ISSUANCE DATE: February 14, 2008CLOSING DATE: March 05, 2008, 5:00pm Yerevan time SUBJECT: Solicitation No. 111-08-001 for U.S. Personal Service Contractor Off Shore Hire Democracy Advisor Ladies/Gentlemen The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Democracy Advisor at USAID/Armenia, under a personal services contract, as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Send one set of U.S. Government SF 171 or OF 612. Resumes may be attached to the SF 171 or OF 612 and applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms SF 171 or OF 612 must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) by the closing date and time specified in this solicitation to: Attn. Susan D. Hase Management Advisor USAID/Armenia 1 American Avenue Yerevan 0082, Armenia Fax: + (37410) 46-47-28 E-mail: [email protected] Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions regarding this solicitation may be directed to Susan Hase and Narine Sarkisian who may be reached by phone at (37410) 494 638, or (37410) 494 364, by fax at (37410) 464 728, or email at [email protected] and [email protected] Sincerely, John F. Lord Regional Contracting Officer USAID/Armenia 1.SOLICITATION NO.: 111-08-001 2.ISSUANCE DATE: February 14, 2008 3.CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: 5:00pm Yerevan time, March 05, 2008 4.POSITION TITLE: Democracy Advisor, USAID/Armenia Democracy and Governance 5.MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to GS-15 ($95,390 - $124,010). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate past salary, and educational background, work history and qualifications. This position is taxable. 6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with a possibility of one year extension contingent on availability of funds and continuing need of the position 7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Yerevan, Armenia 8.SECURITY ACCESS: Secret 9.AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens who are able to obtain and retain the required security clearance 10.STATEMENT OF WORK A. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION I. Introduction The USAID Mission in Yerevan has program responsibility for implementation of programs designed to create a democratic society and market economy in Armenia. The Democracy and Governance Office (DGO) is currently responsible for managing over 10 activities in these program areas, with an OYB of approximately $8.5 million annually. DGO staff currently consists of 1 USDH, 1 USPSC (incumbent), and 3 FSNs. The DGO portfolio is large, complex and has four major components: Rule of Law and Human Rights, Political Parties and Election Support, Civil Society/Media, Good Governance, and also Mobilizing Action Against Corruption. II. Duties and Responsibilities The Democracy Advisor (DA) functions as the senior technical advisor providing support to the overall Democracy and Governance (DG) portfolio. On a day-to-day basis, the DA is responsible for designing, managing, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring all components of the Mission?s DG portfolio. The DA provides the Mission with policy and financial analyses to advance USAID?s DG programs, and serves as the DA for Armenia, advising the Democracy and Governance Office (DGO) Director and other Mission senior management on DG technical, programmatic and policy issues. The DA receives guidance from the DGO Director and works independently and makes judgments/decisions as specified in this SOW. The incumbent will have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Mission regarding the DG portfolio. The DA serves as a key Mission spokesperson on matters related to DG in Armenia. A. The DA has core management responsibility for the day-to-day activities of the strategic objectives of DGO. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 20% 1.Providing authoritative policy and operational guidance to the DGO Director and technical staff for program design, development and implementation. Providing direction and guidance to team members (including contractors and grantees) to conceptualize, implement, and report on the new and ongoing activities in the portfolios of judicial reform, legislative strengthening, local governance reform, media development, civil society strengthening, elections, and anti-corruption. 2.Overseeing implementation of USAID?s DG reform activities, projects, and programs that contribute to moving Armenia towards a democratic society. 3.Provide input in the formulation of USAID?s country strategy, annual report, program reviews, and other activities and events as requested by the DGO Director or Mission Management. 4.Providing leadership in establishing performance-based monitoring systems and ensure that such systems can be used as effective management and decision-making tools for achieving the strategic objectives and performance targets. 5.Identifying problems and developing strategies for areas in which USAID and other donor intervention(s) could be useful and appropriate, taking into account the current needs of: the judiciary and legal sector, parliamentlocal government NGOs media local communities. 6.Designing, developing, implementing and supervising specific interventions to address constraints and barriers to the development of democracy and governance institutions and instruments in Armenia. 7.As requested, and under the direction of the DGO Director and/or Mission Management, negotiating project assistance with host country officials, both non-governmental and governmental at the Ministerial and parliamentary levels. This will include coordination and exchanges of information with the U.S. Embassy and the Office of the Coordinator (EUR/ACE) within the Department of State. 8.Leading the design and implementation of initiatives that will employ/utilize all types of USG resources, as well as the resources of other donors, to effect changes in the policy, legal, and regulatory framework of Armenia to facilitate democratic development and transparency and openness within government. 9.Maintaining liaison with U.S. and Armenian governments and the donor community to facilitate implementation of the DG team portfolio; participating in Mission and Embassy dialogue with host government representatives specifically in the areas covered by democracy and governance programs and activities. 10.Representing the Mission in discussions with advisors/analysts from other donors, including the UNDP and OSCE; liaison with project backstop officers in USAID/W, U.S. Embassy, and senior government officials in Armenia. 11.Performing all required implementation and administrative duties related to the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) and activity manager roles for the Mission?s election and anti-corruption programs and possibly future awards. Serving as back-up CTO for other DG awards and on-going activities as required. B.As DGO?s point-person for the cross-sectoral anti-corruption team, specific activities will include: 20% 1.Ensuring the integration of anti-corruption measures and consideration into Mission programs. Provide input in the formulation of USAID?s country strategy, annual report, program reviews, and other activities and events as requested by the DGO or, Mission Management. 2.Maintaining liaison with U.S. and Armenian governments, including the President?s Advisor on Anti-Corruption and the Minister Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of Ministers, and the donor community to facilitate implementation of the anti-corruption portfolio; participating in Mission and Embassy dialogue with host government representatives in the areas covered by anti-corruption programs and activities. Make recommendations to the USAID Mission Front Office and U.S. Embassy related to the GOAM?s anti-corruption efforts and USAID programming. 3.Representing the Mission in discussions with advisors/analysts from other donors, including the OSCE, UNDP, OECD, WB, EBRD, and IMF. The OSCE Office in Yerevan chairs a working group of donor organizations and NGOs on GOAM?s anti-corruption efforts. OSCE?s Head of Office holds Ambassadorial rank; serves as liaison with project backstop officers in USAID/W, U.S. Embassy, other donors, and government officials in Armenia, to ensure the complementarity of anti-corruption efforts. Serves as the USAID Mission?s key spokesperson on matters related to anti-corruption. C.Supervision and staff development activities the DGO will include, but not be limited to the following: 25% 1.Serving as direct, first-line supervisor of one (1) FSNPSC, Civil Society Advisor. And will be responsible for the preparation of required performance evaluation reports. 2.Mentoring DGO staff in technical, programmatic, budgetary, and managerial and staff supervisory areas. 3.Assist in the hiring and training of USPSC and FSNPSC staff ensuring that adequate support is provided for efficient and effective office operations and that the DGO staff is fully trained in USAID policies, procedures, and operation. 4.Reviewing work products from the standpoint of ensuring the achievement of overall objectives in the areas for which the incumbent(s) is accountable. 5.Evaluating the technical and/or program managerial performance of subordinates, as well as their compliance with policy regulations and procedures. Initiating or reviewing proposals for all types of personnel actions affecting the office staff. 6.Performing other tasks, as requested and/or assigned, to further the objectives of the overall USAID Mission in Armenia. D. Program support and coordination that will include, but will not be limited to the following: 35% 1. Overseeing, in conjunction with the DGO Director, the development of DGO?s sector project/program-funded budget; working with technical advisors and senior management to determine funding needs and uses. Providing close supervision of project mortgages, pipelines, and funding requirements for signature of the DGO Director. 2.Managing the procurement planning and implementation for the approximately $8.5 million annual DG budget, supervising technical advisors and support staff to ensure that all office procurement actions are properly identified, scheduled, developed, and implemented. 3.Coordinating activities with DGO Director, Mission Director, Controller, Regional Contract Officer, and Program Office to provide reporting on democracy and governance sector developments to ensure maximum program impact. 4.Routinely maintaining contacts at the following levels: a) Parliamentarians; b) Heads of various democracy, Rule of Law, and anti-corruption related committees in the President?s Office and/or Cabinet of Ministers; c) Minister and/or Chief of Staff of the Cabinet of Ministry of Justice, Chairmen of the Constitutional Court and Court of Cassation; d) U.S. Ambassador in Armenia supporting democratic development; e) Chiefs of Party of USAID democracy and governance contractors/grantees; f) Senior executives at the U.S. headquarters of USAID democracy and governance contractors/grantees; g) U.S. PVOs and NGOs (profit and nonprofit) working on democratic development; h) Leaders of NGOs, associations, and presidents of media outlets; i) Other Host Country Officials in democracy, Rule of Law, judicial reform, and parliament; and j)International Donors concerned with the democracy and governance sectors in Armenia. 5.Developing linkages with other donor programs, particularly in the democracy and anti-corruption sectors. Developing a leadership position among the multilateral and bilateral donors in the democracy development field, and coordinate efforts diplomatically among them. 6.Leading and coordinating the work of DG partners, and technical assistance advisors on the DG team. The contractors have their separate institutional expatriate and local professional teams. Incumbent must insure that the activities of contractors and grantees are consistent with USAID?s democracy development strategy, programmatic interests, all pertinent legal regulations, and with the U.S. Government?s larger assistance strategy in the region. 7.Consistent with the levels of GOAM contact defined in paragraph 4 above, meeting regularly with high-ranking public, nongovernmental, and private sector Armenian representatives. Such officials would include Parliamentarians, President and Prime Minister?s Office, Cabinets of Ministers, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Mayors, Judges, and with representatives of the nongovernmental and private sector in order to promote the programs and overcome problems and difficulties that arise in the planning and implementation of program activities. Defend, justify and promote, as appropriate, USAID Armenia?s position, and negotiate and settle controversial issues to achieve diplomatic and harmonious resolution of issues to the benefit of the program strategic objectives. 8.Providing regular and frequent reporting to the DGO Director, the Mission Director, the Deputy Mission Director, the E&E Bureau Offices, EUR/ACE, and the U.S. Embassy on progress, impacts, problems, constraints, and issues related to USAID-financed democracy and governance programs/activities in Armenia. 9.Ensuring that DG team activities are administered in accordance with established policies/procedures, in consultation with USAID Controller, Contracting, Executive, and Legal Officers in Armenia. Ensuring that DG team reporting, documentation, and written communications are responsive, comprehensive, sound, accurate, and timely. 10.Directing the overall management, internal controls, and audit follow-up activities and keeping the DGO Director informed concerning progress, problems, and remedial action required that are beyond his own authority. III. Qualifications and Skills A.Education. At least a Master?s in political science, international relations, government, public administration or J.D in law is required (relevant experience can be substituted for required educational level). B.Prior Work Experience. A minimum of seven years of long- or short-term overseas work, in democracy/civil society, political development, local government and elections is required. Long-term, on-the-ground experience is required, as well as experience in the NIS region and familiarity with regional development issues. C.Complexity. Incumbent must have demonstrated ability to manage a series of highly complex activities (both new and ongoing) and processes to a satisfactory conclusion under varying degrees of ambiguity. The incumbent must be articulate and capable of responding appropriately to rapidly varying situations, requirements, and inquiries. D.Interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work within a team framework and positive interpersonal skills are required, including demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with tact and diplomacy with a variety of individuals in a complicated political context. S/he must be able to operate effectively as a mentor and supervisor with the ability to motivate, guide, and manage all categories of mission staff/personnel. E.Language and communication skills. Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, are required. Ability to communicate in Armenian or Russian is preferred, but not required. IV. Supervision A.Supervision received. The (DA) reports to the U.S. Direct-Hire (USDH) Democracy and Governance Office Director. During times of absence by the DGO Office Director, the incumbent will be supervised by the USAID/Armenia Deputy Mission Director or Mission Director as appropriate. Placement within the Organization/Mission: Democracy and Governance Office, Armenia/DGO Supervisory Control: Position will report directly to the USDH Supervisory Democracy Officer IP#00070125 Employment Category: USPSC Off-Shore/Internal Recruitment/Hire Required Timing for Arrival at Post: o/a June 15, 2008 Contract Duration: Initial Terms of the Contract will be for a 24 month period 11. SELECTION CRITERIA: To be considered, the applicant shall meet those qualifications marked (required). Candidates will be evaluated according to the following criteria: Ranking Factors/Points: Prior Work Experience. A minimum of seven years of long- orshort-term overseas work, in democracy/civil society, political development, local government and elections is required. Long-term, on-the-ground experience is required, as well as experience in the NIS region and familiarity with regional development issues. 30 points Complexity. Incumbent must have demonstrated ability to manage a series of highly complex activities (both new and ongoing) and processes to a satisfactory conclusion under varying degrees of ambiguity. The incumbent must be articulate and capable of responding appropriately to rapidly varying situations, requirements, and inquiries. 25 points Interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work within a team framework and positive interpersonal skills are required, including demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and negotiate with tact and diplomacy with a variety of individuals in a complicated political context. S/he must be able to operate effectively as a mentor and supervisor with the ability to motivate, guide, and manage all categories of mission staff/personnel. 25 points Language and communication skills. Excellent English communication skills, both oral and written, are required. Ability to communicate in Armenian or Russian is preferred, but not required. 10 points Education. At least a Masters in political science, international relations, government, public administration or J.D in law is required (relevant experience can be substituted for required educational level). 10 points Total 100 12. APPLYING: Qualified individuals are requested to submit: 1.A completed and signed OF-612 or SF-171; (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail); 2.A curriculum vitae and a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training address the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria; 3.A relevant writing sample, minimum of two pages and maximum of ten pages; 4.Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application. 5.A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. (please send signed and scanned copy if applying by e-mail) 6.Applications may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing time and date to: Susan D. Hase Management Advisor USAID/Armenia 1 American Avenue Yerevan 0082, Armenia Fax: + (37410) 46-47-28 E-mail: [email protected] The U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Applications received after the submission date and time shall be considered late and will not be considered for award. Equipment failures by the applicant networks or potential employer are not acceptable reasons for late submission. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. After an initial application screening, the best qualified applicants will be invited to participate in an oral interview process via telephone communication. Applicants must be eligible for appointment under host government laws and regulations. The selected candidate will be required to obtain and maintain the required security clearance 13. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES A. Medical Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual and eligible dependents will be required to obtain a medical clearance or waiver, through the Dept. of State, Office of Medical Clearances, for the country of performance specified. Instructions for obtaining the medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded. B. Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a security clearance through the USAID Office of Security. A temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted for the required level of clearance. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded. 14. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS Forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or ** 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). ** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. 15. POLICY GUIDANCE PERTAINING TO PSCS 1. AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this contract. 2. AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID. 16. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employee's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Annual Increase Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service ALLOWANCES (If Applicable): (1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) (2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) (3) Post Allowance (Section 220) (4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) (5) Post Differential (Chapter 500) (6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and (7) Danger Pay (Section 650) (8) Educational Allowance (Section 270) (9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) (10) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas). FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes. End of Solicitation

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