General Development Officer-USPSC-GS 14

Country:

United States

Notice/Contract Number:

fbo:504-08-001

Publication Date:

Jun 19, 2008

Deadline:

Jul 11, 2008

Funding Agency:

Agency for International Development

Buyer:

Overseas Missions

Original Language:

English

Address:

United States

Email:

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General Development Officer USAID/Guyana Issuance Date : June 20, 2008 Closing Date : July 11, 2008 Subject : Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) The United States Government, represented by the Agency for International Development in Guyana (USAID/Guyana), is seeking applications (letters of interests and OF-612) from qualified U.S. citizens interested in providing the PSC services described in this solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the time and place specified below. Applicants are encouraged to retain copies of all documents/enclosures that accompany their application. Point of Contact: Questions concerning this solicitation may be directed to Ms. Soraya Morillo, Procurement Supervisor � USAID/Santo Domingo, who may be reached via e-mail at smorillo@usaid.gov or via telephone by calling 809-731-7042 or via fax transmittal at 809-221-0023. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to: Nancy L. Hoffman/Soraya Morillo USAID/Dominican Republic Fax number: 809-221-0023 E-mail: smorillo@usaid.gov Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Notice may be directed to Soraya Morillo, USAID/Dominican Republic, 809-731-7042. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 504-08-001 2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 20, 2008 3. CLOSING DATE: July 11, 2008 (16:00 EST) 4. POSITION TITLE: General Development Officer 5. MARKET VALUE: US$ 81,000 up to 105,400, plus benefits - GS-14 Equivalent Note: Final salary determination will be based on salary history and experience. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years from the date of signature of the contract. The contract will allow for contract extension, but it is not anticipated that the total period of service will exceed five (5) years. Award of the contract and subsequent extensions will be contingent on the availability of funds, satisfactory performance and agreement of the parties. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Georgetown, Guyana Note: The incumbent will be required to travel to remote and rural areas of Guyana in connection with official duties of the position. 8. SECURITY ACCESS: SECRET 9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizen 10. STATEMENT OF WORK: See following Scope of Work (SOW) SCOPE OF WORK GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER I. Background Guyana is part of the United States� Caribbean �Third Border.� The U.S. relationship with the region is built on a strong and deep foundation that is centuries old and reflects the flow of peoples that have enriched the U.S.�s own culture. The strong economic, cultural, and geographic ties between the United States and the countries of the Caribbean make their political and economic stability of vital interest to the United States. In the Caribbean, as it is for Latin America, USAID strategic priorities seek to: advance democracy and human rights, increase economic prosperity and security, and address social and environmental issues. The importance of these strategic priorities is reflected in the implementation of policies that address the major constraints to development. In addition, USAID continues to provide significant humanitarian assistance for disaster mitigation and preparedness in the wake of several tropical storms and hurricanes that have affected the region. Historical forces in Guyana have resulted in the emergence of two dominant political parties that have coalesced primarily along ethnic lines: the predominately Afro-Guyanese People�s National Congress Reform (PNC/R), which held power from 1964 to 1992, and the chiefly Indo-Guyanese People�s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C), which has held power since the 1992 national elections. Both major parties rely on ethnic allegiance for electoral support, and this ethnic polarization has resulted in suspicion between political parties and accusations of favoritism on the part of whichever party is not currently in power. Consequently, antagonism often characterizes political interaction at the national level, where decision-making is highly centralized. Although rank-and-file members serve as the voting base of the two major parties, effective mechanisms to hear and to respond to local needs and opportunities are lacking. This situation results in most average citizens feeling helpless and skeptical of the capacity of politicians to assist them in meeting the day-to-day challenges posed by Guyana�s declining economy and vulnerable social fabric. At present, the structure and weak capacity of government institutions contribute to the negative consequence of ethnic and racial tensions. The executive branch is powerful and overshadows a weak National Assembly and a judiciary with relatively little independence. Although press freedom is entrenched in the Guyanese political culture, it has not been a strong force for increasing accountability, inclusiveness, and transparency in government because the members of public media are generally untrained in the ethical, analytical and communications skills required for an influential professional press. Without fundamental reform, the country seems poised for continued ethnic conflict, limited citizen participation, and accusation of poor governance and corruption. The current program strategy (2004-2008) seeks to consolidate democratic governance by building upon the gains made under the previous 1999-2003 program and USAID/Guyana�s comparative advantage in providing leadership in the democracy and governance area. The current objective adopts a broad-based approach that encompasses legislative processes, elections, civil society, the justice system (civil), media and ethno-political conflict reduction. To achieve its objective, USAID/Guyana has identified a number of necessary intermediate results that include: � Citizens� participation in