The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612) from qualified U.S. citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Selective Factors (Minimum Qualifications) listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-à-vis the Evaluative Factors (Ranking Qualifications). Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to the SF-171 or OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or education and training address these factors. The U.S. mail system is not as reliable as other methods of submitting applications, such as courier, overnight mail services, hand delivery, fax (at the number below) or by e-mail to
[email protected] (hard copies of certain documents may be requested). Applicants are responsible for submitting the SF-171 or OF-612, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation whether submitted by courier, overnight mail services, hand delivery, fax or e-mail. An application received after the closing date and time will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation. Applications that are submitted by courier service or hand carried must be accepted at the 14th Street entrance of the Ronald Reagan Building. The courier must inform the guard there is a package for James Goodwin. The guard will contact that person and inform them that there is a package for pick-up at the 14th Street entrance. Packages cannot be dropped off at the desk. Someone must accept the application from the courier. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/GRO/EGAS-05-1645 ISSUANCE DATE: July 27, 2005 CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 26, 2005, 15:00 Local time, Washington, D.C. POSITION TITLE: Regional Financial Markets Advisor MARKET VALUE: $74,782 - $114,882 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two Years PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens Only I. Scope of Work Background Strong financial systems and institutions are key to the long-term economic growth and stability of the economies in transition in Central and Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), through its Bureau for Europe and Eurasia (E&E) has given high priority to assisting the systemic reform of the financial sector and the development of sound, competitive, market-oriented financial institutions. A hallmark of E&E technical assistance programs has been the focus on the establishment of an appropriate legal and regulatory framework for the financial sector, and the creation of key financial regulatory authorities, and associations of financial sector participants. USAID has placed emphasis on the establishment and implementation of prudential regulations and legal framework based on international standards and best practices, which provides the incentive for commercially based financial intermediation, the prudential supervision of financial institutions, bank privatization and restructuring, building human capacity, the adoption of international accounting standards, and the disclosure of information on a regular and timely basis. As the key public and private financial institutions have been established and gained viability, and the basic building blocks of the legal/regulatory framework are put in place in the E&E region, there has been increasing emphasis over the last several years on deepening and broadening financial markets and increasing access to credit, particularly for households and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), developing mortgage finance, promoting financial sector integration based on international standards, and anti-money laundering and terrorist finance. During transition to a market economy, USAID programs have recognized that the most difficult task is not the adoption of laws and regulations nor the policy prescription but rather the implementation of laws and policies which requires the establishment and/or strengthening of effective institutions and appropriately educated and trained staff. The financial sector work remains a centerpiece of USAID economic growth activities in the region. The work is challenging and requires staff that has knowledge and experience with the wide range of issues that effect financial sector development in transition economies, including: the macroeconomic context, the legal/regulatory framework underpinning banking and capital markets; financial sector supervision; and governance issues. Objective The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for Europe and Eurasia (E&E), Office of Economic Growth, is seeking to hire under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) a qualified individual to fill the position of Regional Financial Sector Advisor (“Advisor”). Under the direction of the Division Chief of Market Transition and/or his/her designee with the Office of Economic Growth, the Advisor will provide substantive analytical and technical expertise in the area of financial sector development. The work will support the Bureaus’ objective of promoting a sound, competitive and market responsive private financial sector which is key to the transition from a centrally planned to market economy and to promoting sustainable growth and job creation. Duties and Responsibilities The Advisor will serve in the EG office as a member of the Financial Market Team in the Division of Market Transition and conduct assessments and analyses of current financial sector activities and design, implement, and monitor new activities, both regional and bilateral in close collaboration with the E&E field missions. The Advisor will exercise independent judgment and will bring macroeconomic, financial sector, and international finance skills to bear on the development of financial sector strategies, programs and activities in the E&E region, an area of outstanding difficulty that will impact a significant part of the population in the Region. The Advisor must have a solid understanding of narrow financial sector issues as well as how the financial sector impacts all aspects of economic transition and growth as well as other economic growth programs. The Advisor will assess problems in the financial sectors and identify bilateral and regional (multi-country) programs, consistent with economic growth strategies. He/she will recommend areas in which USAID intervention could be useful and appropriate, taking into account the current needs of the private sector and governments, other donor activities, past program designs and interventions and overall US foreign policy objectives. In collaboration with E&E field missions, the Advisor will advise on and participate in the design, development and implementation of specific programs to address constraints to effective, efficient and dynamic financial systems in the region. In carrying out the above responsibilities, the Advisor will represent USAID in financial sector policy and technical discussions with host government officials, other donors and international financial institutions, and in the interagency process. A. Assessment, Analysis, and Strategy Development The Advisor will: 1. Maintain current information on of the status of all USAID financial sector activities in the region as well as information on other donor activities. 