SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068522R00007 ISSUANCE DATE: September 6, 2022 CLOSING DATE: September 27, 2022 - 11:59 PM (GMT) SUBJECT: SOLICITATION FOR A RESIDENT U.S. PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (USPSC) SENIOR DEVELOPMENT ADVISOR – BURKINA FASO Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from U.S. citizens qualified to provide personal services under contract as described in this Solicitation. Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through VIII of this Solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records. 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 offers. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information. Sincerely, Rodney Stubina, PhD A/Supervisory Regional Executive Officer GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72068522R00007 2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 6, 2022 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 27, 2022 - 11:59 PM (GMT) 4. POINT OF CONTACT: Address questions to the following mailbox:
[email protected] Ensure that the Subject Line has the Solicitation Number and Position Title you are applying for. 5. POSITION TITLE: Resident USPSC Senior Development Advisor – Burkina Faso 6. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($95,973 – $124,764 per annum) (Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.) 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Immediate upon receipt of security/medical clearances (The duration of the US Personal Services Contract will be for one (1) year) 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso 9 . ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: All interested U.S. citizens residing in Burkina Faso This vacancy is open to Resident-Hire U.S. Nationals (USNs) who are currently residing in Burkina Faso and allowed to work legally in the country without needing a work permit . The U.S Embassy Burkina Faso is neither responsible for providing any support to get a work permit nor accepting the work permit guaranteed by a third party. U.S. national means an individual who is a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. Note : Physical presence in Burkina Faso at the time of application is not a requirement however the selected candidate must reside in Burkina Faso at the time of contract award. 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: HSPD-12/Facility Access 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Background and Introduction USAID takes an integrated approach to countering violent extremism and building local communities’ resilience, seeking to halt the spread of violent extremist groups, avert costly humanitarian crises, and stem the flow of destabilizing migration. The Senior Development Advisor (SDA) engages and oversees interventions to develop government and community capacity to manage their own security, promote self-reliance, galvanize donor support, and reduce the need for long-term assistance. This work complements both the United States’ diplomatic engagements with these countries in the framework of the G5-Sahel and our ongoing national security interests in these countries. The SDA will assure timely and quality coordination and collaboration across the U.S Government (USG) agencies, with a focus on USAID’s implementing partners. The incumbent will be tasked with ensuring that programs are aligned and delivering an impact that is greater than the sum of its parts. This position will be based in Ouagadougou and will be focused on tracking USG programs in the Centre Nord, Sahel, and Est regions of Burkina Faso, and their effects on improving local communities’ ability to cope with shocks and stresses. This position reports to the USAID/Burkina Faso Country Representative. The incumbent will be expected to coordinate closely with the Dakar-based colleagues across all relevant sectors. The incumbent will be charged with tracking, monitoring, reporting, and advising on bilateral and regional activities under the guidance of each activity AOR/COR or activity manager. Given the desire for a “Three D” (3D) approach (diplomacy, defense, and development), the incumbent will also advise on sequencing, layering, and monitoring programs from the Departments of State (DoS) and of Defense (DoD). The ideal candidate will, therefore, have a combination of strong managerial skills, excellent oral and written communication skills, and exhibit attention to detail. The incumbent may be expected to represent USAID at various forums to present USG technical and policy positions. This could include regular meetings with senior and mid-level host-government officials, representatives of various national and regional institutions and organizations, other donors, U.S. Embassy officials, and officials from other USG agencies. Duties and responsibilities Coordination (40%) The Advisor will need to have continual visibility of the various activities being carried out by implementing partners, digesting partner reports, and assessing results, and compiling and reporting those to the interagency. The incumbent is expected to develop relationships with all relevant colleagues from offices such as Department of State Political and Economic Offices from the DoS, and the Offices of the Defense Attaché (DAT) and of Security Cooperation (OSC) from DoD. Monitoring will also include closely reviewing changes in the security situation. Another significant responsibility of the Advisor will be to review the proposed responses by implementing agencies to the changes in the security situation and consult with DoS and DoD representatives and other partners working on security issues on proposed changes in programming. The desire for a truly 3D effort will require an organized and robust plan of action to garner the support of senior policymakers. The Advisor will be responsible for regularly organizing, directing, and reporting out on decisions reached. The Advisor will, when needed, also represents the U.S. Government in external meetings called by the Government of Burkina Faso (GoBF) and other bodies. Monitoring and Evaluation (20%): The Advisor will work with project managers from various operating units to collect and aggregate the indicator data and organize data to provide greater clarity and insight into cross-sectoral programming countering extremism and capacitating communities. This will be done on a rolling basis to ensure real time information and the ability to pivot programming in response and as needed. Outreach and Communication (40%) Timely, accurate, and actionable information is also critical to the success of USAID’s development objectives. The Advisor will be charged with drafting cables as required and identifying and finalizing success stories from implementing partners. The Advisor will also produce briefing papers and prepare visits for internal USG visitors such as CODELs and senior-level USAID officials. The Advisor will be expected to respond to requests for information from USAID/Washington, in coordination with the Burkina Faso Country Representative. The Advisor will coordinate, produce, and/or contribute to internal and external communications products such as outreach, social media, events, monthly updates, internal memoranda, and other items as directed. Position Elements: Supervisory Controls : The Advisor is directly supervised by the Burkina Faso USAID Country Representative. Supervisory Relationship : The incumbent is not expected to supervise any staff. Available Guidelines : Mission Orders, Automated Directives Systems (ADS). Exercise of Judgment : Incumbent must exercise wide and independent judgment to interpret and enforce USAID rules and regulations. Must be able to negotiate sensitive issues with host country officials and other partners, to analyze and solve difficult problems related to program formulation and implementation. Must be able to review and appraise the quality of reports and evaluations, and technical services procured by USAID. Must be able to provide rapid independent analysis of problems, issues, and opportunities as they arise, and make recommendations to senior management. Authority to Make Commitments : Exercises delegations of authority granted to PSC senior technical staff, as described in Mission Orders. No authority to commit USG funds. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts : Must provide consistent and credible representation of USAID to U.S. Government partners, donors, and other partner contacts and coordination bodies for technical, policy and program management issues. Will have frequent contacts with high level officials of DoD and DoS, high level officials and other partners to define and/or reorient strategies and translate policy into program action. Security and Medical Clearance Requirements The Contracting Officer will not execute an award until all medical, security and other required approvals have been obtained. 1 2. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION Education : The position requires a Master’s Degree in International Development, the social sciences or other relevant field such a rural development, private sector/economic development or democracy. Prior Work Experience : Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in the management of development assistance, humanitarian and conflict-prevention programs or related work in other USG agencies such as State and DOD. This should include experience with donor agencies, host-government organizations, non-government organizations, or private sector institutions. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS Selection process The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52. 215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www. Acquisition.gov/brose/index/far. The technical evaluation committee (TEC) may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have net been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed. After the closing date for receipt of application, the TEC will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed Evaluation Factors Work Experience (35 points): Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in the management of development assistance, humanitarian or conflict-prevention programs or related work required. This should include experience with donor agencies, host-government organizations, non-government organizations, or private-sector institutions. Strong preference for candidates with experience programming jointly with Departments of State and or Defense. Knowledge (25 points): In-depth knowledge of development is required, with a preference for management and strategy experience. A developed understanding of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and the objectives, methodology, and status of the programs and projects to which assigned is preferred. A thorough knowledge of the Sahel’s economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics and of the history of development assistance activities in the region is desired. Abilities and Skills (25 points): The incumbent must be capable of working independently on a number of tasks simultaneously with minimal supervision. Monitoring and coordination responsibilities involve the creation of, application of, and training on reporting and management control systems, as well as analysis/interpretation of issues, in order to advise Mission management, including the Mission Director or his/her designate. Incumbent must be able to analyze complex and technical information to make independent recommendations for USG programming and management. The incumbent will also encourage innovation in the management and use of Mission programs and resources. The incumbent must be able to identify, mobilize, and effectively draw upon the expertise of technical and managerial personnel in the Mission and other USAID offices. In addition, the incumbent will be expected to participate actively in meetings as appropriate with the Embassy, USAID/Washington representatives, other donors, counterpart government officials, partners, and technical experts. Demonstrated capability for perceptive analysis and the ability to write and speak effectively to decision makers about the complex Sahelian context. Ability to develop and maintain a network of technical experts and partners in technical and geographic areas that contribute to relevant development goals. Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills are required. A broad knowledge of basic computer applications, specifically Microsoft office and the Google suite is required. Language Skills (15 points): Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (Level 4) and French (at least Level 2+) required. Must be able to analyze and evaluate complex data and to prepare precise and accurate reports to various audiences. The incumbent must be able to adapt communication style on complex technical issues to diverse audiences, both for written materials and in person communications. Evaluation Summary Prior Work Experience: 20 points Knowledge: 25 points Abilities and Skills: 25 points Communication skills: 30 points Total Possible Points: 100 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 APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED OR INTERVIEWED . SUBMITTING AN OFFER Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to:
[email protected] with the SOLICITATION number in the application submission . Note that applications from non-U.S. citizens cannot be considered. Likewise applications that have unsigned forms will also not be considered. Qualified applicants are required to submit: 1. A signed and dated Cover letter with current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV) attached . 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 particular selection criteria. 2. Applicants must provide no less than five (5) references who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant's job knowledge and professional work experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references. 3. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2 which can be found 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. Offerors are required to complete and sign the AID 309-2 form . No substitute AID form will be accepted. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms: Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms 1. Medical History and Examination form (DS-6561) 2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) 3. Finger Print Card (FD-258) 4. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES A U.S. Resident Hire Personal Services Contractor is not eligible for any fringe benefits, differentials, or allowances ; and is only eligible for contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Resident-Hire Contractor is authorized the following benefits: Employer’s FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance (except spouse of a current or retired Civil Service, Foreign Service, Military Service and who is covered by their spouse’s Government health insurance policy for health or life insurance under this contract) Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation Annual and Sick Leave. TAXES Resident-Hire USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes. 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 309-1 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. PSC Ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via:
[email protected]. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted to participate in the oral interview process. Equal Employment Opportunity Policy The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. END OF SOLICITATION