SENIOR POLICY ADVISOR

Ladies/Gentlemen: SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY08-02 ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Kosovo SUBJECT: Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) – Senior Policy Advisor The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 or Standard Form) from qualified individuals interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to Human Resources Specialist, Mimoza Këpuska, at the Executive Office of USAID/Kosovo in Pristina, who can be reached by: phone:(++381)(38)243673, fax:(++381) (38) 249 493, 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, internet as email attachments, or by DHL courier as follows: BY EMAIL TO: 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, Signed R. Max Walton Acting Executive Officer Please make sure your application form is signed, otherwise it will not be taken into consideration. 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY08-02 2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 29, 2008 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 26, 2008 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Policy Advisor – USAID/Kosovo 5. MARKET VALUE: $ 95,390.00 - $ 124,010.00 per annum (GS 15 – equivalent) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: November 2008 – November 2010 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: BACKGROUND On February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared itself to be a sovereign country and began the long road to becoming an economically viable nation with a goal of soon joining other transition countries in European Union membership. USAID’s technical assistance will continue to help Kosovo establish the foundations for economic growth to ensure that it is able to stand on its own as a new nation. As background, since 1999, Kosovo has been administered as a protectorate under the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). During 2006, the UN Special Envoy, Marti Ahtisaari, worked to craft a negotiated agreement to resolve Kosovo’s future status. In early February 2007, President Ahtisaari released the draft “Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement” (the Ahtisaari plan) which set forth proposed terms related to a resolution of Kosovo’s status. While the UN Security Council did not ratify the Ahtisaari plan, Kosovo has endorsed it; thus, its principles are still viable. The Ahtisaari plan envisions the establishment of an International Civilian Office (ICO), which would have the mandate of ensuring that the Ahtisaari plan is properly implemented. Currently, the ICO is in the process of staffing up, while UNMIK is reducing its presence in Kosovo. An additional governance transition in Kosovo occurred in January 2008 when, as a result of national and municipal elections, new elected Kosovo officials assumed their positions. Kosovo’s new constitution came into effect on June 15, 2008. Thus, USAID’s work in Kosovo is currently taking place in the context of an unparalleled transition, requiring USAID to be flexible and responsive to evolving needs. One of USAID’s main tools for helping the citizens of Kosovo with this transition is its project entitled “Economic Management for Stability and Growth” (EMSG), a project under the oversight of USAID’s Economic Growth Office (EGO). It focuses on ensuring strong implementation of policies and laws, including some that are germane to successful implementation of the Ahtisaari plan, as well as further strengthening Kosovo capacity to effectively administer key economic institutions. It also provides assistance with strategies for Publicly-Owned Enterprises and assistance in the energy sector, given that sector’s importance for Kosovo’s economic growth. EMSG builds on successes already achieved to ensure that quality laws and processes are deeply embedded in institutions, so that the economic promises of the post-status era can be fulfilled for all Kosovo citizens. USAID’s work is implemented in a complex environment, involving not only expected actors such as other donors, international financial institutions and other multilateral organizations, but also involving the European Union, UNMIK and ICO. In addition, other USG agencies such as US Treasury and US Department of Justice have advisors working side-by-side with USAID-funded advisors. Thus, the working environment requires constant attention to communication and coordination with all stakeholders. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The Senior Policy Advisor will be based in the Economic Growth Office (EGO) and report directly to the EGO Director. Travel within and outside of Kosovo will be required. The Senior Policy Advisor’s primary task will be overall responsibility and management of EG’s portfolio of activities that are assisting in the establishment of Kosovo economic institutions, policies and legal framework as well as privatization. Currently, this means oversight of the EMSG project, but could include other, smaller, activities as well. EMSG is a high-profile, dynamic and flexible project. EMSG includes work in: macro-economic analysis; fiscal management; tax administration; public-private partnerships; commercial law; privatization; and Central Bank supervision. The Senior Policy Advisor must have a solid grasp on the objectives of EMSG in order to ensure that it achieves its maximum potential for success. The Senior Policy Advisor will be required to maintain EMSG’s momentum, vision and priorities. In addition, the Senior Policy Advisor will advise the EG Office Director as well as other senior USAID management on important policy issues involving Kosovo’s economic growth. The Senior Policy Advisor will also participate in strategy and planning discussions and meetings involving present and future EG work and will also assist in other EG office activities that may arise. As an overarching requirement, the Senior Policy Advisor must understand and be able to analyze all of the complex and interdependent factors that affect Kosovo’s economic growth in order to assist the mission in making informed decisions about activities. As with any country, this is a complicated endeavor; however, certain aspects of Kosovo’s political and economic situation make this task somewhat unique. The Senior Policy Advisor will be expected to perform with a high-level of independence, to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions that can be defended as necessary. He/she will be expected to propose solutions to any problems that may arise and to take prompt actions necessary to resolve issues and problems. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Senior Policy Advisor will perform the following major duties and responsibilities: 1. Overall management oversight of EMSG EMSG has four stated objectives: Strong economic institutions for sound fiscal and financial sectors, Trade and investment stimulated through a modern and well-implemented legal framework, Publicly Owned Enterprises (POEs) privatized or commercialized. Although EMSG also consists of a fourth component aimed at energy sector reform and this section is being managed by a different USAID Energy Advisor, the Senior Policy Advisor is expected to provide input in this area as necessary. Thus, it serves several interrelated sectors, linking fiscal, financial and legal reforms with other key areas such as trade, and privatization – each area a prerequisite for sustained economic growth. EMSG is the sixth in a series of task orders. The first task order, which began in 1999, provided assistance in creating the institutions, policies and legal framework that are the pre-conditions for economic growth. Initial assistance focused on the following: (1) establishing a Ministry of Finance and Economy (MFE) and fiscal policy; (2) establishing the supervision department of the Central Bank of Kosovo (CBK); (3) drafting tax laws and establishing the Tax Administration of Kosovo (TAK); (4) designing and implementing a modern pension system; (5) drafting modern commercial laws; (6) designing and implementing a privatization scheme for Socially-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). These task orders have, to a large extent, continued this work, although each task order has also been tailored to address specific needs. In addition, these task orders have had sufficient flexibility to meet new needs and requests. For example, in 2006, at the request of the first Minister of Energy, USAID became involved in energy policy assistance. Under Objective 1, EMSG continues work in MFE, TAK and CBK, institutions for which USAID has been a primary donor. While these institutions all enjoy a large amount of success, they have yet to fully develop their capacities and gain the experience and maturity needed to ensure their sustainability. Importantly, because of Kosovo’s new status as an independent nation, a donor’s conference was held in June 2008. Because of EMSG presence in MFE, it was positioned to assist the ministry in its readiness for this high-profile and extremely important event. One main need will be ensuring that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework – which served the basis at the donor’s conference - continues to be of high quality. Objective 2 aims to ensure that Kosovo’s new commercial laws are understood and used by all, including the business community, the attorneys and the judges. Core commercial laws have been enacted in Kosovo, but are largely not implemented. This lack of understanding and implementation is an impediment to investment, both foreign and domestic. Thus, EMSG is providing training on commercial laws through the Kosovo Judicial Institute, the Chamber of Advocates and the Chamber of Commerce. Objective 3 anticipates privatizing the few remaining “big-ticket” SOEs, and also includes assistance on strategies for commercializing, concessioning, or divesting the Publicly-Owned Enterprises (POEs). In particular, under the third objective, the task order will work to concession the Pristina International Airport and to make progress in privatizing the electric utility company, KEK. A cross-cutting and overarching need of EMSG is for improved government processes, information sharing, and implementation of good governance principles. Transparency and openness of government will become increasingly important in order to maintain public confidence in governing institutions. The overarching goal of EMSG is an environment conducive to economic growth. As noted above, the private sector can thrive only in a stable macroeconomic environment with a robust trading regime and modern commercial laws that are enforced. Equally important, the private sector requires resources for services and production such as a reliable energy supply and adequate infrastructure. Economic growth for Kosovo depends on progress in all areas. Successes in these combined areas will have a substantial impact on Kosovo’s economic growth. The Senior Policy Advisor will directly supervise two local staff FSNs. These two FSNs act as “Activity Managers” for different components of this project. The Senior Policy Advisor’s role will be to oversee the entire project to ensure that EMSG successfully achieves each objective, stays on track, and that competing project needs are met in a way that maximizes and prioritizes use of project resources. The Senior Policy Advisor will ensure quality day-to-day management of EMSG, including determination of work priorities, making decisions on activity implementation matters, identifying and resolving EMSG program issues, ensuring 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 ensuring that activities are carried out in accordance with all applicable mission and USAID directives and requirements. 