Solicitation No. 263-08-500 ISSUANCE DATE: 01/14/2008 CLOSING DATE: 4:30 pm Cairo time on 02/19/2008 SUBJECT: USAID/ Cairo, Egypt Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor [USPSC] For Regional Middle East Democracy and Governance Senior Advisor Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from U.S. citizens or U.S. resident alien, interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Applicants must be able to obtain a secret security clearance. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed OF-612 and a written statement that responds to the requirements of the position (Education/ Experience Required for the position). Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Nancy Rofael, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Egypt, EXO, who may be reached at fax#: 011-202-522-7197 or 011-202-516-0388, tel.#: 011-202-522-7182, and email address:
[email protected] or
[email protected]. If would like to apply electronically please send your application & CV as an email attachment to (
[email protected]). [PLEASE DO NOT SEND CVs TO
[email protected] E-MAIL] Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to: EXO/HR - USAID/ Egypt U.S. Mail: Nancy Rofael Human Resources Assistant EXO/HR USAID/ Egypt- Unit 64902 APO AE 09839-4902 Air courier: Nancy Rofael Human Resources Assistant EXO/HR USAID/ Egypt Plot 1/A off Laselki St, New Maadi, Cairo, Egypt Postal Code 11435 For those who wish to send their application via pouch, please also send your application & CV by Email attachment (
[email protected]) or FAX [(202) 2522-7197 or (202) 2516-0388] to ensure receipt of your application before the closing date. Application forms, USG Optional Form 612(OF-612) can be located at: OF-612: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/of-612.doc Offerors are requested to provide their full mailing address and contact information (telephone, fax or email). The U.S. Government is under no obligation to award a contract based on this notice. Sincerely, Samia Joseph HR Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 263-08-500 ISSUANCE DATE: 01/14/08 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 4:30 pm Cairo time on 02/19/2008 POSITION TITLE: Regional Middle East Democracy and Governance Senior Advisor MARKET VALUE: GS-14 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years with possibility of extension. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Cairo, Egypt SECURITY ACCESS: Secret AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens who are able to obtain the required security clearance. Note: A candidate who is otherwise qualified, but does not meet full requirements of the position, may be appointed as a trainee and be required to serve at a lower grade level for the period of one year. A. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: The incumbent residence will be in Cairo, Egypt. Cairo is the largest city in Africa and the Middle East. It has a number of urban problems such as severe pollution, and traffic congestion. However, it is relatively crime-free and offers many cultural and recreational opportunities, including major museums, important historical sites, and most sports. The Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea are easily reachable and provide opportunities for most water sports, especially snorkeling and scuba diving. B. POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The Regional Middle East Democracy and Governance Senior Advisor will be supervised by, and will report to, the Director of the OMEP office (Office of Middle East Programs) at USAID/Cairo, Egypt. C. OVERVIEW: The regional Office of Middle East Programs (OMEP) in the U.S. Agency for International Development, Egypt Mission (USAID/Egypt) is soliciting applications from qualified individuals to serve as the regional Middle East Democracy and Governance (DG) Senior Advisor. Promoting democratic processes and good governance is a priority goal of U.S. foreign policy and progress throughout the region is uneven. Although much of the work to support better governance in the Middle East and North Africa is by necessity and character bilateral, there are needs and opportunities which are inherently transnational and regional. The Office of Middle East Programs pursues regional approaches to further U.S. objectives of mitigating conflict and promoting the culture of democracy in the Middle East through and focuses on three sectors; youth, water, and DG. The Middle East DG Senior Advisor provides strategic and policy guidance, specialized technical assistance, and serves as a project/activity manager with OMEP. The incumbent provides as requested technical assistance and project support to other bilateral USAID missions around the MENA region and ensures timely and effective implementation of a portfolio of activities in support of the USAID regional strategy for the Middle East. The incumbent will be required to develop constructive professional relationships with the USAID bilateral missions in which include Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, West Bank/Gaza, and Yemen and to coordinate with USAID/Washington?s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and Bureau for Asia and the Near East (ANE) as well as with US Department of State and US Treasury. D. WORK DESCRIPTION: Duties and Responsibilities of the Position The overall duties of the regional Middle East DG Senior Advisor are to: serve as activity/project manager for regional DG programs; provide technical assistance to USAID bilateral missions; and act as a regional USAID counterpart for interagency and multilateral coordination for DG efforts in Middle East and North Africa. Specific duties include: As the OMEP DG Advisor - Provide technical direction and strategic development for OMEP DG programs and activities; - Provide technical input on OMEP DG strategy and issues, and provide ideas and designs for new activities; - Develop and manage annual and multi-year budgets for assigned activities; - Manage implementation of regional activities, review work plans, quarterly/semi-annual reports, and regularly prepare monitoring reports; identify key progress indicators and data necessary to track progress; undertake field monitoring and data collection for reporting on progress of activities; - Ensure that all administrative and accountability requirements related to OMEP?s democracy portfolio are handled in accordance with established USAID policies and procedures; - Prepare and disseminate regular reports on the impact and results of regional