FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 687-09-002 Amendment#1 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 21, 2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 17, 2009 - 9:00 am (Washington time) 4. POSITION TITLE: Food for Peace Officer 5. MARKET VALUE: Annual salary ranging from $70,615 to $91,801 (equivalent to a GS-13 level) . Salaries are not negotiable beyond these ranges. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year with an option to renew for up to four (4) additional years, subject to continued requirement of the position, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds •7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Madagascar •8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION : US Citizens and Third Country Nationals 9. SECURITY CLEARANCE : USG Secret Level for US Citizens, clearance for facility access for Third Country Nationals POSITION DESCRIPTION (See below) BACKGROUND U.S. Agency for International Development's Office of Food for Peace (FFP) provides grants for food assistance to private voluntary organizations (PVOs) and the UN World Food Program (WFP) under Title II of Public Law 480. In fiscal year 2007, FFP provided 2.1 million metric tons of commodities, worth over $1.8 billion, to over 40 million people in 64 countries. FFP provides both emergency food aid (which aims to address food aid needs arising from natural disasters, such as floods or droughts, and complex emergencies often characterized by insecurity and population displacement) and non-emergency food aid (which aims to address the underlying causes of chronic food insecurity). Madagascar confronts chronic food insecurity, with acute crises brought on by recurrent climatic factors, including frequent cyclones and erratic rainfall. The recurrent shocks exacerbate the underlying vulnerability of many resource-poor Malagasy households, who have little capacity to cope. FFP has addressed these problems with PL480 Title II support through four programs over the past several years -- three development programs being implemented by PVOs and emergency food aid support through the WFP. In fiscal years 2007 and 2008, Madagascar received over $30 million in Title II food assistance. In FY 2009, FFP expects to approve a new set of five-year non-emergency programs at a cost of $15,000,000 annually. Title II food aid grants are signed by the Director of FFP, and the FFP/Washington Country Backstop Officer is usually the Agreement Officer's Technical Representative (AOTR) who is responsible for the technical oversight of the grants. The USAID Mission has overall responsibility for assistance programs in the country. To help determine the need for, and improve, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of assistance provided under the Title II non-emergency food aid program in Madagascar, USAID/Madagascar requires the services of a FFP Officer (FFPO) hired through a Personal Services Contract. The position is based in Antananarivo, but the FFPO is expected to spend approximately forty (40) percent of his/her time traveling throughout the country to monitor program activities and assess food aid needs . USAID/Madagascar is also in the process of creating a Food Security (FS) team, and the FFPO would serve as the head of this team. The Food Security team is composed of the FFPO and two foreign service nationals working on the Title II program. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES The FFPO will ensure effective management of FFP resources in Madagascar. His/her primary responsibility is to monitor Title II-funded non-emergency food aid programs, and report on their implementation to FFP/Washington and the Mission. The FFPO may also be called upon to manage FFP emergency resources that may be provided in response to environmental disasters. The FFPO is expected to provide leadership input to the FS team and promote coordination with other Mission funded programs. SPECIFIC DUTIES The FFP Officer will undertake the following duties: •1. Serve as key point of contact for all issues pertaining to Title II food aid in Madagascar for the Mission, USAID/Washington, the regional FFP Office, other parts of the U.S. government, Private Voluntary Organizations (PVOs), international organizations, host nation governmental ministries and agencies, and others in the country. •2. Monitor and provide leadership for ongoing Title II programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims. •3. Provide information and guidance to Title II assistance award recipients on Title II regulations, policies and procedures. •4. Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food aid requirements, government policies and actions affecting food aid programs, government food aid programs, and donor pledges and programs. •5. Coordinate with the Country Team (consisting of the USAID Mission, U.S. Embassy, and/or other USG staff in-country), host government, PVOs, international organizations, donors, and others to address issues impacting Title II food aid. •6. Maintain close liaison and regular interactions with senior Ministry officials, donors and partners to ensure harmonization and efficient delivery of successful programs. •7. Supervise and report on assessments to inform Title II food aid funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs. •8. Work with PVOs on preparation of annual workplans and program modifications, and with WFP on new appeals or revisions to existing ones. •9. Work with other parts of the U.S. government and other donors to promote integration of food aid with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall. 9. Provide leadership to the Mission's Food Security team. 10. Supervise FSN field monitoring and administrative staff. 11. Undertake other tasks, as assigned. LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY FOR DECISION MAKING The incumbent is expected to act independently and work with minimal direction. S/he independently defines and carries out duties, prioritizes overall objectives, and manages available resources. The incumbent develops deadlines for activities and other specialized tasks and is responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts that arise, and coordinating the work with others as necessary. The incumbent interprets policy on his/her own initiative and in terms of established objectives. The incumbent has no authority to make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. government LEVEL OF COMPLEXITY OF WORK ASSIGNMENTS Duties are varied and require application of methods to a broad range of problems or situations with substantial depth of analysis. The incumbent will lead a team effort to adapt program approaches to a food security environment which is in constant flux. Madagascar's food security situation is vulnerable due to unpredictable, severe cyclones which cause widespread flooding, loss of crops, and other damages. The south of the country is also vulnerable due to chronic drought. The incumbent must be familiar with proven food security approaches from other countries and be able to apply and adapt these to the Madagascar context. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The incumbent serves the Mission as the senior technical advisor on all aspects of food security. The FFPO will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the USAID/Madagascar Director and/or his/her designee, who provides general broad direction and guidelines. The incumbent is expected to be in regular contact with FFP/Washington, as well as the regional FFP Office, and report any information to them on issues pertaining to ongoing Title II programs. The incumbent works independently and keeps supervisor informed of progress in the achievement of objectives and advised of potentially controversial matters. Completed work is reviewed in terms of effectiveness in advancing USAID's Food Security policy, USAID/Madagascar's Strategic Plan and Food Security program as enunciated in the annual results reports and resource request submissions. SUPERVISION EXERCISED The incumbent supervises two Foreign Service National (FSN) staff. GUIDELINES Pertinent sources of information consist of the Title II laws and legislative initiatives, FFP issued guidelines and information bulletins, and USAID Agency and Bureau rules and regulations, which govern the use of the U.S. food assistance programs. The incumbent must exercise considerable judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and executive policies to assigned responsibilities. The incumbent is expected to be innovative and original in formulating new or improved approaches to problem resolution. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The requirement for field trip assignments to consult with Mission and cooperating sponsor managers of food aid programs may however expose the incumbent to difficult working surroundings and security risks during the course of travel. SCOPE AND EFFECT OF WORK PERFORMED As the Mission expert on all aspects of food security programming, the incumbent's recommendations will be given substantial weight in final Mission decisions with respect to food security programming. The incumbent will lead the food security team and work in close collaboration with the Mission's Health, Population, and Nutrition team as well as the Environment and Rural Development team. The food security program objectives and geographic scope substantially overlap with activities managed by these offices. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for USAID Title II food aid issues. S/he establishes contacts up through senior level of government to the level of Minister as well as with heads of partner donor agencies. S/he will also work closely with senior technical staff of other USG agencies based at post or elsewhere, for example USDA. The most routine contact will be with senior technical staff in government in donor agencies. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS •· Bachelor's degree plus at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (one of which must be related to food aid); or Master's degree with significant study in a pertinent field (including, but not limited to international relations, agriculture, economics, public health,) plus at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (one of which must be related to food aid); •· Experience working on international development or relief issues in developing countries. •· French language proficiency sufficient to interact on a daily basis on technical topics with senior level government officials and a variety of partners. (Level S3+/R3+) •· Basic computer skills, to include knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, e-mail, and the internet. Applicants not meeting minimum qualifications will not be evaluated further. QUALITY RANKING FACTORS Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and selective factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately the experience, training, and/or education that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. A. Professional Experience - 45 pts •(i) Knowledge and experience with international development and relief (20 points) •(ii) Knowledge and experience with Title II food aid programs (17 points) •(iii) Technical expertise in a food aid related field, such as nutrition, agronomy, economics, or public health (5 points) •(iv) Level of relevant formal education (3 points) B. Program Management - 30 Points •(i) Ability to manage programs, to include programmatic and financial issues (10 points) •(ii) Ability to monitor and evaluate programs, to include programmatic and financial issues (10 points) •(iii) Ability to review, evaluate and apply complex policies and regulations (10 points) C. Interpersonal and Communication Skills - 25 Points •(i) Ability to provide rapid, concise, accurate reporting, both verbally and in writing (10 points) •(ii) Ability to work effectively as a technical leader in a multi-cultural environment. (8 points) •(iii) Language skills (7 points) 10. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS Employer's FICA and Medicare Contribution* Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Shipment and Storage of Household Effects Shipment of POV (Privately Own Vehicle) Access to Embassy Medical Facilities, and Pouch Mail Service (in accordance with post policy) * Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor's salary will be subject to employee's FICA and Medicare contribution. 2. ALLOWANCES [if applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below] (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (6) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (7) Educational Travel (Section 280) (8) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (9) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) (10) Danger Pay (Section 650) (11) Consumables Allowance 3. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE The Contractor will be required to obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to service overseas. Also, a temporary security clearance must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty. Until a final adjudication of a secret clearance is received, the contractor shall: • have no access to classified or administratively controlled materials, • travel to post by himself/herself only, and • be authorized no entitlements other than those normally authorized for short-term (less than a year) employees at post. If the contractor fails to receive a secret clearance, the contract will be immediately terminated. 4. FEDERAL TAXES USPSCs are not exempt from payment of any Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. 5. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR USPSCs 1. Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) Applicants shall sign the application form. Unsigned OF-612 or SF-171 forms shall not be accepted and therefore applicants shall not be considered for the advertise position. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622) ** 3. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) **, or 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258) (available from the requirement office) ** Note: ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. Forms 1 through 4 can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html •6. ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) & CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical expense payment responsibility AAPD 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase AAPD 06-01 Medical evacuation insurance CIB 01-10 Revision of medical clearance process - PSC with U.S. Citizens CIB 01-07 Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) CIB 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - PSCs with U.S. Citizens CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts CIB 99-22 PSC Policy CIB 98-23 Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements CIB 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D. CIB 97-17 PSC's with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens CIB 97-16 Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and 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 CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf •I. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS Qualified applicants are requested to submit complete and hand-signed application for Federal Employment (SF-171) available at the USAID website, http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms ), or complete and hand-signed Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) and a Resume containing the following information: •1) 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); •2) Education: high school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours); •3) 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 (include 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, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; •4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title and year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, 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). •5) Applicants are required to provide three references with complete contact information, including E-mail address and telephone numbers. Interested candidates should send the above via the fax, or email at the addresses indicated below. Please note that attachments to e-mail applications in zip format can not be received to this mailbox. Please make sure that you do not send any attachments in zip format. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and in the subject line of any cover letter. Applications must be received by fax, or E-mail by closing date and time specified in the cover letter of this solicitation and should be submitted to Ms. Bakoly Ratsimanohatra on E-mail:
[email protected] , or via fax at 261-20-22-538-86 or 261-22-538-87 EEO/AA: USAID IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT DISCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF HIV/AIDS STATUS