About USAID/Afghanistan:
SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72030620R10018
ISSUANCE DATE: December 12, 2019
CLOSING DATE/TIME: December 26, 2019 (4:30 pm KBL time)
SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) Project Management Specialist (Economic Growth) – FSN-10 (Multiple Vacancies)
Dear Prospective Offerors:
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.
Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.
This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.
Any questions must be directed in writing to kblaidfsnjobs@usaid.gov .
Sincerely,
Contracting Officer
Job Description:
Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
GENERAL INFORMATION
SOLICITATION NO.: 72030620R10018
ISSUANCE DATE: December 12, 2019
CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 26, 2019 no later than 4:30 pm Kabul time.
POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Economic Growth) – (Multiple Vacancies)
MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-10 (Step 1 – 13)
In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of U.S. Embassy Afghanistan. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Employment contract issued under this solicitation is of a continuing nature. Its duration is expected to be part of a series of sequential contracts; all contract clauses, provisions, and regulatory requirements concerning availability of funds and the specific duration of the contract shall apply. The initial Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contract (CCNPSC) contract will be for one year with a four years option pending continued need for the position, contractor performance, and funds availability.
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan.
SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Foreign Service National (FSN) Security Certification.
STATEMENT OF DUTIES
General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
The incumbent serves as a Project Management Specialist (Economic Growth) for the Office of Economic Growth (OEG), one of six technical offices in USAID/Afghanistan. Working under the overall supervision of the Economic Growth Office Director, the incumbent is responsible for a full range of project management responsibilities in the area of economic governance, trade, and/or private sector development. In this capacity, the incumbent performs a variety of complex functions related to research, planning, programming, reporting, activity monitoring, analytical and management duties to support the implementation of the office portfolio.
The incumbent will manage one or more projects within OEG’s portfolio, providing day-to-day guidance and direction to the contractor(s)/implementing partner(s) and their staff. The incumbent also serves as an advisor to OEG staff on related projects. As such, the candidate must be effective in facilitating the agreement, cooperation and support of public officials and private sector representatives in Afghanistan. Counterparts include mid-level Afghan, U.S., and foreign government officials, representatives of other donor organizations such as the World Bank, the European Commission, and the United Nations, other bi-lateral and multi-lateral donors, USAID/Afghanistan’s implementing organizations, and representatives within the trade, financial, and private sectors.
The incumbent serves as Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for one or more EG programs in the areas of economic and/or private sector development. The incumbent is required to support and coordinate with other AORs/CORs in OEG and the Mission to ensure optimal programming and management of economic development activities. As a secondary function, the incumbent serves as a point of contact for EG Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tasks. This position is thus responsible for planning, coordinating evaluating, monitoring, and reporting on major economic development assistance projects and programs as needed.
Statement of Duties to be Performed
Project Design, Support and Management
Advises and supports one or more economic activities/projects, including detailed information gathering, project design, and management. The position requires initiative and the exercise of independent judgment in activity planning and the identification of problems and required follow up actions. The incumbent interacts with activity managers of several contractors, advisors, and identified host country counterparts. Specific responsibilities include:
· Manages activities from inception to completion and is responsible for all facets of activity/project design and development, including information gathering, needs assessments, feasibility studies, drafting of concept papers and scopes of work, activity budget formulation, and evaluation of bids for major activities and projects.
· Upon completion of required USAID training, serves as A/COR for one or more major activities with funding levels ranging from $10 million to $20 million. Manages implementing partners’ key staff and coordinates assigned activities and projects.
· Coordinates with contracting and contracted personnel to drive projects to completion. Reviews proposals/requests for approval in association with host country counterparts and determines their suitability for funding.
· Performs all functions related to new activity/project design/development in order to ensure a focus on priority areas and areas of emerging needs. Conducts technical analysis as a team member.
· Develops cost estimates, institutional capacity assessments, equipment requirement projections, and training needs assessments.
· Manages the schedules of projects as a representative of USAID in Afghanistan.
· Drafts necessary documentation and leads reviews related to activity/project amendments, contracting, and outreach and communication, as well as standard USAID reports.
· Reviews contracts/agreements in consultation with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) and provides guidance to and oversight of contractor/grantee actions concerning activity procurement and the use of activity-funded assets.
B. Project and Program Monitoring/Evaluation
The incumbent’s responsibilities for activity and project monitoring and evaluation include:
Reviews project reports, visits sites, and engages in written and verbal communications with project participants and implementing partners.
Prepares scopes of work for activities/projects and evaluations teams.
Interacts with and provides necessary assistance to visiting consultants.
Prepares evaluation documentation.
Interacts with key Afghan ministries, counterparts, and activity/project implementing partners.
Participates in preparation of the annual performance report which summarizes the achievements and results of the activities, and the operational plan that provides a summary of planned activities.
Provides project and activity status and achievement updates as necessary for outreach and communication purposes.
C. Administrative Management
The incumbent will perform on an as-needed basis the following tasks as required by the OEG management: preparing agendas and materials for high-level visitors and providing input to various requests from the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). The incumbent may also be requested to provide professional advice and guidance to other USAID/Afghanistan Development Objective Teams on issues related to USAID-funded projects under these Development Objectives. The incumbent may be requested to participate in a personnel selection process for different offices of USAID/Afghanistan, as well in development of Requests for Proposals, and the evaluation of proposals received for projects funded under other USAID/Afghanistan Assistance Objective.