Middle East democracy activities and contribute to USAID/OMEP Operations; As part of the USG DG development team working in and on the region - Establish and maintain key relationships with USAID missions in the region, as well as USAID/Washington counterpart offices including ANE and DCHA, and with MEPI; - Track the activities of and coordinate with other bilateral and multilateral donors working in the region; - Participate in USG interagency processes regarding the region - Develop and maintain contact with wide range of individuals, groups and associations involved with Middle East DG development, including civil society, think tanks, private sector, government, political parties, and media; As regional technical and surge support - Provide, as needed, regional technical expertise which may include any or all of the responsibilities of a USAID technical officer including project design, procurement, management, financial oversight, and surge capacity for bilateral missions - Prepare, facilitate, coordinate, and participate in regional evaluations, conferences, seminars, or other activities related to USAID-funded regional support for democracy and governance in the Middle East and North Africa. REQUIRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION: The Regional Middle East Democracy and Governance Senior Advisor shall have the following qualifications. Note that in order to be considered those marked ?required? must be met. 1. Education: BA in International Relations, International Development, International Law, Management, Political Science, or other related field is (required). A Master?s degree in a related field is desirable. 2. Knowledge and Prior Work Experience: Expert understanding of the role of democracy and governance in international development is (required). Knowledge and experience with Middle East politics and social and economic dynamics is (required.). Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as independent media, civil society building and NGOs, human rights and civil rights, democratic transition and political processes, rule of law, and related fields is (required). Minimum four years of work experience involving overseas work and environment is (required). Overseas experience in the Middle East/North Africa is highly desirable. 3. Project Management Experience: Experience in project management, including project design and development and budget planning, is (required). Experience in managing multiple projects and USG-funded activities is highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to work independently, managing several activities at once, and working under pressure to meet deadlines are (required). 4. Communication, Teamwork, and Interpersonal Skills: The ability to establish and maintain collegial relations with technical experts, government officials, and broader civil society stakeholders is (required). Demonstrated ability to work as a team member, as well as to provide leadership in the area of his/her competencies is (required). Basic office computer skills are (required). Excellent communication and inter-personal skills are (required). Excellent written and oral English skills are (required). Basic language skills in Arabic are desirable. 5. Ability to Obtain Security Clearance: A U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien able to obtain a Secret security clearance is (required). SELECTION CRITERIA: To be considered, the applicant shall meet those qualifications marked (required). Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Ranking Factors: Factor Points Education 10 Technical Knowledge and Prior Work Experience 35 Project Management Experience 35 Communication/Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills 20 Total 100 APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: (1) A cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidates? qualifications meet the work requirements; (2) A curriculum vitae which at a minimum, describes education, latest experiences and career achievements; (3) A completed and signed OF-612 or SF-171; (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail) (4) A relevant writing sample, minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages; (5) Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references; (6) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail) The U.S. Government Standard Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/of-612.doc or at Federal offices. 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 highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. Applicants may choose any of the methods in the Cover Page to submit their applications but USAID accepts no responsibility for delay in transit, mis-routing, etc. Submissions shall be in accordance with the above information at the place and time specified. Given the often intermittent problems people experience in the world with fax and email, all candidates are notified that, should they choose to utilize this method, they should confirm with the USAID/ Cairo Human Resources office that all documentation submitted was received prior to the closing date of this notice. Equipment failures at USAID or by the applicants network are not acceptable reasons for late submission, as candidates have the option of sending their application hard copy by courier. No, repeat no, applications will be considered after the closing time and date, and it is the applicant?s full responsibility to ensure that all their documentation has been received by our office. TYPE AND DURATION OF APPOINTMENT: Employment shall be through an A.I.D. Personal Services Contract for a period of two years with possibility of extension. This Personal Services Contract is subject to the availability of funds. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 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 Annual Increase APO mail service as per post policy ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):* (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (Not applicable) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (Not applicable) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (Not applicable) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (Not applicable) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (Not applicable) (8) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10)Educational Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS CIBs 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/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.