SOL-391-17-000001_Development_Assistance_Specialist_GS-14.pdf

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ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-391-17-000001

SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-391-17-000001

ISSUING DATE: November 20, 2016

CLOSING DATE: December 18, 2016 (5pm local time)

POSITION TITLE: Development Assistance Specialist (Energy)

MARKET VALUE: $87,263 – $113,444 (GS-14).

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION POSITION: Islamabad, Pakistan

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Deputy Director, Office of Energy, Islamabad, USAID/Pakistan

SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimum. Incumbent receives supervision, administrative direction and guidance from the Deputy Director, Office of Energy, but is expected to act independently.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The USPSC contract will be for an initial two year period, with the possibility of an extension

SECURITY ACCESS: Background check or USG security clearance

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens, US Legal Residents and 1US

Resident Hires (as defined in the footnote below).

1 Per AIDAR Appendix D, 1(5), “Resident Hire” means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country:

(i) A spouse of a U.S. citizen employed: (A) by a U.S. Government agency; or (B) under any U.S. Government-financed contract or agreement; or (C) under any other contract or agreement that provides for repatriation to the United States; or (ii) for reasons other than employment: (A) with a U.S. Government agency; or (B) under any U.S. Government financed contract or agreements; or (C) under any other contract or employment arrangement that provides for repatriation to the United States; A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

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Development Program Specialist (Energy); GS-0301-14 – Equivalent

A. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

USAID/Pakistan requires an experienced Development Program Specialist to provide management support, representation, and technical advice to the Office of Energy on projects related to the generation, transmission, and distribution networks in the energy sector. The Specialist provides a full range of innovative technical analyses; policy guidance and analytical technical support required to facilitate USAID contributions to energy sector projects and must be experienced with energy sectors in developing countries.

The incumbent will report directly to the Deputy Director, Office of Energy.

The size and rapid growth of USAID/Pakistan Energy Sector programs requires an intermediate level Development Program Specialist, reporting to the Office Director/Deputy Director, to assure coordination of operations in the energy sector, including all aspects of program/project development, design, management, monitoring and evaluation, etc. The Specialist provides continuity, direction, and leadership to activities of significant size, scope, and complexity within the sector. The Development Program Specialist will manage projects valued up to $150 million and will be responsible for planning and directing all aspects of one or more of the projects within the Office of Energy portfolio. This includes the cost, schedule, performance, risk mitigation and identifying performance and funding tradeoffs. The Specialist plays an important role in ensuring that the key audiences and stakeholders are aware and supportive of USAID’s activities in the energy sector. The incumbent conceptualizes and articulates the strategy for and implementation of various activities in the energy sector. The Specialist maintains senior level contacts for Mission management in the energy departments and other stakeholders and represents USAID and its programs in various fora. The Specialist prepares performance reports, briefing papers, concept papers, and other periodic documentation for the USAID Mission, USAID/Washington, State Department, and the U.S. Congress. All Contract Officer’s Representatives and Alternates for activities under their purview report to the Development Program Specialist. The incumbent shares experiences, ideas, perspectives, and feedback with others and seeks their input, involvement, and advice about decisions regarding program and project activities with the supervisor and Office of Energy colleagues on a regular basis. The incumbent cultivates and maintains a collaborative, team spirit relationship between the Office of Energy and other USAID and Embassy Offices.

The scope of work follows; however, given the dynamic nature of this assignment, duties may change to meet immediate requirements.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision and technical guidance of the Deputy Director of ENR, specific duties and responsibilities of the Development Program Specialist shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Program Management (60 %)

1. The Development Program Specialist will provide management support, representation, and technical advice to the Office of Energy on projects related to the generation, transmission, and distribution networks in the energy sector. The Specialist provides a full range of innovative technical analyses, policy guidance and analytical technical support required to facilitate USAID contributions to energy sector projects.

2. The Development Program Specialist is responsible for the cost, schedule, and performance of all activities under his/her direct management to include risk mitigation and identifying performance and funding tradeoffs.

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3. The Specialist will provide leadership in establishing performance monitoring systems for results frameworks, ensure appropriate accounting of resources; track quarterly accruals, maintain project pipeline information, and provide leadership in meeting any audit recommendations.

4. The Specialist provides policy, administrative and technical guidance to contractors and contractor staffs assigned to work with energy activities. The incumbent develops and recommends alternative approaches to resolve problems related to project implementation as required to achieve Office of Energy, Mission, and overall GOP-USG objectives.

5. The Specialist prepares performance reports, briefing papers, concept papers, and other periodic documentation for the USAID Mission, USAID/Washington, State Department, and the U.S.

Congress.

6. The Specialist conceptualizes and articulates the strategy for and implementation of various activities in the energy sector. S/he maintains senior level contacts for Mission management in the energy departments and with other stakeholders and represents USAID and its programs in various fora.

7. In coordination with the Development, Outreach and Communication (DOC) Unit, the Specialist will be responsible for supporting, planning and implementing the communications campaign for the office portfolio including but not limited to, VIP visits and events.