The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.
Supervisory Relationship
The incumbent works as a full member of USAID/Afghanistan’s OEG, under the overall supervision of the Economic Growth Office Director. The Director may assign his/her Deputy or a Team Leader to serve as the incumbent’s direct supervisor.
Supervisory Controls
None.
AREA OF CONSIDERATION:
Cooperating Country National (CCN), meaning an individual who is a cooperating country citizen, or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
POINT OF CONTACT:
Any questions about this solicitation may be directed to: kblaidfsnjobs@usaid.gov. Applications submitted to this email address will not be considered.
Note: No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained, unless you require more information about this solicitation.
Job Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
Education: A Bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations, economics, business administration, finance and or trade is required. (Education requirement must be met at the time of application for the subject position).
Work Experience: The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the design and implementation of development activities and/or projects, activity- and project-related analysis and evaluation, strategic and policy design, performance reporting, and knowledge management with bi- or multi-lateral international development organizations, government institutions, donor organizations, or diplomatic missions is required. (Work experience requirement must be met at the time of application for the subject position).
Language: Level IV (Fluent) speaking/reading English and Level IV (Fluent) speaking/reading Dari and/or Pashtu is required.
Knowledge: The incumbent must be able to demonstrate knowledge of program management, particularly in the Afghanistan context, and a clear understanding of the policy, regulatory and organizational issues that are involved in various sectors related to economic growth. Exceptional communication and inter-personal skills are critical, and the incumbent must be able to interact with a broad range of internal and external partners. Incumbent must be able to communicate effectively with USAID staff at all levels, technical representatives of beneficiary institutions, and the general public. Incumbent must also be able to communicate effectively and accurately with varying levels within the U.S. Government structure including representatives of other agencies at Post.
Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must be able to establish, maintain and broaden an extensive range of contacts with USAID technical offices, USAID leadership, key officials of government ministries, non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, and other donor agencies. The incumbent must also have a demonstrated ability to exercise his/her responsibilities, plan and execute work assignments independently, communicate effectively, work under pressure and produce high-quality results quickly, and predict issues of concern. Successful performance in this position requires skills in teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail, the ability to follow guidance and procedures, and clear communication skills. Work requires flexibility, the ability to react to changing systems with sound judgment, and the ability to work under pressure. The incumbent must be a self-starter. The incumbent must be able to work in fast-paced and sometimes-difficult or dangerous environment and have a strong sense of teamwork and strong interpersonal skills.
EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
All applications will be screened for meeting the minimum requirements (Education and Experience). Successful applications will then be ranked by the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) on Work Experience (100 Points).
Following the ranking by the TEC, successful candidates will be invited for an English and Proficiency Test (EPT) and a Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Test. Successful candidates for these tests will further be invited for an oral interview. Candidates will be selected on final average scores of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities and Interview.
Submission Guideline:
PRESENTING AN OFFER
Applicants are requested to submit a complete application package which must include all required documents (provided below) to AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov with a Subject line Project Management Specialist (Economic Growth) FSN-10 (SOL#: 72030620R10018).
Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Complete the mandatory Google form application available on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTU1sBwwf_vetbQmdpvR92knXcvyeOLFbnwgd6IFjEoMttSA/viewform?usp=sf_link
Cover memo/email text that outlines how your qualifications and experience meet the selection criteria.
Updated version of Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff (DS-174, dated 6/30/2022) https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds174.PDF (A copy of the DS-174 form can also be downloaded from ACBAR.org under this link http://www.acbar.org/applicationform. Applicants who are accessing this solicitation through jobs.af can download directly from the website) AND
A current resume or curriculum vitae.
IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL FOUR ABOVE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. IF YOU OMIT ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, GOOGLE FORM, COVER PAGE, CV OR UPDATED DS-174 FORM, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please refer to below link:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rkZ_Xgdql4Mq9vroj16fJibBYElRhN0b9PGdldAc-G0/edit?usp=sharing
Note:
Only short-listed candidates will be notified.
This vacancy is open only to Afghan Nationals.
Applications with old DS-174 form will not be considered.
Applications with insufficient, incomplete and inconsistent information to make a determination will not be considered.
No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained.
Applications submitted as .RAR and/or WinZip file will not be considered.
Candidates who are applying for this position must fully meet the education requirement (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified. At the time of applications, candidates must also meet in full the experience requirement. There is no exception for these requirements.
Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide educational documents such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents as needed. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in disqualification of their application from further consideration.
The Agency retains the full right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions.
Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3.
To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.
LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES
Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.
Pre-employment Medical History and Examination Form
U.S. Embassy Kabul Security Certification Request
Appointment Affidavits Standard Form 61
BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
BENEFITS and ALLOWANCES:
25% Unique Conditions of Work Allowance (UCWA)
Defined Contribution Plan (DCF) 12% of the base salary
Transportation Allowance
Premium Pay
Leave Benefits
Medical Benefits
Death and Disability Benefits
Retirement and other end of service benefits
Travel and TDY Benefits
TAXES
Local Employee Staff (CCN) is responsible for paying local income taxes. The U.S Mission does not withhold year end local income tax payments.
USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs
USAID regulations and policies governing CCNPSC awards are available at these sources:
USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad, “including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .
Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .
Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.
Ethical Conduct.-By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635.-See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.
Submission Email:
AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov
Deadline: December 26th 2019
