ATTACHMENT 1                                                                                72066320R00018

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066320R00018
2. ISSUANCE DATE: 08/26/2020
3. CLOSING DATE / TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 09/25/2020 (5:00pm Ethiopia’s local time.)
4. POINT OF CONTACT: Annmarie McGillicuddy, Supervisory EXO and Fekadu Tamirate, HR Specialist, email at [email protected].
5. POSITION TITLE: Program Officer
6. MARKET VALUE: $92,977 to $120,868 equivalents to GS-14. The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: For one year, with the option to renew for an additional one year (base period plus option years). Estimated to start on 11/01/2020.
   1. The base period will be 11/01/2020 –10/31/2021 estimated to start on 11/01/2020, with one-year option to renew. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for three years for the date(s) estimated as follows:

Base Period:11/01/2020 –10/31/2021

Option Years:11/01/2021 –10/31/2022

1. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, with possible travel throughout Ethiopia, the rest of Africa, and to the United States.
2. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens.

           For USPSC:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING.
• Be able to obtain secret clearance access authorization.
• Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.
• Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.
• Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained.

1. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret clearance. The final selected candidates must obtain both the appropriate security and medical clearances within a reasonable period. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

1. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

Background

Over the past decade, Ethiopia has maintained one of the fastest rates of economic growth in the world, and its poverty rate has decreased from 44 percent in 2000 to 23.5 percent in 2016. The Government of Ethiopia (GOE) is a strong regional security partner in combating terrorist threats, contributing peacekeeping troops, and hosting the continent’s second largest refugee population. However, Ethiopia, one of the most populous landlocked countries in the world, with an estimated 102 million people, remains beset by severe challenges that threaten its development gains. Chronic malnutrition, extreme poverty, a restless, youth bulge, rapidly expanding urban centers, increasingly limited space for political expression and association, civil and political conflict and intensifying droughts all strain the GOE’s ability to provide for its citizens.  Recently, the government appointed a new prime minister and several new ministers and is sending strong signals in response to citizen concerns for a more transparent and responsive system. 

With an active portfolio worth approximately $2 billion and more than 100 on-going activities, USAID/Ethiopia implements one of the US Government’s (USG) largest and most complex development and humanitarian assistance programs. USAID/Ethiopia’s interventions work to save lives, build resilient systems, and maintain a focus on supporting Ethiopia’s long-term goal of a more self-reliant, prosperous and democratic society.  Ethiopia’s FY 2017 budget is $892 million, including $584 million in humanitarian assistance, and contributes to five Presidential initiatives – Feed the Future, Power Africa, the Global Health Initiative, the President's Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief, and the Presidential Malaria Initiative.  As a high profile country USAID supports the embassy with numerous official visitors, including delegations headed by the USAID Administrator and numerous members of Congress. USAID Ethiopia’s staff includes 217 positions: 43 U.S. Direct Hires (USDH), 24 U.S. Personal Service Contractors (USPSC), 2 Third Country National PSCs and 148 Foreign Service Nationals (FSN). The Mission also provides comprehensive regional support to USAID’s office in Djibouti, which has a program portfolio worth $33 million and 2 USDH, 1 USPSC, and 12 FSN staff members.

USAID/Ethiopia is a pilot Country Development and Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) country for the Agency with the intent of providing lessons learned on how to develop a strategy that places a country on a path toward self-reliance. The approved CDCS identifies a goal whereby Ethiopia will become more prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant, with empowered citizens driving effective and accountable governance, poverty reduction, and improved crises management.  This would be targeted by achieving development objectives that seek to: (1) reduce risk and impact of disasters; (2) increase resilience of vulnerable populations to key shocks; (3) improve broad-based, inclusive economic growth; (4) advance health and education outcomes through effective and gender equitable systems, and a Special Objective that advances citizen-centered governance

ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION:

Based in USAID/Ethiopia, Addis Ababa, the Program Officer (PO) serves in the Program Office for USAID/Ethiopia, and reports to the Supervisory Program Officer and would join a team of 13, including 3 USDHs and 10 FSNs.  The USAID/Ethiopia Program Office executes all strategic development processes, budget planning, project and activity design, establishes useful and practical Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) processes and robustly links MEL with Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) and Knowledge Management (KM).  The Program Office also conducts public outreach and engagement, supports donor coordination and helps the Mission build strong partnerships with GOE counterparts and the private sector. The Program Office is highly integrated across the Mission’s portfolio in advancing the agency’s program cycle and providing counsel through regular, on-going backstop support to technical offices.  It also provides guidance to Mission staff on promoting and strengthening cross-office collaboration to execute an integrated County Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), supports best practices, innovation and creative thinking, and is a hub of thought-leadership.  The Program Office also translates policy and provides guidance on the application of agency guidelines and regulations.

1. Statement of Duties to be Performed

This high-level professional position requires advanced, hands-on, state-of-the-art knowledge, strong interpersonal relationship and managerial skills, and sound judgment.  The PO exercises a high degree of personal initiative, and must set and meet deadlines in a complex organizational structure. The PO advises the Supervisory Program Officer on strategic and management issues, supports the formulation and execution of Mission policy, and supports technical offices in the planning and implementation of development programming.  The PO cultivates and maintains strong relationships and partnerships with officials in the GOE, especially with the Ministry of Finance and Economic Cooperation (MOFEC), international donors, and key Washington and Embassy interagency stakeholders. 

