Financial Officer, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS, ARABIAN PENINSULA AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON SUPPORT UNIT (NEA/ARP/WSU) You have received this "Personal Services Contractor” (PSC) solicitation through the Department of State (DOS) Internet site. If you have any questions regarding this PSC, you may contact the DOS Official named in this solicitation. The Department is not responsible for any data and/or text not received when retrieving this document electronically. Amendments to solicitation documents generally contain information critical to the submission of an application. Position Title: Financial Officer Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Salary Level: FS-02 - $91,475 - $134,334 (Equivalent GS-14) Period of performance: The period of performance for this contract is twelve (12) months from the date of award with four (4) optional one-year extensions. Issuance Date: 08/19/2022 Closing date: 09/23/2022 Closing Time: 5:00 PM ET Solicitation Number: PSC_22_0001_OPMMOI Job description: See below The Department of State is seeking offers from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services for the subject position under a personal services contract, as described in this solicitation. Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: 1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your offer your resume must include: a. Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for any overseas experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements. b. Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work. c. Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). d. Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments. e. U.S. Citizenship Note: Resume must contain explicit information to make a valid determination that the candidate meets the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information needs to be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. 2. Evaluation Factor document specifically addressing each of the Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation below. Responses must be limited to 500 words per Evaluation Factor. Any additional words above the limit will neither be read nor scored. Note: The Evaluation Factors are worth 70 out of 100 points. Offerors are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each Factor. 3. Professional References: Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references. Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late offers will not be considered. Complete applications must be emailed to: April Snyder, Management Specialist U.S. Department of State NEA/ARP/WSU [email protected] Sincerely, Kelly Wagner Contracting Officer U.S. Department of State SUBJECT A solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC), Department of State (DOS), BUREAU OF NEAR EASTERN AFFAIRS, ARABIAN PENINSULA AFFAIRS, WASHINGTON SUPPORT UNIT (NEA/ARP/WSU) The United States Government (USG), represented by the DOS, seeks applications from US citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in this solicitation. PRE-AWARD ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF PSC (JUN 2011) This solicitation may result in the award of one or more personal services contracts as defined in FAR 2.101. Prior to contract award, all offerors or quotes must advise the cognizant Contracting Officer if they have a personal conflict of interest, such as a financial conflict, that would prevent them from either meeting the requirements of the clause entitled, “Post-Award Ethical Responsibilities of Personal Services Contractors,” or otherwise objectively performing their contractual duties upon contract award. HOW TO APPLY Offerors proposal shall be in accordance with the requirements stated in this solicitation at the place and time specified. A proposal will be determined non-responsive and ineligible for consideration unless all required documents and information are included in the submission. Offerors shall ensure their resume demonstrates their possession of the minimum qualifications outlined in this Solicitation, as well as their ability to fulfill all required duties. The Government is not responsible for any costs incurred by the offeror during the solicitation process. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION This solicitation in no way obligates the Department of State to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit the Department of State to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Proposals must include the following and not exceed twenty (20) pages (additional pages will not be accepted or reviewed): 1. Resume 2. Evaluation Factor Responses 3. Three (3) names and contact information (phone and email) of current and/or previous supervisors to serve as professional references. Note: Your resume should contain explicit information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide explicit information to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration. Additional documents submitted beyond the requirements will not be accepted or reviewed. *** ONE PDF ATTACHMENT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED VETERAN’S PREFERENCE Veteran’s preference is not applicable to this position therefore do not submit DD-214. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NONDISQUALIFYING DISABILITY, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR. Submit proposal via e-mail to the attention of: NEA/ARP/WSU April Snyder E-mail: [email protected] Direct questions regarding this solicitation to: NEA/ARP/WSU Keith Clark E-mail: [email protected] WSU will not accept proposals beyond the closing time/date; unless it can be determined DOS mishandled the proposal. GENERAL STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE OF THIS SOLICITATION This position is located in the Office of Program Management – Ministry of Interior (OPM-MOI), in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. OPM-MOI leads an interagency effort currently including several interagency partners, with the possible addition of other agencies and offices in the future. U.S. Chief of Mission staff working for the program in the Kingdom perform their duties primarily in Saudi facilities. The incumbent serves as the Financial Officer, reporting to the Program Director through the Management Officer. The incumbent serves as the principal liaison on fiscal matters, as required to coordinate on all program financial issues. The incumbent is responsible for recommending, developing, and implementing financial procedures and policies for OPM-MOI-KSA and directly handles, and oversees, the reporting of funding, assets and expenditures, including regular financial reporting required