R -- US/PSC Economic Governance Advisor

US/PSC ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE ADVISORUSAID/PHILIPPINES Solicitation 492-04-006, Amendment #1 Issuance Date: March 10, 2004 Closing Date: April 16, 2004 3:00 P.M. , Manila Time SUBJECT: Solicitation for US Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Economic Governance Advisor Gentlemen/Ladies: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Regional Office in the Philippines, is seeking proposals (Optional Form 612’s) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached document. Submission shall be in accordance with the attached information and delivered at the place and time specified below. Offerors must submit their completed OF-612, referencing the solicitation number, to Ms. Mabel Dela Torre, who may be reached at Fax Nos. (632) 551-9297, (632) 552-9800 ext. 5404, or by e-mail at [email protected]. The mailing address is: Office of Regional Procurement USAID/Manila 8/F PNB Financial Center Roxas Boulevard 1308 Pasay City, Philippines. Applicants shall include their salary history for the last three years, the names of at least three (3) references with knowledge of the applicant’s prior work, and the references’ points of contact (email addresses, telephone and/or fax numbers). Offerors should retain, for their records, copies of all enclosures that accompany their proposals. Late applications shall not be accepted. USAID/Philippines reserve the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. Sincerely, (signed) William E. Reynolds Contracting Officer USAID/Philippines 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 492-04-006 2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 10, 2004 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS: April 23, 2004 at 3:00 in the afternoon, Manila Time 4. POSITION TITLE: Economic Governance Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: GS-15 ($86,417 - $112,346) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: o/a July 1, 2004 to June 30, 2006 with one year option to renew 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Manila, Philippines 8. JOB DESCRIPTION: A. BACKGROUND USAID/Philippines' Office of Economic Development and Governance (OEDG) currently manages two complex, interrelated, and important sets of activities: 1) the set of activities leading toward attainment of USAID's Special Objective No. 2 (SO2)- "A More Favorable Investment Climate" throughout the country; and 2) the set of activities leading toward attainment of USAID's Special Objective No. 3 (SpO3)- "Prospects for Peace in Mindanao Strengthened." Strategic Objective 2 (SO2) targets two main areas: a) strengthening institutions important to the government's efforts to make corruption a high risk, low reward activity; and b) removing barriers to the development of competitive markets. USAID focuses SO2 assistance in those sectors where corruption can be especially damaging, e.g., tax and customs administration, government procurement, and administration of justice. USAID also supports the implementation of the Government of the Philippines’ (GOP) pro-competition policy in areas like aviation, inter-island shipping, and information and communications technology. SO2 activities in the future will continue current foci, but may be expanded into additional, but as yet unidentified, areas. Identification of these additional areas of focus will depend, in part, on which candidate is elected to the Presidency of the Philippines in May 2004 as well as feedback on the Mission’s new strategy which will be submitted for approval in 2004. SpO3 concentrates on the armed conflict that has been going on between the GOP and Muslim separatist groups in Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago for decades. The basic strategy calls for interventions that address both peace and development, as it is clear that, over the long run, a stable peace is not possible without an expansion of economic opportunities for the people in Muslim Mindanao, and also that sustained and substantial economic growth is not possible without peace. Current activities include: a program aimed at facilitating integration into the economy of former combatants; significant expansion of infrastructure in the conflict affected areas; expansion of availability of microfinance throughout Mindanao, with special emphasis on the conflict affected areas; an expansion of production and marketing of high value crops throughout the area; etc. USAID is currently developing a modified "conflict amelioration" strategy that will continue to address the problems underlying the conflict in Muslim Mindanao, but which will also permit the Mission to address some serious conflicts that are occurring outside of Muslim Mindanao, such as a lingering communist insurgency. The precise identification of the specific set of interventions that may be included in this broader conflict strategy are still being defined, but it is anticipated that the interventions would include some aimed at expanding "livelihood" opportunities (i.e., a means of making a reasonable living) for people in the affected areas; agricultural development activities, local government capability development, and support for civil society. B. STATEMENT OF WORK: The Economic Governance Advisor will be responsible for: 1) devising appropriate strategies and plans for conflict management outside of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); 2) working with the mission’s governance officer in leading the design and implementation of cost-effective programs that produce meaningful results in strengthening governance; 3) facilitating the proper coordination and integration of these activities within the Mission’s portfolio; 4) ensuring that all activities are coordinated with, complementary to, and supportive of similar assistance activities of other USAID and U.S. government agencies; 5) ensuring that the design and implementation of activities are fully coordinated with international organizations and bilateral donors active in this area; and 6) providing policy advice and analyses to senior Mission management on topics related to conflict management and governance. The Economic Governance Advisor will provide leadership as a member of both the economic governance and conflict SO teams. The Advisor will be supervised by the Chief of the Office of Economic Development and Governance (OEDG), USAID/Philippines. Specific duties are: a. Program Management • Planning and developing new programs or activity initiatives. • Managing portions of the Mission portfolio on a day-to-day basis, including making decisions on activity implementation matters, identifying and resolving program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, assigning responsibility for program management and implementation matters to subordinates, and assuring that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. May also be called upon be the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for specific activities. Will participate on and/or lead DG teams. • Planning, implementing, participating in, commenting upon, or preparing Mission views on evaluations, assessments or audits of activities. b. Strategy Development •Providing analysis, advice and recommendations to senior Mission management and staff regarding the formulation of Mission strategy for assistance for conflict and economic governance and on the management and implementation of those related activities in the Mission’s portfolio. •Participating, as required, in the development of Mission strategic plans, results analysis and resource requests and other strategic planning and reporting documentation. c.Office Management and Supervision •Utilize a matrix management approach to provide guidance to up to approximately five Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs). •Providing input on staff performance evaluations; review and revise position descriptions; managing staffing issues and determine staff assignments; approving requests for leave and travel; managing office training plan; and determining the need for Temporary Duty (TDY) assistance. •Providing technical and administrative oversight of projects. •Ensuring proper management of the budget, including procurement planning, use of program funds, and monitoring pipelines to avoid funding gaps. •Overseeing the Performance Monitoring Plan (including collection of performance results data). •Ensuring response to Program Office requests for information or participation, such as participation in strategic planning exercises, or providing project information (for newsletters, AID/W inquiries, etc). d.Coordination, technical advice and policy dialogue •Participating in, coordinating, or managing USAID inputs into assessments conducted in conjunction with other United States Government (USG) agencies, international organizations, or other donors. •Maintaining close contact, providing technical advice, and engaging in policy dialogue as appropriate with staff and senior representatives of international organizations and missions, the civil society community (including local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), media outlets, journalist and broadcast associations), non-governmental organizations and foreign donors active in providing assistance, governmental structures (including the Assembly, municipal governments, the judiciary), USAID assistance providers, and other U.S. Government agencies. e.General Management •Carrying out such other tasks as might be assigned from time-to-time by Senior Mission Management. The Advisor will handle all assigned work either independently or, as required, as part of teams, according to established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, as in effect from time-to-time; and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance as provided in the USAID ADS and elsewhere. The Advisor is expected to make independent judgments that can be defended as necessary. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance is placed on the employee to independently plan and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The employee will resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; developing, coordinating, and clearing proposed solutions with all necessary parties; and then taking appropriate actions necessary to resolve the problem. Travel within and outside of Manila will be required. C. RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Contractor will serve as a key member of the Office of Economic Development and Governance Team and shall be under the direct supervision of the Office Chief. D. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Candidates should have the following qualifications: (a) A graduate degree in a related field, such as, economics, agriculture, law, management, international relations public administration, political science, etc. Those without graduate degrees who possess at least eight years appropriate and specialized work experience will also be considered. (b) A minimum of six years of progressively more responsible work experience in democracy development with implementers of such projects or donor organizations responsible for the design and oversight of such programs is required. The person selected should have demonstrated experience and ability in strategic development and planning, and implementation, and preferably have experience in a range of democracy and governance subsectors (e.g., rule of law, political processes, civil society, local governance, etc.). (c) A minimum of four years of practical work experience (democracy/governance development) in developing countries. Experience in East and Southeast Asia a plus. (d) Experience working in dynamic, highly collegial and collaborative working relationships, requiring close consultation, management, and coordination. Experience working in multi-lateral development programs, and particularly with officials and technical experts from other countries is desirable. (e) Knowledge of US Government management and monitoring systems. (f) Supervisory experience. Other characteristics of the ideal candidate include: •Demonstrated skills in successfully leading and managing multi-sectoral and complex projects, and supervising contractors in emerging market situations. •Demonstrated skills in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels. •Ability to resolve potential problems in a team context, while maintaining an aggressive work pace, in order to produce results under intense scrutiny and visibility. •Strong communications, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills. Ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs sometimes with short deadlines. Experience with the management and leadership of teams. Ability to interact and work effectively with organizational management and support offices. Experience and comfort with management information systems. •Broad vision concerning development problems in emerging markets, including institutional, social, and political issues, in addition to economic concerns. •An entrepreneurial, goal-oriented approach to assistance in emerging market countries. •Experience in confronting institutional and bureaucratic problems in program management. •Willingness to work as a team member within an organization. •Ability to effectively communicate with and present complex ideas to senior government officials, business leaders, and policy professionals in excellent English, orally and in writing. •Computer skills, particularly knowledge of MS Word. This position is open to U. S. citizens. The successful applicant shall be subject to security and medical clearances. The successful applicant must receive a USAID security clearance involving a comprehensive background investigation performed by the appropriate U.S. Government agency. Details on how to obtain U.S. Department of State Medical Unit clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. E. EVALUATION CRITERIA: 25 pts Masters degree or equivalent scholarly training appropriate for the position. 10 pts Training and experience in project design and implementation. 25 pts Experience in confronting institutional and bureaucratic problems in program management. 25 pts Broad vision concerning development problems in emerging markets, including institutional, social and political issues, in addition to economic concerns. An entrepreneurial, goal-oriented approach to assistance in emerging market countries. Willingness to work as a team member within an organization. Ability to present well to senior government officials, business leaders and policy professionals. 15 pts Demonstrated excellence in writing. 100 pts TOTAL F. TERM OF THE POSITION: The term of the contract shall be for Two (2) years with an option to renew. G. COMPENSATION: The position has been classified at the GS-15 ($85,140 - $110,682) level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range of the approved GS level, subject to the candidate's qualifications and previous earning history, but shall not exceed the maximum rate indicated. USAID/Philippines has a post differential of 15%. H. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances if hired offshore. If hired within the Philippines, compensation is limited to salary, FICA, Medicare, pay comparability and leave. 1. Benefits a. Employee's FICA contribution b. Contribution toward Health (family) and Life Insurance (self) c. Pay Comparability Adjustment d. Annual Salary Increase e. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation f. Annual and Sick Leave 2. Allowances (if applicable)* a. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) b. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) c. Post Allowance (Section 200) d. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) e. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) f. Education Allowance (Section 270) g. Post Differential (Chapter 500).USAID/Philippines has a post differential of 20%. h. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) i. Danger Pay (Section 650)* I. ACQUISITION/ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs)/CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process – Personal Services Contracts (“PSCs”) with U.S. Citizens 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) under Appendix D or Appendix J of the AIDAR. 00-05 Personal Services Contract (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for PSCs 99-22 PSC Policy 99-07 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-19 Home Leave Under U.S. Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for U.S. PSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for US PSCs 97-20 Requirement for Full Reimbursement of M&IE Expenses to USAID Direct Contractors and PSCs 97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S. 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19 U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) – Leave 94-09 Sunday pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately-Owned Vehicles. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs Optional Form 612** Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)*** Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)(SF-86)*** or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)*** Finger Print Card (FD-258)*** * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) ** Available from the following website: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html *** These forms shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.