SOL_520-17-000007_Sr._Democracy_and_Governance_Adv.doc

SOL No. 520-17-000007 Attachment I

USPSC Sr. Democracy and Governance Advisor

Issuance Date: March 23, 2017 Closing Date: April 14, 2017 Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for

International Development (USAID) in Guatemala is seeking applications from U.S. citizens interested in providing the Personal Services Contract (PSC) services described in the attached solicitation.

Please submit all application packages via email to: shernandez@usaid.gov

Any questions concerning this notice may be directed to:

-- William R. Granger, USAID/Guatemala, 502-2422-4000, wigranger@usaid.gov

1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-520-17-00000

2. ISSUANCE DATE:

March 23, 2017

3. CLOSING DATE:

April 14, 2017

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Democracy and Governance Officer

5. MARKET VALUE:

GS-14 ($88,136-$114,578)

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Guatemala City, Guatemala

8. MEDICAL CLEARANCE: The selected applicant shall be required to obtain a medical clearance issued by State Med (Medical clearances) as a pre-condition for employment.

9. SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: The selected applicant shall be required to obtain a minimum of an employment authorization from the USAID Office of Security in Washington, DC as a pre-condition for employment.

10. Introduction

USAID/Guatemala’s Democracy and Governance (DG) DG Office strives to implement evidence-based programming. As outlined in the USAID/Guatemala Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), the office seeks to strengthen security and justice for Guatemalans. The office programs focus on:

Improved governance (effectiveness and efficiency) in key public institutions;

Reduced levels of violence and conflict in targeted areas and violence; and

Increased citizen voice and responsible participation.

The Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor (Advisor) will serve as a technical and policy advisor to the DG portfolio on local governance and institution-strengthening. The position requires contextual knowledge of Guatemala, including the political, socio-economic and cultural aspects of development in the country. The ideal candidate will be able to provide thought leadership and technical advice in the ongoing conceptualization of the DG portfolio. The position will also interact with USG interagency heads, Government of Guatemala officials, and the private sector. In keeping with the USAID/Guatemala’s strategic plan, the position aligns with the USAID/Guatemala-wide commitment to collaborative, learning, and adaptive management.

11. Duties and Responsibilities of the Position The specific duties of the Advisor will include but are not limited to the following:

A. Principal Advisor and Project Management

70%

Serves as a principal Advisor to the DG Office Director and Team Lead(s) for the citizen security and urban local governance portfolios, including a special focus on local governance and public financial management/institutional strengthening. Also, provides highly technical direction on complex issues involving anticorruption, citizen security, migration and transparency.

Serves as the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COR), responsible for strategic direction and management of a highly complex $46 million / 5 year local governance project.

· Supports USAID and USG efforts to assist Guatemalan municipalities to improve their systems to more effectively address citizens’ demands and increase citizen participation in governance; whereby improving governmental service provision and citizen security. Helps implement, monitor and evaluate USAID and GOG efforts in violence and migration reduction through municipal strengthening and service delivery.

· Serves as principal liaison with the implementing partner, especially during the critical period of activity start-up, and is responsible for providing direction, oversight and hands-on management of the project.

· Develops and/or oversees the development of work plans, GLAAS requests, and other documents required to ensure that expected results are achieved on a timely basis.

· Assumes responsibility for compliance with all USAID program, financial, procurement, and audit requirements, including those related to gender and inclusion. Provides quality control and direction for evaluation of activities.

· Analyzes and reports on progress toward achieving project goals and objectives.

· Coordinates with USAID Mission offices, the interagency, international donors and GOG counterparts to support improved local governance to reduce levels of migration and violence throughout Guatemala. Engages in local governance and violence and migration mitigation cross-sectoral discussions and represents DGO in relevant working groups to further coordination and support to municipal-level service delivery. Informs DGO Governance Team Lead and DGO team of key outcomes, decisions taken and information gleamed from coordination meetings.

· Supports the DGO team by providing background material and talking points for meetings and visits with high level government officials on issues related to local governance and municipal strengthening.

Serves as a principal advisor for a cross-sectoral $49 million / 5 year public financial management (PFM) and tax administration project.

· Supports USAID and USG efforts to assist key Government of Guatemala (GOG) institutions in developing effective, efficient and transparent public financial management systems and tax administration. Helps design, implement, monitor and evaluate USAID efforts supporting the strengthening of GOG budgeting, accounting, procurement, financial controls and reporting, and auditing processes and systems that meet international standards.

· Coordinates with Mission offices, the interagency, international donors and GOG counterparts to further project goals and represents USAID in relevant USG and donor working groups to help develop guidance on financial management procedures, standards, and systems for collection, management, and oversight of government revenue including funds provided by international donors and other sources. Informs DGO team of key outcomes, decisions taken and information gleamed from coordination meetings.

· Engages in discussions around additional financial support areas such as: revenue generation opportunities (tax collection), budget cycles, budget expenditures that link with GOG priorities, and developing government budgets to pay civil servants based on realistic revenue collection forecasts.

· Serves as Advisor to CORs/AORs who manage USAID’s support to public financial management strengthening activities, especially during the critical period of activity start-up. May serve as COR/AOR, or alternate, to support program implementation and transition, as required.

· Develops and/or oversees the development of work plans, GLAAS requests, and other documents required to ensure that expected results are achieved on a timely basis.

· Assumes responsibility for and/or assists in compliance with all USAID program, financial, procurement, and audit requirements, including those related to gender and inclusion. Provides quality control and direction for evaluation of activities.

· Analyzes and reports on progress toward achieving project goals and objectives.

· Supports the DGO team by providing background material and talking points for meetings or visits with high level government officials on issues related to PFM and tax administration.

Supports overall DGO strategic visioning, project implementation and team support.

· Leads/supports Technical Evaluation Committees for new projects and/or staff positions and contributes to on-boarding and development/mentoring of new staff.

· Works as part of the team to prepare input to the USAID performance monitoring plan (PMP), project monitoring and evaluation plans (M&E), biannual portfolio reviews, and annual planning and reporting processes (i.e., operational plans and past performance reports).

· Evaluates current and past programs for performance and applies lessons learned from evaluations/assessments; analyzes sector-wide trends, identifies key counterparts, and synthesizes other interventions in order to contribute to CDCS development objectives.

· Liaises with the Regional Contracting Officer, Regional Legal Advisor and other technical and support offices to facilitate procurement processes for cross-sectoral and complex DGO programming. Prepares activity approval documentation in accordance with the Mission’s pre-obligation and activity design requirements, and helps to amend Project Approval Documents when necessary.

B. Liaison with Counterparts in Civil Society, GOG, and Donors 15%

Serves as a principal USAID/Guatemala liaison with key actors in the local governance and public financial management/institution-strengthening sectors, including high-level GOG officials, municipal leaders, civil society, other donors, U.S. Government officials, and other USAID professionals. Maintains high-level contacts and is responsible for negotiating and building constituencies, taking initiative while keeping the DG Office Director and respective Team Leader informed as appropriate. Participates in U.S. Mission-wide working groups in relevant areas and keeps Mission team members informed on sector issues in order to ensure complementarity of purpose, avoid duplication of efforts, and maximize resources. Represents USAID/Guatemala and the DG Office in public events, as required.

C. Analysis and Communication 15%

Prepares sector and policy analysis, studies, reports, speeches, and briefing papers. Contributes his/her expertise to strategy development and activity design. Analyzes DG context and situations to assist team leader and team members make adjustments to program plans and strategies, as necessary. Serves as a key point of contact for USAID/Washington, USAID/Guatemala Senior Management, and U.S. Embassy requests for information, briefing papers, etc., as requested by the DG Office Director and/or respective Team Leader.

12. Required Skills and Qualifications:

To be considered, the applicant must have:

1. Education: A Master’s degree (or higher) in a relevant discipline such as social science, international development, international relations, public administration, statistical analysis, or a related field.

(15 points)

2. Professional Experience: This position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience with a proven track record of professional achievement. Recent experience with USAID, USAID implementing partners, or those of another international development organization is required. The candidate must have a demonstrated practical experience in the following areas:

i. Project management in a developing country context;

ii. Strategy design and program policy development;

iii. Engagement/liaising on DG sector issues with senior levels in the government, civil society, or donor community;

iv. Analysis and interpretation of data

v. Presentation of findings in written and oral form.

(35 points)

3. Knowledge Skills, and Abilities:

The Advisor must possess a thorough knowledge of democracy and governance concepts, principles, techniques, and practices. Knowledge of Guatemala's political, social, cultural and economic characteristics as well as general knowledge of the country’s history of democratic development and development assistance is required.

In-depth knowledge and experience in U.S. government systems, priorities, and business practices is highly desired.

Exceptional interpersonal skills required. Demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a team environment required.

In addition, the incumbent 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. S/he must be able 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.

Demonstrated project management skills are requires as is the ability to handle a high paced environment and competing demands in order to complete work in a timely manner.

Strong written and oral communication skills are necessary. Must demonstrate the ability to follow, analyze and articulate to senior level managers and decision makers on democratic and governance trends and related complex issues in the country and their overall impact on USAID democracy programs orally and in written form, and in an objective manner.

(25 points)

4. Policy, Diplomacy and Cultural Skills: Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professional counterparts, including mid-level staff from host country entities, private sector, civil society leaders, other U.S. Government agencies, international organizations, and other donors. The candidate must demonstrate cross-cultural sensitivity, tact, and poise, as s/he will be called upon to interact with high level officials from a range of cultural backgrounds.

(15 points)

5. Communication and Language Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and superior written and oral communication skills in English are essential. Strong Spanish speaking, reading, and writing ability (FSI level 3/3 (S/R)).

(10 points)

13. Selection Criteria

· Education (15 points)

· Prior work experience (35 points)

· Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (25 points)

· Policy, Diplomacy and Cultural Skills (15 points)

· Communication and Language Skills (10 points)

14.

Position Elements Position Elements:

Supervision: The candidate will report to the Director of the Democracy and Governance Office or his/her designee. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a high level of independence, professionalism, judgment, and responsibility in work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility in multi-disciplinary solutions to global climate change and environment. The candidate must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self-directed. The candidate is expected to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance.

Authority to Make Commitments: The candidate will have no independent authority to commit USG funds on behalf of the USG. However, the candidate will play a key advisory role in determining the Mission’s position on funding for Democracy and Governance activities.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: To effectively function in this position, the candidate will be required to establish working relationships with the highest levels of officials of USAID, U.S. Embassy officials, and Washington-based agencies; other international donor organizations; international and local NGOs; and the general public. The candidate will also relationships with the highest-level Government of Guatemala officials, including, municipal representatives and influential justice, civil society and human rights leaders.

Exercise of Judgment: In the instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, the candidate will consult with the Director of the Democracy and Governance Office. Excellent judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion, and patience is expected from the candidate in dealing with USAID/Guatemala personnel, as well as representative from other donor organizations to resolve technical, administrative, managerial, and/or policy problems that arise during the course of work from which there is often no clear or immediate solution and /or precedence.

Must exercise excellent judgment in terms of making sensitive decisions and recommendations in light of politically sensitive issues affecting the project.

The candidate will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.

Available Guidelines: The candidate is required to understand Mission and Agency-specific policies and procedures which govern project activity management in addition to Department of State established administrative operating procedures, policies, and formats. Oral guidance from the immediate Supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out activities.

17.

Physical Demands and Logistical Arrangements: The work is generally carried out within an office environment and does not pose undue physical demands. The position provides for USG provision of office space, telephone, fax, and email for official purposes.

18.

Work Environment and Travel: Work is primarily performed in an office setting within USG offices in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Off-site services may be authorized on a very limited and case-by-case basis.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

(1) Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a short list of applicants developed.

(2) USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

(3) After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish for USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. 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).

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

A.

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

(1) Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume with cover letter of not more than one page;

(2) Three (3) references who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts.

(3) Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts (AID 302-3)

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

B.

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

C.

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

D.

Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application to shernandez@usaid.gov

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized to receive benefits and allowances in accordance with the AIDAR Appendix D and J.

1.

Benefits:

1. Employee's FICA contribution*

2. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

3. Pay Comparability Adjustment

4. Annual Salary Increase (if applicable)

5. Annual and Sick Leave

6. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

7. Medevac insurance

8. Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service for USPSCs (Department of State approval required)

Note: In addition to benefits, off-shore hire USPSC will receive the following Allowances as applicable.

2.

Allowances: (If applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below:

1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

3. Post Allowance (Section 220)

4. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

6. Education Allowance (Section 270)

7. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

8. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

9. Danger Pay (Section 650)

10. Educational Travel (Section 280)

Note: U.S Resident Hires are not eligible for Allowances.

APPLICABLE POLICY DIRECTIVES AND REGULATION PERTAINING TO PSCs

(1) Federal Taxes - USPSCs 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 USPSCs and TCN PSCs are contained in AIDAR Appendix D and J, respectively, 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/

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/business/forms

(1) Offeror Information for Personal Service Contracts (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 (3 through 7) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.