SOLICITATION.MRR_Specialist.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: February 26, 2019 CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 11, 2019

1700 Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras 1900 Eastern Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) for a Migration, Repatriation and Reintegration Specialist

SOLICITATION No.: SOL-72052219R00004

Dear Prospective Applicant:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in

Honduras, is seeking applications from qualified individuals in providing personal services as described in this solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the information provided below, and sent electronically to tegucigalpahr@usaid.gov by the date and time specified above. To ensure consideration of the application for the intended position, the applicant must prominently submit a signed Application Form AID-309-2 with a

Curriculum Vitae or resume attached and comply with the requirements as established below. Incomplete or unsigned applications will not be considered. All e-mail submissions must contain the Solicitation Number, SOL-72052219R00004, in the subject line.

It is recommended that the applicant retain copies of all application materials for their records. Please note that USAID/Honduras does not accept responsibility for delays in transmission or receipt of any application.

Applications received after the Closing Date and Closing Time specified will not be considered.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID/Honduras to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit

USAID/Honduras to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Also, USAID/Honduras reserves the right to award, or not to award the contract herein contemplated, subject to availability of funds.

Any questions must be directed in writing to Clint Branam (cbranam@usaid.gov) or Sandra Aguilera

(saguilera@usaid.gov) no later than the deadline noted above.

Sincerely, Clinton Branam Contracting Officer mailto:saguilera@usaid.gov https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2 mailto:cbranam@usaid.gov mailto:saguilera@usaid.gov

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-72052219R00004

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 26, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME March 11, 2019

FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 1500 Local time, Tegucigalpa, Honduras 1700 Eastern Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Program/Project Development Specialist

5. MARKET VALUE: $75,628.00 - $98,317.00 per annum, equivalent to GS-13.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Other allowances will be granted as applicable in the Cooperating Country. The incumbent must be willing and available to fulfill the terms of this contract in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Full time for two (2) years with the option to extend three (3) years

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Tegucigalpa, Honduras

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: HSPD-12 (Facility/Computer Access Only)

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. Purpose of the contract:

The Migration, Repatriation and Reintegration (MRR) Specialist will support the implementation of policies and high-priority U.S. Government initiatives and programs designed to reduce irregular migration. S/he must be highly motivated, exercise initiative, and be capable of working independently or as part of an USG interagency team. S/he will provide support to the Program Office in regular and special reporting on MRR issues; response to tasks from the U.S. Embassy and Washington; data and information collection, analysis and dissemination; and general knowledge management on MRR within the Mission. Under guidance from the Program Officer, the Specialist will support the designated Activity Manager in the monitoring, advising, and implementation of regional MRR projects with activities in Honduras with the implementing Public International Organization and other host government, NGO, civil society and donor partners. S/he will also support inter-agency groups on migration. Further, he/she will provide support to the Program Office’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist and GIS Specialist. Specifically, this person will serve as the Alternate Contracting Officers’ Representative for USAID/Honduras’ Monitoring and Evaluation Contract.

USAID/Honduras has an integrated portfolio supporting three Development Objectives (DOs), to increased citizen security, reduce extreme poverty, and to support transparency and accountability with public administration. The Specialist will support USAID development assistance programming by making available information on MRR issues to all technical offices in the Mission, as well as informing on MRR issues relevant to current and new activity designs. Further, the Specialist will serve as the primary point of contact for an ongoing Migration Learning Agenda activity. In this role, the Specialist will communicate with DO teams and the outside contractor responsible for the agenda to ensure DO concerns are reflected in ongoing research.

2. Statement of duties to be performed:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Officer, the Migration, Repatriation and Reintegration Specialist will provide:

a) Regular and special reporting: The Specialist is responsible for informing the rest of the Mission on MRR issues and trends in Honduras and, where they affect Honduras and/or USAID, in the region and the US. S/he is also frequently tasked with responding to MRR-related inquiries from COM, other sections of the Embassy and USAID in the region and in Washington. This will include regularly scheduled, usually monthly, reporting on trends and issues for general USAID consumption. Two additional quarterly reports required by the State Department and Congress cover advancements of and challenges faced by the Government of Honduras in addressing and preventing irregular migration.

Other unscheduled reporting includes, but may not be limited to, specific requests for information on MRR activities and trends from USAID Honduras Mission leadership, USAID Regional Office or USAID Washington, drafting documents in advance of high-level visits, and reviewing or drafting cables for the State Department.

b) Support to the MEL and GIS Specialists in the Mission: Provide back-up to these two Specialists, specifically when they are out of the office. S/he will respond to related taskers and request for information on both topic areas in the absence of the incumbents. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as Alternate Contracting Officer’s Representative for the Mission’s M&E contract. The MRR Specialist may be called upon to produce reports or maps as needed.

c) Data and information collection, analysis and dissemination and knowledge management on MRR: - The Program Office of USAID Honduras leads the Mission on MRR issues and routinely collects and analyzes data and information on MRR from Honduras, from the region, and from the US, where this involves Honduras or USAID. The Specialist will contribute to a greater learning/knowledge learning agenda that USAID Honduras is undertaking over all Mission development programming. As part of this learning agenda, the Specialist may be called upon to generate special, high-quality and rigorous thematic reports or analyses on MRR issues.

d) Support incorporation of MRR topics in programming: - The Specialist will work to support DO team leads and technical office directors to identify, comprehend and assimilate MRR concepts, trends, lessons and concerns into new and future activities and strategies.

e) Interagency representation and participation: When designated, represent USAID at regular and special internal and external working sessions dealing with MRR issues. When required, the Specialist will also provide accurate and timely information on USAID MRR-related partners and activities. The Specialist will be called upon to report on USAID actions and information gathered related to a broad range of MRR and development issues. S/he will ensure that s/he and USAID meets the highest standards of professionalism, efficiency and quality in working with official and unofficial USG agencies and representatives, advocacy groups, researchers and citizens, as well as with other donors and PIOs, Honduran government and civil society actors, NGOs, citizens and migrants.

f) Other related duties:

• Serve as Specialist on migration and migration-related issues.

• Serve as an expert resource and/or technical advisor to Mission technical offices and staff on a range of MRR issues.

• Serve as support to M&E and GIS Specialists, both of whom sit in the Program Office, and provide coverage when either is away from the office.

• Prepare drafts of various regular and special reporting, cables, BCLs, briefing materials, and others; edit those from other agencies requiring USAID clearance, for Program Office approval.

• Participate in field visits and meetings on implementation of Mission MRR activities to help ensure effective project management, monitoring and reporting. Assist in maintaining MRR award records and status/progress reports. Help prepare future funding plans and revisions.

• Participate, as required, in representation of USAID in inter-agency or national stakeholder working groups and committees

• Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with Honduran government officials, other donors and NGOs and PIOs, as well as with USG officials, agencies and other interested stakeholders.

• Collaborate and/or assist Program Office staff and leadership with other activities as assigned.

3. USAID Consultation or Orientation:

Training on leadership and management skills, and other Agency specific courses required to fulfill certain responsibilities will be provided as long as resources and opportunities are available.

Specific job related on-line courses will also be provided as well as extensive on-the-job training on USAID organization, policies, procedures, and integrated systems. Other training to fulfill the responsibilities of the position will be provided as opportunities arise and as funds are available.

4. Supervisory Relationship:

The MRR Specialist will be directly supervised by the Supervisory Program Officer or his/her designee. However, the contractor will independently plan and carry out work and select the approaches and methods to be used in line with USAID’s parameters and direction from the USAID/Honduras Supervisory Program Officer. Completed projects are reviewed to determine that objectives have been met and are in compliance with agency policies and regulations.

5. Supervision/Oversight over others:

Supervision of other USAID staff is not contemplated. However, due to the nature of the work involved, guidance and coordination of the work of others will be required.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and U.S. Resident Aliens.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. During site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion; including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or the carrying of moderately heavy material.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: For inquiries regarding this solicitation the points of contact are:

- Clint Branam, Contracting Officer, cbranam@usaid.gov

- Sandra Aguilera, Human Resources Specialist, saguilera@usaid.gov mailto:cbranam@usaid.gov mailto:saguilera@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

1) Education (15 Points):

The applicant must have a Master’s Degree in economics, science, development studies, management, public administration, international affairs, or other related academic discipline.

2) Work Experience (35 Points):

• Must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in development programs, or related public policy and research programs, with USAID, multilateral and bilateral donors, NGOs, and/or government is required.

• Experience working on or doing research in migration, reintegration, or repatriation topic areas is required.

• Experience responding to calls for information, data requests, and providing both oral and written responses in a timely manner is required.

• Experience with donor agency/mission organization, procedures, and operations systems (e.g., development approaches; procedures for programming funds, defining objectives, monitoring results, and procedures for managing Grants and Contracts) are required.

