Description
ATTACHMENT 1: Solicitation 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 669-10-00012 2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 6, 2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 5, 2010 / 4PM Local time 4. POSITION TITLE: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program Advisor , USAID/Liberia. 5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): GS-14. ($84,697 - $110,104). Salary to be paid within this grade will depend on experience, qualifications, and salary history. The standard compensation package also includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA. If the selected candidate qualifies as an off-shore hire under USAID regulations, the employee will additionally receive post differential approved for Monrovia, Liberia (currently set at 30%), post allowance, housing, international travel, UAB, HHE, consumables and POV shipment benefits. •6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, to start on or about June, 2010 with the possibility of extensions. Extensions will depend on the need for continuation of such services, availability of funds, and satisfactory performance. •7. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens/ U. S. Resident Aliens living in Liberia 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Based in Monrovia, Liberia 9. JOB DESCRIPTION: I. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this statement of work is to procure the services of a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program Advisor for USAID/Liberia's Health Office. The position will provide leadership, program management and technical support for USAID water, sanitation and hygiene-related programs in Liberia. The Water and Sanitation Program Advisor will: 1) Supervise the design and manage targeted Mission programs that focus on improving urban water supply, sanitation and hygiene, 2) Lead efforts to monitor and evaluate all Mission activities contributing toward improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene; and 3) Provide overall technical analysis and guidance to the Mission on strategies to improved water supply, sanitation and hygiene. 4) Serve as liaison between USAID/Liberia and other USG agencies, and regional and international organizations that are active in the WASH sector in Liberia. The incumbent is expected to guide, coordinate, manage and monitor the expanding and high profile water, sanitation and hygiene related portfolio of activities in Liberia, leading to successful outcomes. He/She must interact with a range of colleagues involved in the sector, while maintaining oversight of the overall sector impacts and ensuring the efficient use of resources. II. BACKGROUND USAID's 2009 and 2010 funding includes a substantial earmark for water and sanitation activities in countries including Liberia. The requirements of the Senator Paul Simon Water for the Poor Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-121) are consistent with the USG strategy for Liberia, which in turn supports Liberia's Poverty Reduction Strategy. WASH investments leading to increased funding for water and sanitation initiatives will be critical to the physical and economic health of Liberians. After many years of humanitarian-orientated assistance to the sector, USAID initiated new water supply, sanitation and hygiene development activities in 2009 under two programs-(1) activities to improve mainly rural water supply, sanitation, hygiene and the enabling environment in six counties and selected communities of greater Monrovia under the $10.5 Million, 5-year Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program in Liberia; and, (2) hygiene behavior change and health facility wat/san component (of $2 million over 4 years) under the Rebuilding Basic Health Services project. To further support sector development, the USAID Mission has entered into discussions with the Government of Liberia (GOL) and other stakeholders on possible assistance toward improving urban water systems. Before the civil crisis, 35% of Liberians had access to safe drinking water supply (45% in the urban areas) and 27% to adequate sanitation. During the war, the water and sanitation facilities were substantially damaged and are now in severe state of disrepair. After the war, the piped water supply has fallen into various states of disrepair, because of vandalization, illegal connections and high water loss. Water is currently being delivered by trucks in Monrovia while county centers and small towns are dependant on family hand-dug wells, provided by NGOs. For sanitation, most of the towns had conventional sewerage systems but current these systems are out of service. Urban and rural populations are dependant on public or family pit latrines, however open defection is widespread. Today, only 17% of the population has access to safe drinking water and 7% to adequate sanitation [1] . The GOL and a variety of donors have achieved incremental improvements in the Monrovia area water system over the past several years. However, no work to date has been started on secondary city water systems. The water supply systems in the three targeted cities were looted during the Civil Conflict, and are not presently operating and providing water. The Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation (LWSC) have presence in Kakata and Zwedru, but little professional presence in other areas outside of Monrovia. To fill the gap, NGOs have contributed toward improving some critical services-primarily via hand pump well and latrine construction and promotion of community-based management of these improvements. However, with humanitarian assistance slowly declining and GOL capacity improving, the time is right to transition toward more sustainable Liberian-led interventions including the re-establishment of piped water supply systems. A third Mission activity addressing urban water supply will begin in FY2010 to rehabilitate water supply systems in three urban areas: Robertsport, Voinjama and Sanniquelle. III. STATEMENT OF WORK Major Duties and Responsibilities Provide leadership and expert assistance to improve sustainable access to safe water supply and sanitation services in Liberia. Specifically, the WASH Program Specialist is expected to: A. Strategy Support 20% Lead efforts to assess and address policy and institutional constraints impacting on access and use of water in Liberia and identify priority issues requiring policy reform, such as utility reform, institutional strengthening, benchmarking, and regulatory reform. Lead efforts in identifying key technical challenges in water and sanitation service provision and management in Liberia and advice on actions to address these challenges. Identify opportunities to make use of available USAID contracted instruments, including the new Sustainable Water and Sanitation for Africa (SUWASA) program and the Blue Revolution Initiative, in order (1) improve water security, (2) expand water supply and sanitation coverage, and (3) increase water productivity. Provide expert assistance and backstopping in the development of concept papers, scopes of work, USAID program/project activity design documents and bilateral and multilateral agreements related to the design of water and sanitation related programs with a pro-poor focus, and integrating hygiene behavior change to maximize health impacts of infrastructure investments. Identifying and coordinating among the various USG and internal USAID water and sanitation-related activities and players. Actively engage with government, other donors and organizations involved in the sector within Liberia in order to promote collaborative planning toward long term sustainable solutions. Compile, analyze, and disseminate, on a regular basis, reports to USAID mission staff and USAID/Washington on issues and accomplishments. B. Program Management 60% •· Supervise the design and implementation of water program and activities with the goal of ensuring that program design and implementation will achieve planned results and USAID goals. Design development programs to meet Mission strategic objectives. This includes preparing statements of work or program descriptions, requests for proposals/applications, Acquisition and Assistance requests, decision memos, Congressional Notifications, inter-agency agreement letters, etc. Lead the development of a performance management plan for water-related activities and contribute to data collection and synthesis and reporting. Ensure project and/or sectoral assessments are carried out and participate in developing Statements of work, field trips, data analysis and dissemination. Complete certification requirements and become a AOTR (Agreement Officer's technical representative) or COTR (Contract Officer's technical representative for the two Mission water and sanitation programs; one CA with the Community Housing Foundation ($10.5 million over 5 years) and the other "Urban water supply" activity noted above but not yet awarded. Ensure program implementation achieves planned results, document developmental impacts and resolve any implementation issues in an efficient and professional manner. •· Participate in, coordinate, and manage evaluations and assessments that are conducted in conjunction with other USG agencies, international organizations, or other donors. •· Participate actively in the USG procurement process, including program advocacy, design, communication with USAID and USG stakeholders, to gather consensus and develop alliances in effective foreign assistance programming. •· Perform Monitoring & Evaluation function: The Economic Governance Advisor will be responsible for performance monitoring, and regular evaluations of USAID-managed activities. This includes: •· review of quarterly and annual program and financial reports from program partners; •· review the reports paying particular attention to the data pertaining to: •o activity performance indicators as identified within the Performance Management Plan (PMP) and Operational Plan; •o program objectives achievement, methodology and lessons learned paying particular attention to inputs, output and expected outcomes including economic, social, cultural, and technical factors; •o financial indicators (e.g., expenditures, burn rate/pipeline analysis and congruity of expenditures against activities; and •o the need for incremental funding. •· Work closely with the USAID Liberia Office of Financial Management to review and assess monthly accruals and disbursements, and track funding pipelines to ensure compliance with the ADS guidelines. C. Advisory and Technical Services 20% Provide briefings to USAID and its partners on the status of USAID water and sanitation activities in Liberia. Prepare and deliver presentations on the same issues to local government and USG officials and international and local program partners and colleagues. Develop, maintain and strengthen working relationships with key partners, including national ministries, local governments, international organizations and other donors, private sector, NGOs, universities and the media to identify and implement efforts to increase synergy among the key stakeholders. Provide technical input to program and strategy design and planning based on knowledge of international best practice and the particular constraints presented in Liberia. Defining the type of assistance needed by the Mission, facilitate discussions with water and sanitation service contractors, and schedule delivery of this assistance. Carry out other tasks to support the achievement of USAID/Liberia's mandate and objectives, as directed by USAID/Liberia. Supervision Received: The WASH Program Specialist reports to the Health Team Leader and on a day-to-day basis works closely with other technical team leaders (Governance in particular, Economic Growth, Education), other Health team staff and other technical offices. Supervision Exercised: Once fully qualified, the WASH Program specialist will serve as the Contracting (or Agreement) Officer's Technical Representative (COTR/AOTR) for water, sanitation and hygiene activities in the Mission, and for grantees and contractors working in water and sanitation. The Wash Program Specialist may supervise one or more Liberian Foreign Service National staff. Post Entry Training: On the job training will be provided in USAID programming and implementation procedures. Available Guidelines: Guidelines include Agency regulations, ADS requirements, Office of Foreign Assistance guidance, Africa Bureau procedural guidance, Agency procurement guidance, Mission Orders and professional development literature. All of these are general, presenting options and approaches rather than blueprints. Therefore, the incumbent must be able to assess alternatives and interpret guidelines accordingly. Excellent judgment and the ability to deal with ambiguity are essential. Exercise of Judgment: A high degree of independent judgment is required in identifying opportunities to use available USAID resources and mechanisms to expand water supply and sanitation coverage, reviewing program documentation, and managing assigned actions and tasks. The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to function independently in complex, frequently changing donor environment. Authority to make commitments: The incumbent will not have independent authority to commit US Government Mission funds on behalf of the U.S. Government. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will be required to establish strong working relationships with mid-level officials at local government levels, representatives of bilateral and multi-lateral donors/institutions, NGOs, and members of civil society organizations. The WASH advisor may represent USAID with senior GOL officials including the heads of the LWSC and various ministries. Internal contacts should be established with the Front Office, Program Office, RLA and contracts office, Office of Financial Management, and all other teams as necessary. Time required to perform full range of duties after entry into the Position: One year Relationships and Responsibilities The WASH Program Advisor should be a water and sanitation professional capable of providing leadership and realistic technical advice to a Mission working under challenging circumstances. The Program Specialist's performance will be supervised by the Health Team Leader. S/He should be prepared to assume responsibility for planning, coordinating, and carrying out assigned duties, keeping his/her supervisor appraised as appropriate. The WASH Program Advisor must be able to work with a range of official counterparts, including officials at a national, provincial and local government level, bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, contractors, USAID officials, civil society organizations and community groups, as is determined to be necessary by her/his supervisor. Specific to working in Liberia, the area has a long history of conflict and the political and security environment is complex and constantly changing; it will be necessary to demonstrate considerable judgment and sensitivity working in this fluid environment. IV. DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS The position requires a broad combination of technical, analytical, and managerial abilities combined with excellent communication skills. The incumbent should demonstrate a range of expertise in the area of water and sanitation services particularly as it relates to post-conflict and reconstruction situations. Expertise in the following areas is desirable: rural water provision, urban water service expansion, on-site sanitation, policy reform, hygiene behavior change, and program design. Evidence of the requisite knowledge and skills should include study in a relevant field and at least 5 years of demonstrated professional experience in urban and rural water supply and sanitation, including work in environments comparable to that in Liberia. Direct hands-on experience on improving water and sanitation services in urban areas, informal settlements and/or displaced persons camps Advanced degree in environmental management, public health, engineering, economics or related field Experience with USAID, African Development Bank, World Bank or other donor funded projects Experience in strengthening policy frameworks and capacity of local governments, utilities, regulatory agencies, etc. Good understanding of USAID strategy, programming and implementation activities Experience in water sector development, water utility operations and water financing in Africa Excellent interpersonal and team building skills Demonstrated proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software is required Willing to live and travel in Liberia Level IV (fluent) English language is required. Prefer native English speaker with excellent written and verbal communication skills. V. EVALUATION CRITERIA a. Education and Knowledge: Total Points 20 An understanding of USAID's project development, contracting and project management policies and procedures. An understanding of the African political, economic, environmental, and development setting. An understanding of water and sanitation issues in the context of rural development, post-conflict situations and urban low-income environments. Advanced degree in environmental management, public health, engineering, economics or related field Broad professional knowledge and skills sufficient to guide and contribute to the development and implementation of realistic, relevant and sustainable water and sanitation programs and activities. b. Past Working Experience: Total Points 40 Water and sanitation experience with increasing responsibilities and interactions with clients. This experience should be in the general areas of increasing access to water in low income rural and urban areas and expansion of sanitation and hygiene programs and interventions. Ability to collect, synthesize and make use of water and sanitation-related data for the purpose of communicating and designing strategy and to communicate with clients and partners. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a complex donor environment. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program design, implementation and oversight of USAID or other donor programs in the areas of water and sanitation services. c. Leadership/Interpersonal Skills: Total Points 20 Ability to interact effectively with representatives of national and local governments and USG agency staff. Ability to establish strong working relationships with representatives of other donors, multi-lateral institutions, NGOs, and members of civil society organizations. Ability to function independently in complex, frequently changing political and economic conditions. d. Communication Skills: Total Points 20 Excellent oral and written English communication skills. Proven ability to produce professional reports, analysis and tracking tools. Submission of an effective writing sample. Ability to organize complex issues and data in a logical manner and communicate them clearly and concisely. E. Selection process: After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accord with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID's discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. 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. ATTACHMENT 2: PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations) AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE REQUIREMENTS OF OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 1. Benefits •a. Employee's FICA Contribution •b. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance • i. --72% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339.00 for a family and $7,266.00 for employees without dependents) • ii. --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $500) •c. Pay Comparability Adjustment • i. --Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs •d. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation •e. Vacation & Sick Leave Allowances* (If Applicable): As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore/ USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: •a. Post Differential (Section 500) •b. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) •c. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) •d. Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220) •e. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) •f. Payments During Evacuation (Section 600) •g. Education Allowance (Section 270) •h. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) •i. Danger Pay (Section 650) •j. Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). •3. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. •4. List of REQUIRED Forms for USPSCs •a. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. (U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 are available at the USAID web site, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at USG offices.) Forms (b) through (e) shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. •b. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843). •c. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or •d. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). •e. Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.) •5. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs.) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) Pertaining to PSCs CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/psc_solicitations.html to determine which CIBS and AAPDs apply to this contract. [1] Appraisal Report: Monrovia Water Supply and Sanitation Rehabilitation Programme. African Development Bank, November 2007.