Solicitation No. 263-07-500 ISSUANCE DATE: 6/21/07 CLOSING DATE: 4:30 pm Cairo time on 7/25/2007 SUBJECT: USAID/ Cairo, Egypt Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor [USPSC] For Education Specialist (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, interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Applicants must be able to obtain an Employment Authorization 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 Sanaa Shoukry, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Egypt, EXO, who may be reached at fax#: 011-202-2522-7197 or 011-202-2516-0388, tel.#: 011-202-2522-7174, and email address:
[email protected] or
[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 - USAID/ Egypt U.S. Mail: Sanaa Shoukry Human Resources Assistant EXO/HR USAID/ Egypt- Unit 64902 APO AE 09839-4902 Air courier: Sanaa Shoukry 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 (PLEASE DO NOT SEND CV TO
[email protected] E-MAIL ) 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: 263-07-500 ISSUANCE DATE: 06/21/2007 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 4:30 pm Cairo time on 7/25/2007 POSITION TITLE: Education Specialist (Senior Education Advisor) MARKET VALUE: GS-14 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One Year (Renewable) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Cairo, Egypt SECURITY ACCESS: Employment Authorization 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. 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. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: The Senior Education Advisor will provide senior-level technical support to the Education Team. He/she is expected to bring state-of-the-art knowledge and international best practices of education policy, strategy, programming and impact measurement, and be able to apply these to the team?s operations. This advisor will work under the direct supervision of the ET Team Leader, and may also have supervisory responsibility for ET team members. He/she will manage several education activities. The individual is expected to have recognized expertise in education or a related field, especially as it relates to host-country programs and policies. The assigned responsibilities will require the incumbent to demonstrate professional judgment and to provide technical direction and management oversight. The following are basic functions for the position: 1. In collaboration with the ET Team Leader (TL), s/he performs the following duties: A. Provide technical advice on the overall strategy, policy agenda, programming, design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the education portfolio for USAID/Egypt. Collaborate with the ET team in reviewing the technical assistance provided by contractors and partners, aligning implementation according to expected outcomes, and ensuring clearly identifiable output and impact measures. Maintain technical expertise in the basic education areas cited above, factoring in the engineering/incentives/accountability paradigm cited in the World Bank?s recent Flagship report on Education Reform in the Middle East. B. Provide technical direction for the design of new education initiatives. The incumbent works closely with USAID/Egypt staff, host-country officials and consultants in the development of concept papers, reports, strategy documents and other documentation. The incumbent will work through every step of the design processes. This may include interaction with key contacts and designing particular design components. C. Drafts reports, briefing memoranda and strategy documents on strategic directions, overall program progress, and budget planning. Prepare internal USAID monitoring and reporting documents for portfolio reviews, annual reporting, budget requests, and other requirements as requested. Regular engagement with senior State Department, USAID, and Government of Egypt officials will occur. D. Help update and maintain the team?s Performance Monitoring Plan. Analyze the data provided by the Egypt Household Education Survey and other relevant performance information. Compile key education data for internal and external reporting purposes. E. For assigned activities, s/he serves as the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for assigned activities and may supervise other CTOs. Principal duties and responsibilities include the following: i. S/he provides technical oversight and management of assigned activities. S/he ensures that all activities are appropriately documented in required reports and through regular updates given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including the Quarterly Reports, Semi-Annual Reviews, Annual Report, and Operational Plan. S/he works closely with contractors in implementing activities. ii. Ensures that contractor actions requiring approval are carried out in collaboration with host-country partner ministries, governorate partners, and/or community/school partners. iii. S/he works to ensure that activities achieve their intended results. iv. Monitors the finances of activities. Analyze contractor expenditure vouchers to ensure compliance with USAID regulations, evaluation of annual funding requirements, preparation and modification of contractor budgets, and development of procedures to assure timeliness. v. Ensures that the required audits, reports, evaluations and close-out actions are completed. F. Liaise with host government partners, other donors, and implementing partners. Represents the ET Team in events sponsored by USAID development partners, including conferences, workshops, donor subgroup meetings and other relevant meetings on education. G. The incumbent also manages special directive activities for the USAID/Egypt ET program. H. Serves as the Acting Deputy Team Leader for the ET team in his/her absence. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. Strategy Development, Policy Analysis and Performance Measurement: A. Analyze current strategy and recommend improvements, as needed. B. Evaluate current policy reform agendas for basic and higher education, recommend any necessary changes, and assist in monitoring performance C. Assess Performance Monitoring Plan and guide staff in its revision. 2. Activity Design: A. Conduct background work (other donors, existing GOE or private sector programs, etc.) on selected topics. B. Prepare concept papers for selected interventions. C. Prepare illustrative budgets for selected interventions. D. Prepare approval documentation for selected activities. 3. Activity Management: The incumbent will be responsible for the management of assigned ET activities, including the $20 million Technology for Improved Learning Outcomes, the $60 million Egypt Community College Scholarship Initiative, and the $15 million Girls Scholarship Global Development Alliance. This requires working closely with other ET team members, USAID support offices (contracting, financial, legal), Government of Egypt (GOE) and/or private sector partners, and implementing contractors and grantees. 4. Training The incumbent will backstop the training team and Mission training activities as needed to ensure adequate coverage during absences and scheduled staff leave. 5. Other The Senior Education Advisor works closely with the ET Team, assisting in any activities within the scope of the ET program. Additionally, as required, the incumbent may be required to respond to Embassy or other outside requests, including writing letters, drafting standard reports or providing other documentation, as needed. Some domestic and international travel may be required periodically. REQUIRED/DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION: 1. Education: Ph.D., Ed.D, or Master?s in education policy and planning, educational economics, educational anthropology, educational administration, or international education or a related field; or a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience is required. 2. Prior Work Experience: At least 3 years of progressively responsible professional experience working in international education development and in basic education or with comparable international experience (i.e., experience in working with disadvantaged communities, grassroots associations, etc.) is required. 3. Entry Training: N/A. 4. Language Proficiency: Demonstrated superior English writing and speaking skills is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable but not required. 5. Knowledge: Knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and/or evaluation of development programs that have improved basic education, teacher training, parental participation, girls? attendance, retention, and/or completion of primary school (or comparable experience) is required. Demonstrated expertise and knowledge of education systems, methods, models and approaches is desirable. Demonstrated ability to lead systemic planning and to establish realistic benchmarks, milestones, and intermediate and terminal project targets is desirable. 6. Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to work successfully in a team setting as well as excellent interpersonal and communication skills is required. Also ability to engage with senior officials and to operate successfully within changing political and/or program environments is desirable. The applicant must have a high degree of flexibility. Excellent analytical and organizational skills to obtain, analyze and evaluate a variety of data, and organize and present it in lay terms are desirable. Excellent management skills are needed to plan, organize, manage and evaluate complex activities. The applicant must be able to provide information and advice with detachment and objectivity. Skills in computer software programs such as Word and PowerPoint are 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 15% Prior Work Experience 20% Language 15% Knowledge 30% Skills and Abilities 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; (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 one year (renewable). 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.