Private Sector Program ManagerUSAID/Morocco Issuance Date: April 15, 2005 Closing Date: May 6, 2005 Subject: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) RFA No.: 608-05-009 Gentlemen/Ladies: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/Morocco), is seeking proposals (letter of interest, resume and Standard Form 171 or OF-612) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described herein. Submissions shall be in accordance with the time and place specified below. Final award of the contract is subject to the availability of funds. Any questions may be directed to Ms. Amal Mahmaz, Personnel Specialist USAID/Morocco, who may be reached at: fax no. 212 37 632-013, telephone 212 37 632-001, or email at:
[email protected]. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Late applications shall not be accepted. USAID/Morocco reserves the right no to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. Dana R. Mansuri USAID Executive Officer ================================================================== 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 608-05-009 2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 15, 2005 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: May 6, 2005 17:00PM Moroccan Time. 4. POSITION TITLE: Private Sector Program Manager 5. PLACE OF SUBMISSION: All applications shall be submitted to Ms. Dana Mansuri, Executive Officer, either by fax, (212 37 632-013) or email to (
[email protected] or
[email protected]) or by mail. If sent via regular mail: USAID/Morocco, PSC 74 Box 022, APO, AE 09718. If sent via courier: USAID Mission to Morocco, #10 Ave. Mehdi Ben Barka, Souissi; Rabat, Morocco. 6. MARKET VALUE: US $ per annum $76,193 up to $99,053 (GS-14 equivalent) depending on qualifications, experience and salary history. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years from the date of signature of the contract. The contract will allow for contract extension(s), but it is not anticipated that the total period of service will exceed five (5) years. Award of the contract and subsequent extensions will be contingent on the availability of funds and the willingness of the parties. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Rabat, Morocco. It is anticipated that the incumbent will travel approximately 10% of time to remote areas of Morocco. 9. JOB DESCRIPTION/STATEMENT OF WORK: See following text. SCOPE OF WORK 1. BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION: This position is located in the Economic Growth Office, USAID/Morocco. The Senior Private Sector Program Manager will provide technical and managerial leadership and advice for the design, management, monitoring and evaluation of a portfolio of programs, projects, and activities in support of economic growth and job creation, and the successful implementation of the Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Morocco. He/she will serve as a senior member of USAID/Morocco’s Economic Growth Team and will report to the EG Team Leader. He/she will advise the Team on all aspects of the EG portfolio and will play an important role in staff development and mentoring. He/she will also manage selected programs, in particular those that cut across and support all three intermediate results under the Strategic Objective. 2. BACKGROUND: The implementation of trade liberalization in Morocco will lead to major transformations in agriculture and the rural economy. The eventual elimination of tariffs will result in lower margins and reduced production of certain cereal crops, notably wheat and oil seeds. Offsetting these rural income and employment losses will require a shift toward higher value-added production and the creation of new businesses and job opportunities in both rural areas and smaller towns and cities. Although Morocco has made great strides in improving its overall business environment, particularly in the areas of macroeconomic stability, infrastructure development, and customs clearance, it continues to lag behind its competitors in simplifying investment procedures, developing its workforce, and ensuring access to finance for the small businesses that make up 80 percent of the economy. Substantial progress has been made in commercial law reform, easing new business registration processes, and improving the competence of the separate judiciary that now treats commercial law cases. However, lack of transparency, incertitude about the outcome of legal processes, and a perception that similar cases are not treated equally still discourage investment, and impede the development of bank finance. Further reform is required to provide greater surety to investors, both foreign and domestic. Morocco has also implemented a major program of financial reform, but banks are still highly liquid, heavily invested in Moroccan treasury issues, and prospect little beyond their customary, well established clients. Small businesses are underserved; private financing for municipal infrastructure that would facilitate private business development is virtually non-existent. Financial markets development is hampered by unreliable and inadequate information about the financial health of potential borrowers, underdeveloped and expensive procedures for the perfection of liens on moveable and real property, and unpredictable bankruptcy proceedings. The market for agricultural credit is dominated by a single, majority state-owned institution which has a high percentage of non-performing loans. Although it has been the subject of reform efforts, this institution alone is unable to meet the future capital requirements of a dynamic agriculture sector. Commercial banks provide credit for agribusinesses, but to this date have not seriously ventured into the more risky agriculture credits, except for major, well-known private clients. USAID economic growth strategy is to assist Morocco in successfully responding to the challenges and opportunities of the more liberalized trading environment that will be brought about by the Free Trade Agreement with the US., the Association Agreement with the European Union, and Morocco’s own reform efforts. There are three intermediate results (IRs) which are key to achieving this objective: 1. Increased productivity in agriculture and agribusiness 2. Creation of new business opportunities outside of agriculture and agribusiness 3. An improved business environment. 3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 3.1 Program Support and Coordination: Work closely with the Economic Growth Team Leader to ensure that all programs and activities funded by USAID contribute to the Mission’s Economic Growth and Job Creation strategic objective and that they comply with applicable Agency and U.S. Government regulations, procedures and guidelines, and professional standards. Provide regular and frequent reporting to the Economic Growth Program Leader, Mission Director, and ANE Bureau Offices on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to economic growth programs. Ensure that EG reporting, documentation, and written communications are responsive, reasoned, accurate and prompt. Direct overall management control and audit follow up activities, and keep the Team Leader informed concerning progress, problems, and remedial action required that are beyond his own authority. 3.2 Program Monitoring and Evaluation: Provides leadership in establishing performance-based monitoring systems and evaluation systems for the EG portfolio and ensuring that such systems are used as effective decision-making tools. Has the primary responsibility within the EG Team for the organization of the semi-annual implementation reviews, the preparation of the EG Team’s contribution to the Mission’s Annual Report, and the development and implementation of improved methods for monitoring and measuring the impact of USAID economic growth programs. 3.3 Policy Advice: Advise USAID, and as directed, the Government of Morocco and the private sector, on key issues affecting economic growth and job creation, including but not limited to: financial markets and related support services such as credit reference agencies, accounting and auditing services, collateral registration, judicial processes, etc.; information and communication technology; trade in intellectual property and related regulatory processes. 3.4 Program Design: Work with the Team Leader, Program Managers, and contractors on the design of programs and activities that will reduce the costs and risks of doing business in Morocco and put Moroccan companies in a better position to respond to new market opportunities in both domestic and international markets. 3.5 Program Management: Manage selected business climate reform initiatives, by providing technical direction and oversight to USAID contractors. Portfolio will include programs and activities that support the entire EG portfolio, such as Development Credit Authority, financial markets advisory programs, and information and communications technology policy and institutional support. Review contractor reports and performance, make site visits, draft reports and correspondence, identify problem areas, and develop and implement solutions. 3.6 Staff Development: Mentor and support Economic Growth Team Program Managers and support staff in the successful implementation of all EG programs and activities. As an experienced manager with expertise in private sector development, the incumbent will share his knowledge and experience with program managers, help them to develop their own technical, managerial, and teamwork skills, and recommend appropriate training opportunities to the Team Leader. 4. RELATIONSHIPS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 4.1 Supervision Received: Reports to the Team Leader for the Economic Growth Office. Independently develops work priorities within broad objectives established in consultation with supervisor. b. Available guidelines: USAID policy and directives, strategies, various implementing agreements, professional documents. c. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent will be expected to exercise a high level of professional judgment in the same manner as the Team Leader. He/she will speak for USAID in day-to-day monitoring of programs and will provide oral and written guidance to NGO grantees, GOM counterparts, contractors, and will advise the Team Leader when major decisions or commitments are required. d. Authority to make Commitments: Will advise the Team Leader of the nature, timing and amount of financial commitments and draft commitment documents including bilateral agreements and implementation letters. e. Nature, Level and purpose of contacts: Develops and maintains professional contact with a wide range of senior level officials in both the public and private sectors (including Government of Morocco (GOM) officials, businesspersons, financiers, consultants, and officials in donor agencies and non-government organizations (NGOs)) for the purpose of developing, negotiating, and managing USAID funded programs. He/she often represents USAID in discussions and negotiations with senior Government of Morocco officials in the economic ministries, e.g. Finance, Economy, Tourism, Industry, and Commerce, and the Bank of Morocco (i.e. central bank). He/she also represents USAID in discussions and negotiations with senior level officials of private organizations, including associations and chambers of commerce and industry, enterprises, and non-profit organizations f. Supervision Exercised: Mentors other staff and serves as the Acting Team Leader during the absence of the Team Leader. g. Time Required to perform full Range of Duties after entry into the Position: Immediately. 5. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 5.1 Education: Masters degree in business, finance, or closely related field. 5.2 Experience: At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in finance, trade, and/or business development. Prior work in developing countries, French and/or Arabic speaking environments is highly desirable. 5.3 Technical Skills: Excellent understanding of business and economic development. Mastery of the latest small business financing techniques is critical. A knowledge of the application of information and communications technology to the issue of business finance, commerce, and management is also essential. Understanding of municipal financing and trade in intellectual property would be definite pluses. Must be able to communicate ideas effectively in writing. 5.4 Managerial Skills: Must have prior management experience involving the supervision of programs, personnel, and other resources in either the private or public sectors. Must have strong mentoring skills. 5.4 Interpersonal and Communications Skills: Must be able to speak and read French at the FSI 3 level. Must be able to work in a team environment, as evidenced by prior experience, which requires mutual support and understanding. 6. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Candidates must possess a balance of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills that would allow them to work effectively in a team environment • 40 points Technical Skills as evidenced by education and experience. • 40 points Managerial skills as evidenced by education and experience. • 20 points Interpersonal and communications skills. 100 pts TOTAL 7. COMPENSATION: Salary will be paid in US dollars and will span the GS-14 equivalent range of US $76,193-$99,053 per year depending on qualifications, experience and salary history. In addition, a full off-shore benefit and allowance package is provided consisting of dependent travel, R&R, shipment of household effects unaccompanied baggage and privately-owned vehicle, housing and utilities, educational allowance/travel and separate maintenance allowance, as permitted for U.S. direct hires. Also covered are employee’s FICA contribution, contributions towards Health and Life Insurance, Pay Comparability Adjustment, Annual Step Increase, Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation, Annual and Sick leave. If the candidate selected is hired locally within Morocco, compensation is limited to salary, FICA, Medicare, pay comparability, annual step increase and leave. 8. START DATE: The contract start date is as soon as possible pending contract processing and receipt of applicable clearances. As part of the process, the applicant must be medically cleared and able to obtain a USAID security clearance.