Project Management Specialist (Democracy and Governance) (Multiple Vacancies)

Job Summary:

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

I.           GENERAL INFORMATION

1.     SOLICITATION NO.: 72030619R10051

2.     ISSUANCE DATE: September 03, 2019

3.     CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: September 18, 2019 no later than 4:30 pm Kabul time.

4.     POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Democracy and Governance) (Multiple Vacancies)

5.     MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-10 (Step 1 – 13)

In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of US Embassy Afghanistan. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6.     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 CCNPSC contract will be for one year with a four years option pending continued need for the position, contractor performance, and funds availability.

7.     PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan.

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

9.     STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1.     General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

Under the general supervision and technical guidance of the Democracy and Governance Office Director, Deputy Director, and/or Technical Team Leader, the employee serves as Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative (A/COR) and the Mission’s professional specialist. Work involves the full range of consultative, advisory, monitoring, management, data collection, analysis and evaluative services across the country.

The incumbent is also responsible for designing, managing and evaluating 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 private voluntary organizations (NGOs/PVOs); international donors; Afghanistan government officials; and legal professionals.

Skills Required:

Requires travel to provinces:

Skills Description:

a.     Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have ability to obtain, analyze and evaluate a variety of data and to organize/present it 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. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

1.     Statement of Duties to be Performed

Program/Project Design and Management:

Manages assigned democracy assistance activities or selected components of complex democracy projects, which are underway in the country. Reviews and comments on technical and cost proposals and work plans by prospective and existing implementing partners. Monitors performance through site visits, written reports, management of a third party monitoring mechanism, and regular communication with implementers and recipients. Identifies delays and problems with democracy projects and formulates pragmatic solutions. 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. Monitors project accruals and disbursements. Prepares authorizations for signature of responsible superiors. Consistent with the overall Mission strategy, the incumbent independently cultivates/maintains contacts and dialogue with local partners, Afghan government officials as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) groups in the country. The dialogue with these contacts will be used by the incumbent to monitor the legal and political environment for democracy and when appropriate, to advocate reforms in polices to strengthen democracy and to curtail good governance. Within the framework of guidelines provided by the Democracy Officer, 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:

Assists the Democracy Officer in reviewing all Mission 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. On the basis of USAID policy and program objectives, prepares technical and policy analyses to evaluate trends in the development of democratic culture,the USAID Mission’s Democracy and Governance objective. Contributes directly to the drafting of annual and semi-annual performance reviews, notifications to Congress, and other required reports as assigned. As requested, 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. 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:

Analyses and reports on aspects of democracy assistance activities in Afghanistan relating to democracy and good governance. Using published and unpublished 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 advises ODG staff on program and project strategies and technical approaches. Analyzes the policy statements and plans of the government and non-governmental organizations of Afghanistan and other donors operating in the country to inform USAID programming. Contributes to the drafting of annual and semi-annual performance reviews, notifications to Congress, briefing memoranda and other required reports, as assigned. May serve as site officer or control officer for site visits by senior U.S. Government officials. Participates as a full member of the DG office. Participates in strategy and program reviews. Comments on other activity managers’ project documents, as requested. Drafts and solicits comments from other members for their consideration and approval. 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. Serves, as assigned, as the DG member on Mission teams overseeing other strategic objectives or cross-cutting issues, which interact with democracy assistance objectives. As requested, participates in other technical offices and provides substantive input on DG issues.

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.

2.     Supervisory Relationship

Under the overall direction of the Democracy and Governance Director, or his/her designee, plans and carries out day to day management of his/her portfolio with a high degree of independence. Assigned duties demand innovative thinking, sound judgment, personal initiative, and the ability to assume increasing responsibility and authority. Meets regularly with supervisor to discuss status of projects and related activities.

3.     Supervisory Controls

None.

1.     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.

2.     PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

3.     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 are required to have more information about this solicitation.

Job Location:

Qualifications:

I.           MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a.     Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Law, Business/Public Administration, International Relations or Economics is required. (Education requirement must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

b.     Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant work experience in governance, elections, rule of law, anti-corruption, civil society, donor assistance, monitoring and evaluation, and/or economics activity within Afghan Government’s national, provincial and local government agencies, which demonstrates knowledge about the local conditions and capacities of Afghanistan. (Work experience requirement must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

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

d.     Knowledge: A thorough knowledge and understanding of the socio-political context in Afghanistan is necessary. Contacts with appropriate governmental officials and non-governmental professionals are essential. This must be complemented by a good understanding of 1) the economic, political, and cultural characteristics, and 2) the social problems, resources, and development prospects/priorities for Afghanistan. Must have good knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation relating to development assistance; USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures and documentation; and of the objectives, methodology, and status of the program and projects to which assigned.

II.           EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Below factors will be used for screening candidates to be considered for English Proficiency and written examination.

•          Work Experience                   50 points

•          Knowledge                             30 points

•          Skills and Abilities                20 points

           Maximum Points:                100 points

After an initial application screening, the best qualified applicants will be invited for a written examination, English Proficiency Test and to an oral interview.

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