Food For Peace Officer

SOLICITATION NUMBER: RE-669-09-015 ISSUANCE DATE: 05/2709 QUESTIONS DEADLINE: 06/03/09 CLOSING DATE: 06/10/09 CLOSING TIME: 4:00 PM in Monrovia, Liberia SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for Food for Peace Officer in Monrovia, Liberia. Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 only) from qualified Third Country National (TCN), U.S. citizens/U.S Resident Alien to provide personal services as a FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Send one set of U.S. Government SF 171 or OF 612, a resume or CV, three references, a written statement certifying date / length of time you are available for the position, and a two page document highlighting key qualifications by the evaluation factors. For references please include name, phone number, and email. An incomplete or unsigned SF 171 or OF 612 shall not be considered. These signed forms must be delivered or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: USAID / Liberia Human Resources Management Office American Embassy 111 U.N. Drive, Mamba Point Monrovia, Liberia All offers are contingent on receipt of (a) medical clearance, (b) security clearance and (c) offer must be made in writing by the (Contracting) Executive Officer. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as a result of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of an application. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Sylvester S. Browne by phone at 231-77-766-402 or email at [email protected]. Sincerely, Don Brady Don Brady Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT USPSC/FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER USAID/LIBERIA 1. SOLICITATION No: USAID/LIBERIA RE-669-09-015 2. ISSUANCE DATE: May 27, 2009 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED: June 10, 2009 4. POSITION TITLE: FOOD FOR PEACE OFFICER 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($83,445 - $108,483) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One (1) year, with possibility of extension 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Monrovia, Liberia 8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Third Country National (TCN) or U. S. Citizens 9. SUPERVISOR: Economic Growth Team Leader 10. STATEMENT OF WORK: Below BACKGROUND U.S. Agency for International Development’s Office of Food for Peace (FFP) provides grants for food assistance to private voluntary organizations (PVOs) and the UN World Food Program (WFP) under Title II of Public Law 480. In fiscal year 2007, FFP provided 2.1 million metric tons of commodities, worth over $1.8 billion, to over 40 million people in 64 countries. FFP provides both emergency food aid (which aims to address food aid needs arising from natural disasters, such as floods or droughts, and complex emergencies often characterized by insecurity and population displacement) and non-emergency food aid (which aims to address the underlying causes of chronic food insecurity). Liberia faces a host of complex food issues requiring Title II food assistance. Notably among them are: • Chronic malnutrition is estimated at 39% and severe malnutrition has increased from 4% in December 2006 to 8% in June 2008 • Consumer price index is 16.5% • Over half of urban incomes are spent on food. Most rural households spent on food and most rural households engage in subsistence food production, but two-third of their income is also spent on food, • It is estimated that 60% of rice consumed nationally is imported • Recent surveys estimate that 68% of rural households and 55% of urban households live below the poverty line, while 56% of rural households and 29% of urban households live below the extreme poverty line. In FY 2008, Liberia received $9,414,000 million in Title II food assistance, of which $7,672,500 million was non-emergency food aid and $ 1,741,500 million was for emergency programs. In FY 2009, it is anticipated that there will be one multi-year non-emergency programs managed by PVOs, valued at $9 million and emergency food aid will continue due to the most urgent food needs of beneficiaries including populations affected by conflict and food-insecure households. Moreover, this will also address the impact of the current food price increase on extremely vulnerable persons/populations. Areas of intervention include: 1. Food Support for Local Initiative (FSLI) with activities such as Food for Agriculture, FFW-Rehabilitation of Damaged Infrastructure, and FFT-Life Skills and Vocational/Literacy Training. 2. Nutrition-to support supplementary feeding programs in areas with high acute malnutrition rates to improve the nutritional status of children under five years of age and pregnant and lactating women. 3. General Food Distribution- to support Ivorian refugees living in camps Title II food aid grants are signed by the Director of FFP, and the FFP/Washington Country Backstop Officer is usually the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) who is responsible for the technical oversight of the grants. The USAID Mission has overall responsibility for assistance programs in the country. To help determine the need for and improve, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the assistance provided by the Title II Food aid program in Liberia, USAID/Monrovia requires the services of a FFP Officer hired through a Personal Services Contract. The position is based in Monrovia, but the FFP Officer is expected to spend approximately forty (40) percent of his/her time traveling throughout the country to monitor program activities and assess food aid needs. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The FFP Officer will ensure effective management of FFP resources in Liberia. His/her primary responsibility is to monitor Title II-funded non-emergency food aid programs, and report on their implementation to FFP/Washington and the Mission. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The FFP Officer will undertake the following duties: 1. Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to Title II food aid in Liberia for the Mission, Embassy, USAID/Washington, the regional FFP Office, other parts of the U.S. government, PVOs, international organizations, host nation governmental ministries and agencies, and others in the country. 2. Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing Title II programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims. 3. Provide information and guidance to Title II assistance award recipients on Title II regulations, policies and procedures. 4. Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food aid requirements, government policies and actions affecting food aid programs, government food aid programs, and donor pledges and programs. 5. Coordinate with the Country Team (consisting of the USAID Mission, U.S. Embassy, and/or other USG staff in-country), host government, PVOs, international organizations, donors, and others to address issues impacting Title II food aid. 6. Undertake and report on assessments to inform Title II food aid funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs. 7. Work with PVOs on preparation of annual work plans and program modifications, and with WFP on new appeals or revisions to existing ones. 8. Work with other parts of the U.S. government and other donors to promote integration of food aid with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall. 9. When delegated authority to do so by the FFP Director, serve as CTO for Title II programs (when delegated by the FFP Director). 10. Supervise assigned FSN staff. 11. Undertake other tasks, as assigned. The basic duties and responsibilities do not change between the GS 13 and GS 14 levels. An employee meeting the qualifications for GS 14 and hired at that level, however, is expected to exercise a higher level of autonomy and require less technical support from the Mission, FFP/Washington and the Regional FFP Office. Individuals hired at the GS-13 level who, during the course of the contract meet the GS-14 minimum requirements, can be considered for promotion based on performance. 