policy making increased � Transparency and accountability in governance increased � Vulnerability to ethno-political conflict reduced The Mission�s Democracy objective is being implemented through a Contract with Research Triangle Institute International (RTI International) and its sub contractors. The subcontractors (DPK, Aurora and Democracy International) have organized their respective activities under program components. The Government of Guyana�s overriding development objective, as outlined in both its Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper and National Development Strategy, is to increase incomes across social levels and reduce the level and incidence of poverty. Increasing jobs and earnings require stimulating business activity and productivity. However, with a population of only 750,000, Guyana�s domestic market is too small to provide a viable base for long-term growth. Therefore, the chief strategy available for creating sustainable growth lies in the development of value-added, non-traditional exports. Successful expansion of exports will require strengthening the domestic environment for exports, with particular emphasis on improving policies and stimulating greater entrepreneurship in Guyana. In addition, Guyanese exports will need to be competitive in terms of quality, service, special characteristics, and price. Export growth will need to take place in order over the long-term and be sustainable in order to increase revenues and reduce poverty. Guyana�s trade environment is relatively weak. It is a small economy within the Caribbean Common Market, and lacks sufficient analytical capability to influence trade negotiations and agreements. Yet these agreements directly affect Guyana�s ability to export certain products, and could even pressure Guyana into increased export competition. Guyana needs to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these agreements and the negotiating process itself, and the Government must do more to improve the incentives for foreign investment and trade. The Government and public sector must act in concert to provide Guyana with world-class institutions and services that create an environment for business and investment that is low-risk and offers profitability incentives for meeting or exceeding customer expectations. USAID�s Economic Growth program supports interventions designed to address the two key constraints to improving the environment for sustained growth of value-added exports. On the �demand� side, Guyana needs to strengthen �rules-based� incentive structures for attracting investment and increase its participation in trade-led economic growth. On the �supply� side, Guyanese businesses need to strengthen their capacity to play by the internationally-defined �rules of trade� so that export-led sectors, industries, and firms can competitively produce and market their goods and services. The Guyana Trade and Investment Support Project (GTIS) is the principal vehicle through which USAID's economic growth program is implemented in Guyana. CARANA Corporation is USAID's implementing partner. The GTIS Project is designed to maximize Guyana�s benefits from international trade agreements and position target firms to exploit market opportunities. The approach is based on the premise that targeted activities focusing on Guyana�s industry-specific critical success factors can create an environment for sustainable growth. The project is broken into four key components: The first organizes industry clusters, identify their key success factors, and work with institutional actors to help create an export growth environment; The second provides firm-level technical assistance focused on specific factors (standards, quality management, and marketing) that will generate exports; The third strengthens the private-public consultative process and increases civil society support to enable progressive policy movement; and The fourth implements trade capacity building activities that will assist public stakeholders to turn existing trade commitments (CARICOM, WTO, bilateral agreements) into real market opportunities for businesses. In addition to its Democracy & Governance and Economic Growth Programs, the USAID/Guyana portfolio comprises a President�s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program and a Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Threshold Program. II. Basic Function of the Position USAID requires the services of a General Development Officer (GDO) who possesses an unusually high degree of competence, maturity, and well-rounded experience in performing a variety of program and project management functions. The Officer�s basic functions will be to provide leadership support to USAID�s technical teams with: (a) The achievement of results; (b) assignments related to the day-to-day management and monitoring of USAID�s programs; and (c) the orientation and training of staff in USAID policies and procedures. The cognizant officer will work under the direct supervision of the USAID/Guyana Mission Representative, and will provide leadership support in two of USAID�s technical areas - Democracy & Governance and Economic Growth - as well as in areas of cross-cutting interest. S/he will participate in and provide substantive input to project and activity design, development, implementation, monitoring, and reporting in the two technical areas mentioned above supported by USAID/Guyana. S/he will also provide, on an as needed basis, active program coordination with counterparts and implementing agencies; NGOs, including those receiving USAID funds and others; international organizations; representatives of the international donor community; and Department of State, CDC and Peace Corps. He/she will also work closely with Strategic Objective Team Leaders and the Program Office to ensure that projects planned and implemented remain consistent with USAID/Guyana development strategy. III. Duties and Responsibilities: A. The incumbent is the Director of the General Development Office and is a member of the USAID Senior Staff. S/he is responsible for overall leadership of two Strategic Objective Teams and managing and supervising technical staff of the two respective units. The incumbent will provide special knowledge and expertise in economic growth, agricultural development, international trade and development, poverty reduction, democracy, electoral and political systems, decentralization, rule of law, human rights, anticorruption, and governance. The General Development Office is responsible for supporting the Economic Growth and Democracy and Governance Program Teams in developing, implementing, evaluating and reporting on the USAID/Guyana program to achieve results that support U.S. foreign policy objectives. As Director of the General Development Office and Team Leader for two teams, incumbent directs a range of activity � related functions, including providing input into mission policy. The GDO will serve as the Mission advocate for program performance impact and will help set priorities for guidance of contractors, grantees, and project implementing agencies. The GDO will also guide project personnel in the design of activities to be carried out in general conformation with USAID policies, procedures, and sound project management principles. On occasion, the incumbant will stand-in for the Mission Representative and occasionally act on his behalf when he is absent from Post. B. Specific functions include, but are not limited to: 1. Participating in strategy design and project development efforts of USAID/Guyana. Monitoring and performing assessments in support of development assistance functions regarding existing or proposed programs in the areas cited above. 2. Supervises the preparation and processing program and project documentation. This includes significant substantive input to annual USAID/Guyana annual report submissions. Reviews and/or prepares contracting related documentation, including statements of work, budgets, waivers, etc., for new contracts and grants as well as for modifications of existing contracts and grants. Participates on contractor and grantee selection panels. 3. Reviews and/or prepares contracting related documentation, including statements of work, budgets, waivers, etc., for new contracts and grants as well as for modifications of existing contracts and grants, and participates on contractor and grantee selection panels. 4. Maintaining liaison with government officials and private sector counterparts to encourage open communication and to help ensure proper project/program design and implementation. 5. Conducts necessary research and prepares analysis and documentation in response to requests for information from USAID/Washington, the U.S. Embassy, our Guyanese counterparts, contractors and grantees, and other sources. 6. Undertakes monitoring visits to activity sites and prepares corollary monitoring reports, and organizes program events. 7. Preparing correspondence, cables, and reports in response to inquiries or routine reporting requirements regarding project matters. Drafts communication pieces: briefing papers, success stories, articles for the website, and speeches and remarks for public events. 8. Represent USAID/Guyana in discussions with the USG country team, with the government, and with other donors on economic growth and governance issues. 9. Providing recommendations on budget allocation levels for USAID/Guyana development assistance activities. 10. Supervision of the Democracy and Governance (DG), and Economic Growth (EG) sector Program Management Specialists. Assist and support sector Program Management Specialists (PMS) identify synergies and the integration of cross-sector programming, and the coordination of USAID programs with those bilateral and multilateral donors who support activities of interest to USAID/Guyana. Lead and assist the PMS with planning; provide guidance on USAID policies and procedures, and participate in USAID Guyana staff training activities. IV. Supervision and Relationships A. The General Development Officer will serve as the key manager for ensuring the smooth implementation of a complex and highly visible Economic and Democracy and Governance programs. The incumbent will work under the direction of the USAID Guyana Mission Director, or his designee. Performance of the incumbent shall be in relation to the above statement of work and the general technical and administrative objectives of the Economic Growth and Democracy and Governance programs. B. Standards of evaluation will include timely performance of tasks; quality and acceptability of written products, effectiveness of interpersonal communication, management and leadership skills, and working as a team player with the broader mission and effectiveness in accomplishing the scope of work. These shall be manifested in the preparation of annual work objectives and requirements. A review/update of these objectives will be carried out at least annually. C. The incumbent shall ensure effective coordination and information sharing with the USAID Guyana staff and personnel of implementing and other donor agencies. In this capacity, the incumbent shall also work closely with offices of the U.S. Embassy, the Department of State, economic growth and democracy-related institutions and other key individuals useful and necessary for the full accomplishment of the objectives of USAID Guyana�s Economic Growth and Democracy and Governance programs. D. The incumbent has no authority to make commitments on behalf of the USG; however, recommendations are given substantial weight by USAID officials who exercise that authority. The incumbent is authorized to initiate correspondence and discussions with senior government officials and private sector organizations and to articulate USAID strategy and implementation issues specifics to the program sectors specified herein. V. Qualifications and Selection Criteria: a. Education: A master�s degree is required, preferably in a field relevant to international development assistance e.g., international relations, political science, international economics, law, or development management. This requirement may also be met by relevant demonstrated international development experience. (10 points) b. Experience: i. A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in Economic Growth and/or Democracy and Governance related issues including strengthening local government and municipal