U. S. Personal Service Contractor Offshore Hire Senior Private Sector Development Advisor, USAID/Armenia

ISSUANCE DATE: August 27, 2010   
CLOSING DATE:  September 27, 2010, 5:00pm Eastern

SUBJECT:  Solicitation No. 111-10-006 for U.S. Personal Service Contractor - Offshore Hire Senior Private Sector Development Advisor, USAID/Armenia

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications
(Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Private
Sector Development Advisor at USAID/Armenia, under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation.
Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.
Send one set of U.S. Government OF 612 or SF 171. Resumes may be attached to the SF 171 or OF 612 and applicants are
encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications
and evaluation criteria. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered.  These signed forms OF 612 or SF 171
must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) by the closing date and time specified in
 this solicitation to:

Attn. Narine Sarkisian, Acquisition Specialist
USAID/Armenia
1 American Avenue
Yerevan 0082, Armenia 
Fax: + (37410) 46-47-28
E-mail: nsarkisian@usaid.gov

Any attachments provided via e-mail shall be in Microsoft Word 2003 or pdf format, and not zipped. Note that attachments
to e-mail must not exceed 3 MB in size. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany
their applications. 

Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to:

Narine Sarkisian, USAID/Armenia Acquisition Specialist,
nsarkisian@usaid.gov

Armen Yeghiazarian, USAID/Armenia Acquisition Specialist ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov

Telephone: +(37410) 49-44-66, or +(37410) 49-43-64, 
Fax: +(37410) 46-47-28

Sincerely,

Narine Sarkisian
Acquisition Specialist
USAID/Armenia

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) - Offshore Hire, Senior Private Sector Development Advisor, USAID/Armenia

SOLICITATION NUMBER:     111-10-006     

ISSUANCE DATE:                08/27/2010                     

CLOSING DATE/TIME:         09/27/2010, 5:00pm Eastern

POSITION TITLE:             Senior Private Sector Development Advisor,       USAID/Armenia

MARKET VALUE:                GS-14 ($84,697-$110,104 per annum) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate's past salary,and educational background, 
work history and qualifications. This position is taxable.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:         24 months

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:          Yerevan, Armenia

SECURITY ACCESS:                   Secret

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:        U.S. Citizens
 

I. POSITION DESCRIPTION            

1. Introduction:  USAID/Armenia is recruiting a Senior Private Sector Development Advisor in its Economic Growth Office
for a two-year personal services contract to serve as technical and policy advisor for the USAID/Armenia economic growth
program and for projects managed by the EGO.  The Advisor will help develop and manage new EGO private sector development
project(s).

The Advisor serves as a recognized expert in private sector development, with substantial experience in innovation,
science and technology and SME development. The Advisor provides technical advice and leadership in the formulation,
development, design, implementation, and monitoring of the USAID/Armenia economic growth program.

2. Major Duties and Responsibilities
A.   Technical Leadership in Strategic Planning, Program Development, and Project Design

1) Within EGO, the Advisor provides strategic, technical, and organizational leadership.  As a key Advisor, the
incumbent collaborates with EGO staff in managing specific components of the Office and Mission strategy, and in meeting
measurable objectives.  The incumbent's recognized expertise in all areas of private sector development will have a
powerful influence on strategic planning, program development, and project design.

2) Serves as a key advisor in developing new Mission economic growth interventions.  In this respect, the Advisor is
closely involved with host-country officials and implementing partners (IPs) in the development of new projects, writing
requests for proposals and/or assistance, and other procurement mechanisms consistent with GoAM economic development
initiatives, and USAID goals as outlined in the economic growth results framework. 

3) The Advisor prepares all USAID related documents (project concepts, approval papers and associated documents,
and scopes of work) for economic growth projects, and contributes research on political, social, cultural, and economic
factors pertaining to private sector development in Armenia. 

4) The Advisor develops and sustains close collaborative, professional relationships with senior GoAM officials,
business and association leaders, civic organization leaders, donors, international organizations, and leading economic
development research institutions.

5) The Advisor represents EGO to USAID stakeholders and external development partners in a wide variety of fora,
including events sponsored by USAID development partners, conferences, workshops, donor subgroup meetings, and other
relevant forums on economic development.  The Advisor collaborates with the host-country government on project design
and implementation, ensuring that host-country officials at the highest levels are apprised of program progress.

6) The Advisor ensures effective coordination of USAID-funded activities with other donors in Armenia, and promotes
the expansion of effective strategies and approaches that may expand the coverage and quality of economic development
assistance.

7) The Advisor engages with the GDA Specialist to dialogue with corporations and with philanthropic organizations,
in order to build public/private alliances, including exploring ways in which to leverage private funding to complement
USAID efforts to expand the coverage and quality of economic development assistance to Armenia.

8)  The Advisor advises senior Mission management, and other senior USG officials as requested, on specific areas
related to areas of personal technical expertise and responsibilities.

9) The Advisor seeks opportunities for intersectional approaches and complementariness within the other USAID/Armenia
technical teams.

B.  Program/Project Management and Administration

The Advisor is expected to perform the functions of COTR/AOTR, as designated by the Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer,
for the management of contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements.  The Advisor may supervise, as delegated by the
EGO Director, one or more COTRs/AOTRs, and, in addition, the Advisor will assists the EGO Director in managing and
administering the relevant project(s).  Specific duties may include:

1) Overseeing implementation of USAID/Armenia economic growth activities, as delegated by the EGO Director;

2) Ensuring that projects achieve their intended results, providing technical and organizational leadership in
the development, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of projects, and ensuring that IPs meet their
agreed-upon benchmark requirements;

3) Conducting and coordinating assessments and site visits to monitor programs and IP, stakeholder,
and counterpart progress in the implementation of projects;

4) Providing technical advice to IPs, grantees, GoAM officials, and other stakeholders as warranted;

5) Collaborating with other donors and organizations in the economic growth sector to ensure synergy of projects
 with those of other organizations;

6) Supporting alternate AOTR/COTR for financial matters related to projects, such as providing administrative approval
of vouchers, planning and preparing for annual incremental funding amendments, and other financial administrative
activities as needed, to ensure that fiscal requirements and the needs of IPs are met in a timely manner;

7) Preparing and submitting the annual evaluation of contractor performance;

8)  Developing monitoring and evaluation plans, as needed, and coordinating with the respective COTR/AOTR and the
Program Office to insure compliance with USG regulations; and,

9)  Reviewing the USAID Automated Directive Systems (ADS) to insure compliance of all activities under the charge of
the incumbent and providing recommendations to the EGO Director for improved performance of other EGO activities.

C.  Program/Policy Analysis and Reporting

1) The Advisor ensures that activities are appropriately documented in required reports, and through regular updates
given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including the Mission Strategic Plan, Operational Plan,
Portfolio Reviews, Annual Budget reviews and periodic pipeline reviews, Congressional Budget Justifications, and briefs
and talking points. 
 
2) The Advisor ensures indicators to measure program impact are tracked accurately and used to revise strategy
as necessary.  The Advisor coordinates with EGO staff to ensure data submitted on projects are complete and consistent for
reporting in the annual report, portfolio reviews, annual budget, pipeline analyses, and other required reporting.

3) The Advisor keeps the Office abreast of current events in Armenia that impact on its mission or cooperation.
The Advisor advises the EGO Director and other Office staff of developments relevant to the economic growth project
implementation, conducts consultations with stakeholders and tracks legislative developments, and collects, analyzes,
and synthesizes information to inform and strategically guide program planning.
 
4) The Advisor prepares concept papers and other relevant documents, and initiates and describes project ideas and
initiatives in accordance with the ADS, CAS, results framework, the current environment within Armenia, the institutional
capabilities and purposes of potential USAID recipients, resource availability, and funding sources.

D. COTR/AOTR Responsibilities 

The Advisor may be assigned to serve as COTR/AOTR, as designated by the Contracting Officer/Agreement Officer for the
 management of contracts, grants, and/or cooperative agreements and/or as alternate COTR/AOTR.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.

3. Supervisory Controls

The Advisor will work under the general supervision and policy guidance of the EGO Director.  The EGO Director will review
and approve the Advisor's work plan and performance measures.  Supervision will be generally confined to weekly staff
meetings and informal daily and/or weekly consultations.

4. Supervision/Oversight over Others

May supervise professional and administrative FSN personnel in the office as delegated by the EGO Director. On occasion
may be called upon to serve as the acting Economic Growth Office Director when the EGO Director is out of the country or
on leave.

5. Qualifications/Selection Criteria:

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria.  Reference checks will seek to
corroborate candidate self-assessments against these criteria.
 
A. Education (10 points): A Masters Degree in the field of Economics, Business Management, Business and/or
Administration, International Marketing, International Trade and Finance, or related subject is required with strong
technical emphasis or specialization in the areas of enterprise development (cluster competitiveness and value chain
development), trade and investment, business services, and/or SME access to finance. 

Training in the areas of economic governance policies (tax policy, trade and investment policy, policies and regulations
regarding quality, health, and safety standards, business registration and licensing) is a plus.

B Economic Development experience and knowledge (50 points): The incumbent is required to have a minimum of 5 to
eight years of economic development experience - including at least 4 years experience as a program/project manager
with International Organizations - with increasingly responsible project development, design, and management experience.

Knowledge of project development, management, performance monitoring and reporting, and procurement policies and
procedures are required.  Prior experience and/or technical knowledge in evaluating economic growth projects are strongly
desired.

A thorough understanding of major economic challenges frequently faced by transition economies and hands-on experience
is required. 

Experience in forming and managing public-private partnerships is highly desirable.

Previous experience in developing/transitioning economies managing or implementing enterprise development activities
and expanding SME's access to finance is required.

Broad experience in the areas of business development services, enterprise development (cluster competitiveness,
value chain development, etc.), business advocacy, and private sector growth-enabling economic policies is highly desired.

C. Communication skills (15 points):  Demonstrated communications skills are critical.  Candidate must be fluent
in English and have a proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including
in preparation of technical reports and presentations and briefings.

The applicant should have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and deliver authoritative,
persuasive oral presentations to senior USG officials from multiple agencies, other donors, GOAM, and local governments.

The applicant must also have the ability to explain Armenia's economic growth program policies, objectives and procedures
as well as U.S. government priorities relating to economic growth assistance to technical and non-technical colleagues.

D Abilities and Skills (25 points):  Proven, demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed upon parameters
with minimal supervision or guidance and while exercising sound judgment is required.

Experience in initiating and brokering policy dialogue and work plan development and bringing such dialogue with senior
government officials, policy makers, NGOs and private sector representatives to closure is required.

Strong interpersonal skills are required to establish and maintain collaborative relations with counterparts and work as
a team player.

The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skill in the analysis of statistical
business, lending, public policy, and market-related data for decision making.

The following skills and abilities are also sought: operational and management skills; computer skills including ease
and skill in using word processing and PowerPoint, e-mail, databases and spreadsheets; and the ability to conceptualize
both strategically and programmatically with sound writing capabilities.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to manage more than one activity at a time in the performance of
project/activity management.

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.

Maximum points available: 100

6. Exercise of Judgment:  The incumbent is required to exercise extensive, consistent and superior judgment in executing
all aspects of his/her work, works with minimal supervision, and exercises wide latitude in planning and executing
assignments. This includes deciding on the approaches to be taken, proactively identifying problems before they occur or in
their early stages of development, resolving problems and conflicts, and interacting with senior leadership of corporations.
This position requires substantive situational assessment, interpretation, judgment, and timely decision making.
7. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no authority to make any resource commitments or commit U.S.
Government (USG) Mission funds on behalf of the U.S. Government, USAID/Armenia or the USAID Office of the Director.
However, he/she may make recommendations to senior-level USAID management on a range of issues. These recommendations will
carry significant weight, and will generally be followed if supported by adequate analysis and justification

II. TERM OF PERFORMANCE/COMPENSATION: 
The base term of the contract will be for two (2) years with a possible extension based on USG requirements and incumbent
performance. The position has been classified as equivalent to a US Government Civil Service grade of GS-14. The actual
salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary
history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to
fully perform at the GS-14-equivalent level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position.
However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be at less than the GS-14 pay band. 
In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and
subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees, will be added.

III. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES: 

The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a background security clearance and a worldwide available medical
clearance.  The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government
agency.  Details on how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit clearance will be provided once a job offer is
made and accepted.

IV. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore US PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
 
A. BENEFITS:
 
Employee's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Salary Increase    
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual & Sick Leave
Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service (if applicable)

B. 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) and
     Danger Pay (Section 650)
     Educational Allowance (Section 270)
     Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
     Educational Travel (Section 280)
 
C. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

V. APPLYING

Qualified individuals are requested to submit:

1. A completed and signed U.S. Government Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171 available at the USAID websites:
http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or
at Federal offices (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail). Applicants are encouraged to include
additional pages to OF-612 to provide complete information on their work experience; 
2. A curriculum vitae and a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum
qualifications and evaluation criteria;
3. A relevant writing sample, minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages;
4. Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references, who are not family members or relatives,
with working telephone and e-mail contacts.  The references must be able to provide substantive information about your
past performance (if possible for the last ten years), and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous
employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of
the application.
5. Applications may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing time and date to:  

Narine Sarkisian
Acquisition Specialist
USAID/Armenia
1 American Avenue
Yerevan 0082, Armenia 
Fax: + (37410) 46-47-28

    Or e-mail:
               nsarkisian@usaid.gov
and
               ayeghiazarian@usaid.gov
 
All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. Applications received after the
submission date and time shall be considered late and will not be considered for award. Equipment failures by the
applicant networks or potential employer are not acceptable reasons for late submission.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your
application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The selection will be based on the panel evaluation of the
applicants vis-à-vis selection criteria mentioned previously. Only qualified candidates meeting all the requirements
for the position will be contacted. Applicants should also note that the salary history for the purpose of the OF-612
is the salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.
Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the forms. Applications that are received without
a signature will not be considered for the position.

USAID reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. 

Point of Contact:
Narine Sarkisian, USAID/Armenia Acquisition Specialist, nsarkisian@usaid.gov

VI. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/
 
   1. Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171.
   2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS 1843 and DS 1622 Forms).**
   3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)
      (SF-86), or **
   4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **
   5. Finger Print Card (SF-258). **
 
** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the
successful candidate for the job.
 
VII. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCS
 
1. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) and CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) contain changes
to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts.  Please refer to this
website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs
apply to this contract.

2. AIDAR:  The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts
With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf
is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.