SENIOR ECONOMIC ADVISOR

ISSUANCE DATE: October 30, 2015 CLOSING DATE: November 14, 2015 Local Time (Kosovo) 17:00 PM SUBJECT: SOLICITATION NUMBER SOL 167-S-16-000001 PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR SENIOR ECONOMIC ADVISOR (Intermittent) PRISTINA, KOSOVO Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as an Senior Economic Advisor under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified above. Interested Applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation, which includes but is not limited to: 1. A cover letter, inclusive of the candidate's experience in the relevant field, which should address how the candidate meets each of the requirements. The cover letter should not to exceed three (3) pages; 2. A current resume/curriculum vitae (CV) and three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contact information. The CV/resume 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 particular selection criteria. The Applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Kosovo reserves the right to obtain relevant information from previous employers concerning the Applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation; and 3. A completed and hand-signed federal form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to sign the cover letter, the resume/CV, and the certification at the end of the AID 302-3. Applications that are received without signatures will not be considered for the position (forms can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/). To be considered for the position, a candidate must meet all of the eligibility requirements listed under Selection Factors in the solicitation. The complete application must be e-mailed to the submission address specified in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications in accordance with the Evaluation Criteria in the solicitation. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents must be submitted via internet as an email attachment as follows: Send complete applications to [email protected]. 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) cover letter, (2) resume/CV (with references), and (3) signed AID 302-3. Any questions in response to this solicitation must be directed to: Mimoza Këpuska Human Resources Specialist Phone: +381 38 59 59 2106 Fax: +381 38 249 493 Email: [email protected] This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID and it is subject to availability of funds. The U.S. Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay for any costs associated with the preparation and submission of a proposal in response to this solicitation. USAID/Kosovo anticipates awarding one (1) contract as a result of this solicitation, subject to availability of funds. Sincerely, Joseph Sidari Supervisory Executive Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-167-S-16-000001 ISSUANCE DATE: October 30, 2015 CLOSING DATE: November 14, 2015 no later than 17:00 PM Local Time (Kosovo) POSITION TITLE: Senior Economic Advisor MARKET VALUE: GS-15 equivalent ($101,630 - $ 132,122 per annum) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: This is an intermittent contract with a level of effort of eight (8) months. The specific number of days to be worked will be determined by mutual agreement between the contract employee and the Mission. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens I. POSITION DESCRIPTION: BACKGROUND The USAID Mission for Kosovo (USAID/Kosovo), located in Pristina, manages one of the most important and complex assistance programs in the region. In line with USG and Kosovo priorities, USAID/Kosovo's five-year Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) envisages Kosovo as an effective state, with a viable economy and an inclusive democracy on the path to European integration. The realization of this vision requires close cooperation between USAID/Kosovo, other USG entities, the international community, USAID implementing partners, and, above all, partnership with Kosovo institutions and local stakeholders. Since the end of conflict in Kosovo, USAID has been the key donor in establishing economic policies and a legal and institutional framework in Kosovo. The key institutions, laws, and regulations are generally in place, as is a sound fiscal and financial system. Among the institutions supported by USAID technical assistance were the Ministry of Finance (MOF), the Ministry of Economic Development (MED), the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK), Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI), Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning (MESP), the Tax Administration of Kosovo (TAK), the Kosovo Trust Agency (KTA), the Kosovo Pension Savings Trust (KPST), Kosovo Electric Company (Korporata Elektroenergjetike e Kosovës - KEK), Energy Regulatory Office (ERO), Kosovo Veterinary and Food Agency (KVFA), Kosovo Forest Agency (KFA) and others. Much progress has been made in building their capacity. Several, such as the CBK, the KPST, and the privatization agency, now function at a level of proficiency that does not require ongoing donor support. USAID assistance until recently was focused on support for the basic building blocks of an independent Kosovo. For Kosovo to move forward, it needs to establish a clear economic base for development and to consolidate democratic achievements. Consequently, with the new CDCS, USAID assistance is focusing on supporting the private sector, which is best-positioned to determine Kosovo's comparative advantages and best able to increase incomes and jobs. With basic government functions operating with a degree of effectiveness, it is important to ensure that there is a vibrant civil society that is capable of holding the government accountable and demanding rule of law. In addition, USAID has increased its focus on supporting municipalities. Kosovo's central government institutions have achieved remarkable progress in a short period of time. While threats to these gains still remain, support for building the capabilities of local government remain one of the key objectives of USAID assistance in Kosovo. At the center, focus is shifting from establishing institutions to making them functional. Central government institutions still require support to varying degrees of involvement. Over the next five years, the task will be to consolidate and build on successes at the center, and begin to scale back support to those ministries and agencies that are capable of successfully fulfilling their mandate without full-time donor assistance. Support for youth and education is a major new area. Youth-oriented programs play a central role in USAID's portfolio. Youth and education interventions are cross-cutting and based on a strong partnership with the GOK and other stakeholders. A key element of USAID's approach is strong synergies throughout the portfolio to maximize impact - such as the coordination between programs to improve the business environment; to institute better contract enforcement and alternative dispute resolution methods in the rule of law sector; and to offer integrated economic growth and governance support programs in municipalities. II. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The overall objective of the Senior Development Advisor is to provide USAID Mission with necessary advice and policy and strategic support for making informed decisions regarding the performance of Economic Growth Office (EGO) programs in terms of efficiency, effectiveness and impact, and also to make recommendations on any possible change in the project development and implementation strategies. The Senior Development Advisor will assume Development Objective 2 and 3 (DO2 & DO3) advisory responsibilities and will support EGO in the design and procurement process of the new activities that will be awarded in 2015. In addition, the Senior Development Advisor is expected to play an active role in supporting the DO2 and DO3 teams in the implementation of the activities that are part of the DO2 and DO3 portfolios. The DO2 and DO3 portfolios include activities supporting increased investment and private sector employment and education. Specifically, the DO2 and DO3 portfolios include projects supporting energy, an improved economic governance and business environment, increased competitiveness and market linkages in targeted private sector areas, basic education, higher education, and workforce readiness. The Senior Development Advisor will take the lead in and provide direction for important economic activities involving gathering, analyzing, interpreting, and publishing an array of economic information bearing on USAID and USG program/project activities in Kosovo and on the economic well-being of Kosovo. S/he will initiate, formulate, oversee, guide, and carry out policy analyses of the economy of Kosovo, as necessary, which will provide recommendations aimed at achieving the DO2 and DO3 objectives. Where required, s/he will develop new and innovative approaches, conceptual frameworks, or analytical techniques to meet the demands of emerging or anticipated policy and program issues. S/he will perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 1. Project Management • Supporting the management of and assessing the progress made by the Partnerships for Development, Empower Private Sector, Empower Credit Support, Basic Education Program and Transformational Leadership program towards the achievement of their overall goals and providing recommendations for any changes necessary to achieve activity objectives within current budgets and time frame • Supporting effective design and kick-off of the new Citizen's Corps and Workforce Readiness programs. • Assessing the effectiveness and efficiency of project management, monitoring, and coordination arrangements and the extent to which timely and appropriate decisions are being made to support effective implementation and problem resolution • Assessing the progress with other portfolio activities as assigned and providing support in developing new designs related to these activities. • Supporting EGO and DO2 and DO3 in any programmatic changes with the objective of streamlining management units and at the same time ensuring effective implementation and attainment of set objectives 2. Coordination, Technical Advice and Policy Dialogue • Supporting the EGO management in managing the Mission's DO2 and DO3 portfolios on a day-to-day basis, with technical advice and assistance in coordination to enhance decisions on activity implementation matters, identify and resolve program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, and assure that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements • Supporting the mission in developing innovative ideas for implementing Local Solutions activities in the DO2 and DO3 portfolios. • Providing technical support and inputs in the establishment of the Kosovo Credit Support Facility including liaison and interaction with Kosovo Government officials and National Assembly. • Maintaining close contact, providing technical advice, and engaging in policy dialogue as appropriate with staff and senior representatives of the Government of Kosovo, the Kosovar private sector, non-governmental organizations and foreign donors active in providing assistance, USAID assistance providers, and other U.S. Government agencies to ensure achievement of USAID economic growth and education objectives. • Provide off-site support to the Mission and to EG Office through drafting and providing comments to various documents, such as position papers, talking points, concept papers, Statements of Work, project progress reports, etc. • 3. General Management • May also be called upon to be the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) for specific activities in the DO2 and DO3 portfolios. • Carrying out such other tasks related to Mission economic growth activities as might be assigned from time-to-time by the EGO Director and/or Mission Director The Advisor will handle all assigned work either independently or, as required, as part of teams, according to established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance as provided in the ADS and other Agency policies. The Advisor is expected to make independent judgments that can be defended as necessary. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance is placed on the Advisor to independently plan and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The Advisor will propose solutions to problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; developing, coordinating, and clearing proposed solutions with all necessary parties; and then taking appropriate actions necessary to resolve the problem. S/he will ensure that all activities are appropriately documented in required reports and through regular updates given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including Annual Reports, Portfolio Reviews, annual budget and pipeline analyses, Congressional Budget Justifications, and briefings and talking points. S/he will review annual work plans, and negotiate program and activity issues with counterparts in the GOK and with other implementing partners. Travel Requirements Travel within Kosovo, and possible regionally, will be required. III. SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES The Advisor will be required to prepare and provide reports as required