SOLICITATION NUMBER 72016718R000130001 ISSUANCE DATE: June 22, 2018 CLOSING DATE: July 20, 2018 (17:00 PM Local Time (Kosovo)) SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) SENIOR FRONT OFFICE ADVISOR Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Your complete résumé, scanned AID 309-2 form, and the supplemental documents must be submitted via email to:
[email protected]. 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 offer. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information. Sincerely, Joseph Sidari Supervisory Executive Officer ATTACHMENT I I. GENERAL INFORMATION: 1. SOLICITATION NO: 72016718R000130001 2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 22, 2018 3. CLOSING DATE: July 20, 2018 (NLT 17:00 PM Local Time (Kosovo)) 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Front Office Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-15 equivalent ($ 105,123 - $ 136,659 per annum) Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: This is a contract not to exceed six (6) months. The Personal Services Contract will commence o/a September 2018 through February 2019. 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: BACKGROUND The USAID Mission in Kosovo was opened in July 1999 and much of the focus was on preparing Kosovo for independence and establishing basic institutions necessary for a democracy to function. During this period, Kosovo was established as an internationally administered region, administered by the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). Since 1999, over $1.2 billion in U.S. assistance was committed to the reconstruction of Kosovo and to building self-governing institutions and a viable economy. In February 2008, Kosovo declared independence. The creation of Europe's newest state has proceeded on a forward path despite setbacks. Starting from virtually zero, Kosovo today is a functioning state, with a functioning government and a society that is growing stronger and more self-confident. The handover process of Kosovo's nascent institutions from UN control to the new Government of Kosovo (GOK) has highlighted the young state's growing maturity and capacity. USAID/Kosovo is the largest Mission in the Balkan region and the second largest donor in Kosovo after the European Union (EU), with an active portfolio valued at over $225 million. USAID/Kosovo has 97 positions (16 U. S. Direct Hires (USDH), 6 Personal Services Contractors (PSC), and 75 Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs) in seven offices. The Mission also provides legal, contracting, and executive office support services to other Balkan missions. Basic Function of the Position: The Senior Front Office Advisor (SFOA) serves as an expert advisor to the Mission Director in a period of transition commencing in July 2018. The current Mission Director is transitioning to an onward post, and the current Deputy Mission Director will assume the position of Mission Director. To ensure success during this during this period, the Mission seeks a seasoned, coordinated, senior-level executive with experience, expertise, and knowledge to support and augment current capacity in critical areas. These areas include strategic management, policy, programming and operations coordination, and advisory services. The SFOA will be an integral member of the Mission's senior leadership team and serve as an effective liaison with a wide array of individuals and institutions and have in-depth knowledge of international relations. Familiarity with a wide range of issues is necessary, including budget analysis and programming, democracy/governance and human rights, conflict resolution, civil society strengthening, and economic and community development. Excellent interpersonal, presentation and negotiation skills are necessary, as well as excellent political analysis and reporting skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, responsibility and sound judgment in politically charged and challenging environments. Strong team-building and mentoring skills are essential. Duties and Responsibilities: The SFOA is based at USAID/Kosovo in Pristina, Kosovo and reports to the Mission Director, or his/her designee. Major responsibilities include: • Provide experienced guidance on the day-to-day management of Mission operations; • Advise and coach the Mission's senior leadership team; • Advise on programming and mission budget formulation and priorities; • Advise on and attend meetings with the Embassy and the GoK, as appropriate; • Advise on and attend meetings with the donor community; and • Provide staff and career development and performance guidance to both USDHs and local staff. Specific Requirements The work of the SFOA requires teamwork, the exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility. Under the direct supervision of the Mission Director, the SFOA will: • Support conceptualization and design of program strategies and objectives in close coordination with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy, and local civil society officials, based on political analysis and U.S. Government policy. When necessary, recommend strategic objectives and advocate on behalf of new programmatic approaches in country, linked to neighboring country programs, where appropriate; • Serve as a liaison with USAID personnel, U.S. Embassy staff, foreign diplomatic staff, local government officials, UN organizations, local and international NGOs, and other pertinent agencies and organizations. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with them in order to ensure close coordination at the field level, identify the widest range of potential partners and opportunities, and achieve maximum synergy with other programs; • Monitor local and regional political developments and regularly brief and advise USAID staff on their potential programmatic impact; • Provide day-to-day programmatic, operational, and strategic guidance and support to USAID Mission leadership and staff; and • Provide guidance on the annual evaluation process, performance management, and staff development for both USDHs for local staff. Successful implementation of this effort will depend on the SFOA's ability to effectively collaborate with the Mission staff in reviewing their professional needs and coaching/mentoring the staff in a manner that promotes achievement of both their individual and Agency goals for career advancement. • Review and provide analysis for specific Mission program(s) or potential programs, as needed; • Provide strategic focus for portfolio of implementation mechanisms, staffing, and overall operations; • Provide recommendations with respect to overall technical and management advisory services at the Mission; • Provide recommendations, best practices, and workshops or training sessions regarding the delivery of assistance and oversight of programs and staff; • Identification of best practices and management efficiencies; • Provide recommendations regarding regionally - or Washington - provided support services; and • Provide analysis and options on how to enhance intra- and inter-Mission coordination in the region's overall program and activities. Position Elements a) Degree of responsibility for decision-making assigned to the position: The incumbent has broad latitude for exercising individual initiatives and making decisions in consultation with the Mission Director, with respect to matters to strategic management; policy, programming, and operations coordination; and advisory services Where required, s/he will develop new and innovative approaches, conceptual frameworks, or analytical techniques to meet the demands of emerging or anticipated policy and program issues. • Complexity of the work environment/effect on the position's responsibilities: There is a high amount of complexity in the work environment due to the complex political nature of the Mission's portfolio. • Exercise of Judgment: A high degree of independent judgment is required in