Subject: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Private Sector/Micro enterprise Advisor - USAID/Nigeria SOLICITATION NO.:620-04-00033 ISSUANCE DATE: November 19, 2003 CLOSING DATE: December 18, 2003 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 620-04-00033 USAID/Nigeria The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking proposals (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 only) from U.S. citizens, eligible U.S. “Green Card” holders and eligible third Country Nationals (TCNs) interested in providing PSC services described in the attached solicitation. Submission shall be in accordance with the attached information and required forms at the place and time specified. Any questions may be directed to Josephine Udomi, Personnel Assistant, who may be reached at Fax No. 234-9-2342930 or email:
[email protected]. Offerors should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their proposals. Sincerely, Don J. Brady, Contracting Officer ATTACHMENT TO SOLITATION NUMBER.: 620-04-00033 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 620-04-00033 2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 19, 2003 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: December 18, 2003 4. POSITION TITLE: Private Sector/Micro enterprise Advisor 5. MARKET VALUE: $61,251 - $79,629 Per Annum (GS 13 Equivalent). 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year (with option to extend for one additional year) 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Abuja, Nigeria, West Africa. 8. JOB DESCRIPTION/STATEMENT OF WORK: A. POSITION TITLE: Private Sector/Micro enterprise Advisor. B. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: Economic Growth and Agriculture Office, USAID/Nigeria, Africa Bureau, Abuja, Nigeria C. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: USDH Economic Growth Officer D. SUPERVISION: The Private Sector/Micro enterprise Advisor shall report directly to the USDH Economic Growth Officer and shall be expected to work independently with limited supervision over day-day activities. A) Background Nigeria has a population of approximately 135 million people and is the most populous country in Africa. A politically stable and economically strong Nigeria is in the vital interests of the United States due to its oil resources, potential market for American products, its role as peacekeeper in the region, and it’s potential to further economic development of the region. However, neither civilian nor military governments in Nigeria have been able to grow the economy, or to diversify it from almost exclusive dependence on crude petroleum exports. Oil exports generate $12 – 18 billion in revenues per year, accounting for at least 95% of foreign exchange earnings and over 75% of Federal Government revenues. However, when examined in the framework of Nigeria's domestic economy, oil plays a much less prominent role. The manufacturing sector contributes only about 13% of GDP and agriculture comprises about 40%. Oil is capital rather than labor intensive and generates less than one percent of the country’s employment, directly benefiting no more than 5%of Nigerians. While Nigeria has large, sprawling cities, and is rapidly urbanizing, the majority of the poor still live in rural areas. Therefore, the key to generating broad-based economic growth is through the non-oil sector, including agriculture. USAID/Nigeria Country Strategic Plan, 2004-2009 USAID/Nigeria has recently been approved to implement a development strategy for 2005-2009. One of the Strategic Objectives (SOs) will be “Improved Livelihoods in Selected Areas”. This SO will address core problems of low productivity, lack of competitiveness, an inconsistent policy framework, and an unfavorable environment for investment and enterprise development that are stifling the Nigerian economy. The SO will identify key agricultural commodities and other products to enhance their competitiveness, productivity, and commercial potential. Farmers and micro, small and medium entrepreneurs in selected geographical areas will be the targeted beneficiaries. Farmers will improve productivity and increase net incomes through greater access to improved inputs, processing technologies, and marketing options provided through commercial agribusinesses and producer associations. Input suppliers and processors will expand their activities through improved technical and management skills. A growing number of self-sustaining microfinance institutions and an increasingly sophisticated financial system will offer small businesses and consumers an increased range of financial services, including loans and savings options. More use will be made of improved agricultural inputs, and there will be greater processing to add value to bulk commodities. Policy reform efforts will target issues of agricultural inputs, budget transparency and sectoral allocations, accountable government procedures, financial markets, a more open and competitive Nigerian trade policy, and a more favorable investment climate. USAID resources for this SO are very limited, particularly relative to the size and complexity of Nigeria. SO12 will influence government policy and resource allocation, and provide targeted assistance to increase farmer access to improved technologies, inputs and markets through the private sector. The SO will be achieved through four intermediate results: improved productivity of selected commodities and products; increased value-added of selected commodities and products; increased commercialization of selected commodities and products; and an improved policy environment. The integration of agricultural productivity, market opportunities, value-adding processing, business development and financial services, as well as policy reform, is crucial, given multiple weaknesses and lack of support for the organized private sector. The SO will promote environmentally-sustainable agricultural production technologies to stem expansion of cultivation into fragile dry lands and tropical forests. SO12 will also exploit opportunities to link its