The PO must be flexible and be able to work on any of the core Program Office work streams.  This includes strategic development and implementation, budget planning, project planning and execution, activity design, performance management planning, communications and public outreach, donor coordination, and/or other duties as assigned by the Supervisory Program Officer.  

The PO must be a self-starter and demonstrate the ability to exercise significant, independent and professional judgment, and anticipate and address both systemic and ad hoc challenges related to any of the components of the program cycle.  The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to delivering development assistance; a customer service-oriented approach to serving broad Mission needs; and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully resolve conflict, while maintaining strong and collaborative relationships.  The Mission seeks a candidate who will be responsive to client needs, has the ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure, and is a team player.

Specific responsibilities may include:  

• Advancing USAID/Ethiopia’s strategic development process
• Budget planning
• Project and activity design and implementation
• Performance management
• Communications and public outreach
• Donor coordination and engagement
• Supporting the planning and implementation of Organizational Development (OD) activities
• Fostering a Mission-wide environment that promotes Mission learning and adaptation
• Supporting the CLA Agenda
• Planning and executing Mission-wide Portfolio Reviews
• Supporting Program Office excellence and ensuring a customer service-oriented engagement with front, technical and support offices.
• Coordinating with staff in the development of the Mission’s reports including the annual Operational Plan (OP), Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ), Performance Plan and Report (PPR), and Congressional Notifications (CN).
• Producing high-quality material, including reports, memos, or briefers.
• Flexibly supporting the Program Office and Mission through other tasks, as assigned.

1. USAID Consultation or orientation (if applicable): None anticipated.
2. Supervisory Relationship:

The PO reports directly to the Supervisory Program Officer. The PO must show strong, independent initiative, and be able to work with minimal supervision.  

1. Supervisory Controls: The PO supervises four Foreign Service Nationals
2. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Note: No- in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained, unless you are required to have more information about this solicitation.

1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Applications will be initially screened by the Human Resources Office to determine whether they have met the minimum qualifications listed below. A list of qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring office for further consideration and screening.

EDUCATION: A minimum of a master’s degree in international development, management, economics, business, or a related field is required.  Training in the areas of leadership, program management, project design, MEL, risk management and/or USAID policies and procedures is a plus. Additional evaluation points will be given to offerors who exceed the minimum requirement.

WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in areas such as strategy development, budgeting, project planning and execution, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), communications, public engagement, or managing international development programs or activities.

1. 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.

The TEC may conduct interviews with all offerors in the competitive range and provide the final rating and ranking of the offerors based on the interview. The CO will also consider findings from the reference checks as part of the responsibility determination.

EDUCATION (20 points): A minimum of a Master’s Degree in international development, management, economics, business, or a related field is required.  Training in the areas of leadership, program management, project design, MEL, risk management and/or USAID policies and procedures is a plus.

EXPERIENCE (50 points): A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in strategy development, budgeting, project planning and execution, MEL, communications, public engagement, and/or managing international development programs or activities.  Familiarity with USAID Agency and Program Office processes and procedures, and mastery of development programming concepts.  KNOWLEDGE: The candidate must possess a mastery of program budget planning and oversight. Advanced understanding of the Program Cycle as elaborated in USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) 201 -- including a sophisticated understanding of Collaborating, Learning and Adapting (CLA) and the Program Cycle -- is strongly preferred.

Demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed-upon parameters with minimal supervision or guidance, while exercising sound judgment. Advanced facilitation, coordination interpersonal, consensus building and problem-solving skills. Ability to work in a cross-cultural context and within team settings and maintain a customer service-orientation. 

COMMUNICATION EXERCISE (30 points):   Demonstrated ability to write and speak effectively, problem-solve, facilitate discussions, build consensus, and resolve conflict. Strong communications skills are critical to the position.  The candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate diplomatically, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including the ability to draft high-quality technical reports, presentations and briefings.  The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to produce professional-quality analyses, and to deliver authoritative, persuasive oral presentations to senior USG officials from multiple agencies, other donors, and the GOE.

1. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2,“Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, “available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

1. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.
2. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.
3. Letter of Application and current resume.
4. Application must be submitted ONLY via [email protected] with the subject line indicating 72066320R00018, Program Officer.  Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.
5. Please submit the application only once; and
6. Late and incomplete applications may not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the closing date at local Ethiopia time 5 p.m. (Local Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Time.

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1.  Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)
2.  Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86),or
3.  Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
4.  Fingerprint Card (FD-258)

1. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

BENEFITS:

1. Employer's FICA Contribution
2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
3. Pay Comparability Adjustment
4. Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)
5. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
6. Annual and Sick Leave
7. ALLOWANCES (if applicable):

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

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)

1. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable state income taxes.

1. 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),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,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.
2. Contract Cover Page form AID309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

1. 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.

1. 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 5CFR2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations.

END OF SOLICITATION

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Ethiopia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Ethiopia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.

The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.