SOLICITATION NUMBER: 111-0605-003 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor US/Third Country National PSC - Civil Society 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 July 22, 2005. 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/procurment bus opp/procurement/forms. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO PROVIDE A COVER LETTER ADDRESSING HOW THEY MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE POSITION. Sincerely, Bradford Palmer Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Armenia CIVIL SOCIETY ADVISOR USAID/ARMENIA YEREVAN, ARMENIA 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 111-0605-003 2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 22, 2005 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: July 22, 2005 4. POSITION TITLE: Civil Society Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: $76,193 through $99,053 (equivalent to a GS - 14) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: two years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Armenia/EREO 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: I. INTRODUCTION The USAID Mission in Yerevan has program responsibility for the formulation of the Country strategy and implementation of a program designed to create a democratic society and market economy in Armenia. The Democracy and Social Reform Office (DSRO) is currently responsible for managing over 30 activities in these program areas, with an OYB of approximately $30 million annually. DSRO staff currently consists of 2 USDHs, 6 USPSCs, and 6 FSNs. The DSRO portfolio is large, complex and can be divided into four major components: 1. In democracy, USAID Armenia’s goal is increased participation in civic life and more open governance institutions through which to channel participation, in order to stimulate the demand side for improved governance and to hold government institutions accountable through the democratic process. 2. In healthcare, USAID Armenia programs focus on primary healthcare, and a well-functioning health system that ensures access to high quality services. These factors are critical if Armenia is to break out of the vicious cycle of poverty, poor health, and low economic growth. 3. In social protection, USAID Armenia’s goal is an effective and sustainable benefits system, in addition to targeted vocational training. Together, these are necessary to meet long-term universal coverage commitments for the disabled and the elderly, as well as the short-term needs of the unemployed and the poor. 4. In Nagorno-Karabakh (NK), USAID provides subsistence level humanitarian assistance to victims of the NK conflict based on the needs of these victims and in response to U.S. Congressional directives. Humanitarian aid provided since 1998 is in the areas of shelter, health, drinking and irrigation water systems, de-mining and micro-loans to selected vulnerable population of NK. 5. For the cross-sectoral anti-corruption objective, the Mission has committed itself to integrating anti-corruption efforts and considerations into all of its programming in all sectors, along with a stand-alone activity to support civil society’s mobilization to combat corruption. DSRO must, to varying degrees, coordinate each of these activities with a large group of multilateral donors. These include the World Bank (WB), International Monetary Fund (IMF), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the European Union’s TACIS program. In addition, there are several bilateral agencies working in Armenia, including Germany’s Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), among others. Political instability in the government and frequent changes in key counterparts complicate implementation of the DSRO portfolio. Additionally, many key counterparts have been educated in the former Soviet system and have had little international experience or education. A considerable amount of time must be devoted to re-educating them to Western standards. The DG SO team includes one USDH, two USPSCs (GS 14), and 2 FSN PSCs (FSN 12 and 11). Funding for USAID/Armenia’s DG activities totals approximately $8 million per year. On a day-to-day basis, DSRO’s Civil Society Advisor (CSA) is responsible for designing, managing, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring all non-media components of the Mission’s civil society portfolio. The CSA receives guidance from the Senior Democracy Advisor, DSRO Deputy Director, and DSRO Director, working independently and making judgments/decisions as specified in this SOW. The incumbent will have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Mission regarding the civil society portfolio. The CSA serves as a key Mission spokesperson on matters related to civil society in Armenia. II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Civil Society Advisor will serve as advisor and program manager for the Mission’s civil society programs, and will have responsibility for managing programs with life-of-project funding of over $10 million in current programs. With substantial increases in democracy and governance funding expected, the incumbent will be required to design and manage additional activities beginning in FY06. Current programs are designed to strengthen civil society actors and civic participation mechanisms to encourage greater citizen participation in the governing process. Program implementation includes working with both governmental and non-governmental actors in order to achieve program objectives. In performing his/her duties, the incumbent will be expected to coordinate with mid to high level Armenian government officials, other donors, and local and international non-governmental organizations to achieve program objectives. Frequent contact with Armenian counterparts, including leaders of NGOs and government officials working with civil society, is expected. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for the following: A. The CSA has core management responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the civil society programs within the democracy and governance strategic objective of the DSRO (60%). Responsibilities will include but not be limited to: 1. The incumbent will design, develop, implement and supervise initiatives and specific interventions to address constraints and barriers to the development of civil society in Armenia and to strengthen all levels of civil society, from grassroots communities to national advocacy NGOs in Armenia. 2. Teaming with US Embassy, USAID/W, USAID-funded implementers, international organizations, and mid to high level government officials in Armenia, the incumbent will provide substantive technical leadership for planning civil society programs. This will include identifying achievable results in collaboration with customers and implementers, obtaining and maintaining support from implementers, customers, and stakeholders, and obtaining country and mission level approvals for initiating development activities. 3. As requested and under the direction of the Senior Democracy Advisor, DSRO Director, and/or Mission Management, the incumbent will negotiate civil society project assistance with host country counterparts, both non-governmental and governmental, including at the Ministerial and parliamentary levels. This will include coordination and exchanges of information on civil society in Armenia with the U.S. Embassy and the Office of the Coordinator (EUR/ACE) within the Department of State. 