USAID Job Opening


APPLY FOR THIS POSITION

 

                                                SOLICITATION NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-05-134

ISSUANCE DATE: November 16, 2004

CLOSING DATE: December 6, 2004 - 11:59 PM Local Time

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) – Assistant Program Officer for Iraq – Information Officer

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications of qualified individuals from U.S. citizens interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation.

 

Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

 

1)      SIGNED and completed federal form OF-612 or SF-171

2)      Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs)

 

Applications that are received without a signature and supplemental QRFs document will not be considered for the position. Applicants are responsible for submitting materials that are in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. There will be no exceptions. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

 

Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to:

 

            Mike Jones or Stephanie Paul

            Telephone Number: (202) 661-9366 or 202-661-9369

E-Mail Address: mailto:dos@globalcorps.com

Website: http://www.globalcorps.com/

            Facsímile: 240-465-0244

 

 

All applications should be submitted to:

 

            GlobalCorps

            1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200

            Washington, DC 20004

 

Sincerely,

 

 

M. E. Yearwood

Contracting Officer

 

 

Assistant Program Officer / Information Officer - Iraq

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER:             DCHA/OFDA-05-134

2. ISSUANCE DATE:                          November 16, 2004

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME:                   December 6, 2004 - 11:59 PM Local Time

4. POSITION TITLE:                           Assistant Program Officer / Information Officer

5. MARKET VALUE:                          GS-13 ($62,905 – $81,778)

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:       1 year, with option to renew for 1 year

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:         Baghdad, Iraq

8. SECURITY ACCESS:                      Secret

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:        Open to all U.S. Citizens

 

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Background

 

USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) has provided more than $114 million in FY 2003 and 2004 to support humanitarian needs in Iraq, including delivering essential medicines to healthcare facilities, providing emergency health services, and rehabilitating water treatment and sewage plants, clinics, hospitals, and schools. 

 

OFDA expects a new allocation of $70 million in Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Funds (IRRF) through FY 2006 to respond to the needs of up to one million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq, as well as vulnerable populations in communities hosting IDPs.  Interventions aimed at reducing mortality, morbidity, and economic impact associated with displacement will help meet immediate needs, support the longer-term goal of enhancing stability within Iraq and facilitate the return of IDPs to non-contentious areas. OFDA currently has seven international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) and International Organization (IO) partners, and plans to issue an Annual Program Statement soliciting new proposals to expand implementing capacity.

 

Introduction

 

The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA). OFDA is organized into three divisions, under the management of the Office of the Director. The Disaster Response and Mitigation (DRM) Division is responsible for coordinating with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and humanitarian assistance.  DRM also devises, coordinates, and implements program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations. DRM hires sector specialists to provide technical expertise in assessing the quality of disaster response. The Program Support (PS) Division provides programmatic and administrative support including budget/financial services, procurement planning, contracts and grants administration, and communication support for OFDA’s Washington and field offices. The Operations (OPS) Division develops and manages logistical, operational, and technical support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams, Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs).

The Assistant Program Officer/Information Officer (APO/IO) will be a part of OFDA’s Europe, Middle East and Central Asia (EMCA) regional team within the DRM Division, as well as the part of the USAID/DCHA team in Baghdad.

OBJECTIVE

 

The DCHA/OFDA Senior Management Team has determined that OFDA needs to maintain an APO/IO in Baghdad to meet its program objectives.  The APO/IO provides a critical support to the OFDA Program Officer, and ensures accurate documentation and reporting on OFDA programs.

 

STATEMENT OF WORK

 

The DCHA/OFDA Iraq Assistant Program Officer/Information Officer (APO/IO) is responsible for supporting the Program Officer position, coordinating disaster response activities, monitoring existing programs, and the identification and formulation of new programs in conjunction with current and possible future OFDA partners, in order to fulfill OFDA’s objectives in Iraq. 

 

In addition, raising the profile of DCHA/OFDA programs within the USAID Mission, the Embassy and the U.S. Government at large, is a critical function of this position.   In this role, the APO/IO is responsible for the following:

·          Collecting, analyzing, documenting, and distributing information on DCHA/OFDA activities and activities of DCHA/OFDA partners

·          Preparing “bullets” for inclusion in USAID daily reports

·          Assisting with the preparation of briefing papers, operational plans, maps, talking points

·          Coordinating information-gathering and reporting activities with cooperating agencies

 

Further, the DCHA/OFDA Iraq APO/IO shall be responsible for the following:

 

Support for Program Management and Liaison

 

Working directly under the Iraq Program Officer, the APO/IO will assist with Program Officer activities including providing support to:

 

  • Coordinate and maintain close liaison with representatives of the Embassy, relevant ministries, donor governments, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to ensure efficient and coordinated programs;
  • Coordinate and maintain close liaison with Coalition forces Civil Affairs units on humanitarian issues;
  • Coordinate closely with any DCHA/OFDA field personnel including the Field Office in Erbil;
  • Coordinate closely with other DCHA personnel and USAID Mission in order to ensure a program that is well integrated with DCHA’s and USAID’s overall objectives;
  • Manage and monitor DCHA/OFDA funded activities; recommend appropriate relief assistance and emergency interventions;
  • Manage existing DCHA/OFDA cooperative agreement and grant programs, including reviewing implementation plans (IPs), providing recommendations, and communicating with partners on the development of IPs in coordination with OFDA/Washington;
  • Assist OFDA/Logistics in coordinating the requests, receipt, distribution, tracking, and accounting of relief supplies provided by OFDA;
  • Facilitate and coordinate the arrival and departure of additional OFDA/Washington personnel, as necessary;
  • Facilitate the management of other OFDA field staff, as necessary;
  • Other duties as assigned.

