SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- Senior Livelihoods Advisor
- Notice Date
- 2/9/2009
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 812990
— All Other Personal Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Bangladesh USAID-Dhaka, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-6120
- ZIP Code
- 20521-6120
- Solicitation Number
- 388S00090002700
- Response Due
- 3/5/2009 4:30:00 PM
- Archive Date
- 3/20/2009
- Point of Contact
- Abdus Sobhan Khan,, Phone: 88028855500
- E-Mail Address
-
skhan@usaid.gov
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- USAID/General Notice PERSONNEL USAID/Bangladesh 02/09/2009 Subject: Solicitation No. 388-S-00-09-00027-00 for US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Livelihoods Advisor Dhaka, Bangladesh ISSUANCE DATE: February 09, 2009 PRIMARY CLOSING DATE: March 05, 2009 Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing USPSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant's CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered. Applications should be submitted electronically to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov (attention to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, Executive Office, USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This solicitation will remain open until March 05, 2009. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500, E-Mail Address: pthomas@usaid.gov Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500, E-Mail Address: ssaha@usaid.gov Abdus Sobhan Khan, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, Telephone: (880-2) 885-5500, E-Mail Address: skhan@usaid.gov Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Leslie Vaughn, AA/ASIA, (202) 712-4030. SOLICITATION NO: 388-S-00-09-00027-00 ISSUANCE DATE: February 09, 2009 CLOSING DATE: March 05, 2009 OPEN TO: U.S. CITIZENS ONLY SUBJECT: USAID/ BANGLADESH--SOLICITATION FOR US PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR – SENIOR LIVELIHOODS ADVISOR Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing personal services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience required for the position) and applicant’s CVs may also be included as an attachment. Incomplete, unsigned applications, and late submissions will not be considered. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, Tel: (880-2) 885-5500, E-mail: pthomas@usaid.gov. The selected applicant must be able to obtain security and medical clearances. The US Citizens should get USG Secret Level of clearance. The US Citizens should obtain Department of State Medical Clearance. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or non-membership in an employee organization. Sincerely, Penelope A. Thomas Contracting Officer USAID/Bangladesh Tel: (880-2) 885-5500 E-mail: pthomas@usaid.gov [Please see solicitation below.] ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBR: 388-S-00-09-00027-00 ISSUANCE DATE: February 09, 2009 CLOSING DATE:March 05, 2009 POSITION TITLE: Senior Livelihoods Advisor MARKET VALUE: $83,445 – $108,483 (GS-14). Compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION:USAID, Dhaka, Bangladesh DIRECT SUPERVISOR:Office Director, Office of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance (OFDHA) SUPERVISORY CONTROL:Minimal. Incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years. The Personal Services Contract may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. SECURITY CLEARANCE: U.S. Citizens: Secret Level Clearance AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only SCOPE OF WORK (SOW) FOR SENIOR LIVELIHOODS ADVISOR A. OVERVIEW: The USAID/Bangladesh Senior Livelihoods Advisor will support the implementation of high priority U.S. Government initiatives under the Mission’s Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance portfolio. The mission’s Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance (FDHA) office manages an $85 million dollar a year portfolio that includes, but is not necessarily limited to: improving household food security of vulnerable populations; providing social and economic services and protection for vulnerable populations; improving nutritional health status of pregnant mothers and children under two; establishing safe water sources and sanitation; promoting access to public services and awareness of rights and entitlement to public land and water bodies to vulnerable communities; providing emergency response assistance as natural disasters occur; promoting disaster preparedness and risk mitigation, including the construction of cyclone shelters; and reconstructing livelihoods after natural disaster. The selected candidate will be responsible for directly managing the $37 million Livelihoods Reconstruction Program as well as other office activities as assigned. The selected applicant will assist the Mission with strategic planning, project design, evaluation and monitoring of all reconstruction activities. S/he will also provide policy guidance and suggest priority approaches for dealing with fundamental livelihoods and livelihoods reconstruction issues in the areas of market access, agriculture, market development, small enterprise development, aquaculture, small infrastructure development, disaster risk reduction, and cash for work programs. The initial performance period will be two years. Based on the programmatic results achieved and possible required programmatic follow-up, an extension of this Contract will be considered based on availability of funds and satisfactory performance. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. B. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: The incumbent for this position serves as the Mission’s Senior Livelihoods Advisor, and provides programming and management assistance, expertise and specialized technical advice to the FDHA office. S/he will report to the FDHA office director. The incumbent will work with other team members to ensure timely and effective team productivity and will be responsible for direct supervision of two Foreign Service national (FSN) staff, as well as technical guidance to grantees and contractors. The incumbent also ensures that grantees and contractors achieve agreed upon results. S/he will have experience in agribusiness and small scale farming, disaster mitigation and risk management, as well as cash for work programs, market development and alternative income generating activities. S/he will provide advice and direction on all aspects of program management. S/he will work closely with core FDHA staff as well as with expanded teams, the Program Office, the USAID Mission Director, other technical teams, AID/W staff, mid to senior-level officials of the Government of Bangladesh (GOB), and private sector and NGO partners on the design, formulation, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of livelihood reconstruction and disaster mitigation activities. C.MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1.As Senior Livelihoods Advisor, advises the Office Director of FDHA, the FDHA team, Program Office, the USAID Mission Management and the Embassy on GOB development policy and programs/projects in support of USAID-funded livelihoods activities. S/he identifies promising new opportunities for livelihoods interventions and areas of complementarily and synergy within the Office of FDHA, as well as between the Office of FDHA and other technical teams. S/he also helps to develop negotiating strategies for bilateral agreements as appropriate. 2.Establishes and maintains excellent working relationships with mid to senior level GOB officials, for example officials of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, the Ministry of Commerce, other relevant GOB officials, the donor community, NGOs, and the private sector to enhance collaborative efforts that achieve mutual goals and objectives. Keeps contractors, recipients and grantees informed of USAID requirements and priorities to ensure optimal performance and synergies. Represents the Mission on donor sponsored Local Consultative Group (LCG) subgroups on that address livelihoods and disaster mitigation issues. 3.Conducts and supervises relevant administrative and financial analyses; develops and tracks budget preparation; and oversees implementation and other budget requirements for the FDHA portfolio. Oversees the preparation of required financial and programmatic reports for the USAID/Bangladesh senior management and USAID/Washington. Maintains program records and prepares future funding plans and revisions. 4.As Senior Livelihoods Advisor, conducts strategic analysis, reviews reports and technical proposals, and prepares substantive reports on trends in disaster reconstruction and livelihoods development. Prepares briefing materials, issues papers, as well as status and progress reports. Develops performance monitoring plans and monitors their implementation. Conducts evaluations and reporting in support of the USAID/Bangladesh’s FDHA portfolio. Participates in the preparation of the annual report to USAID/Washington and special or periodic reports. 5.S/he manages, monitors and oversees the activities of the grantees and/or contractors implementing USAID’s livelihoods activities. 6.Liaises with implementing contractors, recipients and grantees, and undertakes visits to project sites on a regular basis. D. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: The applicant must have a Masters Degree in economics, agricultural economics, international development, sociology, anthropology, management, public administration, or other related social sciences. EXPERIENCE: Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional or program experience in development programs, with multilateral and bilateral donors, NGOs, and/or government is required. Experience with donor agency/mission organization, procedures, and operations systems (e.g., development approaches; procedures for programming funds, defining objectives, and monitoring results; and procedures for awarding grants and contracts) are required. South Asia experience is desired. At least five years experience in livelihoods programs with emphasis on post disaster is required. LANGUAGES: Excellent English writing and speaking ability is required. The candidate should have a demonstrated capacity to communicate complex policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner. Written and spoken Bangla proficiency is desirable. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of a broad range of issues related to livelihoods and disaster mitigation strategies is required. Knowledge of best practices in livelihoods program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation is necessary. Knowledge of the Bangladeshi context, government (GOB) organizational culture, structure, policies, programs and operations and development priorities is desired. Knowledge of strategies, programs, and working methodologies of other donor agencies in the livelihoods sector is desired. Knowledge of the structure and workings of the US government is desired. Strong analytical, management and organizational skills are required. The position requires demonstrated ability in strategic planning, technical and socio-economic analysis, and budget preparation and reporting skills. Considerable confidentiality, sensitivity, poise and maturity are mandatory as the applicant will represent USAID in meetings with mid to senior level Bangladeshi government officials and with private sector and donor partners. The applicant should possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, the ability to work within a team setting and with minimal supervision. Strong leadership and negotiating skills are required. Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel are required. Familiarity with Microsoft Access and PowerPoint is desired. E. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: Applications will be evaluated and scored utilizing the criteria below. The total possible is 100 points. a.Education: 15% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required level of education as described above. b.Experience: 45% The extent to which the applicant’s relevant experience and technical expertise meets or exceeds the requisite levels of professional experience set forth above. c.Language: 10% The extent to which the applicant meets or exceeds the required language ability as explained above. d.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 30% The extent to which the applicant’s relevant experience meets or exceeds the requisite levels of acquired knowledge, skills and abilities as set forth above. Candidates meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the most highly ranked applicants. F. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES: The Senior Livelihoods Advisor will report directly to the Office Director of Food, Disaster and Humanitarian Assistance of USAID/Bangladesh. The incumbent will be responsible for the preparation of annual work plans and semi-annual reviews of progress on work objectives and trip reports covering purpose, pending issues/actions, and persons met, after each TDY. G. SUPERVIOSRY CONTROL OVER POSITION: It is anticipated that the person filling this position will have a supervisory role. The position will entail supervision of two Bangladeshi professionals as well as short-term technical consultants. H. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work in the office is mostly sedentary but travel to the project sites requires USG Regional Security Officer’s approval. Travel to the field is physically demanding, including transport on unpaved roads and sleeping in rudimentary conditions. I. POSITION ELEMENTS: Available Guidelines: Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Mission Notices. Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent does not have formal authority to financial commitment unless authorized by his/her American Supervisor. The incumbent does have authority for setting up/or changing of projects components based on discussions and agreed by all concerned parties. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Personal contacts are with local and international media according to the regulations and procedures of USAID/Bangladesh, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, partners, implementers and institutional contractors. Supervision Exercised: Yes, primarily FSN personnel and related contracts for services. Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties: The first six months of employment will be considered a probationary period. The incumbent is expected to perform the full range of duties within this period. J. TERM OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The term of the contract will be for two years on/about June 2009 to May 2011 (unless otherwise agreed). Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 14 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-14 band. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform the GS-14 equivalent, 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 below the GS-14 pay band. In addition, the Mission has a 30% Post Differential allowance, and FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. USAID will provide housing and office support. If you have any other questions on the compensation or living conditions, please email the Contracting Officer, Penelope A. Thomas, at pthomas@usaid.gov Medical and Security Clearances: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance; and a Department of State medical clearance. Benefits and Allowances: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits. 1. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for contractor with family; and $3,410 for contractor only). 100% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500). 100% Medical Evaluation (medevac) annual premium for contractor with family, if not covered by Health Insurance. (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs. (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3.Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, consumables allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1.OF-612 or SF-171 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp, or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. All application forms must be signed and dated prior to transmittal. Applicant’s detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer and be emailed to Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf Points of Contact 1. Penelope A. Thomas, Contracting Officer, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail: pthomas@usaid.gov 2. Shefali Saha, HR Specialist, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail: ssaha@usaid.gov 3. Abdus Sobhan Khan, HR Assistant, USAID/Bangladesh, E-mail: skhan@usaid.gov
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