2. Regularly monitor key financial and economic statistics as contained in World Bank, International Monetary Fund, European Union, and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development reports to determine the progress of E&E countries in developing sound well-functioning financial sectors. Based on the analysis of the information contained in these reports, refine performance criteria and periodically assess progress of USAID financial sector activities as well as overall financial sector reform and development for program reporting purposes. 3. Based on implementation experience of financial reform programs in the region, assemble lessons learned that inform the development of new strategies and programs for individual USAID missions and regional initiatives. 4. Assess country-specific banking and finance issues to identify critical constraints impeding development and establish strategies for policy and technical assistance approaches to financial reform programs as required for E&E countries. In collaboration and coordination with field missions, develop individual country economic growth/financial sector strategies and lead the USG strategy and program review processes within the E&E Bureau. Use appropriate economic, financial, and banking analyses to confirm the effectiveness of all recommended approaches. Closely coordinate with USAID field missions, local government and private sector partners, and other donors to ensure complementarity of assistance. 5. Organize and manage 2-3 conferences, workshops and seminars in the E&E region on priority financial sector issues, involving stakeholders who may for any number of reasons be reluctant to participate. Guide and coordinate the work of other technical professionals working on financial sector issues in the Region. B. Activity Design and Implementation Oversight The Advisor will: 1. Collaborate, as requested, based on above assessments and analyses, with USAID field missions, host country institutions and other donors to develop cost-effective programs to address priority financial sector problem areas. 2. Develop the substantive elements of the terms of reference and cost estimates for new or amended assistance activities, assessments, and evaluations. Incorporate lessons learned from prior activities in all new designs. Understand the various contracting mechanisms available for economic/financial sector activities in order to identify the most appropriate mechanisms/vehicles. Participate in the evaluation of proposals, and in the selection process for assistance providers, including technical review of proposals submitted on either a competed or unsolicited basis. 3. Manage and monitor contracts, cooperative agreements, and/or grants. Conduct regular reviews of implementers’ progress reports to ensure compliance with the terms of reference for the activity. Provide feedback and technical guidance as necessary. Travel to the field periodically to visit ongoing activities, meet with USAID field mission staff and host country entities, and to monitor activity progress. 4. Based on knowledge of financial sector progress in the region, develop briefing papers, speeches, presentations and research on financial reforms in the region or other tasks as determined by the Director. C. Representation The Advisor will represent USAID positions in a variety of unstructured settings on technical issues related to financial sector reform. Communications that reflect a final policy, planning or budget decision of the Agency must be cleared by a US Direct Hire employee (Chief of the Market Transition Division). Establish and maintain contacts to gain and relay information with a wide range of individuals and organizations including, but not limited to: 1. Other USG agencies engaged in financial sector assistance to E&E countries, including: the State Department, U.S. Treasury, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Overseas Private Investment Corporation, and Trade Development Agency 2. Host Country Officials at Finance Ministries, Central Banks and other key financial institutions and other development partners in the region 3. Officials of the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the European Union , and other donors. 4. Commercial banks, investment banks, corporations, and investment groups. D. Other Characteristics 1. Degree of Responsibility for Decision Making The advisor will perform under the general direction of the Chief of the Market Transition Division for matters pertaining to program policy and strategy. Final decision making rests with the division chief. 2. Level of Complexity of Work Assignments The Advisor must have leadership capabilities to enable her/him to conceive, plan, coordinate, and manage activities across a broad range of financial sector programs in the E&E region. S/he obtains input and collaborates substantially with other experts in a variety of professional disciplines, both inside and outside AID. Issues and problems are often complex and involve intricate technical details, competing political interests, and sensitive negotiations for resolution. The Advisor must be capable of responding appropriately to sensitive and urgent situations, requirements, inquiries, and tasks. In providing advice, the Advisor must have a thorough understanding of development issues and USAID management and administrative procedures. 3. Knowledge Level Required The Advisor must have broad knowledge and experience working in financial sector development in the E&E region as demonstrated by level of education and progressively more responsible experience. S/he must be able to judge various technical merits from a range of potential interventions and make decisions on the technical content of selected interventions. The Advisor must understand the economic policy environments of individual countries within the region as well as the various approaches for financial sector development of other donors. S/he should be able to apply complex analytical methods to determine program feasibility and to advise others within USAID on issues relating to financial sector development. 4. Supervisory Controls The Advisor reports directly to the Chief of the Market Transition Division of the E&E Bureau’s Office of Economic Growth. The Advisor is allowed a wide degree of latitude in making independent decisions with regard to managing and planning activities and initiatives under her/his purview. 5. Guidelines Guidelines for the Advisor are broadly stated in the Federal and Agency regulations, laws, executive orders, policy and strategy documents. The Advisor is expected to exercise sophisticated judgment and initiative in researching, interpreting, planning, and adapting financial sector development programs. 