4. The incumbent will oversee the implementation of USAID’s stronger advocacy NGOs and youth and community activism projects and programs that contribute to moving Armenia towards a democratic society. The incumbent will performing all required implementation and administrative duties related to the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) and activity manager roles for the Mission’s core awards under LLR 1.1, LLR 1.3, and LLR 1.4 (currently including two large cooperative agreements with Counterpart International and the Academy for Educational Development), as well as splitting CTO responsibilities for four limited-term, limited-scope awards under IR 1 with the FSN Project Management Specialist for Media. Additional CTO responsibilities are likely to be added in FY06. CTO responsibilities include providing close supervision of mortgages, pipelines, and funding requirements for the respective awards. 5. The incumbent will lead and coordinate the work of the respective implementing partners and technical assistance advisors. The partners have their separate institutional expatriate and local professional teams. The incumbent must insure that the activities of the respective contractors and grantees are consistent with USAID’s democracy development strategy, programmatic interests, all pertinent legal regulations, and with the U.S. Government’s larger assistance strategy in the region. 6. The incumbent will monitor civil society activities to 1) ensure that performance monitoring systems are in place and that periodic, reliable measures/indicators of achievement of portfolio impact are established and 2) enhance the achievement of results by periodically reviewing development context, results indicators, and activity implementation progress, identifying problem areas and resolutions, as necessary. 7. The incumbent will ensure that planned results are achieved in an efficient and timely manner, consistent with USAID regulations and policies. This includes identifying and seeking resolution of issues affecting results achievement and managing programs through site visits and working with implementing organizations. 8. The incumbent will work with the Mission’s training coordinator to develop local, U.S. and third-country training and exchanges for Armenians working to strengthen civil society in Armenia. B. Civil Society Advisor is responsible for providing guidance for the Mission’s civil society activities. This includes ensuring the acceptable performance and attainment of program results for Mission activities in civil society development. (40%) 1. The incumbent will maintain up-to-date information on development of civil society actors and political events in Armenia, and inform Mission management and relevant support offices of significant problems that could impede achieving results. 2. The incumbent will be required to provide accurate and informed advice to the Mission Management and key counterparts on civil society issues. She/he will provide leadership in this area to Mission Management, Foreign Service National staff, partners, counterparts, and customers. The Mission, counterparts, and customers will look to the Advisor to present viable and pertinent options to civil society sector issues. 3. The incumbent will identify problems and develop strategies for areas in which USAID and other donor intervention(s) could be useful and appropriate, taking into account the current needs of NGOs, civil society organizations, youth, and local communities. 4. The incumbent will maintain liaison with U.S. and Armenian governments and the donor community to facilitate implementation of the DG team portfolio. Participating in Mission and Embassy dialogue with host government representatives in the areas covered by civil society programs and activities. 5. The incumbent will identify and develop linkages with other donor programs, particularly in the civil society sector. The incumbent will develop a leadership position among the multilateral and bilateral donors in the civil society development field, and coordinate efforts diplomatically among them. 6. The incumbent will represent the Mission in discussions on civil society matters with advisors/analysts from other donors. He/she will liaison with project backstop officers in USAID/W, U.S. Embassy, and government officials in Armenia. 7. The incumbent will coordinate activities with the Senior Democracy Advisor, DSRO Director and Deputy Director, Mission Director, Controller, Contract Officer, and Program and Project Development Officers to provide continuous reporting on the civil society sector developments to ensure maximum program impact. 8. The incumbent will provide input in the formulation of USAID’s country strategy, annual report, program reviews, and other activities and events as requested by the Senior Democracy Advisor, DSRO Director and Deputy Director, or Mission Management. 9. The incumbent will provide regular and frequent reporting to the Senior Democracy Advisor, DSRO Director and Deputy Director, the Mission Director, the Deputy Mission Director, the E&E Bureau Offices, EUR/ACE, and the U.S. Embassy on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to USAID-financed civil society programs/activities in Armenia. 10. The incumbent will carry out other job-related duties as assigned. III. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS A. Education – 20 points • An in-depth knowledge of concepts, principles, techniques, and practices directly related to civil society development in transition countries. • A Master’s (or equivalent) degree in political science, international relations, sociology, or related field. A. Prior Work Experience – 30 points • Four or more years of progressively responsible, long- or short-term overseas work in democracy/civil society, particularly in advanced NGO strengthening, intermediate service organization (ISO) development, youth and community mobilization or related work is required. • Two years of such experience could be substituted by a Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in a related field. • Two additional years (four plus two) of such experience could be substituted if a Mister’s (or equivalent) degree has not been completed. • At least two years of related experience in Central and Eastern Europe or the former Soviet Union is required, particularly in countries where civil society has reached an advanced stage of development. • Long-term, on-the-ground experience managing programs is highly desirable as well as experience with regional development issues. B. Complexity – 20 points • Demonstrated ability to manage a series of highly complex activities (both new and ongoing) and processes to a satisfactory conclusion under varying degrees of ambiguity. • Articulate and capable of responding appropriately to rapidly varying situations, requirements, and inquiries. • Ability to obtain, evaluate, and interpret factual data and prepare precise, accurate, and complete reports as needed to assist in project development and implementation efforts is required. C. Interpersonal skills – 20 points • Demonstrated ability to work within a team framework and positive interpersonal skills are required. • Demonstrated ability to communicate and negotiate with tact and diplomacy with a variety of individuals in a complicated political context. • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively as a manager with the ability to motivate and guide institutional contractors and grantees. D. Language and communication skills – 10 points • Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, are required. • A working knowledge of Russian and/or Armenian is highly desirable. IV. SUPERVISION A. Supervision received – The CSA reports directly to the Senior Democracy Advisor. The DSRO Director and Deputy Director provide overall office supervision. B. Supervision exercised – The CSA has core responsibility for day-to-day management of USAID institutional contractors and grantees working in support of civil society. 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