U -- USPSC-Senior Education Advisor for USAID/Sana'a, Yemen

Solicitation No. RFP# 279-04-005A ISSUANCE DATE: May 3, 2004 CLOSING DATE: 4:30 pm Cairo time on May 18, 2004 SUBJECT: USAID/ Sana’a, Yemen - Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor [USPSC] For Senior Education 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, that are able to obtain a secret security clearance, interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified and must include signed SF-171 or 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 Samia Joseph, Human Resources Officer, USAID/Egypt, EXO, who may be reached at fax#: 011-202-522-7197, tel.#: 011-202-522-7180, and email address: [email protected]. 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/US - USAID/ Egypt U.S. Mail Nancy Rofael Human Resources Office EXO/HR/US USAID/ Egypt- Unit 64902 APO AE 09839-4902 Air courier Nancy Rofael Human Resources Office EXO/HR/US 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) 522-7197) to ensure receipt of your application before the closing date. Application forms, USG Standard Form 171(SF-171) and Optional Form 612(OF-612) can be located at: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms/SF171/sf171.pdf http://inside.usaid.gov/forms/formsnumeric.html 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: RFP# 279-04-005A ISSUANCE DATE: May 3, 2004 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 4:30 pm Cairo time on May 18, 2004 POSITION TITLE: Senior Education Advisor MARKET VALUE: GS-14 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2 years with possibility of extension. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Sana’a, Yemen. SECURITY ACCESS: SECRET AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident alien who are able to obtain a secret security clearance. A. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: Office of the USAID Representative, US Embassy, Sana’a, Yemen B. POSITION TITLE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: The USAID Representative to Yemen. C. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Senior Education Advisor will work in tandem with the Education Program Specialist (FSN) to form the USAID/Yemen Education Support Team. The USAID Representative will review and approve the contractor’s work plan and performance measures. The incumbent will be expected to work independently, take initiative, and be responsible for advising on all aspects of USG supported education program activities. In carrying out specific assignments, the incumbent will work closely with senior representatives from The Republic of Yemen Government (ROYG), international donor organizations, local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and senior U.S. Government (USG) officials at the US Embassy/Sana’a, USAID/Cairo and USAID/Washington. S/He will be expected to coordinate and collaborate with the Embassy’s Pubic Diplomacy Education and Cultural Affairs unit. D. STRATEGY AND CONTEXT 1. The USAID Yemen Interim Strategy for 2003-2006 In May 2003, an interim strategy was approved for Yemen. The interim strategy contains the following framework for the educational support component: Agency Objective: Human Capacity Built through Education and Training Strategic Objective 297-006: Improved Basic Education, Especially for Women and Girls IR 6.1: Enhanced Access to Quality Primary Education in the Public Sector IR 6.2: Increased Literacy and Numeracy Opportunities at the Community Level IR 6.3: Improved Public Sector Environment for Education 2. Context Limited levels of education and literacy are a human capital constraint to economic development in Yemen. In the rural areas where three-fourths of Yemeni’s live, 68% of men and 94% of women have had no formal education at all or have failed to complete primary school. Most (91%) of ever-married rural women are illiterate and most do not compensate by getting information from either radio or television. Access: Education attainment in Yemen is among the lowest in the world. Although an estimated 2.6 million children are in primary school, about half (approximately 2.5 million) of the primary-school age children (age group between 6 and 11 years old) are not in school. Gender disparity is pronounced. In 2001 the Primary Education Net Enrollment Rate (NER) was 61.3% among boys compared to 41.1 % among girls. According to the 1999 National Poverty Survey, only 45% of rural primary age children (age group between 6 and 11) were currently enrolled in formal schooling, while 71% of urban children were enrolled. Rural female students are the most disadvantaged (30% enrolled), compared to the urban female students (71% enrolled). Finally, the retention rate for female students is only 33 percent compared to 68 percent for male students. Quality: To some extent the poor quality of primary education reflects the low qualification of teachers, especially in rural areas. The 2000/01 Education Survey estimates that only 40 percent of teaching staff hold secondary school certificates or better, the balance (60% of teachers) have completed only basic education, with one or two years of additional training. The primary school curriculum and textbooks have been updated recently but the majority of grade 4-6 students have difficulty relating what they have learned in the classroom to what they observe in their environment; explaining and interpreting the meaning of phenomena due to the lack experimentation in school; in mental calculations to resolve problems; and reading and interpreting tables and graphs; and most students have limited reading and writing skills. Although in-service teacher training is being expanded, primary education still faces serious difficulties, including inadequate school buildings, shortage