United States - Senior Program Office Advisor

Description

Added: Oct 16, 2019 10:28 am

SOLICITATION NUMBER   72016720R00001
ISSUANCE DATE: October 16, 2019

CLOSING DATE: November 14, 2019 (17:00 PM Local Time (Kosovo))

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)
SENIOR PROGRAM OFFICE ADVISOR
Dear Prospective Offerors:
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International
Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal
services under contract as described in this solicitation.
Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this
solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain
copies of all offer materials for their records.
Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Your complete résumé, scanned AID 302-3 forms, and the supplemental documents must be submitted via email to: PristinaUSAIDHR@usaid.gov.
This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit
USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.
Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the
attached information.

Sincerely,

Gëzim Hysenagolli
Regional Executive Officer
 
 

ATTACHMENT I
I. GENERAL INFORMATION:
1. SOLICITATION NO: 72016720R00001
2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 16, 2019
3. CLOSING DATE: November 14, 2019 (NLT 17:00 PM Local Time (Kosovo))
4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Office Advisor
5. MARKET VALUE: GS-15 equivalent ($106,595 - $ 138,572 per annum)
Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: This is an intermittent contract with a level of effort (LOE) not to exceed ten (10) months. The Personal Services Contract will commence o/a January 2020 through o/a October 2020. The specific number of days to be worked will be determined by mutual agreement between the contract employee and the Mission.
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo
8. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens only
9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access
10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
BACKGROUND
The USAID Mission in Kosovo was opened in July 1999 and much of the focus was on preparing Kosovo for independence and establishing basic institutions necessary for a democracy to function. During this period, Kosovo was established as an internationally administered region, administered by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Since 1999, over $1.2 billion in U.S. assistance was committed to the reconstruction of Kosovo and to building self-governing institutions and a viable economy. In February 2008, Kosovo declared independence. The creation of Europe's newest state has proceeded on a forward path despite setbacks. Starting from virtually zero, Kosovo today is a functioning state, with a functioning government and a society that is growing stronger and more self-confident. The handover process of Kosovo's nascent institutions from UN control to the new Government of Kosovo (GOK) has highlighted the young state's growing maturity and capacity.
USAID/Kosovo is presently a medium-sized Mission with 99 staff positions (16 USDHs, 6 USPSCs, and 77 CCNs). The Mission manages an active portfolio valued at approximately $140 million. The Mission is currently undertaking several major activities in which the Program and Policy Office (PPO) is leading or integrally involved.
USAID/Kosovo's PPO is responsible for coordinating the Mission's overall programmatic portfolio, providing leadership in strategy development, supporting technical offices in program and budget operations, monitoring evaluation, and learning, reporting of results, and directing outreach efforts.
The Mission requires the services of a Senior Program Office Advisor (SPOA) with extensive and in-depth experience in international development, demonstrated management and leadership skills, and senior-level expertise in all areas related to the work of the Program Office. This includes strategy development, project design and development, performance monitoring and evaluation, the Federal Budget process (including budget planning, management and reporting) and outreach and communications. The individual will provide technical and programmatic support in all areas. As the Mission is finalizing its new Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), the Advisor will also provide direct support for drafting remaining CDCS sections and subsequent updates to the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS) related to USAID's assistance, as well as support the Mission in its development of its Performance Management Plan (PMP) and Project Appraisal Documents (PAD).
This scope of work is for services as defined below to commence on/about January 2020 through on/about October 2020 on an intermittent bases with a level of effort not to exceed ten (10) months. The position will report to the Supervisory Program Officer or his/ her designee.
BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION
Based in Pristina, the Senior Program Office Advisor (SPOA) reports directly to the Program and Policy Office Director. S/he will serve as an expert advisor on program design, management, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning.
Duties and Responsibilities 
 
A. Portfolio Planning and Management
• Serves as the resident expert on USAID and Mission-specific processes and requirements for design and formal approval of all new and amended projects and activities. Assist the Program Office and technical offices in finalizing the Mission's Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), drafting/reviewing/revising USAID's input to the Integrated Country Strategy (ICS).
• Support the USAID/Kosovo Mission strategic planning efforts, including advising the Mission on strategic direction based on Agency guidance and processes as well as program portfolio performance and context.
• Help ensure the coordination of programs, policies, objectives and priorities as it pertains to the ongoing implementation of the portfolio.
• Reviews or arranges to review proposals for new projects or activities.
• Supports the design and development of projects, activities, feasibility studies, analyses and evaluations.
• Assists the Program Office on semi-annual portfolio reviews of all Mission projects and activities.
• Supports the Program Office regarding ensuring adherence to the Foreign Assistance (F), Agency, Europe and Eurasia Bureau, State/EUR/ACE and Mission policies and directives.
• Contributes to the preparation of the Mission's annual Operational Plan, Performance Report, and other annual reports.
B. Management
• Provide support across the Program Office to ensure effective completion of Agency and/or Mission Program Cycle deliverables including but not limited to standard processes and Program Cycle tasks or last minute information requests that may cut across the Program Cycle (strategy, budget, planning, monitoring evaluation and learning, VIP briefers, etc.) with short turn arounds.
• Effectively prioritize, and contribute directly to the achievement of Program Office work efforts.
• Present to the Government of Kosovo and donors on USAID's programs as-needed.
• Mentor Program Office staff on Program Cycle processes and tasks, especially project and activity design.