in the Technical Cooperation Agreement (TCA). Position Requirements • Must know and understand U.S. Department of State security regulations • Bachelor’s Degree and extensive work experience in financial management or related field • U.S. Citizenship • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance • Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State issued Medical Clearance • Good communication skills in English, both written and oral DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and track OPM-MOI cost estimates, budget planning, and financial reporting to OPM-MOI-KSA. Develop processes for the acceptance of budgets and the payment of invoices. Coordinate policies and reporting formats with other participating USG agencies and with OPM-MOI-KSA. This may require meetings outside the diplomatic quarter and after hours due to time difference with Washington. The Financial Officer will update and advise senior OPM-MOI management of the financial impact of policies, strategies, and requests of the senior members of the OPM-MOI team. This will require the ability to interact and develop close relationships with the mid-to-senior level members of the host government, and the ability to understand and interact within the Saudi Arabian culture at a mid-to-senior level. Responsible for the planning, creation, and development of Project Specific Agreement (PSA) budgets, in close coordination with the Implementing Agency (IA). Some PSAs may be valued over USD 100 million. Develop and monitor financial resource requirements and plans for OPM-MOI. Consistent with funding requirements, develop, and formulate financial plans for the office. Review estimates submitted by colleagues and partner agencies for accuracy and completeness. Comply, and ensure all subordinates comply, with OPM-MOI, Department of State, Interagency, and Federal rules, regulations, and procedures including appropriations law, FAM/FAH, DSSR, and others as applicable. Monitor the use and rate of expenditure of budgeted funds. Reconcile records of revenue and expenses for allotments, ensuring accurate and correct financial data for the expenses. Assure that all expenditures are properly authorized and documented. Evaluate financial trends and determine compliance with program guidance. Review spending records and historical financial operating data and trends to prepare and/or validate estimates for internal operating programs. Working with Post FMC and interagency partners as required, confirms availability of funds and provides approval to pay. Seek complete and accurate fiscal and procedural guidance, in line with applicable laws, regulations, and agreements. Conduct financial analysis and evaluation of work associated with program activities. Prepare financial reports and review financial reports prepared by others and resolve discrepancies with the appropriate individuals and/or offices. Proactively identify potential discrepancies or upcoming deadlines for management review. Serve as the principal liaison on fiscal matters. Review and evaluate a variety of administrative, fiscal and organizational material referred for decision maker action. Respond to fiscal queries, with guidance from the Management Officer or Deputy Director. Coordinate annual independent audits, assess the validity of data needs, communicate with Post FMC, clarify needs to IAs, identify corrective action when needed and ensure timely delivery of requested data. Lead the drafting of audit replies and corrective action. Review and ensure accuracy and completeness of ICASS invoices, workload counts, partial year invoices and furniture appliance pool to ensure accuracy and correctness. Identify, initiative, gain required approvals for, and implement corrective action as needed, Supervise, train, and develop professional expertise of the Budget Specialist (as the direct rater) and the Budget Analyst (as reviewer). Prepare and review written documents related to financial policies and coordination, attend meetings, deliver briefings, make recommendations, answer questions, and develop and deliver presentations. Advise U.S. Program leadership on important and pressing financial issues. Assist managers in program decision-making and planning by analyzing financial aspects of various programs so that managers can determine the best use of limited resources. Establish controls, using policy guidelines and generally accepted accounting standards, for the prevention of waste, fraud and mismanagement. The Financial Officer will take on additional projects as OPM-MOI may require. In these roles, the Financial Officer will be involved in management activities, such as meetings, personnel management issues, funding plans and issues, and strategic planning. COMPENSATION (BASE PAY) This position has been designated at the FS-02 equivalent level ($91,475 - $134,334 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries, including any recruitment supplemental pay that exceeds the listed pay range, will not be entertained or negotiated. For award, NEA/ARP/WSU will negotiate for this contract based on the market value as outlined above and overall experience relevant to the solicitation requirements. BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES AS A MATTER OF POLICY, NEA NORMALLY AUTHORIZES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES BENEFITS - IF APPLICABLE • Employee's FICA/Medicare Contribution • Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance • Pay Comparability Adjustment • Annual Increase • Eligibility for Worker's Compensation • Annual, Sick and Home Leave • MEDVAC (provided by DOS Med) ALLOWANCES IN ACCORDANCE WITH DEPARTMENT OF STATE STANDARDIZED REGULATIONS (DSSR) - IF APPLICABLE • Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (TQSA) or Per Diem upon arrival at Post • Housing Allowance • Post Allowance • Supplemental Post Allowance • Maintenance Allowance (SMA) • Education Allowance • Educational Travel (full-time United States based secondary) • Post Hardship Differential • Danger Pay • Shipment of HHE, UAB, POV and Consumables Evaluation Factors: FACTOR 1: EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE Minimum education in Accounting, Finance, or related field at the BA level. Mastery of the concepts, principles, practices, laws and regulations of the State Department’s and Federal budget processes. Detailed knowledge of the financial management and budgetary activities in order to maintain oversight and control over the budgetary and financial management operations carried out at these levels. Understanding of the Federal and Departmental accounting and financial management reporting and requirements, and of the Departmental methods for cost analysis and control. Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative techniques to identify, plan, analyze, research and resolve issues or problems of a procedural or factual nature. Demonstrated exemplary written and oral communication skills and techniques to advise on administrative issues, prepare briefings, make recommendations, and resolve problems. Knowledge and understanding of the applications i.e. Data Warehouse, Global Financial Management System/Momentum (GFMS), Integrated Logistics Management System (ILMS), Consolidated Overseas Accountability Support Toolbox (COAST), and Global BI. Applicants must also have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13/FS-04 level in the Federal Service, which provides the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 1. Experience working with a range of U.S. Government financial concepts, programs, and practices needed to advise decision-makers on U.S. Government financial issues and to design and plan for U.S. Government financial requirements. 2. Experience with interagency stakeholders in resolving problems related to U.S. Government financial issues. 3. Experience protecting and safeguarding personnel, facilities, classified materials, operations, and processes at locations outside the United States. 4. Experience providing advice and guidance to staff, other agency officials, contractors, and foreign government representatives concerning U.S. Government financial policies and procedures. 5. Experience analyzing complex issues that pose potential threats to U.S. Government financial operations overseas. 7. Experience supervising budget teams. 8. Experience communicating directly with officials of a host government, ov as. 9. Experience working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and working accurately under pressure and in difficult circumstances overseas. 10. Experience establishing and maintaining effective and constructive working relationships with people of different national and/or cultural backgrounds with respect for diversity. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge Finance: Knowledge of the fundamentals of economics, statistics, accounting, banking and financial markets through requisite academic background in order to serve as a principal financial adviser to senior management. Budgeting Requirements: Knowledge acquired through training and experience, to formulate, present, justify, and execute budgets involving millions of dollars. Financial Procedures: Knowledge of financial procedures, applicable laws, regulations and other guidance in order to prepare financial plans that are accurate and timely to inform post management decisions, and to meet external reporting requirements. GAAP and GAAS: Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS) and interpretation and use of financial data for decision-making, ensuring all claims and payments are properly documented and in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. Accounting: Knowledge of the principles and application of cost accounting by preparing a variety of complex reports and analyses that aid management in setting priorities and allocating scarce resources in a way that best meets objectives. Fraud Detection: Knowledge of fraud detection, both in cash operations and financial systems. Management Principles: Knowledge of management principles as demonstrated by delegating responsibilities, providing guidance, leading by example, supervising subordinates, counseling employees, resolving conflicts, effecting disciplinary measures, and implementing basic EEO guidelines in order to effectively supervise staff. Management Controls: Knowledge and understanding of a strong system of management controls by using policy guidelines and generally accepted standards through checks and balances and constant monitoring of management controls to correct deficiencies and in order to maintain fiscal integrity and ensure resources are safeguarded against fraud, waste, and mismanagement. Pay and Benefits: Knowledge of payroll and benefit programs in an organizational setting including maintaining accounting and payroll databases. Skills Accounting: Applying accounting concepts, including auditing and program evaluation concepts in order to promote sound business practices and process improvements. Financial Management: Management of financial resources by determining how funds will be spent in order to maximize benefits from limited resources and accounting for these expenditures in a way that is consistent with applicable rules and regulations. Communications: Communications in both individual and group contexts through written communication and oral communication on technical financial rules and issues such as budget allocations, financial obligations, pay and allowances, etc., with all levels of employees in a clear and concise manner and is easily understood by persons without a financial background. Preparing budget proposal documentation. Customer Service: Customer service with U.S. and foreign nationals through interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivities including providing information, balancing clients’ interests, readjusting priorities and resolving complaints. Conflict Resolution: Understanding the principles and techniques of persuasion and conflict resolution. Analyzing Financial Data: Acquiring and analyzing financial data, discerning relationships and trends, making projections, understanding host country and U.S. financial rules and regulations, and communicating results. Computer Programs: Using financial, communication and presentation applications. Personnel Management: Human resource planning and workforce planning. Ability to Say No: Adroit at turning down requests and offering acceptable alternatives when possible. Superior oral and written communication skills: Applicants must demonstrate a strong command of the English language to include grammar, spelling and punctuation. Must consistently meet a high standard for English, both written (overall structure as well as grammar, spelling and punctuation) and spoken (overall structure as well as delivery, clarity and succinctness). FACTOR 2 – SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The incumbent works independently and reports to the Management Officer. Supervision Provided: The supervisor provides broad administrative and policy direction through discussion of financial and program goals and discusses overall objectives, critical problems, and special project assignments with the incumbent. Within this direction and established guidance, the incumbent independently plans, schedules, coordinates, and implements work assignments and objectives, including budgetary aspects of program evaluation. Completed work is reviewed to determine the extent to which objectives