3) Language proficiency (10 Points):

Excellent English writing and speaking ability is required. Demonstrated capacity to communicate complex policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner. Must have working knowledge of written and spoken Spanish. These requirements may be tested through references and written and oral evaluations.

4) Job Knowledge (20 Points):

• Knowledge of best practices in monitoring and evaluation of multi sectoral programs is required.

• Knowledge of migration, repatriation and reintegration topics is required. Specific knowledge of Central America is preferred.

• Knowledge of Central American context, strategies, programmatic approaches in development assistance, and working methodologies of other donor agencies in the education sector is desired.

• Knowledge of the structure and workings of the US government is desired.

5) Skills and Abilities and Other Requirements (20 Points):

• Demonstrated strong analytical, management and organizational skills are required.

• Demonstrated professionalism and sensitivity regarding topics of concern; ability to conduct oneself professionally and represent the USG in formal and informal settings.

• Possession of strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, the ability to work within a team setting and with minimal supervision.

• Must have excellent computer skills in all Microsoft Office and Google applications;

ability to design presentations and other content that is both user-friendly and communicative.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

1. Education (15 Points)

2. Work Experience (35 Points)

3. Language proficiency (10 Points)

4. Job Knowledge (20 Points)

5. Skills and abilities and other requirements (20 Points)

Applicants meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. The hiring panel may check references that have not been specifically identified by applicants and may check references before or after a candidate is interviewed. USAID/Honduras reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

IV. APPLYING

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the following:

a) Completed and signed Application Form AID-309-2 “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals”. Unsigned AID 309-2 forms will not be accepted and therefore will not be considered for this solicitation.

b) Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the e-mail address specified in the cover letter of this solicitation. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the subject line of the e-mail.

c) Most current Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume. The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria (for example, paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position; specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work). Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

d) Offerors are also strongly encouraged to address each of the evaluation criteria above on a

Cover Page, of no more than one page, describing specifically and accurately what experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, honors, awards or accomplishments received that are relevant to the criterion.

e) Three (3) to five (5) work references with complete contact information including e-mail address and telephone numbers. The references must be able to provide substantive information about the applicant’s current or past performance and abilities. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria will be taken into account. USAID/Honduras reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

USAID/Honduras may seek performance information beyond the reference names provided.

2. By submitting the application materials, the offeror certifies that all of the information on and attached to the offer is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. The offeror agrees to allow all information on and attached to the offer to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to the offer may result in being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

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

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

The applicant must be able to obtain an HSPD-12 (Facility/Computer Access Only) which involves the applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive a medical clearance to work worldwide stating that the applicant is able to engage in the type of activities required for the position and that is also physically fit and able to reside in the Cooperating Country.

Details of how to obtain such clearances will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer has been made.

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, and if applicable, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) (if applicable)

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

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

Positions (SF-85) submitted through e-Qip

4. SF-87 Finger Print Cards (Dec. 2017)

5. e-QIP signature forms

6. AID 6-85 Foreign Activity Data

7. AID 500-6 Dual Citizenship Questionnaire (if applicable)

8. OF-306 Declaration for Federal Employment

VI. BENEFITS

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits:

a) Employer's FICA Contribution.

b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (unless health and life insurance coverage for retiree employees does not provide or specifically excludes overseas coverage, retired U.S. Government employees shall not be paid additional contributions for health and life insurance under their contracts.

Additionally, a USPSC who is a spouse or same-sex domestic partner of a current or retired U.S. Civil Service, Foreign Service, or Military Service member and who is covered by their spouse or same-sex domestic partner’s government health or life insurance policy is ineligible for these contributions).

c) Pay Comparability Adjustment.

d) Annual Increase (pending satisfactory performance evaluation).

e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation.

f) Annual and Sick Leave (no vacation shall be earned if the tour of duty is less than 90 days).

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S.

Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad”, including contract clause “General Provisions”.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1.

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs), as applicable, for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals.

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-1 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/076ABBBFC3B026A785257F14006929A2/%24FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/076ABBBFC3B026A785257F14006929A2/%24FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/0/076ABBBFC3B026A785257F14006929A2/%24FILE/SOC%20as%20of%2081%20FR%2081641%20FINAL.pdf https://www.oge.gov/Web/oge.nsf/Resources/Standards%2Bof%2BEthical%2BConduct%2Bfor%2BEmployees%2Bof%2Bthe%2BExecutive%2BBranch