SOL-623-EA-10-011

ISSUANCE DATE:

March 05, 2010 QUESTIONS DUE DATE: March 17, 2010 CLOSING DATE: April 06, 2010 04:00PM Nairobi, Kenya Time Subject: USAID/EA/LPC Office - Transition Initiative for Somalia Program Manager

Solicitation Number:

SOL-623-EA-10-011

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from U.S. citizens with USAID experience, interested in providing the personal services described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified herein.

Interested applicants must submit: (i) his/her most current curriculum vitae or resume; (ii) signed form SF 171 or OF 612; and (iii) three (3) to five(5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts. 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. The Applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/EA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Form SF 171 or OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than March 17, 2010 in writing to Marcelline Ochola on mochola@usaid.gov.

U.S. Agency for International Development

USAID/East Africa P.O. Box 629 Village Market 00621 Nairobi, Kenya Courier Address:

USAID/East Africa c/o American Embassy

United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya U.S. Postal Address:

USAID/East Africa Unit 64102

APO AE 09831-4102

Tel: 254-20-862 2000 Fax: 254-20-862 2680 / 2682 http://eastafrica.usaid.gov

Electronic submission is authorized. All application packages are to be submitted to:

Via e-mail: to mochola@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application.

OR Via express courier:

Tadeusz Findeisen/Amina Fazaldeen

SOL-623-EA-10-011

USAID/EA/LPC - Transition Initiative for Somalia Program Manager c/o American Embassy

United Nations Avenue

Gigiri

Nairobi, Kenya

Sincerely, Tadeusz Findeisen Regional Contracting Officer

Attachment: SOL-623-EA-10-011

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-623-EA-10-011

2. ISSUANCE DATE:

March 05, 2010

3. CLOSING DATE:

April 06, 2010

4. POSITION TITLE:

Transition Initiative for Somalia (TIS) Program Manager

5. MARKET VALUE: The position is classified at the equivalent of a GS 13, with an annual salary range $71,674 to $93,175. Salary is not negotiable beyond this range.

6. WHO MAY APPLY: Applicants must be US Citizens (Offshore or Local).

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: A base of two years with the possibility/options of three-one year extensions up to a maximum of five years. Exercising the options to extend will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and satisfactory or better performance.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya.

9. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret.

10. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: REDSO/EA/LPC Office Director.

11. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Minimal, Contractor is expected to act independently with little direction.

12. POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Position Title: Transition Initiative for Somalia Program Manager – offshore hire

Introduction

USAID seeks to employ a US Personal Services Contractor (PSC) to manage its Transition Initiative for Somalia (TIS) program. The TIS program will support quick-impact, results-based activities to demonstrate the positive impact of the political reconciliation process. This will include making small grants to communities and local/national governments and generating employment to help deter youth from joining insurgent groups. Community-driven, quick-impact programs in targeted areas should increase economic opportunities in the short term, build confidence in the peace process and contribute to the development of a more comprehensive recovery plan. The program will address the urgent need for income generation and job creation. The program will work with civil society organizations and local stakeholders to involve beneficiary communities in all phases of project identification and implementation. Specific project activities include small-scale infrastructure rehabilitation of clinics, markets, local government buildings, and irrigation canals. Other projects may be road repair, water and sanitation projects, and small scale microfinance. This program will be managed out of the East Africa Regional Office in USAID’s Mission in Nairobi.

Background

Somalia has been a failed state for nearly two decades, with the result that the country continues to serve as a sanctuary and base of operations for transnational terrorist organizations, pirates, and other groups engaged in illicit and dangerous activities. However there are opportunities for increased attention and invigorated engagement in Somalia. Recent positive steps toward an inclusive political process include: the withdrawal of the Ethiopian forces in January, followed by the election of President Sharif, the appointment of Prime Minister Sharmarke, the naming of the new cabinet, expansion of parliament to include the main opposition, extension of the transition period and relocation of the government back to Mogadishu. In addition, the region of Puntland held elections in January 2009 leading to a new administration, and Somaliland is set to hold its own presidential elections this year.

Bringing about stability and security in Somalia through an inclusive democratic government is a high priority U.S. foreign policy objective in order to promote stability and effective counter-terrorism efforts in the strategic Horn of Africa. The foreign assistance framework classifies Somalia as a Rebuilding Country where the highest priority is establishing stability.

Countries experiencing a significant political transition while emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional relief or development assistance. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or failed transition. Given the dynamic and fluid situation in Somalia, there is need for a flexible small grants program to contribute to stabilizing influences to the country. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, TIS will work on the ground through multiple implementing partners to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition and recovery needs.

The Program Manager will lead the effort to develop and implement this high-priority program. This is a key management position requiring excellent managerial and communication skills, an ability to perform in a complex and highly sensitive political environment, experience in policy formulation and negotiation at the highest levels (government and non-government organizations), and a strong interest in assisting countries in transition. The candidate must be mature, self-reliant, a team player, a problem-solver, and able to manage a diverse portfolio of activities. S/he should have extensive management experience (both project and personnel) and understand the basics of grantee and contractor/USAID relationships. S/he should be able to communicate effectively with grassroots organizations and their constituencies, national and local government officials, USG agencies, and clerics or other religious leaders. Since work may require continued changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual will be someone who is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change. The incumbent will also be called upon to represent USAID’s mission and programs to senior-level government officials, in-country visitors, senior officials from other international organizations, bilateral donors and local government officials.

I. Organizational Location of Position

The position is based at the USAID/ EA office in Nairobi, Kenya, with travel to Somalia, depending on security and access.