providing guidance and advice to the Front Office. • Authority to Make Commitments: Within Mission delegations and job responsibilities only. • Knowledge level required: Thorough knowledge of development programming and the interagency work environment are required. Incumbent must possess demonstrated knowledge in strategic planning and program coordination/implementation, as well as knowledge of and ability to work within a diverse environment that incorporates inclusive practices and gender-focused programming. • Supervisory Controls: The SFOA will work under the general and specific supervision and policy guidance of the Mission Director, or designee. The Mission Director will review and approved the work plan and performance measures of the SFOA. The SFOA will consult and work closely with the various offices and teams at the Mission, the Government, international donors, the Department of State, and other stakeholders. • Supervision/oversight over others: The incumbent has no supervisory responsibility. • Scope and effect of the work performed: Provides guidance and senior level advice to USAID/Kosovo to support the Front Office. • Level and purpose of contacts: Personal contacts include Mission staff, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID Kosovo implementing partners, and other stakeholders. The SFOA must have the ability to represent U.S. Government interests by communicating effectively in English, using a great deal of tact and diplomacy as it pertains to senior management levels. Contacts are with senior management within and outside of USAID. • Available Guidelines: The SFOA is required to understand and analyze Mission and Agency specific policies and must be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies of the Mission, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders and Notices, and Agency and Department of State Program Strategy and Policy Documents. OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Security and Medical Clearance Requirements The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a security clearance/employment authorization which involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency. The applicant selected to fill the position must also receive medical clearance to work worldwide including random drug test for illegal drug use. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer. The final selected candidates must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection. COMPENSATION This position has been classified at GS-15 grade. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band depending on qualifications and previous earning history. 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens 11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. 12. POINT OF CONTACT: For any additional question you may contact Lemane Sokoli at
[email protected]. All application packages are to be submitted via email to:
[email protected]. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Education: Candidates are required to have a university level bachelor's degree in a relevant field (project management/business administration, civil affairs, economics, political science, law, public policy, international affairs, public administration, or a related field). (10 points) Prior Work Experience: The candidate must have, within the last fifteen (15) years, at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible senior-level management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization, with focus on democracy and governance, human rights activities, community development, economic development, political analysis, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, and/or international law. (35 points) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of development programming and the interagency work environment are required. Incumbent must possess demonstrated knowledge in strategic planning and program coordination/implementation, as well as knowledge of and ability to work within a diverse environment that incorporates inclusive practices and gender-focused programming. Ability to analyze and evaluate complex development issues across sectors. Strong interpersonal and team-building skills and ability to work with tact, diplomacy, and discretion. Incumbent must demonstrate resourcefulness across cultures with diverse teams, as well as across the USG inter-agency and local ministries, local civil society institutions, high-level officials, and grassroots organizations. Individual must have excellent strategic, analytical, written, and oral communication skills, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Also, he/she must have willingness to travel periodically, both within Kosovo and regionally in the Balkans. (30 points) III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS Education: (10 points) Prior Work Experience: (35 points) Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (30 points) Interview: (25 points) In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted. PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner. In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/Kosovo reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. IV. APPLYING Submission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following: 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit: • Offer form AID 309-2 "Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts," available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form. • Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing. • Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last ten years from the applicant's professional life namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. 2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11. 3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission. • Send signed complete applications to
[email protected]. Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be formatted in one single PDF document in the following order: (1) signed cover letter, (2) signed resume/CV (with recent references), and (3) signed AID 309-2. • NOTE: This position requires the submission of complete forms and/or supplemental materials as described herein above. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. The Applicant must sign the cover letter, resume/CV, and the AID 309-2 Please note that incomplete and/or unsigned applications will NOT be considered. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: 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: Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms (1) Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2) (2) Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86)* (3) Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)* (4) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)* (5) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended* (6) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974* (7) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)* (8) Medical History and Examination Form (DS-6561). Forms 2 through 8 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. VI .BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave (g) Medevac insurance ALLOWANCES: Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) (a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120) (b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210) (d) Post Allowance (Section 220) (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 Allowance (Section 650) VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: 1. 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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf . 2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-2 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms . 3. 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 . 4. 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 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY