Ladies/Gentlemen: SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY03-04 ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Kosovo SUBJECT: Personal Service Contractor(USPSC) Private Sector Advisor The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612) 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 Assistant, Mimoza Këpuska, at the Executive Office of USAID/Kosovo in Pristina, who may 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 Kepuska, Human Resources Assistant:
[email protected] or Sean O’Leary, Executive Officer:
[email protected] BY DHL, consign documents to: Address: Attention Mimoza Këpuska, Executive Office USAID/Pristina, Kosovo Dragodan II House 1 Pristina, Kosovo Telephone 381 38 243 673 Sincerely, Signed Sean O’Leary Executive Officer 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY03-04 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 8, 2003 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 5,2003 4. POSITION TITLE: Private Sector Advisor – USAID/Kosovo 5. MARKET VALUE: $72,381.00 - $94,098.00 per annum (GS 14 – equivalent) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: November 2003- November 2004 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: A. Basic Function of the position: Based in Pristina, the PSC Private Sector Advisor will be assigned to the USAID Economic Restructuring Office and will be responsible for development and oversight of economic growth policies and projects related to the development of productive enterprises. Stimulation of productive enterprises is critical to the achievement of USAID objectives in Kosovo. These programs command a significant share of development resources allocated to USAID programs and include sizeable teams of technical assistance. The PSC Private Sector Advisor will report to senior management in Pristina, via the Director of the Economic Restructuring Office, on technical and policy matters related to development of productive enterprises as well as on program management and coordination issues. The Private Sector Advisor will be responsible for oversight of activities and processes related to the planning, design and implementation of programs related to stimulation of productive enterprises, which may include but is not limited to: investment, trade development, competitiveness and/or employment generation. The initial period of service is one year, with the possibility of extension for a second year based on mutual consent. As one of the Mission’s senior-level advisors on productive enterprises development, the Private Sector Advisor will exercise significant independent judgment on matters of policy and technical direction, and will make decisions that ensure successful program implementation. He/she will report frequently to senior Mission management and will advise senior-level U. S. Office Pristina, donor and host government officials on economic policy, institutional reform and USAID support strategy, program priorities and program directions. I. Background Since the end of the conflict in 1999, the political administration in Kosovo has been represented by the U.N. Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK). The Constitutional Framework, established in 2001, provides for a division of political and economic decision-making authority between the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG), which represent the elected Government of Kosovo and those institutions which report to the Office of the Special Representative to the Secretary General (SRSG). In the economic sphere, decision-making authority in areas of fiscal policy and administration, trade and investment, and commercial law are generally considered transferred powers. The areas of privatization, public enterprise management, utilities regulation (other than telecommunications), and banking regulation, are generally under the direct control of the SRSG wing of UNMIK. Coordination on economic policy and institutional matters between the PISG and SRSG is handled through the operation of the Economic and Fiscal Council, a consultative body composed of representatives from both wings of the UNMIK Government. Over the last four years, Kosovo has had to recover from a significant reduction in living standards and employment opportunities associated with two distinct phenomena. First, the NATO conflict in 1999 and associated paramilitary violence caused significant infrastructure damage, particularly in the telecommunications and housing sectors. It resulted in massive refugee flows, which completely disrupted economic livelihood activities. The most urgent impact of the conflict was felt in the agricultural sector, which contributed approximately one-third of GDP and over one-half of total employment. Second, for the decade before the conflict, Kosovo was subject to a network of discriminatory laws and essentially neo-colonial economic policies by Serbia. Under this system Kosovar Albanians were dismissed in mass from state jobs in both the public administration and state industry spheres. Large numbers of housing units were turned over to Serbs, with resulting displacement of the prior Albanian residents. The provision of public services became virtually exclusively geared toward the needs of the minority. Thus, economic restructuring in Kosovo faces many challenges. Nevertheless, since 1999, economic recovery and expansion has proceeded rapidly in Kosovo. USAID’s Economic Restructuring Office developed a post crisis strategy that focused on fiscal policy and administration, financial sector oversight, legal framework, and creating a market-driven economy. With USAID help, the Ministry of Finance and Economy is developing into a strong institution. Fiscal decentralization is well underway through a system of intergovernmental finance that decentralizes tax, budget and treasury functions to municipalities, including full implementation of a property tax. USAID helped develop the Banking and Payments Authority into a strong regulatory institution—regulating the banking, insurance and pension sectors. These reforms laid the foundation for the development of a banking system that has reintegrated the savings and investment decisions of the Kosovar population back into the formal financial system. With USAID assistance, the development of priority commercial legislation now provides the foundation for a legal environment conducive to private investment and entrepreneurship. A legal framework is now in place that protects basic property and contractual rights of both domestic citizens and businesses and foreign investors, creates a low–cost environment for establishing and operating a business. In addition a comprehensive legal framework for privatization of industrial enterprises is in place and privatization has begun. In the trade area, an effective policy and administrative regime is evolving, including an efficient customs administration. This is beginning to promote open trade flows, the lifeline of the Kosovar economy. USAID’s Economic Restructuring Office has also placed considerable resources into accelerating the growth of the private sector through activities working with Kosovar businesses. However, while overall progress in this area has been considerable, the private sector is not yet driving job creation and Kosovo continues to experience high levels of unemployment and underemployment. Many of Kosovo’s enterprises are small traders geared toward servicing the international donor community and are not positioned to aggressively pursue export opportunities. The great need in the private sector is to help Kosovo develop competitive industries producing goods that are marketable domestically as well as regionally. This, in turn, will result in increased employment. However, building competitive industries still faces many challenges. Local agriculture and manufacturing enterprises have not attained production or industry standards that are acceptable for exporting goods to developed economies, or to substitute their goods for an enormous volume of imports. A dearth of advanced technology, fueled by insufficient credit for capital assets, contributes to this circumstance. There is a widespread lack of essential business skills such as strategic planning, financial analysis, and organizational and operational management. Kosovar managers and entrepreneurs often do not have access to market information, industry trends or buyer and supplier networks that are vital to creating and managing competitive businesses. Kosovo is not well-integrated into trade regimes. Kosovo is not included in free trade arrangements recently concluded between Serbia and Montenegro and countries in the region. Further, Kosovo continues to face discriminatory trade practices from neighboring countries. Since trade integration is integral to Kosovo’s economic growth, a main focus of future assistance will be facilitating this integration. Improvements in the trade regime may involve making Kosovo’s laws WTO-compliant and working with institutions to improve trade relations. Essential elements in stimulating business and agribusiness in Kosovo will be efforts to expand Kosovo’s economic space and create or reestablish vibrant trade relationships and export opportunities. Effective professional and trade associations are still in their infancy and are not yet strong advocates for the private sector. Advocacy organizations, self-regulatory organizations, and other professional associations must be further developed in order to encourage and strengthen public-private dialogue and policy debates in order to promote a supportive enabling environment for investment. Increasing their capacity will be essential if the business operating environment is expected to reflect sound commercial principals and facilitate increased investment and efficient operations. Access to credit is restricted, often because of a perceived high level of market risk and even short-term credit to finance purchases of inventory and raw materials requires high collateral. In addition, although banks are liquid, long-term finance for capital assets is almost non-existent. This is driven by such factors as short credit histories among local enterprises, weak rule of law, informal employment arrangements, and a lack of experience among banks in collecting on securitized collateral. This is exacerbated by the inability of most enterprises to independently produce coherent business plans, market research, financial forecasts, and other analysis required by potential lenders. The agricultural sector, which contributes roughly one-third of GDP, is one of Kosovo’s main employers and thus cannot be ignored in efforts to increase private sector growth. Initiatives designed to increase competitiveness in agribusiness industries must address several major needs and facilitate not only increased production, but also enhanced product quality, improved processing, efficient use of resources, and expanded market opportunities. Gains in agricultural efficiency will also lead to increased import substitution and create internal pressure for improvements in the trade regime to exploit export opportunities. Significant improvements in agricultural efficiency will also require more appropriate credit structures. Overall Objective: Based in Pristina, the Private Sector Advisor will be assigned to the USAID Economic Restructuring Office and will be responsible for development and oversight of economic growth policies and projects related to the development of productive enterprises through trade promotion, investment and competitiveness, for all USAID programs, and for related programs/projects within the Economic Restructuring Office. Economic growth policies and programs are critical to the achievement of USAID’s objectives in Kosovo. These programs command a significant share of development resources of all