development, fiscal and financial management government reforms, parliamentary training, civil society capacity building/development and experience in/knowledge of the current political/economic, social and cultural conditions in Guyana. (30 points) ii. A minimum of 5 to 7 years of hands-on experience at the senior management level, demonstrating sound and independent judgment with leadership skills to strategize, develop and effectively implement activities in English speaking Caribbean as well as knowledge of development credit authority mechanisms for economic growth. Knowledge of the Commonwealth judicial system and practices is desired. (20 points) iii. Professional experience related to project management monitoring and evaluation, and research on problems of economic growth and democratization in developing countries is required. Must be able to research, evaluate, and apply untested development theories and suggests methods of adjusting new and ongoing programs to better keep pace with the changing political, cultural, and technical landscape of Guyana. (10 points) iv. Demonstrated professional ability, including relevant senior management of teams engaged in development assistance and must be able to prioritize activities and implement numerous assignments concurrently; respond quickly, effectively and flexibly to respond to wide-ranging requests; and operate effectively in a cross-cultural setting with both public and private sector partners. Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to engage productively with colleagues at all levels is paramount. (10 points) v. Excellent oral and writing communication skills in English reflecting ability to analyze and report clearly and concisely on economic and governance issues to be demonstrated through sample reports or articles written by the applicant. Computer skills in both word-processing and spreadsheet software is required. (10 points) vi. Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures, and systems is desired. How to prepare a MAARD and its component elements; how to interpret and apply USAID grants and contracts; how to research the Automated Directive System (ADS); how to undertake results oriented reporting in conformance with USAID standards. (10 points) c. Level of Contacts: The GDO must be able to work and communicate effectively with persons from all sectors of the USAID program including ministerial level officials of the Guyanese government in all sectors. Government contacts will be for the purpose of negotiating the direction of implementation of the USAID Guyana EG and DG programs. d. Position Elements: � Supervision: The incumbent will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Mission Director. � Available Guidelines: Management guidelines available include the Automated Directives System and USAID Guyana Mission Orders and other important reference documents such as the current Operational Plan and Country Strategic Plan, and relevant contract and grant agreements. Incumbent must be able to network and research to develop methods and procedures to implement the Operational Plan and the Strategic Plan. � Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent must exercise a high degree of sound judgment in dealing with colleagues and other USG officials, government counterparts, contractor and grantee staff and others. In particular, the incumbent must not exceed boundaries set by USAID rules and regulations and, in dealing with colleagues and counterparts understand the limits of his or her authority in this particular situation. � Authority to Make Commitments on Behalf of the USG: The incumbent will exercise considerable authority over the planning, design, implementation and management conducted by the technical teams. The incumbent will submit all major written communications to parties outside the Mission involving policy to the Mission Director for clearance. The incumbent will have no authority to make or alter financial commitments. � Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: In order to perform the duties and responsibilities described in Section III, the incumbent will require daily contact with USAID staff. Contact with Embassy, counterpart and contractor and grantee staff will be undertaken on a regular basis. � Supervision Exercised: The GDO will supervise two Program Management Specialists responsible for the EG and DG sectors respectively. In addition, the GDO will become alternate CTO on a number of grants and contracts. � Travel: Official travel will be undertaken in conformance with the standard procedures of USAID/Guyana. � Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after Entry into the Position: Six Months. VI. Medical and Security Clearance Requirements: a. The successful applicant must receive medical clearance for serving in Guyana. Details of how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit medical clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. b. The successful applicant must be able to receive USAID security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency. Applying Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: - A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. List of Required Forms for PSCs Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ 1. Optional Form 612 2. Medical Histoy and Examination Form (DS-1843) ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (SF-86) ** or 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258)** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 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 and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker�s Compensation Annual and 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 HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.
Set-aside code: N/A
Place of performance:
USAID/Guyana Georgetown, Guyana
GY
Contact: Soraya Morillo, Procurement Supervisor, Phone 809-731-7042, Fax 809-221-0023, Email smorillo@usaid.gov - Nancy L. Hoffman, Executive Officer, Phone 809-731-7034, Fax 809-221-0023, Email nhoffman@usaid.gov

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General Development Officer-USPSC-GS 14

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