SOLICITATION NUMBER: 111-1106-005 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor USPSC ? Business, Finance and Enterprise Advisor The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (SF 171 or OF 612) in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Please send applications to: Nooneh Haroutunian HR Specialist/EXO 7020 Yerevan Place Washington, DC 20521-7020 Or By e-mail to:
[email protected] Or By FAX to: Attn ? Nooneh Haroutunian ( 374-10) 46 47 28 (Armenia) Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must be received at USAID/Armenia by COB December 15, 2006. Any questions may be directed to Bradford Palmer, Supervisory EXO, USAID/Armenia who may be reached at FAX No. (374-10) 46 47 28 (Yerevan, Armenia), or via e mail to:
[email protected]. Offerors should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Application forms: USG Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 can be located at the USAID website: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE A ONE PAGE SUMMARY ADDRESSING OF HOW THEY UNIQUELY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION. Sincerely, Bradford Palmer Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Armenia BUSINESS, FINANCE AND ENTERPRISE ADVISOR USAID/ARMENIA YEREVAN, ARMENIA 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 111-1106-005 2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 22, 2006 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: December 15, 2006 4. POSITION TITLE: Business, Finance and Enterprise Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: $77,793 through $101,130 (equivalent to a GS - 14) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Armenia/DSRO 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: I. Background Since its independence, Armenia has emerged as a strategically important country in the Caucasus. Its progress towards becoming a stable, European-oriented and democratic country with a transparent, market-based economy is important to U.S. security and economic interests in the region. U.S. national interests in Armenia, and in the larger Caucasus region, revolve around security, conflict resolution, internal reform and energy security. A settlement of the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over the predominantly ethnic Armenian-populated enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, and a rapprochement between Armenia and Turkey are both important U.S. foreign policy goals. USAID/Armenia?s partnership with the Armenian public and private sectors has been fruitful and helped lay the groundwork for the opportunities that now exist. Since 1992, USAID, in coordination with other donors, has been instrumental in reforms in all economic and social sectors. This assistance helped to build a new economic system from the ashes of the post-Soviet economic collapse, contribute to the development of social services that are more equitable, and build a more representative, responsive government. USAID?s relations with the Government of Armenia (GOAM) have matured substantially during the past 10 years. The GOAM has evolved from a passive recipient of assistance into a more demanding and responsible partner that works to coordinate and influence donor efforts. The GOAM now emphasizes development assistance, and has developed its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper, into which it fits donor activities. With Armenia now in its second decade of post-Soviet independence, the challenges of the transition to democratic values and institutions and a market-based economy are now more nuanced. While the effects of the Soviet system linger, the current choices Armenia must make in its future development are more the product of broader political and economic forces abroad and emerging asymmetries at home. Principal among these challenges are high rates of poverty and unemployment, which have been little affected by recent GDP growth. GDP growth has been fueled by import substitution and internal consumption, but this stimulus is likely to abate. High flows of external assistance and investment, principally from official donors and the Armenian Diaspora, may not be a sufficient or reliable basis for long term growth in the 7-8% range required for a serious dent in poverty. Rather, a sustainable basis for future growth seems to lie in increased public and private investment impacting the broad economic, demographic, and geographic landscape of Armenia. Armenia needs to take a more aggressive stance fiscally and legislatively to ensure such investments take place and human and financial capital is deployed equitably and efficiently. II. Approach To date, USAID/Armenia?s Economic Growth and Private Sector Program has focused on accelerating the systemic restructuring of the economy toward a market orientation. USAID assistance is concentrated on high level macroeconomic reform on the one hand, and on firm level assistance on the other. In addition to our efforts to create an improved environment for private sector activity ? in areas such as commercial, legal and regulatory reform, tax/customs reform, capital/financial markets development, accounting reform, information technology, and industry competitiveness, among others -- USAID also directly assists Armenian businesses and business associations, specifically in the form of credit, access to finance, technical assistance, and training to micro, small-, and medium-sized enterprises. We also currently have specific programs which support activities in the areas of agribusiness, tourism, and information technology. USAID also supports several activities providing micro loans to small-scale entrepreneurs, including economically active women living below the poverty line in under-served areas. The FY2004-2008 USAID strategy for Armenia hinges on (a) robust growth in micro and small/medium enterprises (MSMEs) ? the economic segment most likely in the near term to create jobs, (b) companion public investment in a healthy and productive society, (c) a climate of governance conducive to those public and private investments, and (d) the presence of transparent, accountable institutions that respond to the needs and demands of a vigorous, informed and healthy Armenian society. This narrowing of USAID/Armenia?s strategic attention and engagement to people-level and enterprise-level impact has been made possible by the generally conducive development environment now in place: relative political stability, more or less the right set of macroeconomic policies, and a