ISSUANCE DATE: October 16, 2003 CLOSING DATE: November 6, 2003 Ladies/Gentlemen: SUBJECT: Amendment to Solicitation for a US Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) position, IDP (Internally Displaced Persons) Demobilization Program Manager - USAID Bogotá RFP No. 514-04-001 The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified individuals from United States of America interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation. See attached revised Position Description and Qualifications Submittals shall be in accordance with the solicitation at the place and time specified. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Nubia Farfán Acquisition Specialist USAID/Bogotá TELEPHONE NUMBER: (571) 423-6880 - Ext. 153 FAX NUMBER: (571) 423-6861 E-MAIL ADDRESS:
[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 to: Nubia Farfán Acquisiiton Specialist USAID-Bogotá Unit 5101 APO AA 34038-5101 Bogotá, Colombia Sincerely, Yvette Feurtado Contracting Officer AMENDMENT TO SOLICITATION NUMBER: 514-04-001 ISSUANCE DATE: October 16, 2003 CLOSING DATE/TIME: November 6, 2003 AT 2:00 P.M. POSITION TITLE: IDP DEMOBILIZATION PROGRAM MANAGER MARKET VALUE: GS-13 Range $61,251 - $79,629 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: ONE (1) YEAR) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID – BOGOTA, COLOMBIA SECURITY ACCESS: SECRET LEVEL AREA OF CONSIDERATION: SO3 INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS POSITION DESCRIPTION Incumbent: Vacant As a USAID employee, the incumbent carries responsibility to understand and incorporate the Agency's five core values in all aspects of his/her work. These core values are: 1. Customer focus, 2. Results orientation, 3. Empowerment and accountability, 4. Teamwork and participation, and 5. Valuing Diversity. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION The contractor shall serve as Program Manager for activities relating to internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups in Strategic Objective Three (SO 3), Provide Economic and Social Opportunities to Vulnerable Populations, Especially Internally Displaced Persons, within the Office of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in USAID/Colombia. The Program Manager will be supervised by the IDP Team Leader subject to the supervisory controls stated in Item “Supervisory Controls” below. IDP activities constitute a politically sensitive, programmatically complex, and critically important component of the Mission portfolio. IDP activities have provided direct and indirect assistance to over 1,000,000 beneficiaries, and the activities are designed to ensure that IDPs and other vulnerable populations in USAID-priority areas are provided with the economic and social opportunities necessary to incorporate themselves into mainstream Colombian society. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a program manager and Cognizant Technical Officer for activities relating to internally displaced persons. The incumbent will carry out a full range of monitoring, administrative and information-gathering tasks in support of these activities; review grant proposals; conduct site visits and monitor implementation progress; and discuss issues and assist implementing partners in resolving problems. The incumbent will prepare a variety of project and program activity documents, reports and correspondence, and will provide other related assistance, as required. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1) Conceptual and Strategic Framework 25% 1.1 Subject to USAID/W approval: In conjunction with the IDP Team Leader, provide the needed conceptual and strategic framework for USAID in the IDP sector, and advise the IDP Team Leader and USAID senior management on all aspects related to demobilization; assist with the design, implementation and management of the SO’s program and project activities, with a total estimated life-of-SO value of $173 million; collaborate in SO 3 activity planning, contract, grant and other negotiations; 1.2 Be responsible for the effective implementation, monitoring and results of demobilization activities; recommend, coordinate and oversee special studies related to demobilization as necessary and appropriate for strategy formulation; 1.3 Prepare periodic reports and updates on IDP and demobilization activities, impediments to program implementation, and progress towards the achievement of results; design and deliver public presentations and briefing documents; 1.4 Provide technical and advisory support to the SO 3 Team to respond to IDP issues, including responses to external inquiries and communications, review of proposals, and arranging meetings for the IDP Team Leader; represent USAID in such meetings as necessary; 1.5 Conceive and develop portions of result packages, activity designs, and concept papers including design analysis, development of strategic frameworks, definition of specific objectives and indicators, and preparation of scopes of work for RFAs for development activities; in coordination with the IDP Team Leader, conduct negotiations with host government officials, implementing partners, and other donor-funded project managers pertaining to the design, development and implementation of internally displaced persons and efforts to assist other vulnerable groups; 1.6 Provide guidance for the preparation of reporting documents such as the R2, Quarterly Reports and Annual Report for SO 3; prepare briefing documents for high-level visitors on status of programs for IDPs and other vulnerable groups, including budgets, funding projections, implementation issues, earmarks/reservations/directives and commitment and obligation documents, as well as financial plans, pipeline analysis, feasibility studies and other documents as required; and 1.7 Other tasks as assigned by the IDP Team Leader and Mission management. 2) Management and External Relationships 35% 2.1 Subject to USAID/W approval, oversee demobilization program activities; manage and allocate funds for demobilization programs and activities; 2.2 Coordinate activities with the Democracy and Governance Office and the Agriculture and Alternative Development Office to ensure complementary implementation of demobilization activities with the activities of other strategic objectives, particularly local governance and environment; 2.3 Coordinate with Mission Environmental Officer to ensure that activities meet USAID environmental guidelines and that environmental requirements are met; 2.4 Represent the USAID Mission in relations with other donors, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in matters relating to the internally displaced and other vulnerable groups; 2.5 Develop close working relationships with international organizations, NGOs and municipal partners involved in providing opportunities and assistance to the internally displaced and other vulnerable groups, ensuring that USAID activities are complementary and responsive; and 2.6 Establish and maintain high-level contacts with the Government of Colombia, contractors, grantees, key national and local government contacts, private sector, NGOs, universities, associations, and citizen groups. 3) Activity Implementation and Monitoring 35% 3.1 Liaise with implementing partners working with IDPs and other vulnerable groups on matters of contract and grant administration; travel in country, including to dangerous areas to advise, supervise monitor and evaluate programs; must have an expert understanding of Colombia’s conflict, as well as its governmental, political, and social systems; prepare reports with findings and recommendations for the SO 3 Team Leader and USAID senior management; 3.2 Prepare and negotiate the clearance of documentation related to the award and administration of acquisition and assistance instruments for IDP and other activities to assist vulnerable groups; 3.3 Develop and monitor budgets related to IDP and activities for other vulnerable groups; 3.4 Draft and assist with processing project-related documents such as action plans, special reports, USAID/Colombia IDP plans, and public relations documents; participate in the design and carrying out of studies on IDPs and other vulnerable groups concerning issues such as health, housing, psychosocial assistance, education, etc.; 3.5 Prepare periodic progress reports, highlighting accomplishments as well as problem areas needing attention; initiate corrective action on routine matters and bring to the attention of the IDP Team Leader such other issues of a complex nature requiring decisions by the supervisor or USAID senior management; 3.6 Perform analyses and evaluations and prepare input to the Mission Portfolio Review for SO 3; participate in this and other USAID/Colombia internal reviews; prepare input for assigned sections of the Annual Review Document and for quarterly reports to USAID/W; and 3.7 Organize and participate in periodic meetings with grantees; as required, meet with grantees to monitor progress and assist with resolving problems; liaise with other SO team members and offices (Controller, EXO, Program Office and other technical offices) to ensure successful coordination of supervised activities. 4) Other Duties 5% Performs other duties and tasks necessary for the achievement of results under SO 3, as directed by the IDP Team Leader. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS The contractor will report to the IDP Team Leader for general duties who will be responsible for reviewing and approving the contractor's work plans and performance measures and establishing deadlines (subject to the aforementioned Washington approval). The contractor will report to the Mission Task Force Leader (the Mission Deputy Director) on demobilization and related issues. In carrying out specific assignments, the Contractor will work closely with other SO Teams, and PIO and NGO counterparts. QUALIFICATIONS 1) Education: A Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in international development, the social sciences, or similar field. 2) Prior Work Experience: Seven to ten years of experience working in international sustainable development, humanitarian assistance, and/or general development programs are required. Specific work experience with internally displaced persons and/or demobilization programs is a definite plus. Additionally, five or more years experience in direct contract management or grant management is preferred. 3) Language Proficiency: English: Ability to conduct oral presentations, participate in meetings, and clearly handle program oversight in standard American English. Ability to produce concise, accurate and substantive project documentation and to edit project documentation prepared by Spanish speakers in standard American English. Excellent oral and written English communication skills are essential. Spanish: Ability to converse and correspond effectively in Spanish is necessary. Spoken and written Spanish at the 3/3 language proficiency level is required. 4) Knowledge: Substantial knowledge of USAID grant and/or contract management principles is necessary. Must be able to perform as an effective team member and be able to maintain cordial and effective relationships with USAID colleagues, host country officials, implementing partner staff, and other official contacts. Knowledge of MicroSoft Office software and advanced computer skills are desirable, specifically proficiency in the use of word processing (preferably Microsoft Word), spreadsheets (preferably Excel), and email. Although not required, proficiency in use of GIS Software such as ARCVIEW is also desirable. 5) Skills and Abilities: Excellent managerial, interpersonal skills, and supervisory skills are essential. Advanced analytical skills and excellent judgment and discretion are required. Must have a genuine interest in work with internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups, possibly including demobilized ex-combatants. The ability to work independently and exercise initiative are essential. The contractor must also possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to deal with contracted technical assistance team and staff to produce results as required by the contract. Ability to interface courteously and effectively with senior- and mid-level host country officials on issues of program accountability. Ability to present and gain approval of program goals and procedures from host country officials. 6) Supervision Exercised Over Others: None. 7) Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after entry: Nine to twelve months.