9. POSITION ELEMENTS Supervision Received: The FFP Officer will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the Economic Growth Team Leader, but is expected to be in regular contact with FFP/Washington, as well as the regional FFP Office, and report any information to them on issues pertaining to ongoing Title II programs. Available Guidelines: The position requires an understanding of an array of U.S. Government and Agency regulations and comprehension of host-country regulations and practices as they affect USAID/Liberia operations. Exercise of Judgment: The Contractor must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying U.S. Government and USAID-specific regulations and standard operating procedures in the course of carrying out the assigned duties. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent is not authorized to make any commitments on behalf of USAID/Liberia or the U.S. Government unless such authority is specifically delegated. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: The Contractor will establish and maintain solid working relationships with all levels of Mission personnel with USAID/Liberia staff. The Contractor will have frequent working contacts with U.S. Embassy officers in Liberia, host government officials, PVOs, NGOs, and private sector entities to fulfill the major duties and responsibilities of this contract. Often these contacts will be of a sensitive nature and discretion is required. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently. The supervisor will provide policy and management direction in terms of goals and objectives. The incumbent will work with the supervisor to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done. However, the incumbent is expected to use initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity in pursuing and attaining the goals and objectives set for the completion of his/her job expectations. As assigned by the USAID/Liberia Economic Growth Team Leader, the Contractor will supervise one or more USAID/Liberia foreign national staff who have Food For Peace-related management responsibilities. Interpersonal Skills: The Contractor must exercise discretion and tact in a variety of stressful situations and when dealing with personnel to resolve challenges that arise during the course of the work, for which there often is not a clear solution. Time required to Perform a Full Range of Duties: Immediately. The incumbent is expected to be skilled in program/project management and coordination so that s/he can be able to carry out the duties and responsibilities from day one. Period of Performance: The personal service contract will be for 1 year, with possibility of extension. Extensions will be contingent on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds. Reports: Upon request or as scheduled, the Contractor will submit periodic status and/or other reports related to major activities or projects that fall under the incumbent’s responsibility. QUALIFICATIONS / SELECTION CRITERIA Applicants are encouraged to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each of the criteria below. Applicants should provide this information in the same sequence as indicated below. Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position: Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) • Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted; • Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted; • Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. Education • Bachelor’s degree plus at least four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (one of which must be related to food aid); OR • Master’s degree with significant study in a pertinent field (including, but not limited to international relations, agriculture, economics, public health,) plus at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in international development or relief (one of which must be related to food aid). QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs) Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and selective factors will be further evaluated based on the Quality Ranking Factors (QRF) listed below. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, and/or education that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. A. Professional Experience – 50 pts (i) Knowledge and experience with international development and relief (20 points) (ii) Knowledge and experience with Title II food aid programs (20 points) (iii) Technical expertise in a food aid related field, such as nutrition, agronomy, economics, or public health (10 points) B. Program Management – 30 Points (i) Ability to manage programs, to include programmatic and financial issues (ii) Ability to monitor and evaluate programs, to include programmatic and financial issues (iii) Ability to review, evaluate and apply complex policies and regulations C. Interpersonal and Communication Skills – 20 Points (i) Ability to provide rapid, concise, accurate reporting, both verbally and in writing (ii) Ability to work effectively as a team member and in diverse cultures (iii) Ability to supervise a small staff Applicants are required to address each of the QRFs on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. 12. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS Employer's FICA and Medicare Contribution* Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Salary increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Shipment and storage of household effects [limited shipment authorized at present] Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service ALLOWANCES [if applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below] (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (6) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (7) Educational Travel (Section 280) (8) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (9) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) (10) Danger Pay (Section 650) SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE The Contractor will be required to obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to extended temporary duty service overseas. Also, a temporary security clearance must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty. Until a final adjudication of a secret clearance is received, the contractor shall: • have no access to classified or administratively controlled materials, • travel to post by himself/herself only, and • be authorized no entitlements other than those normally authorized for short-term (less than a year) employees at post. If the contractor fails to receive a secret clearance, the contract will be immediately terminated. FEDERAL TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion, FICA, and Medicare. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR USPSCs Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or at http://www.forms.gov/bgfPortal/main.do 1. Optional Form 612 2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622)* 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)(SF-86) or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)* 4. Finger Print Card (FD-258) (available from the requirement office)* *These forms will only be completed by the apparently successful applicant. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Qualified applicants are requested to submit an Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF612) and a Resume containing the following information: 1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held); 2) Education: high school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours); 3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor; 4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested). 5) Applicants are required to provide three references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. Interested candidates should send above via the internet to the attention of Sudan Contracting Officer, at one of the addresses indicated below. 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. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than June 5, 2009 via e-mail to Human Resources Specialist, Sylvester Browne, via email: [email protected]