Ladies/Gentlemen: SOLICITATION NUMBER: 167-Pristina-PSC-FY03-5 ISSUED BY: Executive Office, USAID/Kosovo SUBJECT: Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Local Government Program 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 US Citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contractor 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, in the Executive Office of USAID/Kosovo in Pristina, who may be reached by phone:(++381)(38)243673, fax:(++381) (38) 249 493, e-mail:
[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 E-MAIL TO: Mimoza Kepuska, Human Resources Assistant:
[email protected] or Sean O’Leary, Executive Officer:
[email protected] BY DHL, consign documents to: 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-FY03-05 2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 25, 2003 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 22, 2003 4. POSITION TITLE: Local Government Program Advisor – USAID/Kosovo 5. MARKET VALUE: $72,381.00 - $94,098.00 per annum (GS 14 equivalent) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two Years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pristina, Kosovo 8. POSITION DESCRIPTION: A. Background Four years after devastating armed conflict in Kosovo, the reconstitution of a functioning economic, political, and cultural space is well underway. Immediately following the conflict, donor priorities were placed on providing emergency assistance and establishing a secure environment in Kosovo. Today, having addressed the immediate humanitarian needs following the end of the conflict, donor attention has turned to longer term support for institution-building, capacity-building, and promoting democratic and economic reforms. Although the UN Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK) retains many political powers in Kosovo, the transition to self-government has already begun at both the local and central levels of the Provisional Institutions of Self-Government (PISG). Municipal elections in 2000 and 2002 were considered free and fair by the international community, and the responsibilities of the elected municipal assemblies has been outlined in UNMIK regulations, most notably UNMIK Regulation 2000/45. Despite this progress, the roles, authorities and responsibilities of local governments remain confused and ill-defined. In addition, many local officials lack the skills, knowledge or capacity to adequately plan, allocate and manage resources. Local governments need to improve transparency, accountability, and formal mechanisms to encourage public participation. Local governments also will need to take a more active role in addressing some of the most important issues facing Kosovo, including high unemployment, low level of economic development, and normalization and reintegration of minorities and internally displaced persons (IDPs). At the same time, the prospects are good for donor-funded local governance assistance projects to produce significant results. Old governance structures were largely swept away prior to the conflict and new institutions are less burdened by the communist past. Kosovar’s show an eagerness to accept assistance and advice from the international community, and particularly the US. A recent public opinion survey by UNDP shows that Kosovar’s hold high trust and expectations for local government. The international community has a short window of time before poor practices, rather than best practices, become institutionalized and cynicism toward local government grows among the Kosovar population. USAID’s new five-year strategic plan for Kosovo lists as one of its strategic objectives: “civil society and government are more effective partners in achieving good governance.” To help achieve that objective, USAID/Kosovo is planning a new local governance strengthening initiative to begin approximately January 2004. This multi-million dollar activity is expected to be a cornerstone of USAID/Kosovo’s Democracy and Governance portfolio for the next three to five years. The expected outcomes of the USAID/Kosovo local governance strengthening program will directly contribute to achieving results as laid forth in USAID’s Assistance Strategy for Kosovo. Specifically, the program will contribute to Strategic Objectives 2.1 A civil society and government that are more effective partners in achieving good governance and 2.2 A more capable, transparent and responsive government acting according to the rule of law, and 1.3-2 Accelerated growth of the private sector. B. Statement of Work The position is located in the Office of Democracy and Governance within the USAID Mission in Pristina, Kosovo. Under the direct supervision of the Democracy and Governance Office Director, the Local Governance Program Advisor will serve as the senior team member responsible for USAID/Kosovo’s local governance strengthening activities. The specific responsibilities and duties shall include, but are not limited to, the following: • serve as the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) for USAID/Kosovo’s new local governance strengthening contract and fulfill all relevant CTO and project officer duties; • manage all program and budget aspects of the local governance strengthening activity, including approval of work plans, monitoring and evaluation, approval of key personnel, etc.; • maintain close and regular working relationships with the USAID local governance implementing partner and with other donors and implementing partners involved in local governance assistance/reform; attend relevant donor coordination meetings; and keep abreast of other donor programs to maximize project efficiencies and prevent duplication; • serve as the principal USAID/Kosovo liaison with municipal officials, civil society, senior officials in UNMIK and the PISG, the US Office in Pristina, and USAID implementing partners on matters related to local governance reform in Kosovo; • serve as member and/or leader of relevant USAID/Kosovo Strategic Objective team(s); assist with design and maintenance of relevant components of the USAID Performance Monitoring plan, including the collection of data for performance indicators; • serve as the USAID/Kosovo technical expert on local governance, and advise the DGO Director and Mission Director on local governance issues in Kosovo; keep USAID/Kosovo staff informed of USAID’s local governance activities as well as those of other donors; • participate in/lead a cross-cutting Mission team that coordinates development activities, including civic advocacy, local governance, business development and service delivery, in selected communities in an integrated fashion. • supervise one or more Foreign Service Nationals (FSNs) in the management of specific local governance activities; and • fulfill other relevant management, administrative, and reporting responsibilities as required. C. Education and Experience Qualifications A minimum of 6 years progressively more responsible relevant experience in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of local governance programs in the international arena. Experience in Europe or Eurasia is highly desirable. A minimum of a Master's degree in public administration, public affairs, urban development or a related degree; or a minimum of 8-10 years professional experience in fields identified above. Strong analytical and management skills. Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work constructively within a team framework. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in cross-cultural settings, particularly with officials from other countries. Excellent oral and written English communication skills are required. Language proficiency in Albanian or Serbian is desirable but not required. Knowledge of USAID management and monitoring systems is desirable but not required. Knowledge of and ability to effectively use word processing and data management systems and applications, including Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, Internet, and e-mail applications D. Supervisory Relationship The PSC will report directly to the Director of the Office of Democracy and Governance, USAID/Kosovo. 9. OTHER REQUIREMENTS: US Citizens who apply for this position must obtain USAID security clearance and medical clearance. 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: Personal Services Contractors 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