of the assignment have been met, to assure conformance with overall policy, guidelines, and directions, and to assess the effectiveness of actions and recommendations in attaining results, such as achieving financial management and budgetary goals; meeting program, budget, and administrative priorities, objectives, and schedules; and the overall adequacy, including consistency and timeliness, of budgetary support provided to the incumbent’s customers, including program managers and program operations as appropriate. Provides quality assurance reviews and feedback on financial input, formulas, outcomes, and plans. Guidelines Guidelines regularly used include broad policies and goals, such as appropriations language and enabling legislation, as well as Department and Presidential or OMB policies guidelines and directives concerning formulation, justification, presentation, and execution of both appropriated and non-appropriated funds. The incumbent uses initiative and judgment to research, interpret, and apply guidelines. The incumbent develops specific objectives and devises new methods, techniques, and criteria pertaining to such matters as identifying trends and patterns, acquiring information and analyzing data, and developing solutions and presenting findings. Complexity Work is complicated by the overlap of prior-year, current-year, budget-year, and future-year budget cycles, as well as by budget amendments, supplementals, and reprogramming. Assignments are varied, complex, and require in-depth analysis to determine the course of action or means of resolution and the application of a variety of nonrelated techniques and methods to a broad range of budget tasks. Work involves assembling program and financial data; developing detailed narrative reports during audits or as requested by the Director; and provide advice, based on documented guidance, in order to review, analyze, consolidate, and revise budget estimates, justification statements, and budget execution plans for all areas within the program. Tasks include the drafting or preparation of budgetary actions and formal budget documents for submission for managerial review, documents must be compatible in content and format with current agency goals and objectives and the intent and directions of OMB and Congress. Work requires consideration of programs, legal, and regulatory constraints, OMB and Department regulations and procedures, and overall Department policies. Budget execution considerations include the timing, scheduling, and desirability of apportionments, allotments, transfers of funds, reimbursements, and other collections, as well as reprogramming actions and requests for supplemental appropriations. Proposals and advise, in support of documents prepared for decision-maker approval, . Work considers financial and workload relationships, timing of obligations and expenditures, current and future resource needs, and direct or indirect budgetary impact of new legislation. Analyses may be required on short notice, including the budgetary impact of unanticipated changes in programs or program operations and performing associated budget work for programs or organizations with varying needs, goals, objectives, work processes, and timetables. Scope and Effect The purpose of the work is to review, analyze, facilitate, monitor, and otherwise support assigned financial resources in the current and long-range management of budgetary resources. This involves planning for the acquisition and use of funds to support the organization's goals, objectives, programs, and operations for current and future years, assisting organizations in understanding and following budgetary guidance to ensure compliance of budgetary operations with Department or bureau policy. The incumbent exercises administrative controls on the allocation, obligation, and expenditure of funds by subordinate program and organizational elements, subject to decision-maker approval, and is accountable for compliance with Department priorities and legal and regulatory requirements of OMB and Congress of his/her own and subordinate work product. The incumbent provides information, advice, and recommendations to decision-makers concerning program content, resource level, and the status, availability, obligation, and expenditure of budgetary resources. Work affects the amount and availability of funds for the organization and controls the obligation and expenditure of funds in approved budgets. Work also assists in the internal planning and evaluation of organizational budgets and programs. The incumbent makes proposals for decision-maker review and decision concerning the technical treatment of budget estimates, apportionment and allotment requests, and reprogramming actions support and affect the timely achievement of the budgetary and goals of the OPM-MOI program. Personal Contacts/Purpose of Contacts Contacts are with program and financial officials of the host government agencies operating under the OPM-MOI program, budget and program working level contacts, and interagency partner financial teams. Contacts normally take place in meetings, including formal budget briefings. Contacts are made to resolve budgetary issues and problems, to prepare budget requests and supporting documentation, and to provide information to stakeholders at the working level. Contacts with senior managers are limited and primarily for the purpose of advising on the current status of programs and funding, or recommending funding requests, budgetary actions, estimates, or other courses of action that are consistent with budget and financial management policies, objectives, or procedures. Contacts with personnel of other agencies are for developing financial reports such as reimbursement agreements, proposals, and reconciliations, or, for resolving budgetary problems and for supporting agencies that operate using OPM-MOI program funds. Physical Demands Work is sedentary; however, lifting and carrying reference binders, working papers, and similar items to and from meetings can be required. A moderate amount of standing and walking is required in getting to and from meeting places. Certain periods in the budget cycle are stressful, with short turn-around times for quality deliverables. Work Environment Work is normally performed in a typical office setting. Certain periods in the budget cycle are stressful, with short turn-around times for quality deliverables. Leave, alternative work, and telework schedules may be required to be modified for the benefit of the organization during these times. Domestic and international travel may be required to perform the work. The position is located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in a well-equipped and outfitted modern purpose-built facility.