Democracy Officer/Deputy Office Director

Ladies/Gentlemen: SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-167-12-000006 ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Kosovo SUBJECT: Personal Service Contractor (US/TCNPSC) - Democracy Officer/Deputy Office Director The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612) from qualified individuals interested in providing US/TCNPSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to the Supervisory Executive Officer, Mr. Shawn Phillips, or the Human Resources Specialist, Ms. Mimoza Këpuska, at USAID/Kosovo's Executive Office in Pristina by: phone: (++381)(38) 5959 2000 fax: (++381) (38) 249 493 email: @usaid.gov email: [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 via fax or internet as email attachments or by DHL courier as follows: BY EMAIL TO: Shawn Phillips, Supervisory Executive Officer: [email protected], Mimoza Këpuska, Human Resources Specialist: [email protected] , BY DHL, consign documents to: Address: Attention Mimoza Këpuska, Executive Office USAID/Pristina, Kosovo Arbëria I, Ismail Qemali Street, House No.1 10000 Pristina, Kosovo Telephone 381 38 5959 2000 Sincerely, Gerald T. Smith Supervisory Contracts Officer Please ensure that your application form is signed, otherwise it will not be considered complete. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-167-12-000006 2. ISSUANCE DATE: September 7, 2012 3. CLOSING DATE SPECIFIED October 5, 2012 (5 p.m. local time) FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 4. POSITION TITLE: Democracy Officer/Deputy Office Director 5. MARKET VALUE: $ 84,697.00 - $ 110,104.00 per annum (GS 14 - equivalent) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year plus the opportunity to extend 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: BACKGROUND: A. Country/Situational Background: The creation of Europe's newest state has proceeded on a forward path despite setbacks. Starting from virtually zero, Kosovo today is a functioning state, with a functioning government and a society that is growing stronger and more self-confident. The process of handover of Kosovo's nascent institutions from UN control to the new Government of Kosovo (GoK) has been a notable success and has highlighted the young state's growing maturity and capacity. Government institutions at the central level are establishing a track record of successful operations. The country has adopted a democratic Constitution, established a Constitutional Court, and held six peaceful elections that represented the people's will. Kosovo civil society is developing into an independent and vibrant group that is increasingly capable of holding the government accountable. There have been important foreign policy and economic successes as well, including the historic border demarcation agreement between Kosovo and Macedonia, recognition of statehood from 91 countries to date, and the admission of Kosovo to the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Kosovo is widely acknowledged as having one of the most open economies in the region. Economic growth rates steadily increased over the past ten years to 5.4 percent in 2008 before falling to 3.8 percent growth in 2009 during a period of global crisis, when most regional economies experienced contractions. Inflation has been relatively low and the country's nascent economic institutions have maintained fiscal stability. The risk of inter-ethnic violence is lower, although it has not disappeared. A new challenge to stability has emerged - Kosovo's large, mostly unemployed and disaffected youth population. Two years after independence, the regional environment continues to be difficult with Serbia still following a policy of obstruction toward its southern neighbor. Although many countries have recognized Kosovo's independence, Serbia and several European Union members have not. The current situation on the ground is radically different from 2008; the country is going through the ending supervised independence by end of this year. The main effect of this action will be closing of the International Civilian Office however there will still be some mandate for internationals i.e. EULEX in the rule of law sector. B. USAID/Democracy and Governance (DG) portfolio overview: In the beginning, USAID/Kosovo addressed the aftermath of the 1999 conflict with special programs targeting the return and reintegration of refugees and the rebuilding of damaged infrastructure. This assistance evolved over the past five years to help Kosovo establish a government, rule of law, civil society, and independent media. The work was largely driven by the need to create functional institutions in this young country, with a major focus on capacity building through technical advisors embedded in GoK structures. The results of USAID assistance thus far show notable successes. In partnership with other United States Government entities and in conjunction with the international community, USAID has made a major contribution to establishing Kosovo's modern legal framework; drafting the Constitution; building capacity in the judicial system and the legal profession; setting up the government's economic institutions; and building a strong civil society. In the last ten years, USAID played a critical role in laying the foundations for democratic governance and the rule of law. As a result, when Kosovars took the reins of power over their state in 2008, they already had a structure of governance and a body of laws mostly in place that encouraged citizen participation, a free media, checks and balances on power, the empowerment of municipal administrations, and an independent justice system. Despite the existence of these foundations, four years after independence, Kosovars are already voicing frustration and impatience with the implementation of good governance and the rule of law in the country. The court system remains inefficient and has yet to demonstrate its independence. The Assembly has been slow in approving and oversight of the executive branch. Progress is stalled on the devolution of power to municipal governments as outlined in the constitution. Additionally, while the government has pledged to offer increased autonomy to minority communities in line with the Kosovo Constitution and laws to move towards multi-national statehood, the government of Serbia continues to call on Kosovar Serbs to boycott the institutions of the Kosovo state and to finance shadow local administrations in Serb majority areas. USAID believes that it is critical to start making government work in an accountable and effective manner for the people of Kosovo. Effective and accountable governance will attract foreign investment, increase the country's respect in the international community, and inspire confidence in citizens that they can and should take an active role in their country's development. USAID/Kosovo's strategy in democracy and governance, thus, focuses on shifting from the establishment of the foundations for democracy, which has been its aim over the last ten years, to making democratic governance function. This requires having an impact on both the supply and demand sides of democratic governance by helping to make government more effective and open to accountability as well as strengthening the mechanisms through which citizens can represent their interests in government and hold state institutions accountable. Additionally, it necessitates a substantial investment in assisting the justice system to start delivering justice more efficiently and independently of government influence or corruption. Finally, this strategy requires USAID/Kosovo to have a particular focus on the implementation and accountability of governance at the local level where most of the work of government should take place according to the constitution. The DG portfolio has a multi-sectoral focus with sixteen current programs. It requires someone who can work independently with minimal supervision, but also someone who can communicate and plan well within a close working team. The portfolio has a number of cross-sector activities with the Democracy and Governance Office teams, Economic Growth team and participates actively in multiple donor and different USG Mission working groups. The current portfolio includes sixteen programs (contracts, cooperative agreements and grants). Additional awards are planned to begin by the end of FY 2012, as the agency moves ahead with USAID Forward Initiatives: http://forward.usaid.gov/about/overview The USAID/Kosovo Mission comprises a Front Office (Director), a Program Office (strategy, budget and the Protection portfolio), an Economic Growth Office, a Regional Contracting Office, an Executive Office, a Financial Management Office, a Regional Legal Advisor and the Democracy and Governance Office. The Mission is currently staffed with eleven (11) USDH (including six (6) DLI /junior officers), seven (7) US/Third Country National Personal Services Contract (TCN PSCs) and around fifty (50) professional Foreign Service National (FSN) staff. USAID's Democracy and Governance Office is currently staffed with twelve people and the portfolio is as follows: US Direct Hire (USDH) Office Director; two FSN Advisors for Rule of Law; FSN Local Government And Public Administration Specialist; USDH Development Leadership Initiative (DLI); FSN Civil Society and Political Competition Program Manager; FSN Democracy and Governance Program Manager; FSN Program Management Specialist/Engineer; FSN Program Management/Development Assistance Specialist -Team Leader For The Cross-Office North Program; FSN Advisor on Ethnic Minority Issues and Project Management Specialist and FSN Administrative Assistant; C. Major Duties and Responsibilities The TCN/US PSC Democracy Officer /Deputy Office Director reports to the USDH Office Director. S/He has specific responsibility of the Deputy Office Director; and for activity design, program management and activity management in at least one of the major program areas, most likely for rule of law and/or civil society. The incumbent will participate actively in strategy development, office management and representational duties on an as-needed basis. Staff actively participates in a number of donor coordinating groups and USG inter-agency working groups on an needed bases, including: decentralization/local government, justice sector reform, elections legislative assistance, media, and rule of law. The incumbent would be expected to participate in one or more of these working groups, represent the US Mission, report on development with policy recommendations to the Office Director, and present and coordinate USAID programs, priorities and strategies. 1. Office Management (50%) Incumbent will handle routine office management tasks such as the following: •· Handling taskers and requests for information •· Routine employee supervision •· Leading and liaising the ROL portfolio jointly with the ROL team. •· Employee evaluations •· Financial management for the portfolio, e.g. preparation and tracking of funding histories and accruals •· Ensuring office electronic and hard-copy filing systems are in order, complete, easy to access, and properly archived. •· Attending senior staff meetings •· Attending inter-agency meetings 2. Activity Planning, Design, Management & Evaluation (20%) The incumbent shall take on responsibility for activity planning, design, management and evaluation of the majority of programs within at least one sector. Routine responsibilities include: •· Evaluating current and past programs for performance •· Analyzing sector-wide trends for reform, identifying key counterparts, and synthesizing other interventions in order to design value-added, "niche" programs for the US Mission. •· Describing and budgeting for the activity in the Operational Plan •· Drafting solicitation documents - Annual Program Statements (APSs), Request for Applications (RFAs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), USAID Forward Documents •· Preparing activity approval documentation in accordance with USAID/Kosovo's Mission Order on Pre-obligation requirements. •· Leading the evaluation and critiquing of proposals and applications (including unsolicited proposals) •· Liaising with potential contractors and grantees on the specific aspects of proposals and applications to finalize appropriate technical proposals and budgets •· Preparing activity checklists •· Liaising with the Regional Contracting Officer/ Regional Legal Advisor on procurement •· GLAAS actions The incumbent may serve as Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative (COR/AOR, formerly known as Cognizant Technical Officer or COTR) and/or Alternate COR for ongoing programs and/or potential new awards: grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts with DGO implementing partners. The specific instruments to be managed will be determined subsequent to the incumbent's entry into service. Activity management shall consist of: •· Work closely with the COR/AOR and maintaining close contact with Chiefs of Party of an ongoing and new programs •· Reviewing and approving work plans •· Preparing budget and work plan realignments when needed •· Reviewing technical qualifications for staff implementing awards •· Routine and extraordinary monitoring of activity implementation •· Performing accrued expenditure calculations •· Troubleshooting programs to respond to emergent opportunities or obstacles for implementation •· Reporting on achieved results within the Mission, to counterparts, and Washington personnel •· Communicating closely with the Regional Acquisition & Assistance Office about COR/AOR duties. 3. Strategy Development (20%) The incumbent will be an integral member of the USAID/DG Team. S/he will also serve on the US. Mission North, Rule of Law, Municipalities and/or Cultural Preservation Working Group or other, which meets to share information on and strategize DG programs across the US Mission. S/he will assist in the preparation of key strategy and planning documents including, but not limited to, the following: •· Annual Operational Plans and Performance Report •· Country Assistance Strategy, Strawman exercise •· Mission Strategic Plan •· Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) and PMP database •· Ad-hoc reports requested by Mission management, USAID/Washington, the US Embassy •· Congressional Budget Justifications, Congressional Notifications; •· Public outreach, including any and all briefing materials. •· Prepare and edit briefers, scene setters, talking points, speeches, taskers, power points, one-pagers, etc. •· Draft inputs to USAID/Kosovo's new strategy •· Draft documentation packages for new USAID Forward Initiatives 4. Representing USAID/DGO (10%) The incumbent shall, on an as needed basis, represent USAID at meetings, conferences, seminars and other events. Representing USAID shall entail: •· Preparation and obtaining approval of position statements (as required) •· Communicating USAID's position orally and verbally to Government, other donor or UN organizations and other stakeholders •· Delivering speeches •· Giving interviews to local media •· Organizing delegations and other high-level visits, including developing of a schedule, coordination with implementers and other counterparts to plan events, preparation of briefing materials, and serving as site officer for events. D. Conduct, Travel, Reporting and Liaison The TCN/US PSC Democracy Officer /Deputy Office Director will handle all assigned work independently or, as required as part of a team identified by the Team Leader or the Mission Director, in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance as provided in the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) and regulations. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance in 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 methods to be used, developing, coordinating and clearing proposed solutions with all necessary parties, and then taking appropriate actions to resolve the problems. The incumbent will maintain contact and interact technically and professionally in a highly collaborative manner with a wide range of interlocutors. The incumbent is expected to demonstrate appropriate levels of skill in the following areas: 1) teamwork and professionalism, 2) resource management, 3) leadership, and 4) technical and analytical skills. Travel in Kosovo may be required. Travel in the restricted area of northern Kosovo may be also required. Some regional travel in the Balkans may also be necessary. All duties will be carried out under the general or specific guidance of the DG Office Director as direct supervisor. The incumbent will be expected to prepare and deliver written and oral reports on all aspects of his/her responsibilities or work, including site visits, as requested by the DG Office Director and/or the Mission Director. The incumbent shall maintain contact with high-level Kosovo officials, civil society representatives, US and Kosovar contractor representatives, and representatives of other donors and international organizations. The incumbent will coordinate closely with other elements of the US presence in country and with other Mission offices, as required. E. Position Elements a. Supervision Received /Exercised : The DG Officer will work under the general and specific supervision and policy guidance of the DG Office Director, USAID/DG. The Team Leader will review and approve his/her work plan and performance measures. In carrying out specific assignments, the incumbent will consult and work closely with the Program Office, the other teams within USAID, the Government, other international donors Department of State and other stakeholders. The incumbent is expected to work independently with limited guidance, take initiative, supervise and direct professional and support FSN staff as required. b. Available Guidelines and Systems: The incumbent is required to understand and analyze Mission and Agency‑specific policies and procedures which govern implementation of democracy and governance development activities, in addition to the USAID/DG established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies of the DG Mission, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, Mission Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID and State Program Strategy and Policy Documents. S/He will also be able to easily use USG and USAID information management systems, such as the new GLAAS system for posting procurement actions and the Phoenix financial management system. S/He will be a certified COR/AOR in order to manage programs. c. Decision Making / Exercise of Judgment: At the full performance level, it is expected that the incumbent will exercise considerable independence and decision making authority in carrying out duties, subject to final review by the Team Leader. d. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USG) Mission funds. e. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are with senior management-type persons within and outside USAID, which may include Congressional staff, other U.S. government officials, and government officials from other countries as appropriate, consultants, contractors, grantees, or business executives. f. Complexity: Analyzes inter-related issues of effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of individual contracts, grants and cooperative agreements. Develops detailed plans, goals, and objectives for the long-range implementation and administration of the DG program, and/or develops criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of the program. Decisions concerning design, planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating individual activities are complicated by the difficulty of operating in a politically sensitive country. The Governance portfolio is the most sensitive portfolio managed by the USAID/Kosovo. I. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: University graduate degree in International Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, business or international development, or a closely related field is required. Prior Work Experience: Minimum of four years of experience in international democracy and governance programming, at least two years of which in the developing world, is required. Prior work experience with USAID is preferred. Language Proficiency: Strong English language skills (written and oral) are required. Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of international development concepts, principles and activity implementation is required. Knowledge and experience in democracy and governance, particularly justice-system development, is required. Extensive knowledge of USAID procedures and regulations, especially previous award management and COR/AOR experience, is preferred, but is not required. Skills and Abilities: The TCN/US PSC Democracy Officer /Deputy Office Director must have proven capacity to analyze complex situations and provide technical guidance and recommendations up and down the hierarchy. S/he will have strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, technical and analytic skills and leadership abilities. II. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA: Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria: Education (10 points) University graduate degree or equivalent in political science, development studies, public administration, international law, conflict resolution, business, international relations, or related field. Prior Work Experience (40 points) Demonstrated ability to work in post-conflict, complex, high-pressure, and fast-paced environment with minimal support. Minimum four years of prior work experience in Democracy & Governance field and project management. Prior experience working in a developing country, preferably in the Balkans. Prior experience supervising junior staff preferred. Prior work experience with USAID is preferred. Knowledge and Abilities (30 points) Technical background in assessing, designing, managing, and monitoring rule of law, governance, civil society or political competition & consensus-building programs in post-conflict environments. Knowledge of US Government regulations for acquisition & assistance programs preferred, but not required. Demonstrated competence in drafting scopes of work, evaluations, sector analyses, action memorandums. Capable of representing US Mission in donor coordination groups, synthesizing information and relaying it for analysis with recommendations for action to supervisor and key counterparts within the US Mission. Ability to analyze budgets and track financial management data for program monitoring. Knowledge of management information systems. Communication (20 points) Language and Communication Skills; Fluent English speaking, reading and writing proficiency is required. The candidate must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong skills for team building and cross-cultural communication preferred. Maximum Points Available: 100 Length of contract: One year plus the opportunity to extend for up to eighteen (18) months, (Mutually agreed to by USAID and selected applicant). LOGISTICAL SUPPORT: The target start date for this position is o/a December 2012. Within 15 days after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the Contractor shall proceed to Pristina to perform the above services. Pristina post is an accompanied post. Current post danger pay is 5% and current post differential pay is 25%. Please note that all allowances are subject to change. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. USAID/Kosovo will provide the contractor with suitable housing and office space and equipment, consistent with mission standards and requirements. Contractor may have post privileges, such as check cashing, medical care, and in-coming and out-going personal mail service in accordance with USEP rules and regulations. 9. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: This position is opened to U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) as well. The selected candidate must obtain a security clearance and all required medical clearances. 10. BENEFITS: AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS: 10-1. BENEFITS Employee's FICA Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities Pouch mail service as per post policy 10-2. ALLOWANCES (if Applicable). * (A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (C) Post Allowance (Section 220) (D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (F) Education Allowance (Section 270) (G) Education Travel (Section 280) (H) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) (J) Danger Pay (Section 650) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). C. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs (US Citizens and Green Card Holders) are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. 11. APPLYING Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. Government Optional Form 612. This form is available at the USAID website, http://www.info.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or http://fillform.gsa.gov , or at local US Federal offices. OF 612 shall be submitted by fax, e-mail, DHL air courier by the closing date. 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. 12. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs and AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs AAPD 10-03 Implementing Benefits for Same-sex Domestic Partners of Amendment 1 USPSCs AAPD 10-01 Personal Services Contracts - Changes in USG reimbursement Amount for health insurance and physical examination costs (2010) AAPD 06-12 Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) Implementation (2006) AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays (August 2006) AAPD 06-10 PSC Updated Medical Expense Payment Responsibility (October 2006) AAPD 06-08 Appendices D And J: Using The Optional Schedule To Incrementally Fund Contracts AAPD 06-07 Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase AAPD 05-02 Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated Contract Performance periods Exceeding Five (5) Years AAPD 04-15 Cash Awards for USPSCs and TCNPSCs (10/01/2008) Amendment 1 AAPD 04-13 Revised Procedures Allowing for Classification of U.S. Personal Services Contracts Positions Up to the GS-15 Equivalent (09/21/04) AAPD 03-07 Instructions to Contracting/Agreement Officers on their Role in the Revised Debt Collection Process (09/30/04) CIB 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services CIB 01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives (03/30/01) CIB 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) Policy Regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs) (03/01) CIB 00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizen CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) CIB 99-22 PSC Policy (10/99) CIB 99-15 Changes to AIDAR Concerning Resident Hires and Deviations (08/99) CIB 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs CIB 98-12 Guidance Regarding Advertisement of Personal Services Contracts (PSCs), and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs (04/98) CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 (04/98) CIB 97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage, and Privately Owned Vehicles (11/89) 13. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs For initial consideration: 1. Optional Form 612. Resume or CV must be attached. 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) * Forms 3 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 3. Pre-Assignment for Overseas Duty Form (DS 6561) 4. USAID/SEC Forms, Declaration of Federal Employment (OF 306) The USAID in Pristina provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. THIS SOLICITATION IS SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY