USPSC_Economic_Growth_Office_Director.docm

To All Interested Applicants

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified U.S. Citizens to provide services for Economic Growth (EG) Office Director under a Personal Services Contract, as described in the attached solicitation. The place of performance for this position is Monrovia, Liberia.

Submissions to this solicitation shall be in accordance with the attached information, at the place and time specified. Email submissions shall be sent to sbrowne@usaid.gov and kpaudel@usaid.gov. Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. USAID/Liberia will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement.

Any questions or comments regarding this solicitation should be in writing and directed to sbrowne@usaid.gov and kpaudel@usaid.gov. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Phone calls or e-mail to any address other than the one specified in this solicitation will not be accepted.

Sincerely, Phillip M. Cherry Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Liberia

USAID/Liberia Mailing Address:

8800 Monrovia Pl Dulles, VA 20189

ATTACHMENT 1: Solicitation

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-669-15-000030

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 1, 2015

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 30, 2015, 4:30 PM Local time

4. POSITION TITLE: Economic Growth (EG) Office Director, USAID/Liberia

5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-15 ($101,630-$132,122 per annum).

Salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Monrovia, Liberia (currently set at 35%), post allowance, housing, international travel, UAB, HHE, consumables and POV shipment benefits.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, to start on or about September 1, 2015 with the possibility of extensions. Extensions will depend on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance.

7. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Based in Monrovia, Liberia

9. JOB DESCRIPTION:

A. STATEMENT OF WORK

1. INTRODUCTION

USAID/Liberia’s Office of Economic Growth (OEG) implements a wide range of development assistance activities. The OEG is comprised of a staff of 18 including 8 USDHs, two USPSC-TCNs (GS-15/GS12), one GS-15 USFS PASA and seven FSNs, including several senior FSNs. The complex portfolio of private sector, agriculture, food for peace, forestry and infrastructure support is valued at over $250 million and is the largest office at the mission. The current portfolio is also expanding as significant new activities are coming online in the forestry, agriculture, energy sector and in the private sector, representing new multi-year investments of over $100 million. The OEG implements two Presidential Initiatives, Feed the Future (FtF) and the Power Africa Initiative. Additionally, the OEG provides technical & environmental compliance leadership to the mission through the OEG Mission Environmental Officer, provides expert engineering support to offices across the mission, and provides support for mission disaster relief and response.

USAID Liberia’s Economic Growth (EG) Office Director provides strategic direction, day-to-day management, and quality assurance for the most diverse portfolio of development activities at the Mission. S/he works across technical sectors and with public, private and civil society institutions to foster an environment that stimulates and sustains equitable economic growth. This is a challenging and exciting position as it involves the rebuilding of a nation post-conflict and post-Ebola that celebrates not only having the first female president in Africa but also has one of the continent’s fastest growth rates and business reform programs. It affords the incumbent access to the highest echelons in the Government of Liberia (GOL) and an opportunity to make an unprecedented impact in one of the largest USAID programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Not severely constrained by financial resources, the EG Director’s greatest challenges will be to effectively use USG assistance to leverage greater private sector participation for equitable development, facilitate non-USG donor coordination, and build local capacity. The opportunity to deepen the Agency’s understanding of post-conflict economic development abounds and the EG Office Director is at the epicenter of this process. The EG Director is expected to represent the Mission in programmatic and protocol discussions with senior representatives within the GOL, other multilateral and bilateral organizations, and all private local and international implementing partners. The EG Director reports directly to the Mission Director.

The EG Director is responsible for creating and nurturing a team ethos that is pro-active, high-performing and committed to achieving the Mission’s goals regardless of the obstacles or conflicting demands. Consequently, the EG Director must be able and willing to devote time to mentor the EG office staff, especially FSNs.

The EG Director must identify barriers to program implementation and success, and develop solutions to maximize program impact; tracks development of and analyzes political, media and social issues crucial for the successful implementation of economic growth programs. To successfully achieve this requires working closely across Mission teams with Education, Health, Democracy, Rights, and Governance. To this end, the EG Director is a member of the Mission Management Team. This Team is one of several forums that enable Office Directors to think and work across sectors in order to maximize USG assistance to Liberia.

2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Working in close collaboration with the Mission Director and the other Technical Office Directors, he/she is responsible for oversight of the environmental and natural resources, agriculture, infrastructure, private enterprise and Food for Peace portfolios.

2. Serves as a principal adviser to Mission Director on economic growth;

3. Provides strategic direction and technical expertise on all aspects of the USAID economic development portfolio;

4. Serves as a member of the Mission Management Team;

5. Serves as chief liaison with the GOL, NGOs and partners on economic growth issues;

6. Builds technical and managerial capacity by mentoring/coaching EG office staff;

7. Provides other program and technical support for USAID/Liberia as appropriate.

These tasks will be carried out in the following areas and approximate proportions.

a. Policy & Program Development (30%)

On a continual basis, the incumbent critically reviews USG and other donor activities to ensure maximum coordination and leverage for USG policy initiatives. Based on a thorough understanding and analysis of economic, the Incumbent recommends new and/or changes to existing programs and activities. He/she works closely with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance and leads or overviews Design Teams for the development of scopes of work (SOW) and/or program descriptions for new EG activities, project assessments, evaluations and other related efforts. He/she assures quality control and timely preparation of financial obligating documents and authorizations for signature by responsible superiors.

b. Program Management and Oversight (50%)

He/she reviews, critiques, and approves annual work plans; monitors progress towards implementation of annual work plans, reviews financial documentation for compliance with program performance, and delivery of products and services. The incumbent will ensure the EG team maintains accurate records of accrued expenditures for program management purposes; provides this data to the Office Financial Management (OFM) staff on a regular basis. Consistent with the overall Mission strategy, he/she coordinates EG programs with other USG agencies, non-USG donors, the Liberian private sector, and non-governmental organizations (NGO) in an effort to maximize aid effectiveness. He/she also identifies barriers to program implementation and success, and develops solutions to maximize program impact.

c. Program Evaluation and Reporting (20%)

The incumbent will be responsible for managing the preparation of the EG team Operational Plan, semi-annual portfolio reviews, and reporting for Feed the Future, Power Africa Initiative, Food for Peace (FFP), and other standard and ad hoc reports as needed. He/she monitors accomplishments against grantees and contractors’ annual work plans and performance measurement indicator targets and designs and procures both internal and external program evaluations as required.

3. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

1) Education and Experience:

The following educational and work experience are required to qualify for this position:

a. Education: B.A plus an advanced university degree (MA or PhD) in business, agriculture, international development management or closely related field (an additional five years of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree);

b. A minimum of ten years of progressively more responsible experience working with economic growth and private sector development and/or natural resources management in developing countries. Experience working in post-conflict countries is desirable.

2) Skills and Knowledge:

a. A comprehensive knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques and practices of economic growth and private sector development. Knowledge, understanding and experience in the practical and successful applications of competitiveness theory, business association development and small and medium enterprise support. An understanding of human resource development as it pertains to economic growth. Extensive knowledge of the appropriate government, non-governmental and international entities needed to affect change in these areas is critical to the successful performance of the duties assigned to this position and therefore, required.

b. Language, Computer and Communication Skills: Excellent English speaking, reading and writing proficiency is required. Candidates must also have demonstrated oral presentation skills. Candidates must be able to demonstrate their experience writing complex documents and project reports and other analytical reports. Finally, he/she must have demonstrated experience with MS Office Suite software (MS Word and MS Excel).

c. Knowledge of USAID portfolio management requirements and experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation is preferred.

9. POSITION ELEMENTS:

1. Supervision received: Incumbent will work under the general policy and technical guidance of the Mission Director. Assignments are generally received in terms of broad objectives; it will be up to the incumbent to interpret this guidance and independently apply it correctly to the actual working context;

2. Available Guidelines: USAID Automated Directives (ADS), USAID Acquisition Regulations (AIDAR), State Department’s Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), strategic and other general program documents, and contact with contracting and financial management specialists;

3. Post Entry Training: USAID will furnish additional training in management and technical backstops as per Mission Order;

4. Exercise of Judgment: In instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, He/she will use her/his own personal, well informed judgment in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from him/her in dealing with Mission and Country office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required in working effectively with officials in the government and the private sector, in overseeing contractor activities and coordinating multi sectoral efforts in support of USAID/Liberia development objectives, and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions. He/she will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

6. Supervision Exercised: He/she will be required to supervise 8 USDHs, 2 USPSC-TCNs (GS-15/GS12), 1 GS-15 USFS PASA and 7 FSNs.

10. TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE FULL RANGE OF DUTIES AFTER ENTRY INTO THE POSITION

The contractor is expected to possess the necessary technical, leadership and management skills/abilities required to carry out the duties and responsibilities required of the position.

11. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

In addition, the contractor must also be: 1) a U.S. Citizen; 2) Available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months; 3) Able to attain a USG-issued security clearance at the level of SECRET; 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) Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

12. SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants will be evaluated on the extent and quality of their education, relevant experience, language and work skills as they relate to this position against the following criteria:

Management/Leadership Experience 35 points

-Project & Program Management including reporting on results measurement(s) -Project management and familiarity development program regulations, policies and procedures -Relevant experience in post-conflict countries -Provide leadership in coordinating EG initiatives within the USG agencies represented at post, GOL institutions and non-USG donor agencies.

Technical Knowledge/Experience: 30 points

-Program Analysis and Data Analysis -Technical Assistance Capabilities -Design and Implementation

Language/Communication/Interpersonal Skills: 15 points

-Excellent Interpersonal Skills, demonstrated ability to collaborate and work effectively in a team environment -Ability to write clearly, quickly and succinctly -Oral Communication Skills, the ability to make effective presentations

Education: 20 points

B.A plus an advanced university degree (MA or PhD) in business, agriculture, international development management or closely related field (an additional five years of relevant experience may be substituted for the advanced degree) with strong technical emphasis or specialization in the area of economic growth in developing countries (especially, post-conflict countries).

Total: 100 points

1. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits.

1. ALLOWANCES: as applicable.*

· Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).

· Living quarters allowance (Section 130) or government furnished housing.

· Post Allowance (Section 220).

· Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).

· Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).

· Education allowance (Section 270).

· Educational Travel (Section 280).

· Post differential (Chapter 500).

· Payments during Evacuation/authorized Departure (Section 600), and

2. BENEFITS:

· Employee's FICA Contribution

· Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

· Pay Comparability Adjustment

· Annual Increase

· Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

· Annual & Sick Leave

· Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service

Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes.

3. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) Pertaining to PSCs.

List of Required Forms for PSCs

1. Standard Form 171 **2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).

**3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

**5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).

Note: Form 5 is available from the requirements office.

*Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

**The forms listed 2 thru 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

All Applicants must address how they meet the Minimum Qualifications, as described below:

a. Submit a fully completed and hand-signed copy of an Optional Application for Federal Employment Form (OF-612), cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV) containing the following information which clearly demonstrates your education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to the evaluation criteria. Forms are available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or internet http://www.gsa.gov/Portal/gsa/ep/formslibrary.do?formType=ALL or at Federal offices).

b. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

All applications packages are to be submitted to:

Sylvester Browne Deputy Executive Specialist USAID/Liberia Email: sbrowne@usaid.gov and kpaudel@usaid.gov

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word or PDF and should not be zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.