Senior Economics Advisor

Solicitation Senior Economics Advisor USAID/Harare, Zimbabwe __________________________________________________________________________________ 1. SOLICITATION No. 613-09-002 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 11, 2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS 12 noon Harare, Zimbabwe Time; Friday – May 22, 2009 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Economics Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-15 ($98,156 - $127,604) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 1 year (with a possibility of extension) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Harare, Zimbabwe 8. SUPERVISOR CONTROLS: Program Officer 9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only 10. OTHER: This position solicitation is subject to funds availability. __________________________________________________________________________________ A. BACKGOUND On September 15, 2008 the three political factions in Zimbabwe (MDC-T, MDC-M, and ZANU-PF) signed a power-sharing agreement (known as the Global Political Agreement or GPA), which led to the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) when MDC-T President Morgan Tsvangirai and MDC-M President Arthur Mutambara were sworn in as Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, respectively, on February 10. Subsequently, on February 13, ministers representing all three parties undertook the oath of office. The GNU is an interim establishment until such time that constitutional reform and fresh elections can occur. Only once the GNU demonstrates adequate progress toward achievement of a common set of donor principles (commitment to timely elections, unfettered humanitarian access, respect for human rights and rule of law, media reform, and macro-economic stabilization) will recovery and development assistance on both a bilateral and multilateral basis commence. Nonetheless, donors realize that the success of the GNU and its ability to achieve the donor principles is, in part, contingent on internationally-provided technical assistance. Toward this end, the USG has identified a number of transitional activities that will assist the GNU to succeed in meeting the principles that have been laid out and that will begin to capitalize on opportunities to further a reformist agenda. Key to successful transition will be the GNU’s re-engagement with the International Financial Institutions and the formulation of a stabilization plan to counter the dire economic decline that has been spiraling out of control. USAID, in concert with other donors, will seek to support the GNU in its efforts through a Multi-Donor Trust Fund (MDTF). It is also essential that bilateral donor programs support the economic stabilization and recovery process. Hence, monitoring the overall economic situation and providing accurate reporting to partners and stakeholders is needed, as well as the technical expertise to shape the activities of the MDTF and of the USG program. In anticipation of being able to incrementally begin activities in the realm of economic recovery/development, USAID undertook a full sectoral review and programmatic design in February 2009. This led to the drafting of an economic growth strategy for the Mission, inclusive of macro-economic technical assistance, private sector development, agricultural recovery, trade and investment, and livelihoods programs, as well as the drafting of scopes of work for each sub-sector that can be rolled out individually as conditions allow. In time, as adequate progress against the principles is achieved, the Mission expects to implement a robustly-funded and comprehensive economic growth program. B. BASIC RESPONSIBILITIES Based in Harare, the PSC Senior Economics Advisor (SEA) will have primary responsibility for the development, management, monitoring, and evaluation of a multi-sectoral and complex economic growth program in Zimbabwe. The program will be rolled out in a fashion that is commensurate with GOZ progress against achieving the donor principles. A significant part of the SEA responsibilities is to identify key leaders and economic experts, including those within the donor economist group in country as well as other major actors, and establish sound professional relationships that will enable him/her to provide economic updates and analysis to the USAID/Zimbabwe Senior Management Team, senior U.S. Embassy officials, and Washington colleagues. S/he is the USAID/Zimbabwe professional expert on all economic issues and activities within the host country and as such is the principal advisor to Mission management and staff on all economic design issues and the timing of new program assistance. Another significant role of the incumbent will be to provide leadership and guidance in the development of coordinated donor/GOZ strategies, particularly with respect to economic growth and stabilization programs, ensuring that USG activities are well-coordinated with those of other bilateral and multilateral donors. In addition, the incumbent will give technical insight and a USG perspective to complementary initiatives that are funded under a Multi-Donor Trust Fund to which the USG is a contributing member. In addition, the SEA will be USAID/Zimbabwe’s principal point of contact with the GOZ in identifying needs and negotiating USG activities that impact on Zimbabwe’s economy. The SEA will report to the Program Officer, but h/she will be expected to operate with a great degree of independence in dealing with complex programs and high-level US and GOZ top government officials and other counterparts, and USAID partners in designing and managing a comprehensive set of technical assistance programs. In the first year of employment, the SEA will not have any supervisory responsibilities but will play a critical mentoring role for USAID/Zimbabwe Program Office staff and other technical office staff, including new hires brought on board to help manage an economic portfolio. C. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The selected candidate will have the following specific duties. • Develop, oversee, monitor, and evaluate programs designed to: o Provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Finance of Zimbabwe related to monetary and fiscal reform. o Promote agricultural recovery and private sector development (improvement of legal and regulatory framework, capacity building of associations and councils, development of SMEs, increased productivity, training, establishment of market linkages, etc.). This will include but not be limited to: income generation, employment, and improvement of livelihoods in local communities through community investment projects, public works, etc. and trade facilitation and promotion. • Provide expert analysis, advice, and policy recommendations to inform the USG about the operating context and International Financial Institutional processes, to guide policy making, and to ensure the USG perspective in donor dialogue. Articulate the USG economic growth strategy and specific project goals to the Senior Management Team, senior U.S. Embassy officials, Washington colleagues, other donors, and the government, thereby building overall support. • Supervise the selection process of new partners to ensure the quality and efficient implementation of USG funded initiatives and activities such as those described above. This entails drafting scopes of work, leading selection panels, and managing program start-up. Responsibilities may include serving as the Cognizant Technical Officer Representative for one or more projects. • Provide expertise and guidance as appropriate and necessary to senior government officials, including ministers, deputy ministers, permanent secretaries, parliamentarians, and governors, to shape the government’s broad-based economic growth program. Respond to government requests for technical or project assistance in support of national goals. Creativity is encouraged but sensitivity to political dynamics, including USG policy and legal restrictions, is necessary. Interface with government may include consensus building on topics where there may be disagreement between Zimbabwean government officials; between the USG and Zimbabwean government officials; and/or between private sector actors and Zimbabwean government officials. • As the USG’s leading economic development expert in Zimbabwe, promote and take the lead to foster more effective donor coordination fora, including within the Economic Technical Review Group of the World Bank-managed Multi-Donor Trust Fund. Establish networks with other multilateral and bilateral donors to share information and promote USG programs. • Provide insights, briefings, and outlines of USG-funded economic growth activities in Zimbabwe to high level delegations, including Congressional delegations, and, as appropriate and necessary, travel to Washington to promote USG interests with senior Agency officials, State Department colleagues, and members of Congress. • Identify reputable, influential, and dynamic private sector leaders and as appropriate gain their perspective on programming options, strategic direction, implementation, etc. • Develop, supervise and oversee the preparation and maintenance of a comprehensive and effective management and results information system that will encompass all program monitoring and evaluation reports to track program effectiveness and comply with all USAID reporting requirements. • Manage a process of staffing up a full EG Office, including identifying and highlighting necessary skills and roles and responsibilities for individual positions within the office. Provide mentoring to new staff. • Perform other tasks, as requested by Mission management, and which are consistent with the advisory, managerial, and reporting requirements of the position of Senior Economics Advisor for USAID/Zimbabwe. D. QUALIFICATIONS This is a senior-level position in a high-profile USG foreign assistance program that requires extensive knowledge, experience, maturity, and an ability to function in a complex, demanding, and often uncertain environment. The ideal candidate will have in-depth experience in numerous aspects of USAID-administered economic growth promotion activities. A post graduate degree, preferably at the Ph.D level, in economics, agricultural economics, business, public policy, or a related degree with a strong emphasis on economics is required as is a minimum of 15 years of experience, at least ten of which is from a developing country context and five of which is from a transitional or post-conflict environment. Specific characteristics of the ideal candidate include: • Mastery level experience in designing and implementing broad-level economic growth programs related to fiscal and monetary reform, private sector development, agriculture, trade, and income/employment generation. Experience in a transitional or post-conflict environment. • Experience communicating and negotiating with high-level government officials and leading private sector actors. Demonstrated success in achieving consensuses on difficult and/or contentious issues. • Demonstrated experience as a proven communicator, motivator, and team player to better lead coordination efforts with other bilateral and multilateral agencies and private sector actors. • Experience working with minimal oversight to accomplish complex and demanding tasks that require both technical and managerial expertise. This includes complex project design; negotiation of new approaches to development with high-level government officials and representatives from the private sector; ability to independently conduct research, analysis, and reports that both inform and guide USAID program direction and top-level USG policy. • Mastery of current economic development programming philosophies, theories, and best practices and demonstrated ability to use this knowledge to develop new and innovative approaches to economic development activities. • Familiarity with USAID activity approval requirements and contracting processes. Demonstrated ability in drafting scopes of work, reviewing proposals, and starting up new programs. • Demonstrated skills in successfully leading and managing multi-sectoral and complex projects, and supervising contractors in emerging market situations. This includes the ability to effectively identify and respond to rapidly changing priorities and evolving needs. • Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior management and technical implementation levels. This includes the ability to represent USAID to visiting members of Congress, leading representatives of foreign governments, presidents of large national and international firms, and participants of high-level conferences and meetings. • Prior experience in developing and administering program monitoring and evaluation activities. • Ability to resolve potential problems in a team context, while maintaining an aggressive work pace in order to produce results under intense scrutiny and visibility. • English language proficiency. Excellent oral and written communication skills and an ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs on short notice. Ability to communicate highly technical information to generalists is highly important to generate policy and program consensus. • Strong leadership, interpersonal, and mentoring skills. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment. • Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). E. SELECTION CRITERIA Experience (50%): At least 15 years of experience managing multi-sectoral and complex economic growth programs—at least ten of which are in a developing country context and five of which are in a transitional or post-conflict environment. Experience must include management of private sector development, agricultural recovery, and trade and investment programs. Experience must also include project design and roll-out, monitoring and evaluation, and supervising contractors in emerging market situations. Donor coordination and high level ministerial negotiations are a strong requirement. Demonstrated ability in staffing up a new EG Office essential. Demonstrated ability working under intense and highly visible conditions important. Education (20%): A post graduate degree, preferably at the Ph.D level, in economics, agricultural economics, business, public policy, law, or a related degree with a strong emphasis on economics is required. Communication and Management Skills (30%): Knowledge of USAID activity approval requirements, contracting process, and reporting requirements essential. Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels. This includes contacts with host government counterparts, other donors, other USG agencies, and within USAID. The position requires strong communications, mentoring, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs. F. TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS: The Senior Economics Advisor shall perform the preceding services for a period of one year (with a possibility of extension), based in Harare Zimbabwe. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received; the incumbent will be expected to proceed to Zimbabwe to commence services. The position described has been classified at a U.S. Government GS-15. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform at the GS-15 equivalent level, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position. However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-15 pay band. If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-15 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change will be added. The following is a partial list to illustrate: 30% Post Differential and 70% Cost of Living Allowance. Further details for selection of choice will be provided to the selected candidate. USAID will provide housing and office support. If you have any other questions on the compensation or living conditions, please email the Executive Officer, James A. Leo, on [email protected]. G. Medical and Security Clearance: If a USPSC is selected, s/he must have or be able to obtain a USG secret level security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance. H. Benefits: A PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.] AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF AN OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS. 1. Benefits (1) Employee's FICA Contribution (2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $7,750 for a family and $3,410 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500) (3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (5) Vacation & Sick Leave 2. Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: (1) Post Differential (Section 500) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (4) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220) (5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) (7) Education Allowance (Section 270) (8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (9) Danger Pay (Section 650) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). 3. Other Benefits: Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Zimbabwe in accord with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence. Other benefits such as R&R, international shipment of personal effects, consumables allowance, POV Shipment, and so on will not be authorized due to the short-term nature of the contract. Overall benefits will depend on the type of PSC hired. If offshore, certain benefits are applicable. If resident hire, many benefits are not applicable. I. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. J. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: For initial consideration: 1. OF-612 Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). The list of required PSC forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ K. APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp , or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612. Applicant’s detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included. All applications should be submitted electronically to: Attention: James A Leo, Executive Officer and be emailed to [email protected] To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date in item number three of this solicitation. Applications received after that date and/or time may not be considered. ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf L. POINTS OF CONTACT 1. Tendai Sirewu, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Zimbabwe, Ph: 263-4-252401 Ext 235, E-MAIL: [email protected] 2. James A Leo, Executive Officer, USAID/Zimbabwe, Ph: 263-4-252401 Ext 209, E-MAIL: [email protected]