Project Management Specialist (Democracy and Governance) FSN-12 (Multiple Vacancies)

About USAID/Afghanistan

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72030621R10014

ISSUANCE DATE: April 15, 2021

CLOSING DATE/TIME: April 29, 2021 (4:30 PM Kabul Time)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) Project Management Specialist (Democracy and Governance) FSN-12 (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 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 the Point of Contact specified in the attachment 1.

Sincerely,

Contracting Officer

Job Summary

​Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

I.      GENERAL INFORMATION

1.     SOLICITATION NO.: 72030621R10014

2.     ISSUANCE DATE: April 15, 2021

3.     CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: April 29, 2021 no later than 4:30 PM Kabul time

4.     POINT OF CONTACT: E-mail at kblaidfsnjobs@usaid.gov

5.     POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Democracy and Governance)

6.     MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-12 (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.

7.     PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, estimated to start one (1) month following receipt of Security Clearance. Employment contract issued under this solicitation is of a continuing nature. Its duration is expected to be part of a series of sequential contracts.

8.  PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9.  ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Cooperating Country National (CCN), meaning an individual who is a cooperating country (Afghanistan) citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Foreign Service National (FSN) Security Certification.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

Under the general supervision and technical guidance of the Office of Democracy and Governance (ODG) Director or the designee, the incumbent serves as Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative (A/COR) and the Mission’s senior staff with emphasis on strengthening governance and democratic institutions in Afghanistan. Work involves the full range of consultative, advisory, monitoring, management, data collection, analysis and evaluative services across the country. The incumbent is recognized as the Mission’s senior expert and principal Cooperative Country National (CCN) advisor to Mission’s senior management on issues of democratic development and good governance.

The incumbent is responsible for designing, managing, and evaluating complex, multi-million-dollar USAID initiatives promoting democracy and governance that are politically viable, cost effective, and respond effectively to areas of greatest need and potential. As such, the incumbent must be knowledgeable about and committed to the role democracy and governance plays in a democratic system and must be effective in obtaining the willing agreement, cooperation, and support of relevant counterparts in the country. Counterparts include, but are not limited to U.S., international, and indigenous Non-Governmental and Private Voluntary Organizations (NGOs/PVOs), international donors, and Afghanistan government officials.

Duties & Responsibilities

1.     Statement of Duties to be Performed:

PROGRAM/PROJECT DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT:

Under the guidance and direction of the Office Director or the designee, the incumbent supervises other CCNs on one of the two major cross-sectorial technical teams. This may include setting work priorities, reviewing/approving assigned work tasks, and coordinating responses to data calls/taskers from the Executive Office (EXO), Office of Program and Project Development (OPPD), and Office of Financial Management (OFM). The incumbent manages assigned democracy and governance assistance activities or selected components of complex democracy projects. The incumbent reviews and comments on technical and cost proposals and work plans by prospective and existing implementing partners. The incumbent monitors performance through site visits, written reports, third-party monitors, and regular communication with implementers and beneficiaries. The incumbent identifies delays and problems with projects and formulates pragmatic solutions. The incumbent documents findings and follow-up actions in monitoring reports. Researches and provides implementers with information or appropriate guidance on USAID regulations and how to comply with them. The incumbent monitors project accruals and disbursements. The incumbent prepares authorizations for signature of responsible colleagues. Consistent with the overall Mission strategy, the incumbent independently cultivates/maintains contacts and dialogue with local partners, Afghan government officials, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country. The dialogue with these contacts will be used by the employee to monitor the legal and political environment for democracy and governance and to advocate for reforms in policies to strengthen democracy and to increase good governance. Within the framework of guidelines provided by the Office Director, The incumbent conducts negotiations with relevant counterparts in Afghanistan regarding the design, development, and implementation of democracy and governance activities and programs and the types and amounts of support to be provided by each party.