interventions with those of other SOs to achieve synergies and leverage efforts in such areas as budget reform, rural finance, and the fight against corruption. The SO will address two Agency goals: Broad-based Economic Growth and Agricultural Development Encouraged; and The World’s Environment Protected for Long-term Sustainability. B) Role of the Private Sector Advisor The Private Sector Advisor is a key member of the SO12 team, and will play a significant role in managing selected SO12 economic growth resources and activities. The Advisor will serve as the Mission spokesperson and expert on private sector growth, micro finance, and small and medium enterprise development in Nigeria. S/he will also take the lead in the area of agribusiness development, commodity marketing and trade, and investment. The Advisor will play a key analytical, advisory and project design and management role in implementation of USAID-funded activities in agribusiness, value-added agricultural processing and business development. In carrying out these functions, the Advisor will establish solid working relationships with colleagues in USAID, U.S. Embassy, GON, donors, NGOs, private sector and other key partners. The Advisor will serve as a leading advocate within the Mission for the establishment of public-private partnerships in order to leverage resources and enhance the impact of the Mission’s long-term development strategy. C) Duties and Responsibilities. The Private Sector Advisor will fulfill the following responsibilities: 1. Guide, develop and manage comprehensive technical assistance and training initiatives related to micro enterprise development, agro-industrial development, capacity development of institutions and businesses, and enhanced business operating environment in Nigeria. The Private sector Advisor will also provide program advice, oversight, and serve as a Cognizant Technical Officer for selected activities. 2. Lead the design along with other SO12 members of a new agribusiness development activity and lead and oversee the start-up and monitoring of a new job creation and business development activity, working closely with other Mission staff who will also be working on this activity. The Private Sector Advisor will manage the implementation of job creation, micro-finance and business development activities, including the provision of program advice, oversight, and coordination of contractor work plans, implementation of activities on a day-to-day basis, monitoring and evaluation of performance, and management of contracts. 3. Guide the development of USAID programs and project strategy related to economic growth through stimulation of productive enterprises and competitiveness of Nigeria goods and services. 4. Write key sections of the SO12 Team Congressional Budget Justification and the Annual Report submission, including narrative and data tables, and making recommendations to the SO12 Team on strategy and program direction, based on program performance. 5. Advise USAID senior management and other technical staff on appropriate strategies regarding private sector development, conceive long and short term technical assistance plans; serve as a principal source of information concerning private sector development, micro-finance and business development, including activities and policies of other USG entities, donors, private sector, NGOs and the GON; coordinate actively with other USG entities, donors, private sector, NGOs and the GON; and, provide briefing reports as requested. 6. Communicate and coordinate with other USAID/Nigeria staff, USAID/Washington, officials in government agencies, bilateral and multilateral donor agencies investing in Nigeria, business associations, and institutions involved in the Nigerian economy and private sector. Deliver written and oral briefings to officials of governmental organizations, business associations, multilateral institutions, international and national organizations, PVOs, and other stakeholders on policy, strategy and program issues as it affects Nigeria’s economy. 7. Coordinate with other USAID Teams that interface with private sector development, including agriculture, democracy and governance, education, HIV/AIDS and economic growth. 8. Monitor Nigerian policy, program and legislative initiatives related to: private sector development, and policy reform affecting rural development, the general business environment, and finance. Along with these specific responsibilities, the Private Sector Advisor will also be expected to: Develop his/her work plan in consultation with the USAID/Nigeria SO12 Team Leader. The incumbent will lay out specific activities and schedules. The incumbent will prepare and submit progress reports on a schedule to be determined. The reports will describe achievements during the reporting period as compared to the work plan; and recipients of information or analysis produced by the Advisor and implementing partners. I. Skills and Qualifications Education: A master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Public Administration or a related degree. Work Experience: At least 10 years of work experience in international business development, with emphasis on private sector and micro finance development. A minimum of five years of this experience should be in program implementation, management, and/or monitoring and evaluation of private sector, small and medium enterprise and/or agribusiness development activities. Experience and familiarity with West Africa, particularly Nigeria, is desirable. Technical Knowledge: Strong record of performance in the design and implementation of private sector and micro finance strategies and/or programs, including performance monitoring and evaluation plans. Demonstrated ability to implement business development activities, particularly in the area of agribusiness. Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to engage in discussions with government officials, other donors, the NGO community, private sector, USAID and other USG officials. Excellent verbal and written communication, including word processing proficiency. Interpersonal Skills: Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, particularly as relates to managing and working in teams. II. Selection Criteria A candidate will be selected based on his/her qualifications, availability, results of reference checks and interview. The selected individual must complete all medical examinations as well as undergo required security clearance. Candidates will be reviewed according to the following evaluation criteria and scoring: Education 20 points Prior work experience 50 points General Knowledge 15 points Skills and Abilities 15 points III. Position Elements a. Supervisory Control over Position: The Private Sector Advisor will work under the general policy guidance of the SO12 Team Leader. Direct technical and administrative supervision will be exercised by the SO12 Team Leader. The Private Sector Advisor is expected to carry out his/her work with substantial independence, providing technical leadership to staff and implementing partners in the development, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of program activities. Work will be reviewed in terms of achievement of established milestones, effectiveness in facilitating teamwork, success in staff mentoring and appropriateness of program activity. b. Guidelines Used and Judgment Required: Guidelines include: USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS); Mission Orders; standard accounting, auditing and financial management operating procedures and systems requirements. c. Complexity: Tasks involve many different interrelated initiatives to address private sector growth issues of the country. The incumbent applies a depth of expertise to advise on a full range of private sector development issues. Required is a capacity to identify and systemize elements, and to understand and assess Nigeria’s complex private sector environment. S/he must continuously apply innovative thinking to solve problems which resist resolution. d. Authority to make commitment: The Private Sector Advisor is authorized to approve administrative documents but not to make commitments on behalf of USAID/Nigeria. In addition, the incumbent will be responsible for management of local staff assigned to specific private sector activities. e. Supervision Exercise: The Private Sector Advisor may supervise staff as determined by the SO12 Team Leader. f. Nature, Level and Purpose of Personal Contacts: The incumbent coordinates private sector activities with senior representatives of national and local governments in Nigeria; USAID implementing partners; international and bilateral donor organizations; and NGO/civil society leaders, liaising as well with the U.S. Embassy/Nigeria for this purpose. S/he will serve as USAID/Nigeria’s principal advisor related to the country’s private sector issues, and will also provide the Mission’s first-line, day-to-day liaison with counterparts in other USG agencies and international organizations and foreign donors. IV. Compensation: The term of the contract will be for one year from on/about January, 2004 to on/about December 2004, which period may be extended by mutual agreement subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS-13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the range depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition, the Mission has a 25% Post Differential allowance. V. Benefits: As a matter of policy and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits: Employee’s FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligible for Worker’s Compensation Annual and Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service Allowances (if Applicable): 1. Temporary Lodging Allowances (Section 120) 2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) 3. Post Allowance (Section 220) 4. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) 5. Post Differential (Chapter 500) 6. Payments during evacuation/authorized departure (Section 600) 7. Danger Pay (Section 650) 8. Educational Allowance (Section 270) 9. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) 10. Educational Travel (Section 280) VI. Applying Note: Position depends on funds availability. Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S. government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website). http://www.usaid/gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); All applications should be addressed and mailed to: The Executive Officer USAID/Nigeria 3rd Floor Metro Plaza Plot 992 Zakaria Maimalari Street Central Business District Garki Abuja, Nigeria All applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation numbers on your application and as the subject line any cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for an interview. VII. List of Required Forms for PSCs Forms outlined below can be found at: Http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc>solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-63).** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) SF-86, or** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258).** • 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. Note: The selected individual must be eligible for a U.S. government security clearance at the Secret level and obtain a full medical clearance for service. VIII. Contract Information (CIBS) Pertaining to PSCS 97-16: Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally CCNs and TCNs subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less 97-11:(Corrected) 1997 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts 97-6: Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 97-3: New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination 96-23: Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract 96-19: U.S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) – Leave 96-11: PSC’s Annual Health Insurance Costs 96-8: Determining a Market Value for PSCs Hired Under Appendix D, Handbook 14 94-9: Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) 93-17: Financial Disclosure Requirements under a Personal Services Contract (PSC)