of teaching and learning materials, and weak community involvement and regional shortages of teachers, especially in rural areas. Government of Yemen Policy: The Government of Yemen (GOY) Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper (PRSP) states that education is a key driver for economic and social development, and sustainable human development. Basic education is considered essential for rural development and the agricultural sector, and is fundamental to increase industrial productivity. The teaching of girls is an important factor to improve maternal and infant health and nutrition, as well as to reduce fertility, and to bring about social change in women’s position in society. Thus, the education strategy in Yemen focuses on four basic principles: (i) improve the quality of education; (ii) improve the management of the sector and the orientation towards decentralization; (iii) give priority to basic education; and (iv) focus on girls’ education, with the aim of increasing the overall enrollment rate. 3. USAID Development Response The following are illustrative activities in the education sector from the USAID Interim Strategy: IR 6.1 Enhanced Access to Quality Primary Education in the Public Sector The USAID program will construct, renovate and equip a limited number of elementary schools in partnership with community organizations with special attention to physical constraints to girls’ participation (e.g. separate latrines). The majority of construction, rehabilitation and equipment will be supported by the USDA 416(b) local currency program. To improve the quality of education, USAID will also train teachers (especially female teachers) and administrators with an emphasis on interactive, inquiry -based, teaching methods. USAID will also explore opportunities to provide nutrition and other incentives to increase enrolment and retain children in school through other USDA programs (e.g. Food for Education). IR 6.2 Increased Literacy and Numeracy Opportunities at the Community Level With large numbers of children out of school (especially girls) and virtually all rural women uneducated and illiterate, USAID education activities must reach out and provide life-experience-relevant, essential literacy and numeracy opportunities in rural communities. USAID will increase education outreach to adults (especially women) and out-of-school youth in rural communities; radio/video distance-learning activities; organize parents’ and women’s education circles, community-based organizations and teacher/parent committees. IR 6.3 Improved Public Sector Environment for Education USAID will develop and implement district and governorate education plans with community participation; fund education planning and program grants; promote new teaching approaches such as interactive and inquiry-based, learning; improve policies and regulations; include life-skills in the curriculum; develop policies and activities for out-of-school youth; provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and to district and governorate education offices to implement the ROYG decentralization objects and the ROYG Basic Education Strategy; provide technical assistance to ROYG at all levels to collect, use and share education data for planning and management; explore IT applications to support program objectives. I. Basic Functions of the Position The USPSC will serve as the Senior Educational Advisor to USAID and the U.S. Embassy as well as supervise and support the FSN Education Program Specialist in an education program that is anticipated to receive $8 - $12 million over the next three years. In tandem with the senior program specialist, s/he will be expected to coordinate with senior level ROYG officials at the national and provincial levels, local education institutions, local and international non-governmental organizations, and other donors to achieve program objectives as defined in the Yemen Interim Strategy described above. The incumbent will be supervising one FSN- Education Specialist. II. Specific Duties and Responsibilities The Senior Education Advisor will be expected to, in order of priority: 1. Serve as the Senior Advisor for the USAID/Yemen Education Program: • Develop strategies and programs for new activities. • Serves as a cognizant technical officer (CTO) for education programs in Yemen. • Insure that planned results are being achieved in an efficient and timely manner, consistent with USAID regulations and policies. Identify and work with partners to seek resolution of issues affecting the achievement of results. • Monitor program implementation through site visits and close contact with groups involved in implementing educational activities. The advisor will work with partners to develop relevant indicators and to develop data collection systems and monitoring strategies for ongoing and new activities. • Prepare all requisite USAID documentation including semi-annual program reports, annual R4 reports, and scopes or statements of work and/or program descriptions. Incumbent will also prepare additional reports, as required, to brief the US Embassy and USAID on specific issues or situations impacting program success. In addition to the U.S. Embassy, the contractor will provide copies of all reports to the USAID Representative to Yemen, the Chief, Program Management team, USAID/Asia Near-East Bureau, and to the USAID/ANE HCD team leader. 2. Carry Out and Support Policy Dialogue with Senior Government and Donors officials: The incumbent will work with implementing partners to identify key policy constraints/issues that impede the success of USG, other donor and the Government’s programs to improve the education system in Yemen. Working with USAID-funded implementing partners, the contractor will raise these issues and recommended courses of action in discussions with senior ROYG representatives, donor coordination meetings, and discussions with key advocacy networks emerging in Yemen. Effort will focus on enlisting support from other donors, senior government officials, and civil society organizations for policy changes that will overcome program implementation issues or facilitate replication of positive program results to other provinces in the country. 3. Provide Technical Guidance and Support: The Senior Education Advisor will provide technical guidance and support to USAID-funded implementing partner organizations in the development, implementation, and monitoring/evaluation of program activities. He/she will also guide and mentor the Education Program Specialist (FSN). III. Other Relationships: The incumbent will be expected to develop and maintain a collaborative, professional relationship with senior members of the US Embassy in Sana’a, senior ROYG officials at both the national, governorate, district, and local levels, and with representatives of other donor organizations supporting education programs in Yemen, and with USAID-funded implementing partners. IV. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION The Senior Education Advisor shall have the following qualifications. Note that in order to be considered, the applicant shall meet those qualifications marked “required”. 1. At least 10 years’ experience designing and implementing educational development programs, of which at least eight years working in developing countries, in education policy reform, education program design, management, and evaluation, decentralized/devolved government administration – especially related to social sector programs. (REQUIRED) 2. Proven familiarity with international education development issues. 3. Demonstrated satisfactory program management and problem solving skills. 4. Demonstrated satisfactory interpersonal and communication skills, especially related to policy dialogue with senior government officials and program coordination with other donors. 5. First-hand experience of Yemen and facility in the Arabic language preferred. 6. Understanding of USAID policies, procedures, regulations, and reporting requirements preferred. 7. A minimum of a MS or MA in field related to educational development. (REQUIRED) 8. Demonstrated ability to communicate (spoken and written) at a university level in fluent English. 9. Be a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien and be able to obtain a secret security clearance. (REQUIRED) 10. Ability to begin work in Yemen by June 2004. V. SELECTION CRITERIA Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria: 1. Experience (40 points): a) At least ten years’ experience designing and implementing development programs, of which at least eight years have been working in developing countries. Prior professional and field experience designing and implementing education or related programs and knowledge of the range of best practices from prior donor education development experiences from around the world will be considered a significant strength. b) Demonstrated satisfactory experience managing complex programs in complex development environments. Demonstrated ability to successfully cultivate and maintain a wide range of contacts with senior government, donor and NGO counterparts. c) Prior experience assisting governments identify and implement alternative approaches to the provision of education services. 2. Education and Training (30 points): a) A MS or MA in field related to education development. b) Training and experience in operational research and analysis. 3. Communication and Interpersonal Skills (30 points): a) University level English speaking, reading and writing proficiency (absolute requirement). Candidates will be expected to provide a recent sample of their writing. b) An ability to speak Modern Standard Arabic at the Speaking-2, Reading-2 proficiency, based on the Foreign Service Institute scale, would be very desirable. c) Demonstrated ability to work collegially, and effectively communicate with senior government and other officials and to successfully lead and work with a multi-cultural team. d) Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain a wide range of contacts with senior counterparts. Total points: 100 points VI. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: (1) A curriculum vitae which demonstrates how the candidate's qualifications meet the work requirements; (2) A completed and signed SF-171 or OF-612; (3) A relevant writing sample of not more than 10 pages; (4) Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references; (5) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. The U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ or at Federal offices (Note: applicants who submit the SF-171 will be considered as having submitted the proper forms for consideration. However, since the SF-171 has been updated through the OF-612, candidates should strive to submit using the OF-612 and attaching a resume). 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. Yemen is currently an “accompanied post” for spouses. At present, dependants under the age of 21 are not permitted at post. Nevertheless, education and/or separate maintenance allowances will be provided. VII. 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. VIII. 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) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (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. IX. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or ** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. X. 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/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract.