Senior Energy Advisor

Ladies/Gentlemen: SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY11-01 ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Kosovo SUBJECT: Personal Service Contractor (USPSC/TCNPSC) - Senior Energy Advisor 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 USPSC/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 Supervisor Executive Officer, Mr. Michael B. Stewart, or the Human Resources Specialist, Ms. Mimoza Këpuska, at USAID/Kosovo's Executive Office in Pristina by: phone: (++381)(38)243673, fax: (++381) (38) 249 493, email: [email protected] 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: Michael B. Stewart, 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 Pristina, Kosovo Telephone 381 38 243 673 Sincerely, Michael B. Stewart Supervisory Executive Officer Please ensure that your application form is signed, otherwise it will not be taken into consideration. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY11-01 2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 8, 2010 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: January 6, 2011 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Energy Advisor - USAID/Kosovo 5. MARKET VALUE: $ 99,628 - $ 129,517 per annum (GS 15 - equivalent) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: March 2011 - March 2013 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: A. Background Based in Pristina, the Senior Energy Advisor will be assigned to the USAID/Kosovo Economic Growth (EG) Office and will be responsible for development and oversight of the Mission's energy sector policies and activities. The Senior Energy Advisor will serve as the Mission's principal technical resource on energy sector development and as the Mission's primary point of contact on matters relating to energy programming. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the Senior Energy Advisor to independently plan and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. Energy is one of the Mission's most challenging, high-profile and important sectors, requiring constant interaction with Kosovo's highest level officials. As the Mission's senior level advisor on energy, the Senior Energy Advisor will exercise significant independent judgment on matters of policy and technical direction, and will be required to independently make decisions that ensure successful program implementation. The Senior Energy Advisor will also be the Mission's principal day-to-day liaison with other U.S. Government agencies, in particular the U.S. Embassy in Pristina, and international organizations and foreign donors engaged in providing assistance in Kosovo's energy sector. He/she will report frequently to senior Mission management and will advise senior level U.S. Embassy and other senior officials from Department of State, donor organizations, and host government on energy policy and reform and USAID's strategy to support the energy sector. He/she will meet regularly with heads of international organizations, including the International Civilian Office, EULEX, the World Bank, IMF, the European Commission and other bilateral donor agencies. The Senior Energy Advisor will serve as the focal point for all USAID assistance relating to the energy sector. He/she will be responsible for formulating strategies for energy sector reform and development and managing energy activities. This will include ensuring that the design and implementation of all USAID energy activities are coordinated with the Government of Kosovo, international organizations, and bilateral and multilateral donors active in the energy sector in Kosovo. USAID/Kosovo's energy-sector program is oriented first and foremost towards the pursuit of two high-level objectives: the realization Kosovo e Re Power Plant transaction, which seeks private investment to operate the new Sibovc lignite field, to rehabilitate the Thermal Power Plant Kosovo B, and to develop phased introduction of operate the new lignite-mining and generation capacities; and the privatization of the distribution functions of the incumbent state-owned power utility, KEK. Both of these intermediate objectives are crucial to the achievement of the Mission's overarching objective of creating a sustainable energy industry to serve the needs of Kosovo's own economy, and the maximization of Kosovo's inherent comparative advantage as an electric power producer in the southeast Europe region. Energy security is a significant vulnerability for Kosovo with far-reaching consequences. The existing power plants (Thermal Power Plants Kosovo A & B) are in poor condition and subject to risk of major failure. The electricity sector is a major drain on the budget due to persistent subsidies and the need for power imports. Power shortages continue and technical and financial losses remain high. Overall sector reform, including privatization, is essential and will best be achieved by attracting financially strong and technically experienced private sector investors. As a signatory to the Energy Community Treaty for South-East Europe (ECT), Kosovo's energy sector reform and restructuring will comply with ECT requirements and obligations and with EU obligations for markets and environmental standards. Under the new USAID/Kosovo Strategic Plan 2010-2014, under Assistance Objective 2 for "Increasing Private Sector-Led Economic Growth", Intermediate Result 2.3 is to ensure that " Kosovo Has a Reliable Energy Supply". The principal Mission result for this IR is "Kosovo Energy Corporation Network and Supply Division (KEK DistCo) privatized by 2011". Over the life of the strategy USAID will address to varying degrees the three key strategic elements to achieve energy security - diversification of supply, development of domestic resources, and energy efficiency. In addition to current USAID/Kosovo's activities directed at support for DistCo privatization, a key US Government commitment is to support Kosovo in successful completion of the Kosovo e re (New Kosovo) Power Plant transaction, or KRPP. In early 2010 the KRPP transaction was reconfigured with four pre-qualified consortia to include: development of new lignite mining in the Sibovc field; rehabilitation with potential life extension for thermal plant Kosovo B; and phased development of up to 1200 MW of new generating capacity. USAID energy portfolio assistance in support of privatization is currently implemented through three main projects to promote effective commercialization of KEK DistCo, unbundling the mining, generation and network and supply functions while maintaining asset value and helping to prepare the proper deal structure for its successful privatization. Assistance is also in place to support the energy regulator and to develop and implement a new market design. This work entails significant collaboration with other donors (including the European Commission Liaison Office (ECLO), the German bilateral Kreditanstald fur Wiederaufbau (KfW), and World Bank) to ensure overall successful transactions linked to overall energy sector reform and restructuring. Assistance to support reform in the legal, regulatory and market framework is deigned to ensure highest environmental standards are met. USAID and project advisors work closely, in direct and regular contact, with the Ministries of Energy and Mining and Economy and Finance to provide direct and frequent counsel to the Ministers and staff on important policy issues related to the two high-priority transactions. In addition the USAID/Kosovo energy-sector program is bolstered through participation in two regional energy reform initiatives, managed by USAID/Washington, one implemented by the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and the other by the United States Energy Association (USEA). MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES As an overarching requirement, the Senior Energy Advisor must understand and analyze all of the complex interdependent conditions, requirements, and approaches for development of the energy sector in Kosovo. The complexity and difficulty of the conditions and needs cannot be overstated. It will be the task of the Senior Energy Advisor to ensure that USAID assistance is well-placed and well-implemented to support USAID's high-level objective of a successful and timely completion of the privatization of KEK's distribution functions and to support the successful completion of the New Kosovo transaction. This will entail significant attention to the development of Kosovo's legal and regulatory framework in the energy sector that affects both objectives. The Senior Energy Advisor's major duties and responsibilities will include: Strategy Management a) Providing analysis, advice, and recommendations to senior Mission management and staff regarding the new USAID/Kosovo Strategic Plan 2010-2014 for assistance to develop the energy sector and on the management and implementation of energy activities in the Mission's portfolio; b) Participating in the reporting on performance of the Mission strategic plans for energy, and developing budgets and proposals for funding; c) Determining additional analyses, assessments, or reviews required for implementation of the Mission's strategy in the area of energy sector development; designing and overseeing the implementation of such analyses or assessments; and following-up as necessary. Program Management a) Day-to-day management of energy activities within the Mission EG portfolio, including determination of work priorities, making decisions on activity implementation matters, identifying and resolving energy 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. He/she may also be called upon, from time to time, to manage other activities in the EG portfolio either as an activity manager or as Cognizant Officer Technical Responsibility (COTR) for contract-related matters; b) Monitoring energy program progress and results, and preparing reports as required for regular or special Mission reporting; c) Planning, implementing, participating in, commenting upon, or preparing Mission views on evaluations, assessments or audits of mission energy activities; d) Planning and developing new program or activity initiatives in the energy sector. Coordination, Technical Advice, and Policy Dialogue a) Participating in, coordinating, or managing USAID inputs into energy sector assessments conducted in conjunction with host government institutions, other USG agencies, international organizations, and other donors; b) Maintaining close contact, providing technical advice, and engaging in policy dialogue as appropriate with staff and senior representatives of host government institutions, international organizations and missions, the Kosovar legal community, foreign donors active in the energy sector; c) Organizing and attending donor coordination meetings relating to the energy sector. General Management a) Continuously keeping current on developments affecting the energy sector in Kosovo and reporting such developments to Mission management and staff; b) Working within the USAID Mission, in line with Agency regulations and procedures to rapidly shift resources in response to changed circumstances/needs and requirements of sector transition; c) Supervising the work of up to three Foreign Service National (FSN) Program Assistants who will support the Senior Energy Advisor in carrying out the tasks described above; d) Identifying opportunities for publicity of USAID energy activities and coordinating press releases or other information with the Mission Development Outreach and Communications Specialist; e) Carrying out such other tasks related to Mission energy programming and other EG activities as may be assigned from time-to-time by the EG Office Director. The Senior Energy Advisor will handle all assigned work either independently or as part of the teams identified above, according to established Mission policies, practices and programmatic guidance, and in accordance with all applicable USAID regulations and guidance as provided in the USAID ADS and elsewhere. The Senior Energy Advisor is expected to make independent judgments that can be defended as necessary. The Senior Energy Advisor will resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used. The Senior Energy Advisor will develop, coordinate, and clear proposed solutions with all necessary parties and then take appropriate actions necessary to resolve the problem. Travel within and outside of Kosovo will be required. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS: The Senior Energy Advisor will be required to prepare and provide reports as required to effectively carry out the duties and responsibilities described above. The Senior Energy Advisor will also provide, orally or in writing, such reports on work progress as may be required from time-to-time by the EG Office Director or senior Mission management, and including Chief of Mission. The Senior Energy Advisor may also be required to submit a work plan covering all or part of the contract period for review and approval of the EG Office Director. The Senior Energy Advisor will also submit a trip report on all travel performed outside of Kosovo during the contract period. SUPERVISION AND RELATIONSHIPS: The Senior Energy Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the USAID/Kosovo Economic Growth Office (EGO) Director, or, in his/her absence, of the acting EGO Director or Deputy Director. All work will be carried out under the general guidance and direction of the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Kosovo. The Senior Energy Advisor will supervise and work closely with up to three FSN Advisor/Program Assistants and may assign technical and administrative tasks to the FSN staff. The Senior Energy Advisor will maintain contact and interact technically and professionally in a highly collaborative manner with a wide range of parties, including high level officials in the Government of Kosovo, International Civilian Office, the World Bank, and other donors active in the energy sector, in particular the ECLO and KfW. The Senior Energy Advisor will also collaboratively interact with senior officials of the U.S. Embassy Pristina (USEP). The Senior Energy Advisor will also coordinate as necessary with the Mission's Democracy and Governance Office. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA: Education (10 pts): A graduate degree is required. Points will be awarded for the relevance of the degree to the required work. Relevant fields include engineering, law, economics, business, public administration and potentially other fields. Work Experience (60 pts): A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible and successful relevant work experience. This must include some combination of first-hand experience in the fields of energy program management, regulatory administration, commercial law and/or privatization. In addition, it must include management experience of large, complex projects as well as experience in managing human resources. Experience in the Balkan countries is preferred. Interpersonal and communication skills (30 pts): Excellent interpersonal skills are required; in particular, the candidate should have demonstrated skills in establishing relationships with counterparts and international actors. The candidate should have excellent English verbal and written communication skill. B. Length of contract : 2 years, with the option for Renewal (Mutually agreed to by USAID and selected applicant). LOGISTICAL SUPPORT Assignments of U.S. personnel to Kosovo may be accompanied: Spouses and dependents over 21 years of age are authorized to travel to and/or reside at post. Children under five years of age may also travel to and/or reside at post. While all dependent children may travel to post, those from age 6 to 21 may not reside at post. Current post danger pay for Pristina is 15% and current post differential pay is 20%. Please note that all allowances are subject to change. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. In addition, employees will be authorized the standard household effects (HHE) limited shipment allowance for furnished post (7, 200lb), standard airfreight (250 lb. for the employee; 200 lb. for an accompanying spouse or other EFM) and shipment of POV. USAID/Kosovo will provide the contractor with suitable housing and office space and equipment, consistent with mission standards and requirements. The Contractor will 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. PERIOD OF SERVICE The target start date for this position is o/a March 2011. 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. 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 (Secret) for U.S. citizens and Employment Authorization for TCNs 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 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 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 10-01 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 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase AAPD 06-03 Updated Contractor Salary Approval Threshold Policy/Procedures AAPD 06-01 Medical Evacuation Update AAPD 05-10 Calculation of Vacation Leave for U.S. Personal Services Contractor's (USPSC) AAPD 05-08 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 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 CIB 01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Services Contracts CIB 01-10 Revision of Medical Clearance Process - Personal Services Contracts ("PSC") with U.S. Citizens CIB 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Services Services Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizen CIB 00-3 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) CIB 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services CIB 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List CIB 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs CIB 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements CIB 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 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 97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract CIB 96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave CIB 96-8 Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 CIB 94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract (PSC) 13. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs For initial consideration: 1. Optional Form 612. Resume or CV may be attached. Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is successful the following forms will be needed: 2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) 3. Contractor Physical Examination ( Form DS 1843) 4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86) 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** (Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington). * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). ** 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. SUBJECT TO FUNDS AVAILABILITY