TCNPSC Program Development Officer

USAID PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT OFFICER USAID/COLOMBIA Issuance Date: January 26, 2011 Closing Date: February 28, 2011 Subject: Solicitation for Off-Shore Personal Services Contractor for a Third Country National (TCN) Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Colombia), is seeking applications (Letter of interest, and OF 612 available at the USAID Website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp ) from qualified candidates interested in providing the services described herein. Submissions shall be in accordance with the time and place specified below. Any questions may be directed to Ms. Diana Gomez, Deputy Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Colombia, who may be reached at: Fax No. 011-571-383-2319, or email at [email protected] or Ms. Erin Holleran, Supervisory Program Officer, [email protected] . All questions must be submitted by 4 PM (EST) on Feb 22, 2011. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Adam Cox Contracting Officer USAID/Colombia SOLICITATION INFORMATION: SOLICITATION NUMBER : 514-11-0005 ISSUANCE DATE : January 26, 2011 CLOSING DATE : February 28, 2011 POSITION TITLE : Program Development Officer GRADE: GS-13 MARKET VALUE : US$71,674 - US$93,175 per annum PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE : 2 years, with one year renewal option PLACE OF PERFORMACE : USAID/ Bogota, Colombia SECURITY ACCESS: Facility Access I. STATEMENT OF WORK A. BACKGROUND USAID/Colombia has an active portfolio of approximately $214 million in FY 2010 with a goal to improve economic and social conditions of vulnerable Colombians through effective rights-based institutional presence, in close cooperation with the Government of Colombia (GOC). The U.S. foreign assistance is strategically aligned with the Government of Colombia's (GOC's) National Consolidation Plan (NCP) and is guided by Embassy Bogota's Colombia Strategic Development Initiative (CSDI). The Santos Administration, elected in August 2010, is consolidating past security gains and creating a foundation to establish democratic institutions in areas that were historically marginalized. This year, the GOC made significant progress in improving security, combating narcotrafficking, strengthening democratic institutions, and extending social services and economic opportunities to vulnerable populations. The GOC undertook significant police and military operations against the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). In addition to continuing peace and security operations, President Santos' Administration will devote greater attention to consolidating gains in municipalities by increasing state presence, improving governance, and significantly expanding delivery of services in areas that have suffered from violence by illegal armed groups (IAGs). The USG supports President's Santos' program, which is expected to lead to greater development, regional stability and reduced threats to U.S. and Colombian national security. The goal of the USAID Colombia program for FY 2010-2015 Culture of Lawfulness is to improve economic and social conditions of vulnerable Colombians through effective rights-based institutional presence. The f our assistance objectives are: •· Licit livelihoods in targeted geographic zones expanded •· The impact of conflict mitigated for targeted vulnerable communities •· Strengthened democratic and economic governance and respect for human rights •· Reduced threats to biodiversity and impacts from climate change. The Mission has three offices to implement these programs: The Office of Vulnerable Populations (OVP); Office of Consolidation, Livelihoods, and Environment (CLE); and the Office of Democracy and Human Rights (DHR). B. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION The Program Development Officer works in the Mission's Program Office and reports to the Supervisory Program Officer, or designee. S/he will be responsible for a variety of standard USAID Program Office functions, with a focus on program and project development, strategic planning, operational planning, program coordination and support, and program documentation and reporting. S/he plays an important quality assurance role, advising technical teams on Agency and Mission policies, procedures, and guidelines related to program planning and management. S/he will also be assigned other specific tasks that are critical to the planning, management, implementation, and tracking of the USAID/Colombia program. The Program Development Officer will identify performance gaps in these areas, and recommend interventions to close those gaps and will look at three levels of program performance at USAID/Colombia: organizational systems (the workplace), operational systems (the work) and performance systems (the worker). The incumbent will advise senior management on organizational re-engineering to improve operational control and management efficiency. Demonstrated expertise in analysis of program and operational systems, with several years of experience in assessment and technical assistance for streamlining human resources, procurement and program management systems highly desired. Also preferred is an extensive knowledge of USAID/State regulations governing all areas of program development and procurement. C. DETAILED DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Program Development Officer will use his/her program and project development knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience to manage the following responsibilities: •A. Program Planning and Development (50%) •1. Operational Plan : Coordinate the preparation of USAID/Colombia's inputs to the Operational Plan. Ensure that technical teams and other offices understand Operational Plan guidelines and procedures; delegate sections and tasks to technical teams and support offices; liaise with the Program Budget Analyst and Performance Management Specialist, who will take the lead on Operational Plan budget and performance indicator issues, respectively; review and edit draft narratives to ensure quality control and compliance with Operational Plan guidance; facilitate meetings to resolve issues, reach agreement on priorities, and review final drafts; and enter the required information into the Operational Plan application database. •2. Congressional Budget Justification: In close collaboration with the Supervisory Program Officer, the Program Development Officer will coordinate input into and prepare the annual Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ). This will involve close collaboration with USAID and Embassy offices with responsibility for program management of the assistance program. Review and edit draft narratives to ensure quality control and compliance with CBJ guidance; facilitate meetings to resolve issues, reach agreement on priorities, and review final drafts; and ensure the timely submission of the CBJ to the LAC Bureau. •3. Strategic Planning : Facilitate the transition from the USAID/Colombia Plan Colombia (through 2009) to a new FY 2011 - 2015 Culture of Lawfulness strategy that supports the Government of Colombia's (GOC's) National Consolidation Plan (NCP) and is principally informed by the Embassy Bogota's Colombia Strategic Development Initiative (CSDI). Facilitate development of programs and projects within the new strategic framework. Coordinate with the Supervisory and Deputy Program Officers, the Performance Management Specialist and technical teams to identify necessary evaluations and assessments to support this strategic plan. As needed, assist the Program Officer to facilitate the development of concept papers and other strategic planning documents that can feed into an overall Strategy for Colombia. •B. Program Coordination and Support (30%) •1. Portfolio Reviews : Assist the Supervisory Program Officer and other Program Office staff to organize and participate in portfolio reviews in close collaboration with the Program Budget Analyst and the Performance Management Specialist. Based on consultations with technical teams and senior management, revise standard formats for issues papers as needed. Work with Program Office staff and technical teams and support offices to identify issues and draft a formal issues paper for each program. Help ensure that all documents are distributed to participants well in advance of scheduled reviews. Prepare official records of these portfolio reviews, including a matrix to track action items. Follow up on action items between portfolio reviews to ensure that actions are completed in accordance with agreed timetables. •C. Program Documentation and Reporting (20%) •1. Annual Performance Plan and Reports : Coordinate inputs to the Mission's Annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR), which forms the first phase of the Operational Plan. Coordinate with other US Embassy coordinators to ensure that the PPR is completed in a timely manner. Review, edit, and compile draft narratives, data tables, and special reports to ensure quality control and compliance with Agency guidance. Ensure that the Mission meets established deadlines for submitting the report. •2. Unsolicited Applications and Special Reporting : Coordinate and draft responses to unsolicited applications and other general requests for information. Ensure that appropriate Mission staff review and comment on proposals and provide requested information. Coordinate reporting on cross-cutting issues that affect Mission programs (e.g., gender, environment, anti-corruption). Coordinate and take the lead in drafting other short, periodic or ad hoc program management and performance reports. 3. Project Development and Procurement Planning : In close cooperation with the Deputy Program Officer, play a supporting role and offer technical and programmatic advice in the development of concepts and designs for new and modified activities. Ensure that the activity design process complies with Agency and Mission policies and guidelines. Manage the development and review processes for concept papers and activity approval documents. Advise technical teams on procurement planning and guide them in the preparation of program descriptions, statements of work, government-estimated budgets, and other procurement documents. Represent the Program Office on technical evaluation committees. Interface with technical teams, the Office of Acquisition and Assistance, and the Financial Management Office to ensure that activity design, procurement planning, and other pre-obligation processes stay on schedule. Work with technical teams and support offices to facilitate the orderly closeout of activities in accordance with Agency and Mission policies and guidelines. •II. SUPERVISION The incumbent is expected to work with minimum direction and supervision. The need for quick response in high profile, complex and often fluid situations requires the incumbent to exercise discretion and good judgment and operate with high levels of autonomy, responsibility and authority. Work is evaluated for effectiveness of results and compliance with prevailing policies, regulations, directives and objectives. The Program Development Officer is under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Program Officer. S/he must be able to perform his/her duties with little guidance and be able to work well under pressure. III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA A. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: The candidate must have a relevant bachelor's degree. A Graduate degree is preferred. Relevant majors may include, but are not limited to, economics, political science, government, sociology/rural sociology, public administration, international development, business administration/management, development/area studies, and social studies. A minimum of seven years of international program and program development experience in a developing country context may be considered as a substitute for this education requirement, provided that the candidate has at least two years of university-level education. Work Experience: The candidate must have at least five years of relevant experience in a developing country context. Five to ten years of experience is preferred. Relevant experience is defined as developing, managing, and evaluating development programs, including strategic planning and performance-based management and budgeting, and project design and feasibility. Previous experience working with USAID's program office is strongly preferred. Language Proficiency: The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English. The candidate must be able to speak and read Spanish; preference will be given to candidates with substantiated Spanish skills at the FSI Level S3/R3. •B. SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA Applicants must submit the forms listed in the section below, including a one-page summary statement that highlights how their education and experience have prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities outlined above and OF-612. To the extent possible, the application should explicitly address the selection criteria listed below. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required minimum qualifications in Section IV.A above will not be scored further. Applicants must list at least three references and provide current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks on all applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications. References will be asked to comment specifically on the selection criteria below. Applicants will be scored and then ranked based on the following selection criteria . Technical Knowledge / Work Experience (45 points) •· At least five years of progressively responsible experience in program and project planning and management in a developing country context, ideally with USAID or a similar organization that focuses on international development or humanitarian assistance. •· At least five years of hands-on experience in one or more of the following specific areas: strategic planning; program/activity design and implementation; program/project management; and project monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Ideally this experience will have been in a USAID Program Office, but similar experience with other organizations/offices is acceptable. •· Demonstrated knowledge of broad, multi-sectoral development issues and familiarity with two or more of the following sectors or program areas: democracy and elections, economic governance, institutional development and capacity building, community development, private sector development, agriculture/agribusiness, and environment. Education and Training (10 points) •· Bachelor's degree with a relevant major as defined in Section IV.A of the solicitation is required. A graduate degree is preferred. •· Training in one or more of the following areas: strategic planning, operational planning, project management, project development, project monitoring and evaluation, environmental compliance, management of participant training programs, audit management, and other areas that are relevant to the detailed duties and responsibilities outlined in Section III of the solicitation. Communication Skills / Group Dynamics (20 points) •· Evidence of effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team. •· Excellent writing and editing skills in English and Spanish. •· Ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations. •· Ability to effectively facilitate discussions and/or meetings. •· Evidence of initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables. •· Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint, and the ability to use internet search engines to facilitate information gathering and research. Past Performance / Reference Checks (25 points) References will be asked to assess the applicant's technical knowledge, work performance, communication skills, and group dynamics, using the above criteria. In addition, the references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. An overall score will be assigned to Past Performance based on feedback from references. Total: 100 points The Selection Committee will interview a short list of applicants who score highest against the above selection criteria, including the results of reference checks. These interviews are expected to be conducted by telephone. IV. TERM OF PERFORMANCE / COMPENSATION The position has been classified at a GS-13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the GS-13 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-13 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 at less than the minimum salary in the GS-13 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 on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees, will be added. Illustratively, these may include 5% Post Differential and 15% Danger Pay. The employees serving in Colombia are currently authorized two Rest and Recuperation (R&R) breaks per two-year tour. V. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCES The selected candidate must be able to obtain both a background security clearance and a worldwide available medical clearance. The security clearance involves a comprehensive investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency. Details on how to obtain US Department of State Medical Unit clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/TAXES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a US/TCN PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances. A. BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service Furnished housing R&R (as per post policy, currently 2 R&Rs in a two year tour) POV shipment, arranging for GOC to cover customs, duties, taxes HHE shipment, arranging for GOC to cover customs, duties, taxes to import HHE UAB 250 lbs. gross weight B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) Post Allowance (Section 220) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) Post Differential (Chapter 500) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and Danger Pay (Section 650) Educational Allowance (Section 270) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) Educational Travel (Section 280) C. FEDERAL TAXES: TCN PSC green card holders are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. VII. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. government Optional Form 612 which is available at the USAID websites, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp , or at Federal offices. Resumes may be attached to the OF-612. Applicants are required to provide a one-page summary statement that highlights experience and educational skills to meet the job requirements. Applicants may write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and selection criteria. Applications must provide the names, current email addresses, and telephone numbers for three references. All applications should be received by the closing date and time previously specified. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. The selection will be based on the panel evaluation of the applicants vis-à-vis selection criteria mentioned previously. Applicants should also note that the salary history for the purpose of the OF-612 is the salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. The OF-612 applications must be signed.