6. Scope and Effect of Work Performed The purpose of this position is to initiate, plan, coordinate, and analyze important financial sector programs in the E&E region. The Advisor must be able to identify issues, develop and analyze program feasibility and implementation options, and provide guidance on policy options and issues. A key aspect of the position is to assure policy and program coherence of financial market programs across the region and develop a network of relevant mission, host government, and private sector counterparts. 7. Level and Purpose of Contacts Contacts are with officials and other specialists in USAID, other donors, private sector, and E&E country officials. These contacts include senior leadership and management of these organizations. The purpose of the contacts is to summarize analysis, interpret information on a variety of issues affecting financial market programs; negotiate with collaborating groups on program content and/or varying points of view; resolve difficult and complex policy and implementation issues; advise senior leadership on program content and progress; and to establish productive working relationships with program partners. Terms of Performance The Regional Financial Market Advisor shall perform the preceding services for two (2) years. This contract will be reviewed annually by E&E/EG management with input from client missions and peers and may be renewed up to but no longer then three (3) years for a total of not more than five (5) under this Personal Services Contract at the discretion of USAID. The Advisor will report to the Chief of the Market Transition Division, Office of Economic Growth. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum masters level education in international economics, finance, law, or business administration. Evidence of economics coursework at the graduate level is required. Experience: This technical position requires at least 5 years experience in a professional position involving structural economic reform and macroeconomic and financial sector analysis of transition economies and experience in working with financial sector activities of USAID, international financial institutions, or other USG agencies, sufficient experience to be considered an expert and to be consulted by other experts. The preferred candidate should have knowledge of and/or experience in the E&E region or other transition economies such as Bulgaria, Albania, and Romania. Language: No language requirement. Other: The candidate must possess excellent written skills as demonstrated by a brief writing sample related to financial sector development, not to exceed to 3 pages, which must be submitted with applications and oral skills as demonstrated during an interview with the selection committee. He/she must have highly developed computer skills for generating documents, spreadsheets, presentations and databases utilizing Microsoft Office software as demonstrated by course work, certifications, and/or previous experience. He/she must also possess strong interpersonal skills and be able to work with technical interdisciplinary teams working under tight deadlines. Candidates must be in excellent health and be available to travel to the E&E region on a frequent basis (possibly up to 50% of the time). Selection Criteria The Regional Financial Markets Advisor selection criterion will be scored as follows: 25 points: Financial markets experience and education 25 points: Experience in E&E region or transitional economies, 20 points: International technical assistance experience including knowledge of donor programs and 30 points: Interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational and managerial skills. Basis of Evaluation - Two tier process Tier 1: Candidates applications will be evaluated on the extent and quality of their experience, education, and accomplishments as they relate to this position. Up to a total of 70 points may be awarded for experience and education. These factors are considered essential for successful job performance and those applicants receiving the highest scores will be considered in the competitive range and will be short-listed for interviews. Tier 2: Those who meet these minimum qualification requirements will be further evaluated in an interview. Up to 30 points may be awarded for interpersonal, negotiation, organizational and managerial skills and the applicant receiving the highest score will be selected. The interviews will center on: 1. Ability to deal with associates and representatives of foreign governments, congressional staff members, private sector and other government agencies. 2. Ability to effectively communicate analytical information in writing. 3. Ability to effectively communicate information orally. 4. Ability to plan, evaluates, and directs program activities as a team leader or member. 5. Ability to effectively manage stress of others and yourself. II. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: A. Benefits: (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave (only earned for actual work days) B. Allowances (If Applicable): (1) Post Differential (Chapter 500*) and (2) Danger Pay (Section 650*) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. III. APPLYING: A. Qualified Individuals should note that: 1. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless the Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency or there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation. The closing time for receipt of applications is 4:00 pm on the date specified in the cover letter. You are directed to Federal Acquisition Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information. 2. 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, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation. 3. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary. B. List of REQUIRED Forms for PSCs Forms outlined below can be found at: www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. (U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 are available at the USAID web site, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov or at Federal Offices). Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the SF-171 or OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to the SF-171 or OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or education and training address both the Selective and Evaluative Factors listed in Section I above. Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. A prerequisite for employment is a completed background investigation that reflects one’s qualification for a Secret security clearance. 2. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843). 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). IV. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPD) AND CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to the below web site to determine which AAPDs and CIBS apply to this contract. http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc