Solicitation for USPSC for Senior DG Advisor, GS-15

GENERAL INFORMATION SOLICITATION NO.: 72066724R00001 ISSUANCE 09/30/2024 CLOSINGDATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 10/16/2024 (23:59) POINT OF CONTACT: Timothy Moore, Supervisory Executive Officer, Wafaa Hassan, Human Resources Specialist – [email protected] POSITION TITLE: Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor MARKET VALUE: $ 123,041 to $ 159,950 equivalent to GS-15. 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 . PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The period of performance is one base year: (o/a March 2025 to March 2026), with the possibility of another one-year extension (: o/a March 2025 to March 2026) contingent on contractor performance, the needs of the Mission and availability of funding. The contract and extension cannot exceed two years. Period: o/a March 2025 to March 2027. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya to serve USAID Sudan, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens. For USPSC: Be a U.S. citizen Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING. Be able to obtain facility access authorization. Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance. Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The successful applicant shall be required to obtain a “Secret Security Clearance” as a pre-condition for employment. The final selected candidates must obtain both the appropriate security and medical clearances within a reasonable period. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. STATEMENT OF DUTIES On April 15, 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid support Forces waged war against each other, thrusting Sudan into a heavily armed conflict, which continues a year later. The ongoing war has led to one of the world’s largest humanitarian catastrophes with over 24.8 million people in need of assistance, widespread displacement of more than 6.3 million, and untold suffering and atrocities inflicted on tens of millions of Sudanese. USAID/Sudan has adapted a hybrid structure with eight American staff positions in Nairobi (Kenya), one in Cairo, and FSNs predominantly in Nairobi, Cairo, and Kampala. In a fluid operating environment and with staff dispersed, the temporary platform in Nairobi serves as a core operational center, signaling USAID’s sustained commitment to Sudan, ensures proximity to partners located in Nairobi, and enhances whole-of-Agency coordination across programs that focus on humanitarian, transition initiative, democracy and governance, and improving resilient livelihoods against economic, environmental and social shocks. Recognizing the extreme challenges of this moment but also recognizing the critical importance of supporting Sudanese democratic civic actors, and in line with both U.S. national security and foreign policy interests, the USAID/Sudan is the leading donor in Sudan and works closely with the interagency to help shape the U.S. policy approach. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract: The Democracy and Governance Office (DGO) portfolio provides urgently needed support to high-level civilian political process, community peacebuilding, civil society strengthening, women and youth leadership, conflict management, trauma awareness and psychosocial support, and human rights documentation. The DGO designs, implements, and monitors programs across this diverse sector and coordinates closely with USAID/Washington, USAID/Sudan teams including the Office of Transitional Initiatives (OTI), Office of Sudan Affairs (OSA) Pol/Econ officers and the international donor community. DGO engages extensively with implementing partners, key Sudanese interlocutors, civil society, independent media, and civilian political leaders Statement of Duties to be Performed: The objective of this position is to provide senior strategic and technical guidance, and program management leadership to the Democracy and Governance Office at USAID/ Sudan encompassing the broad components of the portfolio, with the flexibility to adapt to the changing political environment and USG policy toward Sudan. The incumbent provides leadership on, and critical input to US foreign policy formulation on Sudan’s democracy and governance development portfolio. The Senior Democracy Advisor serves as a key technical advisor and will report to the Mission Director. The DGO staff comprises four Foreign Service Nationals, and the position that is the subject of this announcement. The Senior Advisor will represent USAID in meetings and strategy sessions including with the USG interagency, donors, and implementing partners. The incumbent will serve as a key advisor to USAID senior management, the Ambassador, and the political and economic affairs senior staff. Technical Advice: The Senior Advisor will provide technical leadership and management of the DGO portfolio in support of the Office Vision, USAID/DRG policy and USG foreign policy. He/she provides technical advice and insights to management, USAID, and OSA staff on portfolio progress; tracks key political and civilian leadership developments to ensure USAID programs are designed and targeted to respond to needs, opportunities, and challenges; conducts research and analysis to support current and future programming; cultivates personal contacts among Sudanese citizens, civil society, international organizations, civilian political leaders, and private sector; briefs USG stakeholders, including OSA and Mission management. Serves as Mission Point of Contact (POC) for select subject matter areas. Project Cycle Support: Leads and participates in the assessment, design, award, and monitoring of activities, projects and strategies. This may include responsibility for drafting concept papers, program descriptions, statements of work, modifications, funding applications, and other analytical and planning documents; drafting and circulating for approval pre- obligation documents; initiating GLAAS requisitions; coordinating with the supporting Contracting Office and Program Office on new procurements and modifications; serving on and chairing Technical Evaluation Committees and preparing selection documentation for recommendation and approvals. Coordination, Representation, and Reporting: Meets regularly with Mission and OSA stakeholders, other donors, civilian political leaders, civil society organizations, implementing partners, and others to share information and coordinate programming. May be required to represent USAID in external meetings related to assigned portfolio areas. Serves as a primary point of contact and/or activity manager for both Sudan-managed and centrally managed mechanisms. Contributes to reporting for weekly bullets; program briefs; program directory updates; portfolio reviews; operational plans, annual performance plan and reports; scene setters; briefers for USAID and other USG officials report outs from meetings and events; and other reporting as required. Coordinate DGO staff reporting for taskers, weekly reports and annual reports as needed, and ensure timely submission to the DGO Office Director. Provide technical support and coordination for internal DGO office operations (i.e. procurement planning, personnel planning, official travel, accruals, reporting, etc…). Activity Management/COR/AOR Duties: The Advisor will assist in the management of technical assistance activities. Manages and oversees the contracting/ agreement officer’s representative (COR/AOR), alternate, or activity manager for activities performance under the DGO portfolio. Duties include overseeing the monitoring of activities and holding regular meetings and correspondence with partners and program stakeholders and tracking partner performance against activity objectives and results. Personnel and Recruitment: : Update position descriptions for staff in the DGO Office as needed, coordinate closely with the Executive Office to ensure position descriptions are updated to reflect updated tasks and all supporting documents are prepared accurately and in a timely manner; Serve on Technical Evaluation Committees for selecting new staff as needed; and assist with onboarding new staff as needed. USAID Consultation or Orientation (if applicable): Not required Supervisory Relationship: Incumbent is expected to act independently, in coordination with and direction from USAID/Sudan’s ODG Office Director and Mission Director. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Applications will be initially screened by the Human Resources Office to determine whether applicants have met the advertised minimum qualifications. A list of qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring office for further consideration and screening. Education: A Master’s degree in political science or social sciences plus 7 years of experience working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in insecure contexts OR A Master's Degree in political science, public policy, law or international relations, or a law degree, plus five years of experience working in democratic development including proven international experience developing or managing elections and political processes activities in insecure environments. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English is required. Ability to read and speak at a professional level in English on the core programmatic areas is required and will be tested. Some exposure or familiarity with Arabic would be considered highly but is not required. Technical and Professional Experience: At least 10 years of professional experience working in the field of democratic development on behalf of an international organization, the U.S. government, a non-government organization or private sector entity working in the international context. Of those 10 years of experience in the field of democratic development in the international context, the candidate should possess at least 7 years of experience developing, managing, or implementing elections and political processes activities OR human rights OR civil society engagement OR peace building OR rule of law/access to justice or similar related specific technical area of a DG portfolio.. In determining whether the 10-year requirement is met, a combination of private sector and public sector development experience will be considered. Skills and Abilities: Day-to-day experience managing USG-funded contracts and grants. Experience managing and/or working successfully with teams. Strong written and oral communication skills, presentation skills, and excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work with a small team and international colleagues. The ability to obtain a Secret level security and medical clearances required for the position 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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far . The Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will conduct interviews with all offerors in the competitive range and provide the final rating and ranking of the offerors based on the interview. The CO will consider findings from the reference checks as part of the responsibility determination. EDUCATION (10 POINTS): A Master’s level degree or higher in development studies, law, political or other social science, public administration, business administration, public policy or another relevant field. Additional education in the aforementioned areas is desirable. WORK EXPERIENCE (30 POINTS): A minimum of seven years of experience in the development arena, providing technical assistance, implementing, managing, analyzing and/or evaluating democracy and governance programs in developing countries are required. Experience working with the USG, other international donors, implementing partners and/or the United Nations system is preferred. Practical experience in Sudan or South Sudan is preferred. Additional experience in the aforementioned areas is desirable. KNOWLEDGE (30 POINTS): In-depth knowledge and understanding of development theory and programmatic best practice in one or a combination of the following fields: democracy and governance, anti-corruption, elections, civil society, local development, justice and rule of law, local governance, and public administration. The successful candidate must demonstrate advanced knowledge in understanding the economic, social, cultural, and political characteristics of development and democracy, governance. Expert knowledge in activity design, program management, monitoring and evaluation related to democracy and governance. Demonstrated knowledge in managerial and administrative areas, related to project teams and development activity management. Advanced knowledge in the aforementioned areas is desirable. SKILLS AND ABILITIES (30 POINTS): Technical, analytical, and managerial abilities (project and staff) combined with excellent interpersonal, diplomatic, and leadership skills. This includes learning agility and the ability to effectively adapt to new or changing situations; problem-solving abilities; the ability to establish and maintain effective relations with international and host-country counterparts; sensitivity to others; and balanced judgment. Advanced capacity to work successfully in a fast-paced environment and capable of handling tasks with varying deadlines. Expert ability to conceptualize, both strategically and programmatically Excellent English writing and editing skills, as well as ability to provide cohesive oral presentations (formal and ad hoc) around complex issues in an understandable manner; ability to draft quality and clear documents including briefing papers, project design documents, and reports. Demonstrated skills in coordinating and collaborating between teams, offices, and or units within a larger organization. Proficiency in the use of MS Office suite, Gmail, and Google suite is essential. Advanced skills/abilities in the aforementioned areas are desirable. Total Points Available: 100 pts SUBMITTING AN OFFER For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted: AID 309- 2 ,“Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, “available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Cover Letter addressing the Evaluation & Selection Factors (III) . Application must be submitted ONLY via [email protected] and the email subject must say –: 72066724R00001 - Senior Democracy and Governance Advisor. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the closing date at local Khartoum time 16:00. No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained, unless you are required to have more information about this solicitation. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) Fingerprints Card (FD-258) BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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 Leave and Holidays ALLOWANCES (if applicable): Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) Post Allowance (Section 220) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Education Allowance (Section 270) Education Travel (Section 280) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650) TAXES USPSCs are required to pay federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable state income taxes. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 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/sit es/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf . Contract Cover Page form AID309-1 available at: https:// www.usaid.gov/forms . LINE ITEMS ITEM NO (A) SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTIO N) (B) QUANTIT Y (C) UNIT (D) UNIT PRICE (E) AMOUNT (F) 0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) Award Type: Cost Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] 1 LOT $TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor 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 . 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 5CFR2635 . See https:// www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations . PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman END OF SOLICITATION EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY : The U.S. Mission in Sudan provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Sudan also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.