SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Safety Net Advisor
- Notice Date
- 4/23/2004
- Notice Type
- Solicitation Notice
- NAICS
- 541618
— Other Management Consulting Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Ethiopia USAID-Addis Ababa, Dept. of State, Washington, DC, 20521-2030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-2030
- Solicitation Number
- 663-E-04-0022
- Response Due
- 5/25/2004
- Archive Date
- 6/9/2004
- Point of Contact
- Douglass Arbuckle, Supervisory Executive Officer, Phone 011-251-1-510088, Fax 011-251-1-510043, - Douglass Arbuckle, Supervisory Executive Officer, Phone 011-251-1-510088, Fax 011-251-1-510043,
- E-Mail Address
-
darbuckle@usaid.gov, darbuckle@usaid.gov
- Description
- USAID/ETHIOIPIA Safety Net Advisor Solicitation Number 663-E-04-0022 Issuance Date: April 26, 2004 Closing Date: May 25,2004 5:30 PM Addis Ababa Time SUBJECT Request for Applications, Solicitation No.: 663-E-04-0022 The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Ethiopia is seeking applications (Optional Form (OF-612 or Standard Form 171) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described below. Submissions shall be in accordance with the information below at the place and time specified. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to R. Douglass Arbuckle, Executive Officer, USAID/Ethiopia, who may be reached by phone at (251-1) 510088,fax at (251 1)510043, or by e-mail at darbuckle@usaid.gov. All applications shall be submitted by post, e-mail or facsimile with reference to the solicitation number above. If via courier/international post, send to: USAID/Ethiopia/EXO [663-E-04-0022] P.O. Box 1014 Riverside Building Off Haile Gebre Sellassie Road Addis Ababa, Ethiopia If via U.S. mail, send to: USAID/Ethiopia/EXO [663-E-04-0022] 2030 Addis Ababa Place Washington, D.C. 20521-2030 If sent via facsimile, use the number provided above. Late applications shall not be accepted under any circumstances Applicants are requested to provide their full mailing address (fax, telephone and e-mail where applicable). USAID/Ethiopia reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. Applicants should retain for their records, copies of all enclosures that accompany their proposals. Sincerely Douglass Arbuckle Executive Officer USAID/Ethiopia 1. Solicitation Number 663-E-04-0022 2. Issuance Date: April 26, 2004 3. Closing Date: May 25, 2004 at 5:30 P.M Addis Ababa time. 4. Position Title: Safety Net Advisor 5. Market Value: $62,905 to $81,778 per annum [GS-13 equiv.] Final compensation will be based on the individual's salary and work history, experience and educational background. 6. Period of performance: One year, starting on or about July 19, 2004; dependent on completion of medical and "employment authorization? clearances start date could be advanced upon mutual agreement. 7. Place of Performance: USAID/Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 8. Scope of Work: A. Background of the Project As a member of USAID/Ethiopia?s Office of Food and Humanitarian Assistance (FHA), the incumbent will serve as Safety Net Advisor (SNA) to the Mission. The SNA will provide expertise in guiding the integration and effective utilization of ?safety nets? into the Mission?s overall strategy, especially focusing on activities managed by the FHA office. The SNA will also be the primary point of contact for food security matters on the FHA team, and will represent USAID/Ethiopia in broader donor and government safety net and food security initiatives. This position is open to US citizens, TCNs and eligible family members. The Safety Net Program currently being designed for Ethiopia is based on the idea that the predictably vulnerable require predictable assistance if they are to protect-- or rebuild-- assets, and that providing consistent, multi-year assistance to vulnerable households in ways which strengthen their and their communities? coping abilities is necessary to re-attain and maintain food security in the long-term. The safety net program, focusing more on mechanisms than objectives, is designed around three basic transfer mechanisms: Unconditional transfers, Conditional Transfers, and Public Works. Labor intensive public works are meant to provide resource transfers to chronically food insecure families capable of providing labor. Conditional transfers are meant to provide transfers to support or enable positive behaviors (education, skills transfer, training, health practices). Unconditional transfers are meant to provide transfers to labor-poor chronically vulnerable households unlikely to benefit from Conditional Transfer activities. The use of safety nets has been integrated throughout USAID/Ethiopia?s new strategic framework, but is more focused on the Intermediate Result (IR) to protect, diversify and expand livelihoods under the Strategic Objective (SO) Private-Sector Led Economic Growth. This approach reflects the Mission?s significant experience with famine mitigation in Ethiopia, and its work over the past four years to develop innovative program approaches to addressing both emergency and chronic food insecurity during and between periods of shock in Ethiopia. The use of safety nets also reflects a growing consensus among the government, donor, and Mission implementing partners that ?predictable? food insecurity and vulnerability cannot be addressed through emergency programming, and that the growing numbers of chronically food insure in all regions of Ethiopia present pressing justification for the design of dramatically different approach to reducing food insecurity here. B. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: The position is the Safety Net Advisor (SNA). The SNA will be a part of the USAID/Ethiopia?s Food and Humanitarian Assistance (FHA) team, and will work with all Mission strategic objectives (SO) teams, as well as contributing to related crosscutting theme activities. The SNA will directly support senior Mission management as well as relevant offices in the Embassy in formulating and articulating appropriate food security strategy policy and activities to address vulnerability among the chronically food insecure, including the development and utilization of safety nets. The SNA will contribute to the Mission?s work in food security policy dialogue, including the ongoing design and integration of a safety net approach, with senior officials of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (GFDRE), other donor agencies, and USAID partner organizations. In addition, the SNA will also guide and monitor USAID?s P.L. 480, Title II supported developmental relief programs. In particular, the SNA will have an important role in reorienting Title II programming to support and participate in the GFDRE?s Safety Net Program currently under design. The incumbent will be required to have a demonstrated in depth knowledge and experience in safety net concepts and applications, food security and related technical fields. The incumbent will have the ability to work independently with very minimal supervision, and possess strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills to bring to bear on contacts and negotiations with senior-level representatives of the GFDRE, other donor agencies, and USAID partner organizations. C. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The SNA will report to the Chief of the FHA Office at USAID/Ethiopia. S/he will provide in-depth briefings on safety net and food security issues for the Ambassador and Mission staff and may receive guidance from senior Mission management as the situation warrants. The FHA Office Chief will provide operational guidance, including developing a quarterly work plan based on Mission requirements. The SNA will be expected to work independently with minimal supervision over extended periods, within the framework of the work plan. The incumbent will not have direct supervisory duties. D. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Specific responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following: 1. Stay abreast of current GFDRE and donor thinking with regard to chronic and cyclic food insecurity in Ethiopia, including: Overall food security policy, strategy and programs GFDRE safety net programming The division of the chronic and acute caseloads between the DPPC and Food Security Offices Cash based relief and livelihood programming These tasks will require senior level contacts in both the GFDRE and donor community, including active participation with Ethiopia?s Coalition for Food Security. The SNA is expected to also remain generally informed of the latest in food security and vulnerability professional literature, specifically as regards safety nets. 2. Report periodically to the USAID Mission senior management team on the development and implementation of safety nets within both Mission and GFDRE programs and provide related recommendations. The incumbent will report to the FHA Office Chief, and, as appropriate, directly to the Director and Deputy Director on specific assignments, keeping the FHA Office Chief informed. Position and briefing papers will be timely and of the highest quality level, researching and identifying potential problems, optional courses of action, and policy recommendations. 3. Network with the GFDRE and other donors at senior levels with regard to safety net matters in an effort to adopt common approaches, identify issues, set the policy agenda, and propose recommended solutions acceptable to key stakeholders. The SNA will represent USAID/Ethiopia senior management in working level meetings below the Ministerial/Ambassadorial level, except as otherwise instructed. 4. Take a lead role in safety net-related coordination meetings, in close collaboration with the GFDRE and donors involved in the effort. The SNA will be expected to assist in coordinating meetings, and participate in dialogue, decision-making, and follow-up. 5. Actively participate as a member of the GFDRE led multi-agency safety net design group. The SNA will be expected to assist in coordinating meetings, and participate in dialogue, decision-making, and follow-up. The SNA will work towards coordinating donor and Food Security Office (FSO)/DPPC responses to develop an appropriate and sustainable solution to chronic and cyclic food insecurity through minimizing food aid distributions and refocusing efforts on asset building. 6. Represent USAID/Ethiopia at other food security forums, e.g. the Food Security and Agriculture Committee of the Donor Advisory Group (DAG). 7. Analyze and write regular updates of progress in food security policy and safety net development for dissemination through Mission channels, including the USAID-funded FEWS NET newsletter. The objective of these updates will be to broaden general awareness and to increase GFDRE, other donor agency, and USAID partner organization involvement. 8. Participate fully and, as necessary, provide oversight to safety net related programs and activities under the Mission?s long-term goal, objectives, and results framework. This will include guiding and monitoring the Mission?s P.L. 480, Title II supported developmental relief programs. Keep the FHA Office Chief, the Director and Deputy Director apprised of progress and issues impeding results. 9. Work closely with Food Security Offices to build capacity to implement food and cash-based safety net programs on a multi-annual basis. This will involve intensive collaboration between the DPPC and the FSO to begin to identify the chronic and acute caseload among other tasks. USAID Core Values The SNA is responsible for understanding and incorporating the USAID core values in all aspects of his/her work. These core values are: 1. Customer Focus: Identifies and communicates with USAID customers regularly (ideally, in their preferred language); surveys their interests, needs and recommendations; follows up on communications and information received from and about the customers. Ensures that customers' needs and thinking are included in all activities undertaken and that, where possible, customers are involved in key decisions. Surveys customer satisfaction periodically and serves as a knowledgeable advocate for customer service with other USAID employees and partners. 2. Teamwork and Participation: Contributes to strategic planning, performance monitoring, and major program decisions of the SO team. Demonstrates ownership of the teams' plans, performance, and decisions. Proactively participates in team processes and activities. Includes other team members, customers and partners and assists in their understanding and participation in teamwork and the team's goals, performance, and decisions. Assumes responsibility for specific results assigned by the team. 3. Results Orientation: Reviews baseline information against which to plan actions and identify targets and milestones. Defines specific operational and program results needed for his/her area of responsibility. Puts a strategic plan in place and uses it as a framework for decisions. Reviews progress against targets and milestones regularly; takes needed action to modify plans when necessary and to maintain actions to accomplish the desired results within the time frame planned when possible. Serves as a knowledgeable advocate for the results orientation with other USAID employees and partners. 4. Empowerment and Accountability: Emphasizes results rather than oversight, and service outreach rather than internal control, in carrying out his/her responsibilities. Is clear about his/her own performance standards. Participates in defining objectives, reviewing performance, and upholding accountability for the accomplishment of objectives. C. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS This position requires a combination of high-level technical, analytical, communication and managerial skills combined with senior-level public diplomacy skills. The following specific qualifications are necessary: 1. Education: An advance degree directly related to international development assistance, with an emphasis on broad issues of food security. 2. Professional Experience: A minimum of seven years experience working with donors in relevant areas, including rural development, agricultural development, food aid assistance, and poverty reduction. Experience directly involving, or in support of, donor-government relations will be given extra weight, as will experience working with USAID. Extensive experience designing and implementing safety net programming and work with chronically food insecure is a considerable plus. At least three years direct experience working in "Horn of Africa." Extra weight will be given to experience directly concerning food security issues. Proficiency in computer word processing, spreadsheet and statistical analysis software is essential. 3. The ability to work with a variety of development sectors, as reflected by the Mission strategy and in a cross-cultural context with foreign nationals are required. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Amharic language skill at the conversational level will be an advantage. Other Requirements: The selected applicant must be able to obtain required USAID security and medical clearances. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following: Benefits Employee's FICA contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary Increase Eligibility for Workers Compensation Annual and Sick Leave. Shipment and storage of Household effects Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle) R&R, dependent travels and other Off-shore benefits and allowances as Permitted for USAID direct hires Allowances Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) (5%) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Education Allowance (Section 270) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (20%) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) Danger Pay (Section 650) LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 162 Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)** Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)(SF-86)**, or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)** Finger Print Card (FD-258)** Note: Form 5 is available from the requirement office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) ** The forms listed as 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process ? Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens. 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) under Appendix D or Appendix J of the AIDAR. 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process ? Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process ? Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens 00-05 Personal Services Contract (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for PSCs 99-22 PSC Policy 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-19 Home Leave Under U.S. Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for U.S. PSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for US PSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs. 97-20 Requirement for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses to USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for other Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less. 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) ? Leave 94-09 Sunday pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately-Owned Vehicles.
- Place of Performance
- Address: USAID/Ethiopia/EXO [663-E-04-0022], P.O. Box 1014, Riverside Building, Off Haile Gebre Sellassie Road, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, , If via U.S. mail, send to:, , USAID/Ethiopia/EXO [663-E-04-0022], 2030 Addis Ababa Place, Washington, D.C. 20521-2030
- Zip Code: 1014
- Country: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Zip Code: 1014
- Record
- SN00571547-W 20040425/040423211526 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
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