MISSION STRATEGY:

The incumbent assists the Office Director and the designee in reviewing the relevant activities for compliance with U.S. laws, USAID regulations and policies, international law, and bilateral international agreements between the U.S. Government and host country government. Based on USAID policy and program objectives, the incumbent prepare technical and policy analyses to evaluate trends in the development of democratic culture--the USAID Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) objectives. The incumbent contributes directly to the drafting of annual and semi-annual performance reviews, notifications to Congress, and other required reports as assigned. As requested, the incumbent briefs officials from the United States and Afghanistan along with contractor representatives on the state of democracy development, needed reforms, counterpart actions, constraints and other related issues. The incumbent drafts technical justifications for new activities and for changes to ongoing activities and programs. These drafts cover economic, political, cultural and social factors; assistance objectives and methodology; and needed inputs and expected results. Activities include research and writing, as well as substantive participation in program planning and implementation Mission wide.

COUNTRY ANALYSIS AND PROGRAM REPORTING:

The incumbent analyzes and reports on those aspects of assistance activities in Afghanistan relating to democracy and good governance. Using primary and secondary sources, and, where necessary, conducting research of a qualitative and/or quantitative nature, assesses the impact of new developments and interventions regarding democracy assistance in assigned areas. On the basis of contacts and research findings, the incumbent recommends approval, modification, or rejection of program objectives, approaches, timing, and scope. The incumbent analyzes the policy documents of the Government of Afghanistan, Afghan non-governmental organizations, and other donors operating in the country to identify “targets of opportunity” for future USAID interventions in support of democracy strengthening efforts in order to minimize duplication of effort. The incumbent contributes directly to the drafting of annual and semi-annual performance reviews, notifications to Congress, and other required reports, as assigned. On a selected basis, the incumbent provides reporting and analysis on initiatives, programs and activities outside of the Democracy and Governance portfolio. As requested, briefs U.S. and Afghan officials, along with contractor representatives on the state of democracy development in Afghanistan, needed reforms, and required counterparts’ actions, constraints and other related issues which may impede progress.

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

2.     Supervisory Relationship

Under the overall direction of the ODG Director or the designee, the incumbent plans and carries out day to day management of portfolio with a high degree of independence. Assigned duties demand innovative thinking, sound judgement, personal initiative, and the ability to assume increasing responsibility and authority. The incumbent meets regularly with the ODG leadership to discuss the status of projects and related activities.

3.     Supervisory Controls

The incumbent provides oversight as assigned to grantees, contractors, and consultants who are implementing various components of ODG development programs in Afghanistan. The incumbent will be supervising the following positions: Project Management Specialists FSN-11 and Project Management Specialists FSN-10.

1.     PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Job Requirements

I. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION:

a) Education: A Master’s Degree in Public Administration/Political Science, Good Governance/Media, Economics, Development/International Studies, or Peace/Conflict Studies is required. (Education requirements must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

b) Work Experience: The incumbent must have at least five (5) years of work experience demonstrating knowledge of public administration, democracy, and governance issues in Afghanistan, and/or experience in another related field, which demonstrates increasing responsibility for managing, analyzing, coordinating, and guiding significant analytical and project management efforts. Prior work experience with an international organization or donor agency is required. (Work experience requirements must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

c) Language: Level IV (fluent) speaking/writing of English and Level IV (fluent) speaking/writing of Dari or Pashto is required. (English language ability will be tested).

d) Knowledge: A thorough knowledge and understanding of the political situation in Afghanistan is necessary. This must be complemented by a good understanding of Afghanistan’s: 1) specific economic, political, and cultural characteristics, and 2) its social problems, resources constraints, and development prospects/priorities.

e) Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have the ability to obtain, analyze and evaluate data and to organize/present the analysis in concise written and oral form; independently plan, develop, manage, and evaluate important and complex programs and projects; and furnish information and advice in assigned areas with detachment and objectivity. The incumbent must be able to independently establish and maintain contacts with senior-level ministerial officials of the Afghan government and with leading officials in the non-governmental arena in order to explain and defend USAID project and program policies, objectives, and procedures and to transmit and interpret host country government and non-governmental sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials.

II. 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.

After the closing date for receipt of applications, applications will be reviewed for basic eligibility (quality check, submitted all required documents, meeting the set requirements, education and experience). Successful Applications will be forwarded to the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for review. The TEC will review and score the application based on the evaluation factors as described below. Successful candidates at this stage will be invited for an English Proficiency Test and Skills Test. Candidates with the best scores based on their application and skills test will be invited for interview

Application: 30 Points: Extent to which the applicant has the education or training required to satisfy position elements, and quality of experience or skills necessary to successfully perform the work. The application review will be weighted as follows: Experience (15 points), Job Knowledge and Skills (15 points). (See II. b, d, e.) Candidates with superior scores from the application review will be invited to complete an English test and skills test. Those that are determined successful in the English Test and Skills test will participate in an interview. 

English Proficiency Test (EPT) Pass/Fail (Level IV):

Skills Test: 20 Points: Candidates will have one hour to attend a written assessment. Questions will focus on candidates' knowledge of the following areas: a) democracy and governance, b) rule of law c) elections and d) anti-corruption and transparency. There will also be questions that will gauge their expertise in the areas of program design and management, budget management, communication and coordination.

Interview: 50 Points: Interview questions will revolve around the candidate’s propensity to:

· Demonstrate an understanding of US and Afghanistan laws and policies related to promoting democracy and governance in Afghanistan.

· Demonstrate an understanding and expertise in designing, managing and evaluating complex, multi-million-dollar USAID initiatives in the areas of rule of law, elections, anti-corruption and transparency

·  Demonstrate expertise in managing large teams with complex projects and programs

· Demonstrate an ability to produce and present to ODG and the mission leadership memos, and technical notes on issues concerning democracy and governance in Afghanistan

·  Demonstrate an ability to work effectively in a team environment

·  Demonstrate an ability to represent USAID to inter-agency, Afghan government and donor community

Total Possible Score: 100 Points:

References of the finalists will be checked prior to offering the position. Applicant references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities. USAID/Afghanistan reserves the right to seek references from anyone who may be able to provide information about a candidate; reference checks are not limited to the names provided. A preponderance of negative references will likely disqualify a candidate from consideration.

USAID/Afghanistan reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.

Submission Guideline

I. SUBMITTING AN OFFER:

Applicants are required to complete and submit a complete application package which must include all required documents (provided below) to AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov with a Subject line Project Management Specialist (DG) FSN-12 (SOL#: 72030621R10014). Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

a)Complete the mandatory Google form application available on the following link:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ecmH--JXDFpb8YgznykM5X_BgDeF2fh2XOb3oHO_-WI/edit?usp=sharing

b)Cover memo/email text that outlines how your qualifications and experience meet the selection criteria.

c)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

d)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, 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:

Æ Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Æ This vacancy is open only to Afghan Nationals.

Æ Applications with old DS-174 form will not be considered.

Æ Applications with insufficient, incomplete and inconsistent information to make a determination will not be considered.

Æ No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained.

Æ Applications submitted as .RAR and/or WinZip file will not be considered.

Æ 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 application, candidates must also meet in full the experience requirement. There is no exception to these requirements.

Æ 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.

Æ The Agency retains the full right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions.

Æ To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

II.   LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD:

The Contracting Officer (CO) will provide instructions on how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1.     Pre-employment Medical History and Examination Form;

2.     U.S. Embassy Kabul Security Certification Request Package;

3.     Appointment Affidavits Standard Form 61.

III. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES:

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

1.     BENEFITS:

-       Defined Contribution Plan (DCF) 12% of the base salary

-       Premium Pay

-       Leave Benefits (Annual, Sick, Maternity, Nursing, Hajj (Pilgrimage) and Special)

-       Medical Benefits

-       Death and Disability Benefits

-       Retirement and other end of service benefits

-       Travel and Temporary Duty (TDY) Benefits

2.     ALLOWANCES (as applicable):

-       35% Unique Conditions of Work Allowance (UCWA)

-       Transportation Allowance

IV. 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.

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

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

1. 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

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

3. 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

o https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-20-08 Leave and Holidays for CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, including country leave for qualifying posts for eligible TCNPSCs

o https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-06-08 AIDAR, APPENDICES D AND J: Using the optional schedule to incrementally fund contracts

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

Functional Area

Governance

Public Administration

Countries

Submission Email

AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov

Attachments

DS-174.PDF

Solicitation - 72030621R10014 - Project Management Specialist (DG) FSN-12.pdf

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