II. Reporting and Supervisory Controls

The Somalia TIS Program Manager will be supervised by and report to the Limited Country Presence (LPC) Office Director at USAID/ EA or his/her designate. The Program Manager will manage and supervise a dedicated compliment of FSNs and will participate as a full team member of the LPC office.

III. Major Duties and Responsibilities

The work of the TIS Program Manager will require teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. Under the direct supervision of the USAID/EA/LPC, the responsibilities of the program manager shall include:

· Conceptualize and design program strategies and objectives in close coordination with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy, Department of State, and local civil society officials, based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy. When necessary, refine strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in country, where appropriate;

· Manage and provide day-to-day programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance to USAID’s implementing partners (contractors and/or grantees) ensuring that activities are contributing to USAID’s program objectives and are within the partner’s scope;

· Serve as USAID’s primary liaison on transition initiatives with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, senior diplomats, local government officials, UN organizations, indigenous and international NGOs, and other pertinent agencies and organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with them in order to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs;

· Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief USAID and partner staff on their potential programmatic impact;

· Serve as the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative and/or Agreement Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR/AOTR) for implementing partner agreements managed under TIS;

· Provide USAID concurrence on all implementing partner activities, including final approval of grantees for grants/activities under contract, in accordance with the ADS (USAID’s Automated Directives System);

· Ensure that USAID transition programs and their activities are monitored and evaluated and that lessons learned from the activities feed into ongoing or future activities;

· Analyze and report on current political developments and security concerns as well as other pertinent information required to achieve USAID's program objectives;

· Coordinate closely with other USAID/Somalia programs to ensure linkages between recovery initiatives, humanitarian relief, and longer-term development.

· Prepare operational plans in collaboration with the Mission and U.S. Embassy, including logistics and property use guidelines, closeout plans, security procedures, contingency and evacuation plans;

· Communicate and coordinate USAID in-country activities between USAID and its implementing partners, the U.S. Embassy, and other donor organizations;

· Design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives and recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate the performance of staff;

· Ensure appropriate resource allocation among TIS implementing partners, and field offices as appropriate;

· Prepare and maintain program budgets for field operations;

· Ensure that all TIS and partner field staff adhere to in-country security guidelines set by the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officer and other organizations such as the United Nations or host government, as appropriate;

· Prepare and disseminate programmatic, financial and quarterly reports to the U.S. Embassy, USAID Mission and other organizations as appropriate.

· Travel to Somalia and other LPC countries as requested

IV. Logistical Arrangements:

The logistical support provided by USAID/EA includes office space, transportation in cooperating country for official field work as well as travel arrangements and tickets for work related business, transportation to/from country, and secretarial support.

V. Required Qualifications:

(Determines basic eligibility for the position.) Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

The TIS Program Manager post is a mid-level position requiring supervisory management experience, the ability to serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions and an in-depth knowledge of international relations in general and of the region in particular. Familiarity with a wide range of issues is necessary, including, but not limited to, community development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy/governance and human rights. Excellent inter-personal, presentation and negotiation skills are necessary. Experience in contract/grant management is required. Prior work experience with U.S. Government agencies and/or managing program operations in civil conflicts is preferred.

At a minimum, the applicant must have:

1. Bachelor's degree in a development-related field and a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience in development and/or humanitarian programs;

OR

Master's degree (with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including, but not limited to, international development and social sciences) and a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible work experience; and

2. Minimum of six (6) years of recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, in community development, economic development, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, human rights activities, and/or political analysis; within which there must be a:

· Minimum of two (2) year of overseas field experience working in or on one or more developing countries undergoing political instability; and

· A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience (including but not limited to mentoring, training, and guiding staff); and

3. Fluency in English; Somali is a plus; and

4. U.S. Citizenship is required for this position; and

5. Additionally, the selected candidate must be able to obtain a medical clearance from State Med and a secret clearance from the USAID Office of Security.

VI. Selection Criteria:

1. Demonstrated professional experience in the conceptualization, design, management, and evaluation of project activities relevant to political transition and/or post-conflict programs. Demonstrated ability to initiate, develop, and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a high-visibility, high-pressure environment, including crisis situations. (30 Points)

2. Demonstrated skills in political analysis and using that analysis to inform and direct programming, policy makers, strategic direction of programming and/or decision making, and the like. (20 points)

3. Demonstrated experience in contract and/or grant management with demonstrated ability to motivate, guide, and manage contractors and grantees in difficult, complex circumstances. (15 points)

4. Demonstrated social and interpersonal skills illustrated by the ability to interact in a team setting, or with counterparts, on both the lowest and highest political, social, and economic levels. (15 points)

5. Demonstrated ability to supervise and train a diverse and effective professional staff in challenging operating environments. (5 points)

Total Points: 85

VII. Basis of Rating Applicants who clearly meet the education/experience minimum requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. The most highly rated applicants will then be evaluated on interview performance. (15 Points)

Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

Minimum of three (3) professional work references checks to be provided (name, phone, email contacts)

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

1. BENEFITS:

Employee's 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 per post policy

2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable*):

Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

Post Allowance (Section 220)

Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

Post Differential (Chapter 500)

Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section

600)

Danger Pay (Section 650)

Educational Allowance (Section 270)

Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

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

IX.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS 1843).**

3. AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action)**

4. SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)**

5. FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 each**

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

7. AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)**

8. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended**

9. Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974**

** Forms 2 through 9 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Note: The selected individual shall be required to obtain a background security clearance.

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

-- 09/12/06

AAPD 04-15

Amendment 1 CASH AWARDS FOR USPSCs AND TCNPSCs -- 10/01/08

AAPD 03-07

Revised Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Debt Collection Process -- 09/30/04

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

XI.

Point of Contact

Via e-mail: to Amina Fazaldeen at mochola@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than March 17, 2010.