2. Provide strategic policy advice and management assistance The Senior Policy Advisor will provide analysis, advice and recommendations to senior Mission management, U.S. Embassy and staff regarding the formulation of mission strategies relevant to economic growth and to activities in the EG portfolio. The Senior Policy Advisor will participate, as required, in the development of mission strategic plans, portfolio reviews, performance monitoring plans, budgets and reporting documentation. In addition the Senior Policy Advisor will determine what additional analyses, assessments or reviews are required for the development of mission strategies or activities in the area of economic growth development and will design and oversee the implementation of such analyses or assessments. The Senior Policy Advisor will continuously stay abreast of Kosovo’s economic situation and developments affecting its economy and affecting EG activities. The Senior Policy Advisor will work in line with USAID regulations and procedures to rapidly shift resources in response to changed circumstances, needs and requirements. The Senior Policy Advisor may also be called upon, occasionally, to manage other activities in the EG portfolio either as an activity manager or as Cognizant Technical Officer. The Senior Policy Advisor will be expected to perform with a high-level of independence, to exercise good judgment and make independent decisions that can be defended as necessary. He/she will be expected to propose solutions to any problems that may arise and to take prompt actions necessary to resolve issues and problems. The Senior Policy Advisor will report frequently to senior mission officials and will be a principal liaison with US Embassy and international organizations on issues involving economic growth and EMSG. He/she will advise on economic growth issues and related USAID activities. 3. Coordinate USAID activities with the Kosovo government and other organizations The Senior Policy Advisor will meet regularly with senior Government of Kosovo officials, including ministers and heads of agencies. This may include briefings for the Prime Minister and/or his advisors. Thus, the Senior Policy Advisor must be stay abreast of all developments pertaining to EMSG and related areas. He/she must be able to engage in constructive and informed dialog at the most senior levels of government. Because of the large and diverse array of international organizations present in Kosovo, the work environment is complicated and requires constant attention. The complexity and challenging nature of Kosovo’s working environment cannot be overstated. The Senior Policy Advisor must establish and maintain close relationships and communication with many organizations to ensure that activities are coordinated. Again, much of this interaction will be with the most senior officials. Thus, this communication will require a high level of expertise, including the ability to engage in policy dialogue and be knowledgeable about a variety subjects. The Senior Policy Advisor will coordinate EMSG activities, and other EG activities as needed, with the Government of Kosovo and with other USG, international and donor agencies working in Kosovo. This will include, in particular, US Embassy, the US Treasury advisors, the ICO, UNMIK, EU, IMF, WB, DFID, and others. This will also, occasionally, involve meetings with and reporting to officials from Washington DC, such as officials from Department of State, US Treasury Department and other departments. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA a. Education (15 pts): A graduate degree is required. Points will be awarded for the relevance of the degree to the required work. Relevant fields include finance, law, economics, business, public administration and potentially other fields. b. 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 fiscal management, tax administration, commercial law and/or privatization development work. 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. c. Interpersonal and communication skills (25 pts): Excellent interpersonal skills are required; in particular, the candidate should have excellent skills in establishing relationships with counterparts and international actors. The candidate should have excellent English verbal and written communication skills. Length of contract The initial period of service is two years, with the possibility of extension, subject to program needs and availability of funds and provided that performance has been satisfactory. Logistical Support Assignments of U.S. personnel to Kosovo are accompanied. Spouses and dependents over 21 years of age are authorized to accompany the contractor to post. Current post danger pay for Pristina is 20%. Current post differential pay is 20% and cost of living allowance 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 USOP rules and regulations. Period of Service The target start date for this position is November 2008. 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 only to U.S. Citizens. The selected candidate must obtain a security clearance (Secret) 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 or SF 171. 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 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 or SF 171. 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