SOLICITATION NOTICE
R -- USPSC Senior Energy and Water Policy Specialist, GS-14, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan
- Notice Date
- 6/1/2016
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- NAICS
- 541990
— All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- Contracting Office
- Agency for International Development, Overseas Missions, Kazakhstan USAID-Almaty, Dept. of State, Washington, District of Columbia, 20521-7030
- ZIP Code
- 20521-7030
- Solicitation Number
- USAID-Central_Asia_Sol-11-2016_USPSC_Snr_Energy-Water_Policy_Spl
- Archive Date
- 7/21/2016
- Point of Contact
- Tatiana P Rossova, Phone: 7 7272 50 76 12, HR office, Phone: +77272507612
- E-Mail Address
-
trossova@usaid.gov, almaexo_hr@usaid.gov
(trossova@usaid.gov, almaexo_hr@usaid.gov)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- ISSUANCE DATE: 06/02/2016 CLOSING DATE: 07/06/2016 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 11-2016 USPSC Senior Energy and Water Policy Specialist, USAID/Central Asia, Almaty, Kazakhstan The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612) from persons interested in the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Christopher Daly, Contracting Officer, and Tatiana Rossova, HR Specialist, who may be reached at FAX No. 7-727-250-76-34, or e-mail almaexo_hr@usaid.gov. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Christopher Daly Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 11-2016 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 11-2016 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 06/02/2016 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 07/06/2016 (6 p.m. Almaty Time) 4. POSITION TITLE: USPSC Senior Energy and Water Policy Specialist 5. MARKET VALUE: $87,263-$113,444 per annum (GS-14 equivalent) with 15% Post Differential (currently) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year (with possibility for extension) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/CENTRAL ASIA, Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A) Basic Function of the Position USAID'S Regional Mission to Central Asia (CA), which is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, includes country offices in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan; Astana, Kazakhstan; Dushanbe, Tajikistan; and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The region is bordered by Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, and China - and the Mission manages one of the most complex development programs in one of the most demanding environments in the world. The current portfolio includes support for multi-million dollar bilateral and regional programs covering Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (with significant support to the Kyrgyz Republic Mission) across a range of technical fields, including agricultural development. USAID/CA also works closely with neighboring Missions (primarily Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India) on regional connectivity programming, which focuses primarily on Economic Development programming. Overall, USAID/CA is responsible for the strategic planning, program design and implementation, achievement of results, and reporting for the USAID assistance programs for four republics of Central Asia. USAID's portfolio of assistance in the region falls under a Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS), which focuses on three Development Objectives (DOs): DO 1 - expanded diverse and competitive trade and markets. It ranks as one of the Agency's most complex programs; DO 2 - enhanced regional cooperation on shared energy and water resources; and DO 3 - more effective and inclusive governance institutions that serve the public good. Under the RDCS, the overall program budget for FY 2015 exceeds $75 million with more than $450 million in life-of-project funding. As described in the strategy, activities directly support USAID's regional connectivity programming, which in turn underpins the State Department's broader and highly visible "New Silk Road" initiative aimed at advancing USG objectives in Asia by strengthening ties between Central and South Asia. More recently, the USG has sought to build on Secretary Kerry's historic trip to Central Asia in 2015, centering activities on three Working Groups intended to better connect the countries of Central Asia with one another in three key areas: Economics and Regional Connectivity, Environment and Climate Change, and Security. To implement activities under the RDCS, USAID/CA has three technical offices: the Economic Development Office (EDO), the Democracy and Governance Office (DGO), and the Health and Education Office (HEO). The Economic Development Office is responsible for the management of a large, complex portfolio under DO 1 and DO 2. EDO currently has 4 USDH and 6 FSN staff based in Almaty, with additional staff in the Country Offices. The USPSC Senior Energy and Water Policy Specialist is being recruited to fill a gap between Foreign Service Officers, with a USDH Private Enterprise Officer (covering Energy/Water) to be identified via the 2017 Foreign Service Assignment Cycle. For the Senior Energy and Water Policy Specialist, responsibility focuses on DO 2 - enhanced regional cooperation on shared energy and water resources. USAID's overall assistance program in Central Asia has a goal of enhancing regional cooperation and broad-based prosperity and DO 2 seeks to develop more effective and equitable management of trans-boundary energy and water resources, and support national and local government institutions of the region to be more responsive and accountable to citizens. Taking into account the countries' individual paths as well as their shared priorities, USAID assistance in the region combines country-specific and regional programs to achieve this goal. Even where USAID's individual programs and activities are implemented in a bilateral context, the mission considers the broader regional perspectives, and facilitates communications with counterparts on shared interests. DO 2 has two Intermediate Results: - Increased national energy security and - Increased coordination on regional water resource management. B) Major Duties and Responsibilities: The Senior Energy and Water Policy Specialist reports directly to the EDO Director and oversees a dynamic program operating across the region. The incumbent is at the forefront of knowledge and practice on economic, environmental, political and social conditions related to the energy-water nexus in each of the five Central Asian countries. S/he is Energy and Water Development Objective Team Leader and is the principal expert advisor on energy, water, and natural resource management matters, frequently engaging host country governments, the private sector, embassies, and the USG interagency in policy dialogue. S/he is closely involved in the conceptualization, design, and execution of energy, water, and climate change programs. The incumbent directly manages a staff of two highly-skilled FSN personnel. S/he also contributes technical oversight for staff in three country offices, and contractors and grantees. The incumbent's duties and responsibilities include: a) Guide the design, management, implementation and monitoring of transboundary energy and water projects and activities throughout the region. Lead and coordinate the work of USAID's contractors, technical assistance advisors, and grantees to ensure that activities are effective and consistent with USAID's strategies. Evaluate the costs, benefits and effectiveness of proposed projects. Conduct or lead data gathering, research and analysis, and dialogue with counterparts necessary to inform program design decisions. Develop linkages with other donor programs. Lead technical selection committees for the award of procurement instruments. Plan and design evaluation instruments as needed to make informed program design and management decisions. b) Meet regularly with senior energy and water sector officials, NGOs, donors, and industry to discuss planning and implementation of programs and to overcome challenges that arise. c) Provide independent analysis of energy and water sector developments affecting USAID programs across the region. Stay current on the literature and other published/unpublished sources throughout the region. Maintain current knowledge of country-specific laws and regulations, national governments' policy frameworks, energy trade data and plans, infrastructure investments/plans, and assistance under donor programs. Track bilateral and regional water treaties, agreements, and disputes related to water allocation, and energy for water swaps, activities of regional and international organizations such as the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, loans and other donor programs related to major water infrastructure and water cooperation. d) Collaborate with USG stakeholders including USAID/CA country offices, economic growth offices in sister missions, embassies in the region, the interagency, and Washington-based USAID and State Department colleagues from a range of bureaus and offices in order to advance USAID/CA's development objectives and programs to develop and implement the U.S. Mission's regional energy and water cooperation strategy. e) Develop contacts and partnerships with U.S., local, and international businesses, industry organizations, and international development and financial institutions to facilitate achievement of USAID's energy and water objectives. f) Supervise and support the career development of professional and support staff with responsibility for managing energy and water programs. Contribute technical oversight for economic development staff located in the country offices. C) POSITION ELEMENTS: a) Supervision Received: The incumbent receives general supervision from and reports to the Economic Development Office Director. b) Supervision Exercised: The incumbent supervises two FSN Project Management Specialists (FSN-11 and FSN-12) in EDO and contributes technical oversight to expanded Regional EDO Team members in three country offices, and contractors and grantees. D) QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS a) GENERAL: Must be a U.S. citizen, must be able to obtain a U.S. Government "SECRET" security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the five Central Asian Republics as well as Afghanistan and Pakistan; and available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 12 months. b) EDUCATION: A graduate degree in in engineering, macroeconomics, business administration, public administration, international development, development/area studies, or a related field is required. c) PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: This is a senior level position that requires maturity and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement as well as the ability to function in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. The candidate must have demonstrated practical experience in advising, analysis and development of programs to support development of energy sector reform, and/or water security. The candidate must have at least five years of high-level consulting and advisory experience of relevance to international development. Project or program management experience while residing in a transitional or developing country is required. At least five years of successful leadership and supervisory experience in a team environment is required. d) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS: The candidate should have strong management skills as evidenced by previous experience, preferably including contract management. Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work in a collegial and persuasive fashion in a complicated team environment are required. Must be fluent (minimum Level IV) in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Must have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces. Must be able to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials, other donors, the business community, and to USAID and other USG officials. Knowledge of Russian language is preferred. e) INTERPERSONAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS: Exceptional leadership, communications and inter-personal skills are critical. In addition, the incumbent must be able to interact effectively with a broad range of internal and external partners and USAID clients, international organizations, and host country government officials or business counterparts. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-functional, and geographically dispersed team, and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. D) SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: Experience: 35 points Knowledge and Technical Skills: 30 points Interpersonal and Leadership Skills: 25 points Education: 10 points Total: 100 points Notice to Applicants: The USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. 9. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a) the most current Curriculum Vitae or resume; b) completed and signed AID 302-3 form (Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts) including experience and salary history; c) list of references with telephone and e-mail contact information; and d) writing sample (maximum 2 pages) no later than COB (6 p.m. Almaty time) July 06, 2016. The form is available at the USAID website, https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1866/a302-3.doc. The application package should be submitted by e-mail (preferred), DHL, or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to: Human Resources Office USAID/CA Almaty 41 Kazibek Bi Street Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010 Email: almaexo_hr@usaid.gov Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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. USAID/CA expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore or resident hire US Citizen for one-year period (extension optional) commencing o/a September 15, 2016 (as early as possible), subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is Almaty, Kazakhstan. 10. Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID. 11. For more information about USAID/Central Asia see Mission's website https://www.usaid.gov/central-asia-regional Attachment 3 AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Eligibility for 401(k) 2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120). (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130). (C) Post Allowance (Section 220). (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230). (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260). (F) Education Allowance (Section 270). (G) Education Travel (Section 280). (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500). (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and (J) Danger Pay (Section 650). LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. AID 302-3 Offeror Information For Personal Services Contracts form. **2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843) or Contractor Physical Examination (AID 1420-62). **3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or **4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office. * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCs a) 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 https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. b) 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: https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/agency-policy is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/AID/OM/ALM/USAID-Central_Asia_Sol-11-2016_USPSC_Snr_Energy-Water_Policy_Spl/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Human Resources Office, USAID/CA Almaty, 41 Kazibek Bi Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan 050010, Email: almaexo_hr@usaid.gov, Kazakstan
- Record
- SN04133898-W 20160603/160601234216-563714e4818f54d65ff1b4a40510a755 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
(may not be valid after Archive Date)
| FSG Index | This Issue's Index | Today's FBO Daily Index Page |