Subject: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for Macroeconomic Advisor - USAID/Nigeria SOLICITATION NO.:620-04-00034 ISSUANCE DATE: November 19,2003 CLOSING DATE: December 18,2003 Gentlemen/Ladies: SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) No. 620-04-00034 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.: 620-04-00034 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 620-04-00034 2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 19, 2003 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: December 18, 2003 4. POSITION TITLE: Macroeconomic 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: Macroeconomic 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 Macroeconomic 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 “Livelihoods Enhanced 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) Duties and Responsibilities. Based in Abuja, the USPSC Macroeconomic Advisor will be responsible for development and oversight of economic policy and institutional reform projects in Nigeria. S/he will report to senior USAID management in Nigeria on technical and policy matters related to economic policy, institutional reform and private sector development, and on program management and coordination issues The Macroeconomic Advisor will fulfill the following responsibilities: 1. Guide, develop and manage comprehensive technical assistance and training initiatives related to sustainable economic growth; capacity development of institutions; and macroeconomic and budgetary reform efforts. 2. Provide program advice, oversight, and coordination of contractors work plans; and monitoring and evaluation of performance of activities. 3. Conduct and analyze assessments and recommendations on the implications of macroeconomic policies and strategies to promote sustainable economic growth. 4. Guide the development of USAID programs and project strategy related to improved competitiveness of Nigerian goods and services. 5. Communicate and coordinate with other USAID/Nigeria staff, USAID/Washington, officials in government agencies, bilateral and multilateral donor agencies, business associations, private sector and institutions involved in the Nigerian economy. 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. 6. Advise USAID senior management, program and technical offices, and other staff on appropriate strategies on issues affecting policy, strategic planning, technical direction, programming, activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, managing for results, and other USAID program management matters. 7. Serve as a link between the Mission, Senior Nigerian government officials, and USAID implementing partners in the area of economic development and economic policy reform. Coordinate with other USAID/Nigeria offices which may be impacted by economic policy changes and reforms, particularly in agriculture, micro enterprise development, democracy and governance, and social sector services. 8. Perform other tasks as requested by senior Mission managers which are consistent with the advisory, managerial, and reporting requirements of the position of Macroeconomic Advisor for USAID/Nigeria. Along with these specific responsibilities, the Macroeconomic Advisor will also be expected to: Develop his/her annual 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: Minimum graduate degree in economics, agricultural economics or related field. Prior Work Experience: At least 10 years of work experience in international economic development, with emphasis on economic policy reform. A minimum of three years of this experience should be in program implementation, management, and/or monitoring and evaluation of economic growth activities. Experience and familiarity with West Africa, particularly Nigeria is preferred. Technical Knowledge: Strong record of performance in the design and implementation of economic growth sector strategies and/or programs, including performance monitoring and evaluation plans. Demonstrated ability to perform/provide sound economic analysis. 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. Position Elements a. Supervisory Control over Position: The Macroeconomic 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 Macroeconomic 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 macro economic development issues of the country. The incumbent applies a depth of expertise to advise on a full range of economic growth development issues. Required is a capacity to identify and systemize elements, and to understand and assess Nigeria’s complex economic growth development environment. S/he must continuously apply innovative thinking to solve problems which resist resolution. d. Authority to make commitment: The Macroeconomic 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 macroeconomic growth activities. e. Supervision: The Macroeconomic Advisor may supervise staff as determined by the SO12 Team Leader. f. Nature, Level and Purpose of Personal Contacts: The incumbent coordinates economic growth 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 economic growth and policy 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. III. 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 IV. Position Elements a. Supervisory Control over Position: The Macroeconomic 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 Macroeconomic 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 macroeconomic development issues of the country. The incumbent applies a depth of expertise to advice on a full range of economic growth development issues. Required is a capacity to identify and systemize elements, and to understand and assess Nigeria’s complex economic growth development environment. S/he must continuously apply innovative thinking to solve problems which resist resolution. d. Authority to make commitment: The Macroeconomic 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 macroeconomic growth activities. e. Supervision Exercise: The Macroeconomic Advisor may supervise staff as determined by the SO12 Team Leader. f. Nature, Level and Purpose of Personal Contacts: The incumbent coordinates economic growth 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. V. 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. VI. 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) VII. 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. VIII. 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. IX. 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 Locally with 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)