8. The Specialist develops and maintains senior level continuing contacts for Mission management with the Government of Pakistan energy departments, energy-sector donors and lending institutions, and any other stakeholder. The Specialist represents the USAID Office of Energy in various fora continuing contacts with other donor and GOP officials, suppliers and contractors in order to coordinate the development and implementation of energy sector activities by USAID/Pakistan.

9. The Specialist will ensure compliance with USAID regulations and adequate recordkeeping for his/her portfolio.

2. Strategy Formulation and Planning (40 %)

1. The Development Program Specialist will provide critical input to the energy strategy development and will play an active role in its development.

2. The Specialist will be collecting and writing on key issues and complex narratives for annual USAID data calls, such as the Performance, Plans, and Reports (PPRs) and Operational Plans.

3. The Specialist will also compile and edit the quarterly energy sector submissions to USAID/Washington such as the quarterly tracker.

4. The Specialist provides professional-level input to the Energy Office Director and to the Office of Program Management on complex budget issues. The Specialist analyzes budgetary needs for existing and planned programs and projects and participates in decisions about fund allocation within the programs and projects. The Specialist prepares budgetary tables and reports.

C. SELECTION CRITERIA:

This is a senior-level position in a high-profile foreign assistance program that requires extensive knowledge, experience, maturity, and an ability to function in a complex, highly demanding, and often uncertain environment. Applicants are required to address each of the Selection Criteria on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to

V include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each additional page. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (maximum of 100 points):

1. Education (15 Points):

A minimum of a Master’s degree in a relevant area such as foreign affairs, international development, energy or program management is required.

2. Work Experience (40 Points):

The position requires at least five (5) years of progressively responsible and successful senior level energy sector and general program/project management experience across the full range of policy, management, technical and leadership responsibilities, including relevant exposure to energy issues in developing countries.

3. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (30 Points):

The incumbent is required to have strong working knowledge of the basic and advanced theories, principles, concepts, and practices of energy and power to complete advanced and difficult assignments with regard to the energy sector of Pakistan. The candidate is preferred to have demonstrated experience in managing large energy-related programs. The position should demonstrate the capability to oversee existing energy sector projects including monitoring and evaluation, and to advise, draft, and oversee energy sector activities. The nature of work requires the ability to obtain a solid working knowledge of host country, and international laws and regulations. Knowledge at this high level is required in order to fully capture the impact of energy sector activity in Pakistan and to conceptualize country-wide, regional, and district-level energy sector considerations related to implementation of energy projects and recommendations. Demonstrated current understanding of U.S. foreign and national security policy implications for development assistance is preferred to perform the job. The successful candidate should demonstrate the capability to acquire comprehensive knowledge of managing development assistance and acquisition and assistance processes.

4. Communication Skills (15 points)

The candidate must have excellent and demonstrated oral and written English communication skills. The candidate shall possess a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including preparation of technical reports including the production of professional quality analytical pieces as well as effective, logical and persuasive, oral presentations to senior USG officials, other donors, and foreign and local government officials. A maximum of two writing samples of one thousand (1000) words or less may be submitted to support this factor.

Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants. The interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection.

D. TERM OF PERFORMANCE:

The term of the contract will be for two (2) years. Based upon contractor performance, continued Mission requirements and the continued availability of funds, the contract may be extended annually to a maximum of three (3) more years. Within 2 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, and receipt of a valid Pakistan entry visa, the incumbent shall proceed to Islamabad, Pakistan 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 as equivalent to a GS-14 position in the USG Civil Service.

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In addition, Islamabad has a 25% Post Differential allowance and 35% Danger Pay, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID.

FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. U.S. Resident hire PSCs are not eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances. Pakistan is a no-dependent post.

E. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE:

The selected applicant must be able to undergo a thorough background check and obtain a USG security clearance and a Department of State Class I medical clearance or fitness certificate.

F. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES:

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 (including differentials and allowances), but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance.]

1. BENEFITS:

• Employer’s FICA and Medicare 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 per post policy

2. 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).

3. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare.

G. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) or ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs:

Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) and Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contract. Those documents can be found at this website: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

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H. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

IMPORTANT: All qualified individuals are requested to submit a signed U.S. Government AID-302-3 form which is available at the USAID website: https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3 . Applicant’s CVs may also be included as an attachment.

All applications should be submitted electronically to:

Attention: Rizwana Khan Lead Human Resources Specialist USAID/Pakistan, C/o U.S. Embassy Diplomatic Enclave, Islamabad, Pakistan

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

In your cover letter you must answer the following questions and provide explanations where necessary or otherwise answer “not applicable” or “N/A”:

1. Have you ever been employed by any USG agency? If yes, which one(s)?

2. Have you ever been terminated from any employment or permitted to resign? If yes, describe the circumstances under which you were terminated or permitted to resign.

3. Has your security clearance ever been denied, revoked or suspended by any USG agency for any reason?

If yes, describe the circumstances under which such denial, revocation or suspension occurred.

4. Have you ever (a) had an international work visa revoked by the issuing country or (b) been ordered to leave a country by either your employer or a host country government prior to the agreed upon termination date of your work contract or visa expiration date? If yes, describe the circumstances.

Applicants may submit an application against this solicitation at any time by 5:00 PM Islamabad time on December 18, 2016 unless revised.

https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-302-3