 

Reporting

  • Prepare and clear reporting as appropriate according to identified procedures.  Currently the primary channel for reporting is through development “bullets” for USAID daily reports.  The primary focus of reporting should be on DCHA/OFDA programs.
  • Provide talking points and other briefing materials as requested for various field-based entities.
  • Coordinate information gathering and sharing within the DCHA office and with other cooperating agencies.  This includes attending relevant coordination meetings.
  • Continually collect, verify, analyze, and update information on the general situation status, progress of relief activities, areas of concern, and maps from DCHA members and other sources.
  • In coordination with DCHA/OFDA Program Officer, and through appropriate channels, ensure the Press Officer has access to the most accurate and updated information regarding DCHA/OFDA programs.

 

Security

  • OFDA Field Personnel will adhere strictly to Embassy and Mission security guidelines and will coordinate any travel outside the “Green Zone” with the DCHA Team Leader, USAID/EXO, and other relevant parties.  All travel outside Baghdad will be cleared with OFDA/Washington as well.

 

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:  The APO/IO works under the supervision of the DCHA/OFDA Program Officer in Baghdad.  The APO/IO will report to the Program Officer for day to day activities.  For some activities, the APO/IO may report directly to the EMCA team Regional Coordinator, DCHA/OFDA, Washington, DC.

 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:  Supervisory controls will be minimal.  The supervisor will provide overall programmatic and administrative objectives.  The incumbent and the supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be done.

 

BASIC REQUIREMENTS AND SELECTIVE FACTORS: Candidates not meeting all of the basic qualifications and selective factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.

 

·         Three years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance plus Bachelor’s degree.

 

OR

 

·         Two years experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance plus Masters

degree.

  • Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance as provided by USAID (Please see note below).
  • US Citizenship.

 

 

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs): (Determines the ranking of qualified candidates in comparison to other applicants)

 

QRF #1            Demonstrated internal and external information product development (fact sheets, situation reports, memos), program support, planning, and/or administrative coordination experience in the field of disaster response/preparedness/mitigation and humanitarian assistance;    

 

QRF #2            Demonstrated knowledge and experience with a diverse array of individuals and organizations involved in disaster response/preparedness/mitigation and humanitarian assistance, including U.S. Government agencies (e.g., USAID, State Department, Department of Defense, Centers for Disease Control, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), United States Geological Survey, non-governmental organizations, UN and other international organizations;

 

QRF #3            Served overseas for the USG as an Information Officer while working in a disaster or humanitarian relief situation overseas, Iraq and/or Middle East experience preferred;

 

QRF #4            Additional experience in disaster response/mitigation and humanitarian assistance above that required in the Basic Qualifications and Selective Factors;

 

QRF #5            Work experience with the U.S. Government, an international organization or a non-governmental organization in an information officer position;

 

QRF #6            Basic computer skills, including demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word and MS Excel, and proficiency managing data systems management and communications equipment;

 

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the basic qualifications and selection factors will be further evaluated based on the quality ranking factors. As a result, applicants are required to submit a cover letter that addresses each of the factors and describes specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are relevant.  Also include the duration of the activity, if relevant. Failure to address every factor may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience.

The above QRFs have been assigned the following points:

QRF #1 –   12 points

QRF #2 –   10 points

QRF #3 –   10 points

QRF #4 –    8 points

QRF #5 –    6 points

QRF #5 –    4 points

 

Total Points – 50

 

WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY: 

 

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

 

  1. A U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at 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. Cover Letter specifically addressing each Quality Ranking Factor (QRF)

 

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.  

 

Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004

Via facsímile: 240-465-0244

Via email: apo@globalcorps.com

 

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. It is also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.

 

Note: If a temporary clearance is not obtained within nine months, the offer will be rescinded.

 

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS

 

Forms outlined below can found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html.

 

   1. Optional Form 612 or Standard Form 171.

   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). **

 

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

 

** 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.

 

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

 

CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts.  Please refer to http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/psccibs.html to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.

 

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

 

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

 

BENEFITS:

 

Employer's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Increase
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual & Sick Leave

Eligibility for 401(k)

 

ALLOWANCES (if Applicable).*

 

(A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).
(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).
(C) Post Allowance (Section 220).
(D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).
(E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).
(F) Education Allowance (Section 270).
(G) Education Travel (Section 280).
(H) Post Differential (Chapter 500).
(I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and
(J) Danger Pay (Section 650).

 

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

 

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.

ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.