SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-08-285 ISSUANCE DATE: December 20, 2007 CLOSING DATE: January 17, 2008, 5:00 p.m. EST SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor for a Regional Team Leader in Washington, DC. Ladies/Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (Optional Form 612 only) from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Regional Team Leader 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. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials: * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612. * Supplemental document specifically addressing the six (6) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned applications shall not be considered. These signed forms must be mailed, delivered, faxed, or emailed (email applications must be signed) to: GlobalCorps 1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20004 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Jaimee Braun or Mike Jones Telephone Number: (202) 661-9377 or (202) 661-9366 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Website: www.globalcorps.com Facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Sincerely, Michael Clark Contracting Officer Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Regional Team Leader 1. SOLICITATION NO.: M/OAA/DCHA/OTI-08-285 2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 20, 2007 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: January 17, 2008, 5:00 pm EST 4. POSITION TITLE: Regional Team Leader 5. MARKET VALUE: The initial grade level of this position will be the equivalent of a GS-14 equivalent. The salary range of the GS-14 is $93,822 to $121,967 per annum. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the daily pay range depending on qualifications, salary and work history, experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) years 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC with possible travel as stated in the position description. 8. STATEMENT OF WORK POSITION DESCRIPTION BACKGROUND The Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) was created in 1994 as a distinct operating unit within USAID to help local partners advance peace and democracy in priority conflict-prone countries. Seizing critical windows of opportunity, OTI works on the ground to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance targeted at key transition needs. Countries experiencing a significant political transition in the midst of a disaster or emerging from civil conflict have unique needs that cannot be fully addressed by traditional disaster relief. Timely and effective assistance to promote and consolidate peaceful, democratic advances can make the difference between a successful or a failed transition. OTI assists in securing peace by aiding indigenous, mostly non-governmental, civil society and media organizations. OTI uses such mechanisms as support for re-integration of ex-combatants into civilian society; development of initiatives to promote national reconciliation; identification of quick-impact community self-help projects to meet urgent economic needs; and aid to independent media outlets and community-based organizations to help promote informed debate and broaden public participation. Current OTI country programs include: Colombia, Lebanon, Liberia, Nepal, Pakistan, Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela, and West Bank/Gaza. OTI country programs are designed and managed in Washington, with substantial input and oversight from field-based staff. OTI annually operates ten to twelve country programs on three continents with an average budget of $100 million and 90 staff in Washington and in the field. For more information about OTI and its country programs please see: http://www.usaid.gov/our_work/cross-cutting_programs/transition_initiatives/ To respond quickly and effectively and meet its program objectives and mandate OTI retains a group of high level professionals and experts under personal services contracts (PSCs). These knowledgeable and skilled employees make up the vast majority of the OTI work force and are at its forefront implementing and achieving the organization's programmatic goals and objectives. OTI's Field Programs Division (FPD) develops, oversees, and manages OTI country programs and field staff that includes all programming responsibilities and authorities, and start-up and close out of OTI country programs. FPD staff regularly engage with counterparts in USAID Missions overseas, Regional Bureaus, Department of State, and other offices engaged in country development issues. The FPD provides expertise and technical support for country programs and USAID Missions, and represents OTI in intra/inter-agency sector-specific dialog and debate. INTRODUCTION The purpose of this contract is to hire a Regional Team Leader to lead one of USAID's Office of Transition Initiatives (DCHA/OTI) regional teams in the management of existing country programs and conduct new country program assessments as the need arises. OTI currently has three regional teams within the Field Programs Division: Africa (AFR), Asia and Near East (ANE), and Latin America and Caribbean (LAC). Under this solicitation, the Regional Team Leader is initially expected to manage the ANE team. This is a program-funded USPSC position, which OTI anticipates will focus the vast majority of time on country program implementation. OBJECTIVE The objectives for this position are to (1) ensure USAID/DCHA/OTI's regional team is managed effectively in Washington and the field (effectively manage and supervise OTI Program Manager staff in Washington, and OTI Country Representatives in the field), and (2) ensure US government funds are spent wisely, in coordination with other key actors, and in a manner that reflects OTI standard practice, and USG policy. 9. CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY The Regional Team Leader will be based in Washington and will report to the OTI's Chief of Field Programs Division or his/her designee. The Regional Team Leader's principal responsibility will be the oversight and management of specific DCHA/OTI country programs in one of OTI's three geographic regions. The initial assignment for this position will be with the Asia and Near East (ANE) Team. The Regional Team Leader must be an individual with sound judgment, excellent communication, interpersonal and analytical skills and possess a well-developed understanding of US policy interests. The successful candidate must have a strong interest in assisting countries in transition and be able to accomplish a wide range of assignments on short notice. Since work may require continual changes in program direction and implementation, including frequent coordination, the individual will be someone who is highly flexible and willing to work under conditions of ongoing change. Further, it is important for the Regional Team Leader to be experienced in managing all aspects of transition program operations in order to mentor program staff, and ensure that all processes and procedures are being followed so that program implementation is undertaken efficiently and effectively. The incumbent must demonstrate creativity, excellent communications, leadership and analytical skills, and the ability to operate with high levels of autonomy, responsibility, and authority, while exercising sound judgment in politically charged situations. The candidate must be mature, self-reliant, a team player as well as a leader, and a problem-solver. S/he will have management experience, and understand budgeting and financial management. The successful candidate will be able to communicate effectively with grassroots organizations and their constituencies, national and local government officials, USG agencies, other donor and international governments, the United Nations, and other international organizations, and experience working for, or closely with, USAID or another USG office in the field. S/he must also be able to work efficiently and effectively in a bureaucracy where frequent changes may occur. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The incumbent serves as OTI's principal expert on country program issues related to the region of assignment. A majority of the duties listed below are related to management and supervision of program funded personal, and the development, oversight, and management of OTI's country programs. It is important that the Regional Team Leader quickly familiarize her/himself in the key tasks of the country team members in order to ensure that primary tasks are carried out appropriately and efficiently. The Regional Team Leader's duties will include but not be limited to: * Lead and manage the Regional Team in Washington headquarters, including the management and supervision of Program Manager staff in Washington and Country Representatives in the field, as well as Implementing Partner grants and agreements at the headquarter level. (Note that OTI Country Representatives in the field directly supervise additional field staff, and responsibility for managing implementing partners at the headquarter level may be delegated to trained Program Manager staff in Washington.); * Design staffing plans to meet overall program objectives, ensure staff work objectives and tasks are well defined, and ensure recruitment is initiated immediately when staffing needs arise. Ensure staff are highly qualified and trained and mentored in all critical aspects of OTI operations and programming. Ensure employee performance evaluations are completed in a timely manner in accordance with OTI office policy; * Negotiate, oversee and manage the overall Regional Team country budgets and ensure the Regional Team procurement plan is kept up to date. It is critical to ensure that country programs are appropriately budgeted for. Additional responsibilities include working to secure additional funding from other USG sources if required, and ensuring that the team is trained on all the appropriate systems and tools for budgeting, finances and procurement; * Conceptualize and design, in close coordination with lower and higher-ranking USAID and other U.S. Government officials, OTI country program strategies and determine appropriate USAID funding levels and requirements; * Oversee the design and implementation of new country program operations to include complex country analysis and program design to develop existing and future programs and strategies in high priority countries, including the effective oversight of management, logistical, budget, administrative, human resources, and contractual issues; * Supervise the implementation of OTI-financed activities designed to achieve OTI strategic objectives, including overseeing and/or managing the selection of program implementers, such as grantees, contractors, and Personal Service Contract employees; * Oversee and ensure the development of documentation for any required program contracts, grants or cooperative agreements; * Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with NGOs, international donors, Department of State and other USG agencies and others interested in particular OTI country programs; * Coordinate and communicate with other DCHA, USAID, State Department, Department of Defense and other U.S. Government agency personnel in Washington and the field; cooperating country Government officials; United Nations organizations; the World Bank; and host country and international NGOs; * Monitor and evaluate OTI country programs through regular communication with the OTI program staff and implementing partner headquarter staff, the regular review of reports from the field and Washington, liaising with the OTI Program Office team, and regular field site visits; * Ensure that field programs are provided support, when needed, as an auxiliary team member in the field; * Oversee, develop and/or manage, in conjunction with the OTI Washington staff and OTI country representative in the field, an OTI close-out strategy that will, wherever appropriate and possible, ensure reasonable and effective hand-over to follow-on USAID and/or other donor programs; * Serve as a central participant on inter- and intra-agency policy and crisis task forces when required; * Disseminate regular DCHA/OTI reports to U.S. Government and non-U.S. Government agencies and organizations as deemed appropriate; * When required, assume higher representational responsibilities, potentially serving as acting Chief of Field Programs Division, or Country Representative in the field in his/her absence, for example; * Mentor other OTI Team Leaders, and mentor and train Country Representatives and Program Managers as required; and, * Perform other duties and activities as required for the successful completion of country programs. SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The Regional Team Leader will take direction from and will report to the Chief of Field Programs or his/her designee. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Supervisor will set overall objectives. The employee and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The incumbent is expected to take initiative, act independently, and manage his/her tasks with minimal supervision. 10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on Assessment teams, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds). 11. WORK ENVIRONMENT Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on Assessments, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions. 12. START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained. 13. POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) Bachelor's degree and a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible work experience in the field of international relations, international development, conflict resolution, or a related field in the social sciences; of which a minimum of seven (7) years must include recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, and/or human rights activities; of which three (3) years must include overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance transition programs or democracy building. OR Master's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field, including International Relations, International Development, Conflict Resolution or a related field; and a minimum of seven (7) years must include recent project management experience with a USG foreign affairs agency, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, economic development, mediation/arbitration, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, humanitarian assistance, and/or human rights activities; of which three (3) years must include overseas field experience in humanitarian assistance, transition programs or democracy building. AND * Minimum of two (2) years of overseas field experience in conflict-prone countries. * Minimum of five (5) years prior supervisory experience, of which two (2) years must include supervising at a management level (defined as supervising supervisors). SELECTION FACTORS (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.) * Applicant is a U.S. Citizen; * Complete and hand-signed federal form OF-612 submitted; * Supplemental document specifically addressing the Evaluation Factors submitted; * Ability to obtain a SECRET level security clearance - NOTE: The applicant shall state in the "Other Qualifications" section of the OF612 whether they now have or have ever had an active U.S. Government security clearance; * Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance; * Satisfactory verification of academic credentials. EVALUATION FACTORS (Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.) Factor #1 Demonstrated team building skills, with an ability to lead, supervise, motivate, guide, and train diverse professional staff, contractors and/or grantees in challenging operating environments. Factor #2 Demonstrated experience in contract and/or grant management with demonstrated ability to motivate, guide and manage contractors and grantees in difficult, complex circumstances. Factor #3 Demonstrated professional experience in the conceptualization, design, management, and evaluation of project activities relevant to political transition and/or post-conflict programs. Factor #4 Demonstrated interpersonal, cross-cultural, negotiating, and program representation skills illustrated by the ability to interact in a team setting, or with counterparts, on both the lowest and highest political, social, and economic levels. Factor #5 Demonstrated ability to consistently and independently perform in a complex, high visibility, and high-pressure environment. Factor #6 Demonstrated oral and written communication, and analytical skills illustrated through the preparation and presentation of narrative reports, briefing papers, and other official documents. BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience Requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the Evaluation Factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection and/or Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. The Applicant Rating System is as Follows: Evaluation Factors have been assigned the following points: Factor #1 - 20 Factor #2 - 15 Factor #3 - 15 Factor #4 - 10 Factor #5 - 10 Factor #6 - 10 Total Possible - 80 Points Interview Performance - 20 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks - Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 APPLYING: Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: 1. A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov or at Federal offices) or www.globalcorps.com. 2. A supplemental document specifically addressing each of the six (6) Evaluation Factors shown in the solicitation. 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. DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004 Via facsimile: (202) 403-3911 or (202) 403-3941 Via email: [email protected] The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OTI will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. NOTE: If a temporary or full secret security clearance is not obtained within four months, the offer may be rescinded. NOTE: The incumbent must obtain Department of State medical clearance within six months after award. If medical clearance is not obtained within this period, USAID may terminate the contract at the convenience of the government. NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION 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 application. NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to FAR Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) http://acquisition.gov/comp/far/current/html/52_200_206.html#wp1137568

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