USAID programs, and include sizeable teams of technical assistance. S/he will report to senior management in Pristina via the Director of the Economic Restructuring Office on technical and policy matters related to SME development, trade and competitiveness, and on program management and coordination issues. The Program Manager will be responsible for oversight of activities and processes related to the planning, design, and implementation of economic growth-related programs. The initial period of service is one year, with the possibility of extension for a second year, based on mutual consent. II. Specific Duties and Responsibilities The Private Sector Advisor will have the following specific duties and responsibilities: • Guide, develop and manage comprehensive technical assistance and training initiatives related to productive enterprise development, capacity development of institutions and businesses, and the business operating environment in Kosovo. • Analyze and supervise formulation of policies and programs that promote stabilization and sustainable growth of the Kosovar economy. • Guide the development of USAID program and project strategy related to economic growth through stimulation of productive enterprises and competitiveness of Kosovar goods and services. • Establish and maintain effective working relations with senior-level officials within UNMIK, including those within the Kosovo Provisional Institutions of Self-Government, and donors to shape overall economic policy in Kosovo. • Supervise and maintain direct liaison and communications with USAID contractors in the area of development of productive enterprises. Coordinate and manage all related economic policy and reporting of activities under USAID programs and projects. Prepare or oversee the preparation of periodic status reports, monthly progress reports and other reports and documents on economic reform as required by the Mission. Oversee the development and maintenance of a management and results information system for the economic reform program. Prepare economic reform-related briefing and informational documentation for official purposes. • Advise the USAID/Kosovo Mission director, program and technical offices, and other staff regarding productive enterprise issues affecting policy, strategic planning, technical direction, programming, activity design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, managing for results, and other USAID program management matters. • Perform other tasks as requested by senior Mission managers which are consistent with the advisory, managerial, and reporting requirements of the position of Private Sector Advisor program manager for USAID/Kosovo. B. Length of contract: 1 year, with the option for Renewal (Mutually agreed to by USAID and selected applicant). C. Evaluation Criteria for Competitive Procurement Required qualifications for the position: A PhD or Masters degree in business or a related field, with ten years of practical experience, at least five years of which is in a developing country context. Work experience demonstrating the candidate’s ability to successfully lead and manage multi-sectoral and complex projects, and supervise local and international general contractors in developing country situations. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain counterpart contacts at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels. Specific work experience in the business development arena. Experience living and working under difficult and/or dangerous conflict or post-conflict conditions. Ability to resolve problems in a team context, while maintaining an aggressive work pace, in order to produce results under intense scrutiny and visibility. Strong communications, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills. Ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs. Experience with the management and leadership of teams. Ability to interact and work effectively with organizational management and support offices. Experience with management information systems. Desired qualifications include: Knowledge of USAID program management procedures, and experience with USAID financed projects. Work experience in Central and Eastern Europe and/or the ex-Soviet Union transition countries. Knowledge of the Balkan region. Speaking ability in Albanian or Serbo-Croatian (though not required). D. Logistical Support Assignments of U.S. personnel to Kosovo are unaccompanied, and dependents are not authorized to accompany the contractor to post. Current post danger pay for Pristina is 20%. Current post differential pay is 25% and cost of living allowance is 5%. Please note that all allowances are subject to change. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. 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. E. Period of Service. The target start date for this position is November 2003. Within 3 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. The Contractor’s period of service is expected to be one year, with the option for renewal (mutually agreed to by USAID and selected applicant). 9. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: US Citizens who apply for this position must obtain USAID security clearance and medical clearance. 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 00-5 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs 00-3 2000 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs) 99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services 98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waver List 98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs 98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs 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 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 96-8 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) 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 (AID 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