Loren Data's SAM Daily™

FBO DAILY ISSUE OF AUGUST 27, 2004 FBO #1005
SOLICITATION NOTICE

R -- Chief Financial Accountant PSC

Notice Date

8/25/2004
 

Notice Type

Solicitation Notice
 

NAICS

561110 — Office Administrative Services
 

Contracting Office

Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Iraq (CPA) USAID-Baghdad, Department of State, APO, AE, 09335
 

ZIP Code

09335
 

Solicitation Number

267-R-00-04-00146
 

Response Due

9/13/2004
 

Archive Date

9/13/2004
 

Point of Contact

Marilynn Bianco, Contracting Officer, Phone 202-216-6276, ext. 1116, Fax 703-270-0370, - Alvera Reichert, Contracting Officer , Phone 202-216-6289 ext. 107, Fax 202-216-6289,
 

E-Mail Address

mbianco2@usaid.gov, areichert@usaid.gov
 

Description

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 267-R-00-04-00146 ISSUANCE DATE: August 24 ,2004 CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:September 13, 2004; 8:00 pm Iraq local time (+3 hours GMT). POSITION TITLE: Chief Financial Accountant MARKET VALUE: GS?13 ($62,905 to $81,778). PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE One year with two option years based on program needs and performance. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Baghdad, Iraq. SECURITY ACCESS: To be determined. AREA OF CONSIDERATION US. Citizens & Third Country Nationals. POSITION DESCRIPTION: Chief Accountant, USAID/IRAQ Financial Management Office I. INTRODUCTION This position is located in Financial Management Office, USAID/Iraq. The USAID program in Iraq consists of emergency relief, humanitarian assistance and reconstruction activities currently valued at $4.6 billion, implemented through large, complex contracts and grants. The USAID/Iraq Administrative budgets for FYs 04 and 05 (including USAID/Washington and regional funding) are $88.4 million and $87.3 respectively. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Chief Accountant, and is an advisor to the Controller and Deputy Controller, Mission Management and USAID/W on all aspects of USAID/Iraq?s accounting and reporting systems. This position is initially offered for a 12-month period, with the potential of a 24 month extension in the form of two 1 year options. As a USAID employee, the incumbent carries responsibility to understand and incorporate the Agency?s five core values in all aspects of his/her work. These core values are: (1) Customer focus, (2) Results orientation, (3) Empowerment and accountability, (4) Teamwork and participation, and (5) Valuing Diversity. II. OBJECTIVE The incumbent supervises a staff of up to five financial personnel (includes TCNs and FSNs), and will be responsible for training the new foreign Service National (FSN) financial management staff for the mission. The Chief Accountant will expedite the training and capabilities of the FSNs. This will enable USAID/Iraq to continue to increase and improve Financial Management services and operations as we transition to a fully operating accounting station. Reports directly to the Controller and Deputy Controller of USAID/Iraq and serves as the principal expert for all budgeting, accounting, and payments functions for USAID/Iraq. The incumbent provides professional advice to USAID/Iraq and client Mission staff on USAID accounting and financial regulations, and performs accounting duties of broad scope and complexity in the financial implementation of program Activities III. DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES a. Supervise all budget and accounting functions in FMO, USAID/Iraq. (25%) This includes project accounting, administrative expense accounting, voucher examination and cashier operations. As such, the Chief Accountant will: -Administer a comprehensive accounting, reporting and budgeting system designed to provide senior mission management and USAID/W with timely financial information for making operating decisions. -Participate in the planning, installation and maintenance of an adequate system of internal control for the processing, accounting and reporting of all USAID obligation/liquidation actions. -Supervise the analysis and reconciliation of all of different program and administrative accounts with State, DOD and USAID/W. -Performs extensive analysis and participates in quarterly accruals, annual budget requirements, 1311 reviews, and makes recommendations where applicable. -Participate in the formulations and preparation of the quarterly program and administrative expense budget. Provides fiscal data and cost factors needed for the budget formulation and estimates. Closely monitors the program and administrative budgets and makes proactive recommendations to Mission management to ensure sufficient funds are available and use effectively and in accordance with intended purposes. b. Supervision, Management and Training Duties (25%) The incumbent supervises, manages and trains four to five FSN accountants and financial management staff. This requires developing, implementing and monitoring long-term and weekly work plans to meet the needs of FMO and the Mission. To complement this work plan, the Supervisor will develop and implement individual training plans which include on-the-job and formal training lessons in Iraq, Jordan and other locations. An in-depth tracking sheet of the status of the work and training plan will be developed and maintained by the supervisor. The Supervisor will also coordinate with the Iraq Financial Management Office in Amman to ensure the most cost effective procedures and systems are in place for financial analysis and vouchering needs. c. Reporting and Tracking requirements (20%) Supervises the preparation and reconciliation of in-depth weekly and monthly program and administrative reports which are provided to USAID/W, DOD, State Department, OMB and Congress in order to closely track USAID?s progress. This includes developing and managing an elaborate tracking and data base to ensure USAID data and reports agrees with other USG accounts and transactions. In addition, the Chief Accountant will be required to prepare immediate financial information and reports to support USAID/W, Government of Iraq, DOD, State Department, OMB, Implementing Partners, and all others. d. Coordination with USAID/W and Regional Accounting Office(10%) Coordinates accounting and financial operations with USAID/W and the regional accounting office to assure that the accounting ledgers, reports, and supporting records and files are current, accurate, and complete. This will include taking any appropriate actions to correct internal control weaknesses while ensuring the most cost effective operations are in place. e. Leads the quarterly accrual and 1311 review process to ensure it is accurate & timely. (10%) f. Other Responsibilities (10%) Establishes cost effective systems to insure the payment function is accurate and reconciled to the accounting system and is in compliance with USAID regulations. Based on accounting expertise and profound knowledge of USAID activities and regulations, provides guidance and assists Mission Management, Support and Technical Offices, Implementing Partners and others EXO staff in supporting them in implementing the current portfolion. IV. QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: Education (15 Points): The successful candidate must possess a minimum of a bachelor?s degree, or equivalent, in a relevant major (accounting, business management and/or finance). Advanced studies (Master?s degree) and coursework in a related field is preferred but is not required. An additional four years of experience or two years of non-degree coursework may be substituted for a Master?s degree. Experience (20 Points): A minimum of Five years of progressively more responsible experience in designing, implementing and maintaining operating expense or administrative funds accounting systems. Demonstrated experience in managing operating expense funds and performing budget analysis is preferred. A minimum of three years experience in a financial management office Is highly desired, since the successful candidate must immediately be familiar with the financial management policies, procedures and systems. Experience with USAID or similar organization is preferred. Language Proficiency (10 Points): Level IV ability (fluent) in English is required. Skill in written English is particularly important. Knowledge of Arabic would be useful but is not required. Knowledge (15 Points): A comprehensive knowledge of financial systems management and implementation is required. An understanding of accounting and payment operations and the systems supporting such operations in a USAID mission and/or international organization is highly desirable. Familiarity with the accounting policy, procedural, reporting requirements and familiarity with other relevant policies and regulations as well as contracting regulations, requirements and conventions are highly desirable. Knowledge of development project planning and implementation procedures and of organization and operations is desirable. Knowledge of management of development and humanitarian programs is desired. Skills and Abilities (20 Points): Candidate must possess sound and independent judgment with the skills to strategize, develop and effectively implement financial systems in a heavy workload/high stress environment. He/she must be able to successfully convey systems and accounting issues to Mission management and propose well-developed recommendations and solutions for resolving such issues. Ability to understand the capabilities and limitations of the financial accounting systems is a must, as are effective trouble-shooting skills. Initiative and resourcefulness to identify and evaluate accounting policies and practices requiring correction and/or modification, and to formulate and implement effective solutions. Ability to perform in a team spirit and to maintain cordial and professional relationships with USAID staff in Baghdad and Jordan are essential. Excellent interpersonal skills and a genuine interest in supporting the Baghdad Mission staff with expedient program implementation are necessary. A high degree of professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in representing the USG are essential elements of the position given the sensitivity of USG policy in the region. Candidate will have outside contact with development partners and the banking community in Iraq and Jordan. Demonstrated ability to work in teams (i.e., team player skills) and commitment to the team mode of operation, with proven organizational and administrative skills is required. Supervision and Management Responsibilities (20 Points): Ability to work independently with minimal supervision from the Controller Iraq, FM and supervises and train local FSN Voucher Examiners, Financial Analysts and a Cashier at different levels. V. SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: The incumbent is expected to act independently with minimal supervision by the Chief of Financial Operations, and may be called upon to serve as the Acting Deputy Controller of the Iraq FM support unit, in the absence of the Deputy Controller. VI. COMPENSATION The term of the contract will be for one year from on/about October 15, 2004 to on/about October 14, 2005 which may be extended for another two years upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS 13. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. VII. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.) A. BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service Shipment and Storage of Household Effects Shipment of POV Dependent travel and other offshore benefits 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) **** Iraq Benefits Package is is offered iAW uSAID Mission Policy and Department of the State Regulations. Current benefits offered: 25% Danger pay, 25% Post Differential, Rest & Relaxation Break(s)(R&R), Regional Rest Break(s) (RRB). RRB and R&R benefits depend on the length of tour. C. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs and TCNPSC green card holders are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. VIII. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 which are available at the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal offices. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Fernando Cossich Executive Officer USAID Iraq Email: fcossich@usaid.gov All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. 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 highest ranking may be selected for the position without interview. Point of Contact Jim Redder, Controller, Phone (in Iraq) - (+1) 202-216-6276 #1008; Fax (+1) 202-216-62-893 Email: jredder@usaid.gov; Fernando Cossich, Executive Officer, Phone (in Iraq) ? (+1) 202-216-6276 #1008; Fax (+1) 202-216-62-893 Email: fcossich@usaid.gov . IX. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS: Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).** 3. AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action)** 4. SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)** 5. FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 each** 6. AID 610-14 (Authority for Release of Information)** 7. AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)** 8. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended** 9. Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974** ** Forms 2 through 9 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Note: The selected individual shall be required to obtain a security clearance. All dependents who will be on the Contractor?s orders must also be able to obtain medical clearances. X. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS: CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs, which can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf NOTE: Alvera Reichert phone number is changed to 202-216-6276, ext 1109. Email is preferred method of contact since fax machine does not properly work in the Iraq environment.
 

Place of Performance

Address: USAID-IRAQ, BAGHDAD, IRAQ, APO AE 09316

Zip Code: 09316

Country: IRAQ
 

Record

SN00653208-W 20040827/040826074117 (fbodaily.com)
 

Source

FedBizOpps.gov Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)

---

| FSG Index  |  This Issue's Index  |  Today's FBO Daily Index Page |