USAID Burkina Faso Job Announcement Democracy Governance & Conflict Advisor-72068520R00011-0001

 

RE-SOLICITATION NUMBER:  72068520R00011-0001

ISSUANCE DATE:                       June 30, 2021

             CLOSING DATE AND TIME:                 July 20, 2021- 11:59 p.m. (GMT)

 

SUBJECT:     Re-solicitation for a U.S. Citizen /Third Country National Personal Service Contractor

(US/TCN PSC)- Democracy, Governance and Conflict Advisor

Burkina Faso

 

Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from U.S. citizens qualified to provide personal services under contract as described in this re-solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through VIII of this re-solicitation.  Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered.  Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

This re-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 the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Sincerely,

Rodney Stubina, PhD

Acting Supervisory Regional Executive Officer

 

 

ATTACHMENT 1

 

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

 

1.    RE-SOLICITATION NUMBER:  72068520R00011-0001

2.    ISSUANCE DATE:  June 30, 2021

3.    CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:  July 20, 2021- 11:59 p.m. (GMT)

4.    POINT OF CONTACT:  Recruitment team, [email protected]

5.    POSITION TITLE:  Democracy, Governance and Conflict Advisor

6.    MARKET VALUE:  GS-14 ($93,907 – $122,077 per annum) (Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.)

7.    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:  Immediate upon receipt of security/medical clearances (The duration of the US Personal Services Contract will be for one (1) year, with four one-year option periods, subject to satisfactory performance, availability of funds and continuing need for the position.) Level of effort is full time (40 hours per week).

 

Base Period:	o/a September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022
Option Period 1:	o/a September 1, 2022 to August 31, 2023
Option Period 2:	o/a September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024
Option Period 3:	o/a September 1, 2024 to August 31, 2025
Option Period 4:	o/a September 1, 2025 to August 31, 2026

8.    PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:  US Embassy/USAID compound in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

9.    ELIGIBLE OFFERORS:  United States Citizens and Third Country Nationals are eligible offerors. TCNPSC under this re-solicitation are eligible for benefits in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii)(B)). An exception has been approved by the Mission Director in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and ADS 309maa, requesting Approval to Use Alternate Classification Procedures (ACP).

10.  SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:  Facility Access for USPSC -TCN

The final selected offeror must obtain both the appropriate level of security and medical clearances within a reasonable period (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected offeror). If such clearance is not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

11.  STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. COUNTRY BACKGROUND

USAID/Burkina Faso Country Office is seeking a Democracy, Rights, Governance and Conflict Advisor who will support the design, implementation and monitoring of its Democracy, Rights and Governance and Countering Violent Extremism (DRG/CVE) programs. Burkina is on the front lines of a Sahel region-wide struggle against encroaching violent extremist organizations, so this position is an opportunity to make a difference in a difficult security and development context that is important for the whole West African region.  USAID’s DG and CVE work is vital to this effort and includes elections, human rights, governance, civil society, and CVE activities.  The Country Office works closely with the Government of Burkina Faso (GoBF), inter-agency partners, other donors, implementers and civil society. USAID/Burkina Faso reports to USAID Senegal and is supported by that Mission’s Sahel Regional Office (SRO).  The Advisor will also work closely with USAID West Africa’s Regional Peace and Governance Office (WA). 

2. POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Democracy Governance and Conflict Advisor will serve as USAID’s expert and advisor on a range of issues such as governance, transparency, human rights, civil society, elections, and conflict prevention. The Advisor will have a general understanding of democracy and governance and its cross­ sectoral applications. The incumbent should also have specific technical expertise in at least three of the following: regulatory and policy frameworks; public administration and accountability; civil society strengthening and engagement including in advocacy and oversight; multi-stakeholder collective action for improved public service delivery; conflict prevention and peace building including counter-violent extremism approaches; local governance and service delivery; elections and legislative processes; gender and social inclusion; and/or youth development. The Advisor should be highly motivated, capable of working independently and also as part of a dynamic team. This Advisor will participate as a key member of the USAID Country Office team and liaise with staff from other technical offices in the regional USAID West Africa mission in Accra or the Sahel Regional Office in Dakar. S/he collaborates with other USAID technical and support offices and operates within a complex, fluid political environment and with officials in the United States Government (USG) and the Government of Burkina Faso.

The Advisor oversees DRG and Conflict programs in Burkina Faso independently or in collaboration with USAID West Africa or SRO.  The Advisor will participate in or lead the design of new activities based on USAID requirements and availability of funding. The Advisor ensures that these programs are effectively implemented in the field and in accordance with the USAID contract/agreement and the approved annual work plan. S/he will also provide technical advice to other USAID teams on DG/Conflict as it relates to other sectors, including USAID as related to resilience activities in Burkina Faso (e.g. health, education, agriculture, environment, etc). The DG Advisor maintains close communication with GOBF officials and relevant stakeholders for effective program management. The DG team relies upon the Advisor’s technical advice and networking expertise with Government of Burkina Faso ministries as well as local authorities to strengthen USAID assistance. The Advisor also communicates regularly with donors, civil society organizations, universities, through multi-stakeholder forums, donor meetings and other functions as appropriate to maintain current sector knowledge relevant to programs managed by the Advisor.

3. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management and Oversight (50%)

• Leads or assists in management, oversight, and monitoring of USAID-funded DG/Conflict projects, as assigned.
• Assists in the design and development of new activities as needed  and  ensures  that  new interventions are consistent with DG strategic objectives,  and/or USG strategies.
• Independently evaluates annual work plans for DRG activities, and other activities as needed, making programmatic adjustments when required.
• Monitors, evaluates, and analyzes implementation of DRG projects, closely coordinating with the grantee(s)/contractor(s) on the results and outcomes.
• Provides analysis of evaluations, performance data and reporting documents.
• Performs regular field-level project monitoring, oversight, and other program-related local travel. Serves as an expert resource and/or technical Advisor on a range of DRG issues.

 

Communication (35%)

• Prepares and updates briefing papers, reports and press releases as assigned as well as specialized documents as needed.
• Meets with government, civil society, private institutions, and other donor representatives, to provide issue-oriented briefings and presentations as needed.
• Represents USAID at inter-agency and external technical working groups, workshops, and conferences.
• Maintains intimate knowledge of DG project objectives, accomplishments, and development impacts to synthesize in writing or orally for meetings, speeches, background papers and other USAID reporting requirements.
• Interprets and advises USAID Burkina Faso and U.S. Embassy Ouagadougou on GOBF policies, institutional issues and program priorities affecting the direction and implementation of DG programs.
• Informs Country Representative and relevant SRO and USAID West Africa colleagues about political events that affect program implementation and impact DG activities.

Financial Management and Procurement (15%)

• Assists in the development and/or technical review of project budgets.
• Tracks the financial status and expenditures of DRG activities and recommends future incremental funding.
• Maintains complete and auditable financial records for activities managed.
• Maintains complete and auditable files of all procurement documents (contracts, grants and other procurement supporting documents) meeting USG requirements.

The job may be expected to perform work-related travel.

Supervision Received:  The immediate supervisor of this position will be the USAID Country Representative in the USAID Burkina Faso Country Office. The supervisor sets the overall objectives and resources available. The incumbent has responsibility for independently planning, designing, and carrying out programs, projects, studies or other work. The incumbent keeps the supervisor informed of progress and potentially controversial matters.

Supervision Exercised:  Supervises one Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contract Democracy, Rights and Governance Specialist.

12.  PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

2. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

• Master’s Degree in political science, law, human rights, conflict, governance or other relevant field.
• Evidence that applicant is actively engaged in maintaining an updated knowledge/skill set in the advancement of theory and practice in the relevant field.
• At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in the design and management of development and/or humanitarian programs, at least three of which have included specific and extensive involvement in conflict prevention, mitigation and management, democracy and good governance advancement, human rights, and working with or supporting civil society.
• Prior work experience in the design or management of cross sectoral governance, civil society strengthening, conflict, countering violent extremism, election support, and/or public administration and accountability.

3. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1.  The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c).  In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers.  The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

Selection Process

After the closing date for receipt of application, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from offerors who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist offerors will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her performance and abilities.

Evaluation Factors

The following factors will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application.

USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

Education (10 points):

A Master’s Degree in political science, law, human rights, conflict-related field, governance or other relevant field.

Work Experience (35 points):

The Advisor must have at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible managerial and/or project management experience including at least three years’ experience providing development assistance in three or more of the following areas: legal, regulatory, and policy frameworks; public administration and accountability; civil society strengthening and engagement, including in advocacy and oversight; multi-stakeholder collective action for improved public service delivery; conflict prevention and peace building, including countering violent extremism; local governance and service delivery; elections and legislative processes; human rights and access to justice; gender and social inclusion; and youth. Must have prior work or consultative experience with USAID or other bilateral or multilateral development agencies.

Knowledge (20 points):

• The Advisor should have demonstrated broad technical knowledge of three or more of the following areas related to USAID’s country strategy: regulatory and policy frameworks; public administration and accountability; civil society strengthening and engagement, including in advocacy and oversight; multi-stakeholder collective action for improved public service delivery; conflict prevention and peace building, including countering violent extremism; local governance and service delivery; elections and legislative processes; human rights and access to justice; gender and social inclusion; and youth.
• S/he must demonstrate strong knowledge of project or program management and organizational management, as well as of NGO and USG operations.
• The Advisor must also possess knowledge of existing DG-related policies, with a demonstrated understanding of how these policies impact other sectors.

Abilities and Skills (35 points):

The applicant should be able to demonstrate the following abilities and skills:

• Strong organizational skills, self-motivation, and the ability to work independently with little supervision.
• Excellent communication, presentation and inter-personal skills.
• Rigorous analytical skills and ability to transfer technical DRG knowledge into activity designs, reporting, policy papers, and other documents for internal and external audiences.
• Ability to communicate DRG integration to Specialist staff from other technical sectors for improved programming.
• Ability to work in a team environment and across USAID offices and other agencies at post.
• Ability to manage large, complex development assistance projects.
• Capacity to prepare technical and analytical documents in English with little editing.
• Ability to develop and maintain high level contacts (GOBF, donors, civil society, local bodies) and productive working relationships with other counterparts.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and demonstrate flexibility to manage more than one activity at a time.
• Strong computer skills to conduct work using MS Word, Excel and Power Point and the ability to learn USAID software and computer programs.
• Ability to communicate the democracy and governance policies, program objectives, and analysis of USAID Burkina Faso, USAID/Senegal/SRO and USAID/West Africa at meetings with outside stakeholders.
• Ability to orient, train, and supervise CCNPSC personnel.

Evaluation Summary

Work Experience: 40 points

Knowledge: 20 points

Skills and Abilities: 40 points

Total Possible Points: 100 points

In order to be considered for the position, an offeror must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed above. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Factors.

PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONTACTED OR INTERVIEWED.

PAST PERFORMANCE/PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE CHECKS

Applicants must provide no less than five (5) references with current contact information, preferably both an email address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/Senegal reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (U.S.Ns) are preferred over Third Country Nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

Security and Medical Clearance Requirements

The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to obtain a Facility Access Authorization and must also receive a Worldwide Availability Medical Clearance (WWA/Class 1). Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

Compensation

This position has been classified at GS-14 grade.

For USPSC, the actual salary of the successful applicant will be negotiated within that pay band depending on qualifications and previous earnings history.

For TCNPSC, the actual salary of the successful applicant will be negotiated based on approved Alternate Classification Procedures and benefits in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J, sec. 4(c)(2)(ii)(B)).

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: OPEN TO U.S. CITIZENS AND THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS

USAID policy specifies that U.S. citizens or resident aliens (USNs) are preferred over third country nationals (TCNs). Therefore, USN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate USN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified USNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.

For USPSC:

•     Be a U.S. Citizen;

•     Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER (Section IV);

•     Be able to obtain a Facility Access Authorization;

•     Be able to obtain a Department of State issued Medical Clearance;

•     Be willing/able to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested;

•     Employment is subject to funds availability and all required approvals/clearances obtained.

For TCNPSC:

•     Be a Third Country National. Third Country National means an individual: (1) Who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal resident of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty (Burkina Faso); and (2) Who is eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government expenses;

•     Submit a complete application as outlined in the section titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER (Section

       IV);

•     Be able to obtain a required Facility Access Authorization;

•     Be able to obtain a Department of State issued Medical Clearance;

•     Be willing/able to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested;

•     Employment is subject to funds availability and all required approvals/clearances obtained.

If a TCNPSC is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCNPSC contractor will be required to train a CCNPSC identified by USAID in his/her recognized Technical Area of Expertise. The Supervisor will establish a structured training plan for the TCNPSC with a work objective and performance benchmarks to measure the contractor’s progress toward achieving this required training deliverable.

1.  SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Offers must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to: [email protected] with the Solicitation number in the application submission.  Likewise, applications that have unsigned forms will also not be considered.

Qualified applicants are required to submit:

1.    A signed and dated Cover letter with current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV) attached. The CV/résumé must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

2.    Applicants must provide no less than five (5) references who are not family members or relatives. References should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s job knowledge and professional work experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

3.    Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts form AID 309-2 which can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc. Offerors are required to complete and sign the AID 309-2 form. No substitute AID form will be accepted. 

ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ENGLISH AND ALL DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED AS ONE COMPLETE PACKAGE.

NOTE: This position requires the submission of complete forms and/or supplemental materials as described above.  Failure to provide the required information and/signed documents will result in the applicant not being considered for employment.  Applicants are required to sign and date both the Cover Letter and a completed USAID AID 309-2 form.

2. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms

1.  Medical History and Examination form (DS-6561)

2.  Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

3.  Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

4.  Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)

3. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES (if/as applicable)

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

 

1. Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)
2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
3. Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)
4. Post Allowance (Section 220)
5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
6. Education Allowance (Section 270)
7. Education Travel (Section 280)
8. Post Differential (Chapter 500)
9. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and
10. Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore TCNPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:

1. Post Differential (Section 500)
2. Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220)
3. Payments During Evacuation (Section 600)
4. Education Allowance (Section 270)
5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
6. Educational Travel (Section 280)

 

4. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

TCNPSCs are subject to an individual’s country tax laws and should follow tax requirement of their country of origin.

 

5. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

 

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

 

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), (available at

        https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

• Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions”.  
• Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions”.

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

4. 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.

5. PSC Ombudsman

The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: [email protected].

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

 

The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

END OF RE-SOLICITATION

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