to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities described above. The Advisor will also provide, orally or in writing, such reports on work progress or advice on economic growth issues as may be required from time-to-time by Senior Mission Management or other senior USAID officials All work will be carried out under the general guidance of the Director of the Economic Growth Office and her/his assignees. The Advisor will maintain contact and interact technically and professionally in a highly collaborative manner with a wide range of parties, including senior officials of Kosovar government ministries; members of the elected Kosovar assembly, as well as local government officials; Kosovar and international businesspeople; and experts provided under assistance programs sponsored by non-governmental organizations and foreign government donors. The Advisor will also be required to interact with senior officials of the Department of State, and certain other US Government representatives representing the Department of Treasury, Justice, and Agriculture, as appropriate. The Advisor will also closely coordinate with the Mission's other technical offices and Program Office on all matters of mutual programmatic interest. IV. QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA Experience (40 POINTS): At least 10 years of experience working in a post-conflict environment. Demonstrated ability to work in post-conflict, complex, high-pressure, and fast-paced environment with minimal support. Minimum four years of prior work experience in Economic Growth field and project management. Prior experience working in a developing country, preferably in the Balkans. Prior experience supervising junior staff preferred. Education (20 POINTS): A Master's Degree in development studies, public administration, international law, conflict resolution, business, international relations, or related field. Knowledge (30 POINTS): Knowledge of US Government regulations for acquisition & assistance programs preferred, but not required. Demonstrated competence in drafting scopes of work, evaluations, sector analyses, action memorandums. Capable of representing US Mission in donor coordination groups, synthesizing information and relaying it for analysis with recommendations for action to supervisor and key counterparts within the US Mission. Ability to analyze budgets and track financial management data for program monitoring. Knowledge of management information systems. Skills and experience in economic policy reform in post-conflict environment is required. Knowledge of Kosovo environment is a plus. Knowledge of USAID documents or related experience desired. Experience in working with other donor institutional structures is also required. Knowledge and/or experience with USAID procedures, guidance and policies highly desired. Communication (10 points): Language and Communication Skills; Fluent English speaking, reading and writing proficiency is required. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong skills for team building and cross-cultural communication preferred. Maximum Points Available: 100 V. REQUIREMENTS Security and Medical Clearance The final selected candidate must be able to obtain Security clearance for work within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding the clearance to the selected candidate after selection). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer. The candidate must obtain required medical clearance. VI. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Interested Applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation. These documents include a cover letter [not to exceed three (3) pages]; a current resume/CV containing the information contained in Section V which clearly demonstrates the Applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and accomplishments as they relate to the selection criteria outlined and the Duties and Responsibilities of the position. The hand-signed federal form AID 302-3 (forms can be downloaded from: www.usaid.gov/forms/). A. Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held); B. Education: School names, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received; C. Work Experience: Provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (includes series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, supervisor's name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, basic salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of form AID 302-3 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc.; D. Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, job related certificates and licenses (current only), job related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested); E. References: Applicants must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) recent professional references (within the last 5 years), who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contact information. The Applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance, skills, abilities and interpersonal skills. USAID/Kosovo reserves the right to obtain relevant information from previous employers concerning the Applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation; and F. Date of availability: It is expected that the selected candidate will begin work within 15 days of receipt of security clearance. Candidate must provide its date of availability to begin assignment in USAID Pristina, Kosovo. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents must be submitted via internet as an email attachment as follows: Send complete applications to [email protected]. 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. Interested candidates must send the documents outlined above via the internet, to the attention of the address indicated above. E-mail must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate's salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 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. VII. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference-Shelf/forms.shtml http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at 1. Federal Employment Application (OF-612). 2. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306). 3. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). Forms 1 through 5 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) and ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs#psc to determine which CIBs and AAPDs apply to this contract. VIII. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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). * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR. SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY