Vacancy# 263-20-502 - Short-term Private Sector Engagement Officer.pdf

:®USAID @ FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

EGYPT

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-20-502

ISSUANCE DATE: 2/24/2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 3/9/2020 at 4:30pm Cairo time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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, Sections I through V 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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

I A Nady El Etisalat Street (off Laselki) New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code I 1435

(2-02) 2522-7000 cairomedia@usaid.gov usaid.gov/egypt I #usaidegypt I @usaidegypt

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 263-20-502

2. ISSUANCE DATE: 2/24/2020

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 3/9/2020 at 4:30 pm Cairo time

4. POSITION TITLE: Private Sector Engagement Officer, Program Office

5. MARKET VALUE: $92,977 - $120,868 equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Six months. This Personal Services Contract is subject to the availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Cairo, Egypt

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

11. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Human Resources Office- e-mail at usaidhr@usaid.gov .

12. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

With a Mission active portfolio of $670 million, USAID/Egypt manages one of the most complex and politically sensitive development programs in the world. U.S. foreign policy in Egypt advocates for a strong bilateral partnership that helps strengthen the Government of Egypt's (GOE) security and stability, grow its economy, build democratic institutions, and invest in its own path to self-reliance. In order to ensure there are sustainable development outcomes from our programming, USAID/Egypt seeks to partner with and leverage the resources of the private sector to develop market-based approaches to the most pressing development challenges.

Egypt's investment climate improved markedly in 2018. According to Bloomberg, Egypt is one of the "hottest" emerging markets to watch in 2019. In recent debt auctions, foreign investors bought 30 percent of Egyptian local-currency Treasury bills and more than half of longer-dated bonds, according to the Ministry of Finance. This is a clear sign of foreign investor confidence in the country's economy. Increased investor confidence and the reactivation of Egypt's interbank foreign exchange market have resulted in increased foreign portfolio investment and foreign reserves. USAID/ Egypt would like to capitalize on the positive economic growth forecasts by leveraging the private sector in supporting more inclusive economic development programming in Egypt.

The Private Sector Engagement (PSE) Specialist will support USAID/Egypt in working with private sector actors across all sectors to develop a strategy and engage with the private sector at a scale to sustain development progress through ongoing mechanisms and new designs and instruments. The PSE Specialist will support the Program Office and works directly under the supervision of the Program Office Director or his/her designee. The Program Office provides overarching strategic guidance to the Mission and programmatic advice to the Mission Front Office and the three technical offices. The Program Office manages the design and strategic direction of the Mission's $670 million portfolio and the multi-million Egyptian Pound local currency program account. The Program Office provides intellectual leadership and rigor in aligning USG policies and strategies through strategic planning, project design, program budget planning, monitoring, evaluations, reporting; donor coordination; Government of Egypt relations; and public outreach for the Mission. USAID/Egypt's Program Office is composed of a team of 19, consisting of 3 U.S. Direct Hires (USDH), 3 U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC), and 13 Foreign Service National (FSN) staff.

Strategic Management and Coordination (30%)

a) Work with the Program Office Director, or his/her designee, to develop and maintain a Mission Order and other policy guidance documents as necessary to outline the Mission's strategic vision and standard operating procedures for engaging with the private sector.

b) Maintain and regularly update USAID/Egypt's action plan to roll out and implement the Agency PSE Policy.

c) Assist in coordinating an inter-office, cross-sectoral PSE working group convening relationship managers and other key stakeholders to guide implementation of the PSE action plan.

d) Act as point of contact on PSE for the Mission vis-a-vis the Agency, and participate actively in the Agency community of practice. Maintain familiarity with policy imperatives, reforms, and examples of PSE implementation throughout the Agency.

e) Support the oversight of a Private Sector Landscape Analysis (PSLA) to inform the Mission's strategic approach to PSE that will feed into the upcoming Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS).

t) Provide substantive input to integrate PSE into the upcoming USAID/Egypt CDCS.

Alliance Building and Relationship Management (30%)

a) In close coordination with relevant technical teams, research, develop, and manage relationships with Egyptian and American private sector actors. This entails identifying project specific needs and/or opportunities where public-private alliances could be leveraged to address development problems in Egypt, and will require gaining familiarity with projects across multiple sectors.

b) Develop relationships with private businesses, corporations, foundations, NGOs, and other non-traditional development organizations through formal and informal outreach, personal contacts, and networking. Sustain close collaborative, professional relationships with key Egyptian business leaders, including but not limited to members of the American Chamber of Commerce.

c) Identify primary entities interested in partnering with USAID/Egypt and facilitate information sharing and partnership development between potential partners and relevant technical and support offices. Coordinate with USAID/Egypt technical teams to identify potential partnering opportunities. Serve as conduit for information requests and expressions of interest of potential alliance partners that initiate contact with

USAID/Egypt.

d) Work with other alliance representatives to construct alliances that require multi country networking.

e) Coordinate initial outreach meetings with private sector entities and continuously maintain visibility on ongoing partnerships managed by relationship managers from other technical or support offices within the mission.

3. Capacity Building and Support (30%)

a) Mentor and coach the FSN PSE Specialist.

b) Mentor and coach alliance builders and relationship managers throughout the

USAID/Egypt Mission.

c) Coordinate trainings, webinars, and workshops on PSE for Mission staff from both technical and support offices.

d) Create and manage tools to promote and support PSE by Mission staff.

e) Provide support and guidance to alliance builders and relationship managers to formalize partnerships, including assistance in compiling due diligence materials and drafting Memoranda of Understanding.

f) Act as the Mission's overall resource person on the PSE policy, advising as requested on the implementing of this policy throughout the Program Cycle. This requires that the incumbent keep abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect overall program and budget activities within USAID/ Egypt, including but not limited to USAID's program planning policies as set forth in the Agency's Automated Directives System (ADS), USAID's PSE Policy and guidance, Mission Orders/Mission Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents.

g) Lead or manage process of co-creation when the Mission chooses it as a modality to engage with the private sector.

Other Activities as Appropriate (10%)

From time to time, the incumbent may be required to perform other duties relevant to this position that are not specifically described above. Such additional duties as assigned by the

Program Office Director or his/her designee are considered inherent to the position as well as the smooth functioning of a results-oriented USAID Mission.

POSITION ELEMENTS:

Supervision Received: The PSE Specialist will work under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Program Officer or his/her designee who will prepare his/her performance evaluation report. In collaboration with the incumbent, the immediate supervisor will: 1) establish annual work objectives and performance measures; 2) review work outputs and accomplishments to ensure compliance with Agency policies, and implementation of best practices; 3) provide regular feedback to incumbent throughout the Performance Evaluation Period; 4) prepare the annual Evaluation Report as/when required; and 5) the incumbent is expected to work with a high degree of independence and should be able to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance and little or no follow-up. The incumbent must be proactive as well as self-motivated.

Available Guidelines: In instances not covered by written guidelines, the incumbent will use her/his professional, well-informed judgment with full knowledge and understanding of nature and goals of the position and of the program budget. The incumbent must use substantial judgment to interpret for Mission staff Agency guidelines, requirements, and agency policy and is expected to be a resource for Mission staff having questions about these guidelines.

Exercise of Judgment: Considerable judgment is required; the incumbent works with procurement-sensitive information and must be discrete in handling this information. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to the Agency's Code of Ethics and Conduct. The incumbent will have frequent contact with presidents and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of multimillion dollar global corporations, and board members of international corporations and is expected to represent the Agency's interests effectively in such fora.

Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Incumbent maintains day to day contacts with presidents and CEOs of multimillion dollar international corporations, USAID/Washington key officials, and board members of international corporations, and is expected to represent the Agency's interests effectively in such fora.

Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will not have a supervisory role.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit funds on behalf of the U.S. Government.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

All candidates must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be screened accordingly, and only those that meet the below, required criteria, will be moved forward in the recruitment process.

a) Education (15 points): A Master's degree in the field of Economics, Business Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Marketing, Communications, International Development, International Trade and Finance, Mergers and Acquisition, or related subject is required.

b) Prior Work Experience (20 points): The incumbent is required to have a minimum of seven (7) years of international development and corporate social responsibility work experience with increasingly responsible project management, project design, corporate social responsibility, and project/program development experience. Prior experience in corporate social responsibility working on building joint public-private sector programming from either the public or private sector is required. A thorough understanding of major problems frequently faced by transition economies and hands-on experience and knowledge of project development, management, and procurement policies, and procedures are preferred. Prior experience and/or technical knowledge in evaluating development activities are desirable. A sound, experience-based understanding of political, economic and development realities of Egypt would be a distinct advantage.

Knowledge from both the public and private sector side in building joint programs is highly desirable. The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in analysis of markets and policies in Egypt. The incumbent must have a proven track record in developing and closing deals in between the public and private sector on specific activities that advance efforts on behalf of both sectors. This may entail experience marketing and brokering international business transactions with business leaders, international NGOs, high-wealth individuals, and senior foreign government officials and bringing such transactions to closure.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

Upon closing of the solicitation, a committee will convene to review the applications. Applicants who meet the education & experience requirements, listed above in Section II, will be scored and ranked based on the following selection factors:

a) Education (15 points): A Master's degree in the field of Economics, Business Management, Business Administration, Public Policy, International Marketing, Communications, International Development, International Trade and Finance, Mergers and Acquisition, or related subject is required.

b) Prior Work Experience (20 points): The incumbent is required to have a minimum of seven (7) years of international development and corporate social responsibility work experience with increasingly responsible project management, project design, corporate social responsibility, and project/program development experience. Prior experience in corporate social responsibility working on building joint public-private sector programming from either the public or private sector is required. A thorough understanding of major problems frequently faced by transition economies and hands-on experience and knowledge of project development, management, and procurement policies, and procedures are preferred. Prior experience and/or technical knowledge in evaluating development activities are desirable. A sound, experience-based understanding of political, economic and development realities of Egypt would be a distinct advantage.

Knowledge from both the public and private sector side in building joint programs is highly desirable. The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in analysis of markets and policies in Egypt. The incumbent must have a proven track record in developing and closing deals in between the public and private sector on specific activities that advance efforts on behalf of both sectors. This may entail experience marketing and brokering international business transactions with business leaders, international NGOs, high-wealth individuals, and senior foreign government officials and bringing such transactions to closure.

c) Language (10 points): Candidates must be fluent in English. Given the nature of the position, effective written and oral communications skills are critical to perform successfully in the position. Proficiency in spoken Egyptian Arabic would be an advantage, but is not required.

d) Knowledge (25 points): The incumbent must know how to link the public and private sector, preferably from inception to closing deals and implementation of them. The incumbent must be skilled in project monitoring and evaluation methodologies, and some knowledge in the planning and budgeting processes. The incumbent should have thorough knowledge of the Government of Egypt (GOE) national development priorities, policies and procedures as well as the corporate/private sector in Egypt The incumbent should understand international development in the context of a lower-middle income country.

The incumbent should have private sector experience in developing and designing new program areas and/or corporate social responsibility.

e) Skills and Abilities (30 points): Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision or guidance is required. Strong interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain strong contacts with counterparts in the private sector as well as U.S.

government legislation relating to development assistance and corporate social responsibility. The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in analysis of development activities and policies. The following skills and abilities are also sought: strong quantitative and analytical skills, operational and management skills, computer skills including ease and skill in using word processing programs, email, databases and spreadsheets; manage more than one activity at a time in the performance of project/activity management; and the ability to conceptualize both strategically and pro grammatically. The Mission is seeking a self-starter to be responsive to client needs with the ability to work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure and adapt to the existing management team. In addition, the position will require an entrepreneurial, goal-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional bureaucratic problems in managing activities.

The above responsibilities require the incumbent to demonstrate highly developed professional judgment and to provide technical direction and management oversight.

Selection Factors Scoring Percentage

Education 15%

Prior Work Experience 20%

Language and Writing Proficiency 10%

Abilities & Skills 30%

Knowledge 25%

TOTAL 100%

* As per details reflected under Qualifications above.

OTHER REQillREMENTS:

The incumbent must be:

1. A U.S. citizen.

2. In possession of, or able to obtain, a "Facility Access" Security Clearance.

3. In possession of, or able to obtain, a State Department Medical Clearance for assignment to Cairo, Egypt. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Clearance will be provided.

4. Complete Foreign Affairs Counter-Threat (FACT) Training before arriving in Cairo.

IV. APPLYING

Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.

Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:

• Signed Form AID 309-2, Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (available at http://www.usaid.gov/formsO

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form AID 309-2 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc.

• Cover letter and a current resume/curriculum vita (CV). 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. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

• Applicants must provide a minimum of three and a maximum of five references within the last five years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant' s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

• A relevant writing sample, minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages;

• Applicants also must address the above Section III, EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS, in a summary statement to be included in the application.

This summary statement, limited to two pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The summary statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

• Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11.

• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

• Shortlisted applicants are invited for tests and/or interviews during this time frame. Due to the high volume of applications, only candidates who are shortlisted for a position are contacted for an interview. Please do not contact HR for a status report on your application once your application has been acknowledged. Interviewed candidates will normally be advised of the outcome of the selection process after a period of about four weeks.

NOTE: Experience and education which exceed the requirements set forth in the position description but which are not directly related to or required in the performance of expected duties

WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS JUSTIFICATION FOR UPGRADING THE POSITION OR

DESIGNATED SALARY AS SET BY THE CONTRACTING OFFICER.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer or his designee informs the successful Off eror about being selected for a contract award, the CO or his designee will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

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

1. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

2. Application for Federal Employment (AID 309-2)

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

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

5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

6. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

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 (USPSCs only)

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance ( c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation ( e) Annual and Sick Leave

(f) Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (USPSCs only)

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

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu _ id= 101

(a) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(b) Sunday Premium Pay, and ( c) Payments during Evacuation/ Authorized Departure (Section 600) ( d) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) when employees spend 4 hours or more anywhere in Egypt on official travel.

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:

IO

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," available at https:/ /www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar 0.pdf .

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .

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 5 CFR 2635.

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