Solicitation_GDO_Advisor (4).docx

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SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72060322R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: 04/13, 2022

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 05/12 2022, 5pm (EAT)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – General Development Advisor

Dear Prospective Candidates:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attached 1.

Sincerely, Linda Gregory

Supervisory Executive Officer U.S. Agency for International Development US Embassy Entoto Road P. O. Box 1014 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Tel. : 251-11-306002 Fax : 251-11-242438 Website: www.usaidethiopia.org USA Address:

2030 Addis Ababa Place Washington, DC 20521-2030

ATTACHMENT1 72060322R00002

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72060322R00002

2. ISSUANCED ATE: 04/13, 2022

3. CLOSINGDATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 05/12, 2022, no later than 5:00 p.m (EAT) (close of business).

4. POINT OF CONTACT: Linda Gregory, Supervisory EXO and Fekadu Tamirate, HR Specialist, e-mail at djiboutiusaidjobs@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: General Development Advisor.

6. MARKET VALUE: $95,937 to $124,764, equivalent to GS-14. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with one-two-year options to extend. Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services and availability of funds. Estimated to start on 07/01/2022.

The base period will be 07/01/2022– 07/01/2023. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise one additional one-year option period, as noted below:

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Djibouti with some travel as stated in the Statement of Work.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens, Resident Aliens. Applicant must:

· Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER.

· Be able to obtain secret security clearance.

· Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.

· Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices or locations as/when requested.

Note:

Preference will be given to U.S. citizens who reside in Djibouti at the time of contract award. Therefore, applications from resident-hire applicant will be evaluated first; offshore applicants will be evaluated only if there are no qualified Resident-Hire applicants.

An applicant hired from off-shore will be entitled to established off-shore benefits (housing, transportation, shipment benefits, and other applicable allowances). U.S. Citizens who reside in Djibouti will be entitled only to performance and comparability pay increases, annual and sick leave, FICA and reimbursement of life and health insurance.

10. CLEARANCES: The final selected candidates must obtain both the ‘secret level’ security and medical clearances within a reasonable period. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

Located in the Horn of Africa at the mouth of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Djibouti’s strategic position in a conflict-prone region with Yemen, Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia, combined with its commitment to peaceful, moderate views, underscores the importance of the US-Djibouti bilateral relationship. Djibouti plays a crucial role in promoting regional stability. The country hosts Camp Lemonnier, the only permanent U.S. military installation in Africa. USAID/Djibouti is a “Limited Presence Country (LCP)”, based within the U.S. Embassy and headed by a USAID Country Representative who reports to the Mission Director for USAID/Ethiopia and Djibouti. It receives operational guidance and key support services from USAID/Ethiopia. USAID/Djibouti’s $40 million development program portfolio supports workforce development, civil society strengthening, COVID-19 interventions, primary education and energy. Workforce development, in particular, is a high-profile interagency project that integrates the interests of the USG and Government of Djibouti to provide youth with viable work alternatives and preempt opportunities for radicalization. In addition to managing USAID core development programs and relations with the government and other in-country stakeholders, USAID/Djibouti plays an active role in 3D (Defense, Diplomacy and Development), cooperating closely with the Embassy to co-chair 3 D meetings and serving as a liaison between the Government of Djibouti and the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) civil and humanitarian affairs projects. The Djibouti Office functions with two USDH positions, a USAID Country Representative and a General Development Advisor, as well as 11 Cooperating Country Nationals (CCN).

The USPSC General Development Advisor (GDA) is expected to provide technical guidance on issues related to education, economic growth, health, social and political development, and interagency policy engagement. The position will provide high-level counsel to senior staff both within the Embassy and USAID, to ensure programs and diplomatic engagement efforts synergistic. The General Development Advisor will be a Program Manager to support the management and implementation of the USAID portfolio in Djibouti

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The General Development Advisor helps to lead USAID/Djibouti initiatives, which includes supervisory oversight of Cooperating Country National staff. It is a largely analytical position that provides technical support and advises the USAID/Djibouti Country Representative on range of policy and diplomatic opportunities and approaches. The General Development Advisor is expected to show strong independent initiative and work with minimal supervision. Incumbent reports directly to the USAID/Djibouti Country Representative. The incumbent supervises the AOR/CORs managing a multi-year development program worth $40 million.

Program Management (50%)

· He/she is responsible to help manage the implementation of USAID/Djibouti’s development activities. This will include serving as Agreement/Contracting Officer Representative (A/COR) or Activity Manager for one or more activities, overseeing and providing support to CCN staff who manage ongoing activities with guidance and coaching.

· He/she ensures programs are adequately aligned with the USG’s strategic priorities; will develop indicators to ensure projects are adequately monitored; and that applicable USAID policies, procedures, and requirements are met. Oversee performance monitoring, collaboration, learning and adaptation and evaluation of results of activities. He/she will visit program sites as necessary to observe program results and to interface with project implementation partners.

· The incumbent is responsible for analyzing opportunities and risks associated with proposed and ongoing activities. The incumbent is responsible for guiding the design of any new activities, guide programmatic investment decisions; assist to respond to requests for information from USAID/Washington and USAID/Ethiopia and ensure that required reporting is completed accurately and timely. Ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of the USAID/Djibouti Office.

Analytical Leadership and Counsel (25%)

· The incumbent provides analysis and advice to guide USAID/Djibouti’s efforts to address technical issues in the implementation of its activities in the governance, energy, workforce development, education and health sectors. S/he shall serve as a resource to all staff to ensure that important technical issues are adequately considered in ongoing and future development activities.

· The incumbent serves as a senior advisor to the Country Representative on political and economic challenges impacting USAID/Djibouti’s programming, and the wider development context. S/he is responsible to liaise with the inter-agency a variety of government and private-sector individuals. In addition, the incumbent identifies areas and interventions in which USAID programming is affected by broader trends in host- country and regional politics.

· The incumbent is responsible for directing strategic reviews of existing programming as applicable. S/he identifies opportunities to leverage USAID programming with public and private-sector investments.

· S/he summarizes key social, political, and economic issues and challenges, and guide mission’s dialogue in appropriately adapting programs. The incumbent assists in communicating USAID’s efforts to address development issues in Djibouti to a variety of internal and external audiences.

Government and Donor Coordination (25%)

· The incumbent supports USAID/Djibouti and the Country Representative as a key liaison with the Government of Djibouti, the embassy front office, other bilateral donors operating in Djibouti, and other USG agencies including members of the U.S. military stationed at the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) on civil affairs projects, and as well as other agencies at post. S/he shall be expected to formulate analyses and programmatic options for decision-makers that incorporate a broad set of USG interests.

· The incumbent provides hands-on support to the Country Representative in his/her capacity as the chair for donor coordination by organizing donors meetings, formulating agenda items, preparing meeting notes, and support in facilitating discussions. In addition, support the Country Representative in deepening relationships with other donors by organizing informal meetings, identifying points of mutual interest, and supporting efforts to build coalitions and communities of practice. S/he assists in representing USAID priorities, and coordinating development interventions with international donors and host-government institutions as assigned.

· The incumbent supports USAID/Djibouti staff to coordinate with local structures within the private sector and civil society. The incumbent may be called upon from time to time to act as USAID Country Representative in the absence of the Country Representative.

3. Supervisory Relationship

The incumbent works directly under the supervision of the USAID Djibouti Country Representative, or his/her designee.

4. Supervisory Controls:

The incumbent supervises a team of five to six CCNs.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Applications will be initially screened by the Mission Human Resources Office to determine whether they have met the minimum qualifications listed below. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications requirements will be referred to the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for further consideration and screening.

EDUCATION: Master’s Degree in a development field, technical area, management, economics, business, related fields.

WORK EXPERIENCE: Eight years progressively responsible experience in strategy development, and managing international development programs with large international organizations.

LANGUAGE: Fluent in English and French speaking, reading and writing.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with candidates in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of candidates with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of candidates in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

EVALUATION FACTORS

EDUCATION (10 points) Points will be given for (1) education above the minimum level and/or (2) specialized education pertinent to the position. and/or (3) specialized training pertinent to the position.

WORK EXPERIENCE (30 points) Points will be given for (1) experience above the minimum levels required, (2) specialized experience pertinent to the position, (3) experience in pertinent development assistance activities, (4) experience in development organizations that are large and/or international.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (30 points) Demonstrated understanding of project and activity design, monitoring and evaluation, collaboration, learning and adaptation principles and mastery of program budget planning and oversight.

Demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed-upon parameters with minimal supervision or guidance, while exercising sound judgment. Demonstrated ability in communication skills. Demonstrated ability to produce professional-quality analytical pieces, and to deliver authoritative, persuasive oral presentations to senior governmental officials from multiple agencies, other donors, the host contractor. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse, multicultural teams setting.

INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE (10 points)

WRITTEN TEST (10 points)

REFERENCE CHECK: (10 points) BASIS OF RATING: Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be evaluated in accordance with the Evaluation and Selection Factors.

Candidates should address the above evaluation factors in the offer package, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to the factors. Failure to address the Evaluation and Selection Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. Interviews may be conducted either in person or by telephone/video call at USAID’s discretion. Final rating and ranking for the candidates will be based on the initial evaluation of the applications, interview performance, and written test. USAID/Ethiopia will not pay for any expenses associated with interviews.

Reference checks will be conducted only for the highest-ranking candidates and will be handled separate from the technical evaluation. Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. If a candidate does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the candidate’s cover letter, and USAID will not contact those references without contacting the candidate.

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, available at AID- 309-2 Form

2. Letter of Application

3. Current curriculum vitae (CV).

Further Guidance:

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation Number in the offer submission.

Application must be submitted ONLY via djiboutiusaidjobs@usaid.gov and the email subject must say –:72060322R00002 – General Development Advisor. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

Please do not submit more than one application; and

The application must be submitted before or on the closing date at local Ethiopia time 5 p.m. (Local Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Time, or EAT). Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the CO informs the successful candidate about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful candidate instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

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

2. Fingerprint Card (FD-258), and either

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

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85), whichever is applicable.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Increase (depending on satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (if applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(i) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

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 a wards 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,” includingcontractclause“GeneralProvisions,”availableathttps://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID309-1availableathttps://www.usaid.gov/forms.

LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO

(A)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)

(B)

QUANTITY

(C)

UNIT

(D)

UNIT PRICE

(E)

AMOUNT

(F)

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]

- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]

- Award Type: Cost

- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] -Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

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 5CFR2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

5. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

6. The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

END OF SOLICITATION

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Ethiopia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Djibouti also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.

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