C. Reporting
• Assist with or be delegated to lead completion of annual reporting requirements and provide quality check on various documents and processes such as new activity descriptions, annual reports, final reports and other documentation.
• Prepare/clear briefing papers, notes and presentations on the USAID/Kosovo portfolio.
• Contribute to development of and serve as lead for quality control of all Mission reports, including Operational Plans, Mission Resource Requests, Congressional Budget Justifications, portfolio reviews; semi-annual and annual reports; quarterly financial reports; quality assessments; site monitoring reports; etc. Help ensure quality, compliance with regulations and guidance, and clear and compelling representation of the USAID/Kosovo strategy and portfolio.
• Review pen-ultimate documentation for quality assurance.
Position Elements
• Supervision Received /Exercised: The SPO Advisor will work under the general and specific supervision and policy guidance of the PPO Director or his/her designee. The PPO Director will review and approve his/her work plan and performance measures. In carrying out specific assignments, the SPO Advisor will consult and work closely with the Program Officer, the other teams within USAID, the Government, other international donors, Department of State and other stakeholders. S/he is expected to work independently with limited guidance, take initiative, and support FSN staff as required.
• Available Guidelines: The SPO Advisor is required to understand and analyze Mission and Agency specific policies. S/he must be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies of the Program and Policy Office and the Mission, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, Mission Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID and State Program Strategy and Policy Documents.
• Exercise of Judgment: A high degree of independent judgment is required in providing guidance and advice to the program office team and to Technical Offices, reviewing program documentation, and managing assigned programming actions and tasks such as coordinating input for the Operational Plan, Performance Plan Report, organizing portfolio reviews, or coordinating implementation of local solutions or client mission support.
• Authority to Make Commitments: Within Mission delegations and job responsibilities only.
• Scope and Effect: Provides guidance and senior level advice to USAID/Kosovo to support technical teams on the relationship of projects to Development Objectives, works across several sectors to creatively identify common points of interest and best practices.
• Personal Contacts: Personal contacts include USAID/Kosovo staff, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Kosovo implementing partners and other concerned stakeholders. S/he must have the ability to represent USG interests by communicating effectively in English, using a great deal of tact, diplomacy, and technical knowledge as it pertains to senior management levels.
• Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are with senior management within and outside USAID. The contractor may advise and make recommendations to USAID staff, the USAID Mission Director(s), technical offices, implementing partners, and others in support of the Program and Policy Office in planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all development projects.
• Physical Demands and Work Conditions: Physical Demands and Work Conditions: The incumbent will be physically located at the U.S. Embassy in Pristina and will be expected to attend meetings and/or events. Travel to the field will be limited and, at times, can be physically demanding, including transport on unpaved roads.
• Complexity: There is a high amount of complexity in the work environment due to the complex political nature of the Mission's portfolio in addition to the Program and Policy Office's management of the entire Mission portfolio.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:
Security and Medical Clearance Requirements
The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance/employment authorization which involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.
The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive medical clearance to work worldwide including random drug test for illegal drug use. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.
The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.
COMPENSATION
This position has been classified at GS-15 grade. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band depending on qualifications and previous earning history.
10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens
11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
12. POINT OF CONTACT: For any additional question you may contact Mimoza Këpuska at mkepuska@usaid.gov. All application packages are to be submitted via email to: PristinaUSAIDHR@usaid.gov.
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
Education: The applicant must have a Bachelor's Degree in a field relevant to the duties described above such as in economics, business, international development, sociology, anthropology, management, public administration, or other related social sciences, or a related discipline. Master Degree preferred. 

Prior Work Experience: A minimum of ten years of professional experience in strategy development, project design and implementation, and monitoring and evaluation, preferably for U.S. Government agencies. 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of USG laws, policies, regulations and procedures related to international development assistance. S/he should have demonstrated experience in USAID program office management, Country Development Cooperation Strategy design and writing, project design, development, program budgeting, the Federal budget process and budget planning, management and reporting systems, monitoring and evaluation. A working knowledge of the Balkan region, and transition economies is preferred. Excellent native English writing, editing and speaking skills, as well as an ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished documents is required. Computer skills, including the development and management of spreadsheets, tracking systems, etc., and the ability to interpret, organize and present data to a variety of audiences preferred. Proven ability to mentor USAID staff in project development skills required. Ability to work in teams necessary.
III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at
https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.
Education: (10 points)
Prior Work Experience: (45 points)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (45 points)

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted.
PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS
Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.
In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/Kosovo reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.
IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER
Submission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment.
Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:
1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit:
• Offer form AID 302-3, "Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form.
• Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing.
• Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.
2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11.
3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.
• Send signed complete applications to PristinaUSAIDHR@usaid.gov. Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be formatted in one single PDF document in the following order: (1) signed cover letter, (2) signed resume/CV (with recent references), and (3) signed AID 302-3.
• NOTE: This position requires the submission of complete forms and/or supplemental materials as described herein above. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. The Applicant must sign the cover letter, resume/CV, and the AID 302-3. Please note that incomplete and/or unsigned applications will NOT be considered. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter.
V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD:
The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms
after an offeror is selected for the contract award:
Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms
(1) AID 302-3 can be downloaded from: Employment form AID 302-3
(2) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)*
(3) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)*
(4) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)*
(5) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended*
(6) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974*
(7) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)*
(8) Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561).
Forms 2 through 8 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
VI .BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
BENEFITS:
(a) Employer's FICA Contribution
(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment
(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)
(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
(f) Annual and Sick Leave
(g) Medevac insurance
ALLOWANCES: Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)
(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)
(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)
(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)
(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 Allowance (Section 650)
VII. TAXES
USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State
Income taxes.
VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES
PERTAINING TO PSCs
USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:
1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, "Direct USAID Contracts
with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad," including
contract clause "General Provisions," available at
https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .
2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.
3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins
(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at
http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .
4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an
individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the "Standards of Ethical
Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch," available from the U.S. Office
of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.
See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations
SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY

Opportunity closing date

14 November 2019

Value of contract

to be confirmed