strong combination of formal and informal external financial flows that can couple with domestic savings for early results. Indeed, it is this political-economic setting, and the performance that created it, which is the reason that Armenia has qualified for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) ? a reflection of past achievement and prospects for future success. A finer sieve for program choices means that some broader structural reform or institutional strengthening activities from the FY1999-2003 strategy are wrapping up or will be recalibrated over the next couple of years. Financial and capital market development is now concentrating more on promoting affordable and equitable access to investment credit and on financial products such as purchase order finance, factoring and corporate bonds and services such as credit bureaus of special relevance to SMEs. The ultimate objective of USAID interventions in micro-, small and medium enterprise development in Armenia is to improve these enterprises performance as a means to achieve higher economic growth and employment, and reduce poverty. Since 1995, the Mission has developed a portfolio of activities targeting the full continuum of micro-through medium-enterprise development. This portfolio consists of several major components: 1) enterprise level technical assistance, 2) micro-enterprise and microfinance support, 3) SME market development, 4) technical advisors, 5) finance and credit assistance for firms, including programs with EBRD and DCA, 6) financial market development (bank level technical assistance), 7) entrepreneur training, and 8) industry level competitiveness support. The Enterprise Advisor position will reside in the Office of Economic Restructuring and Energy Office (EREO). The incumbent will report to the EREO Director (or his designee), and as needed to Mission Management. The EREO office portfolio spans two strategic objectives: one focusing on increasing employment in a competitive private sector (targeting macroeconomic reforms and enterprise level assistance) and the other focusing on energy and water sector reform and development. The Enterprise Advisor will be expected to support activities in the entire office, but in practice will be managing programs within the competitive private sector strategic objective. III. Major Duties and Responsibilities The incumbent's main duties and responsibilities include: A. The ENTERPRISE ADVISOR will serve as Core Team Member of S.O. 1.3 "Increased Employment in a Competitive Private Sector", and as an expert advisor to the Mission for matters pertaining to business, finance and enterprise and MSME development in Armenia.. B. The ENTERPRISE ADVISOR is expected to: a) identify, design, implement and evaluate new and innovative approaches in enterprise, finance and MSME development; b) generate input for, and recommend new guidance on the overall SO 1.3 framework; and c) provide regular updates to Mission Management to assure integration of SO 1.3 efforts into USAID/Armenia?s overall reporting and performance measurement. C. Duties include portfolio/program planning, design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of enterprise, business development, finance and MSME activities, and management of contractors and grantees. The advisor serves as a key member of the SO 1.3 team that includes Mission staff, grantees, contractors, host-government officials, and other partners, to ensure maximum program impact with available resources. D The ENTERPRISE ADVISOR is responsible for oversight and management of the ongoing and planned portfolio of activities related to micro, small and medium enterprises and related areas under the Mission?s SO 1.3. The incumbent will report to the EREO Office Director or her/his designee. The SO 1.3 portfolio spans a broad spectrum of topics including legal and regulatory reform at the macro and sectoral levels to increase private investment; to sub-sector inventions in support of privately owned small and medium enterprises (SME). This includes, for instance, activities such as: trade development, real estate market development, banking and finance, energy, micro-credit, market development, and business education. E. Play a lead role in a) SO 1.3 program/portfolio conceptualization and activity design; and b) basic oversight and management of current and planned activities that fall into the area of enterprise development. While keeping the SO team and supervisor informed, incumbent is delegated authority to use own judgment in broadening or narrowing scopes of projects, activities and/or studies that come under his purview. This will include the interpreting/analyzing the unique development/transition constraints and opportunities for future growth of Armenia?s MSME sectors and applying the results to the design and implementation of Mission projects and activities in the MSME sectors. F. Serve as the key Mission resource for information and knowledge about: a) Armenia?s MSME sectors; b) the MSME development programs and projects of other donors and international financial institutions (IFIs); and c) regional developments (the Caucasus) affecting the aforesaid sectors/sub-sectors. G. Hold Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) responsibility for managing selected Mission grants and contracts obligated in the field; promote integration and mutual support of contractor and grantee activities; and review contractor and grantee work plans and recommend revisions where needed. Serve as a backup CTO for other projects within the portfolio, as needed. H. Manage/guide the preparation of input on MSME and Mission portfolio for the annual Congressional Budget Justification process, the Annual Report, and other documents. I. Draft resource transfer documentation (e.g. Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs) for the Mission?s MSME portfolios/activities, and obtaining necessary approvals. J. Collect performance data and assess progress in achieving outputs and results, carry out or monitor evaluations/assessments of activities as needed; and report problem areas and corrective steps needed to the SO Team Leader and Mission Management. Manage closeout actions for completed activities in the MSME portfolio. K. Conduct project site visits and inspections. Maintain up to date information on developments in all areas of MSME. Keep Mission Management, Team Leader and relevant support offices appraised of significant developments and problems. L. Provide leadership in establishing performance monitoring systems for results frameworks, meeting Agency standards, and assure integration into Mission SO reporting on its MSME activities. M. Prepare/present focused papers, briefings, and participate in internal technical reviews. Draft activity design documentations and related technical, policy and budgetary analyses. N. Ensure the acceptable performance and attainment of contract/grantee scope of works (SOWs) for short and long term advisors. O. Interface as needed with others in Mission and other USG agencies operating in Armenia, including MCA and USDA to assure coordination of all inter-related activities. P. Represent USAID and interact with other USG agencies, international financial institutions, other donors, Armenian counterparts in the public and private sector, and PVOs/NGOs in areas of mutual interest. Contact would involve advocating major policy and institutional reforms as needed to successfully pursue Mission SO 1.3. Q. Where appropriate, train, mentor and provide for the career development of competent FSN professionals in MSME development and economic growth in general. R. Other job related duties as assigned by the EREO Director or her/his designee and/or Mission Director or her/his designee. IV. Qualifications Knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position include: A. Graduate degree in business, finance, international development, agribusiness or related technical field from a reputable western (preferably American) university is preferred, though 10 years relevant work experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. B. A minimum of fifteen years relevant work experience is required. Ideally, this would include substantial prior experience in business & enterprise development, MSMEs, credit and finance, banking, agribusiness, economic development, and industry competitiveness initiatives. C. A minimum of seven years relevant overseas work experience in developing, emerging and/or transition economies is required. Candidates must be able to demonstrate that they can live and operate effectively in a challenging overseas environment. D. A minimum of five years experience in program and contract management is required. Candidates must be able to clearly demonstrate their prior experience in project administration, contract management, in managing projects/programs through implementing partners, and in achieving high level results through others. E. Familiarity with international donor practices (be it USAID or other donors) strongly preferred. F. Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills are mandatory. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professional counterparts at all levels, including those from host country governmental and non-governmental organizations, in USAID Missions, other U.S. government agencies, and other donors. The candidate must demonstrate cross cultural sensitivity, tact and poise, as he/she will be called upon to interact with high level officials and representatives from the private sector. Record of effective, collegial/team working relationships and the ability to reach consensus with a wide range of individuals/organizations (e.g. technical experts, public/private sector partners) in a host country setting is essential. G. The ability to successfully work on teams and teamwork is required. Proven record of effective, team-based working relationships, from staff to policy-making levels, with a wide range of individuals and organizations, including technical experts and contractors, host country partners (public & private sector), and international organizations are required. H. Superior written and oral communication skills are essential. The ability to meet tight deadlines with concise documents and verbal interpretation is required. Strong computer skills are desired with work experience utilizing database programs (e.g., Excel). I. Significant experience in the design, analysis or implementation of credit projects in developing and/or transition economies is necessary. We are seeking candidates with a demonstrated skill in negotiating financial transactions with host-country private-and public-sector counterparts and experience in the areas of international commercial investment, project finance, bond financing and development banking service. Knowledge of and/or prior experience with USAID?s Development Credit Authority would be an advantage. J. Familiarity with avian influenza preparedness, prevention, response and containment interventions in order to protect animal health would be an advantage. K. Demonstrated ability to form alliances with the private sector and other donors is highly desirable. L. Knowledge of Russian and/or Armenian is desirable but not mandatory. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: (Under Automated Directives Systems (ADS) http://www.usaid.gov/ads.html 1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave 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). ** Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) 3. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Debt Collection Process 03-05 Revised Requirements for Posting of Federal Acquisition & Assistance (A&A) Opportunities 03-02 ES-06 Salary Rate for 2003 01-13 Posting USAID Solicitations and other Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) documents on the Business & Procurement Internet Site 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation R&R) Policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process-Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) with U.S. Citizens. 00-05 Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs. 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts(PSCs) 99-22 PSC Policy 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations. 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements. 98-19 Home Leave under U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCSs 97-20 Requirements for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses to USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs. 97-17 PSCSs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other than Full & Open competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less 97-6 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Service Contract (USPSC) Leave 96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSC) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 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)** ** 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. Subject to Funds Availability