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports and strategic, conceptual documents.

G. SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Experience:

35 points

Knowledge and Technical Skills:

30 points

Interpersonal and Leadership Skills:

25 points

Education:

10 points

Total:

100 points

Notice to Applicants: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

H.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

1) Must be an U.S. Citizen and possess or be able to obtain a U.S. Government-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET.

2) Must be able to obtain a State/Med medical clearance to serve in Sri Lanka.

3) Must be available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months;

4) Available and willing to work additional hours beyond the established 40-hour workweek and outside established Monday-Friday workweek, as may be required or necessary; and

5) Must be willing to travel throughout Sri Lanka and/or the Maldives.

Available Guidelines & Reference Documents:

1) USAID’s Automated Directive System

2) USAID Sri Lanka’s Country Strategic Plan

3) USAID Sri Lanka Mission Orders

4) U.S. Government and USAID policy directives

Exercise of Judgment and Independent Work:

The incumbent has broad latitude in exercising individual judgment and is responsible for carrying out work independently according to U.S. Government policies, his / her professional knowledge and experience, Mission guidelines and best accepted practices.

Authority to Make Commitments and Obligations:

None

Levels of Contacts

The incumbent actively engages in official personal contacts with Host-Country high ranking officials (at the Ministerial level), different U.S. Agencies, international organizations, private groups, U.S. or foreign private groups, etc. It is expected that personal contacts will include, but not be limited to, the following:

· Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Parliamentarians, and staff in the Ministries of Economics, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Agriculture, Education, etc.

· Members of the US Embassy’s Country Team

· Non-U.S. Ambassadors in Sri Lanka and Maldives supporting development initiatives

· Chiefs of Party of USAID contractors/grantees engaged in development initiatives in Sri Lanka and Maldives

· Senior officials and executives from the U.S. headquarters of USAID-funded contractors/grantees

· Institutional contractors, NGOs, PVOs working on related matters

· International donors operating in Sri Lanka and Maldives

· USAID/Sri Lanka Office Directors

· USAID/Washington

· CODELs, STAFFdels

I.

BENEFITS, ALLOWANCES AND TAXES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a U.S. Personal Service Contractor is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances.

a. Benefits:

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for a family and $7,266 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500)

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for U.S. Government employees and USPSCs

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick Leave (6) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service b.

Allowances:

1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (per Section 120, STR i.e., Standardized Regulations, Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

2) Living Quarters Allowance (per Section 130, STR)

3) Post Allowance (per Section 220, STR)

4) Supplemental Post Allowance (per Section 230, STR)

5) Post Differential (Chapter 500, STR)

6) Payments during Evacuation / Authorized Departure (per Section 600, STR)

7) Danger Pay (per Section 650, STR)

8) Education Allowance (per Section 270)

9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (per Section 260, STR)

10) Educational Travel (per Section 280, STR ) c.

Taxes:

U.S. Personal Service Contractors are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

J.

APPLICATION FORMS & PROCEDURES:

a.

Forms:

List of Required Forms for USPSCs can be found online at:

http://transition.usaid.gov/forms/OF612.pdf; website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also apply to PSCs, which can be found online at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

a. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. (U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID web site. (b) through (e) shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.

b. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843).

c. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

d. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

e. Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

b.

Application Procedures:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 which is at the USAID website or at Federal offices. Applicant’s resume (optional) and three references including full name, address, e-mail, and telephone number should also be included as an attachment.

All applications can be submitted via courier or USPS to:

Mr. Gerald Hoover Deputy Executive Officer

USAID

No. 44, Galle Road Colombo 3. Sri Lanka.

Email – ghoover@usaid.gov U.S. Postal Service mailing address:

Mr. Gerald Hoover Deputy Executive Officer Department of State/USAID

6100 Colombo Place

Washington DC 20521-6100 Applications via Internet email can be submitted to:

hrcolombo@usaid.gov Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 1600 Hours (Colombo Time) on the date specified in the cover letter. You are directed to Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15.208 "Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals" for further information.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and the subject line in any cover letter, as well as the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.

Any questions may be directed to Mr. Saliya Navaratne who may be reached via E-Mail: snavaratne@usaid.gov. Please ensure all email messages also copy Mr. Gerald Hoover at ghoover@usaid.gov

* * * * SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND SECURITY CLEARANCE * * * *