SOLICITATION NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-04-038

ISSUANCE DATE: October 20, 2004
CLOSING DATE: November 2, 2004 - 11:59 PM Local Time

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) – Senior Program Manager – Senior Internal Displacement and Protection Advisor

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) Cover Letter specifically addressing Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs)

Applications that are received without a signature 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:

Jesse C. Freese or Stephanie Paul

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

E-Mail Address: ofda@globalcorps.com

Website: www.globalcorps.com

All applications should be submitted to:

GlobalCorps

1201 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 200

Washington, DC 20004

Sincerely,

M. E. Yearwood

Contracting Officer

Senior Program Manager – Senior Internal Displacement and Protection Advisor

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: DCHA/OFDA-04-038

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 20, 2004

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: November 2, 2004 - 11:59 PM Local Time

4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Program Manager

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 (85,210 – 110,775)

6. INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 11 months

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC

8. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret

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

Senior Program Manager – Senior Internal Displacement and Protection Advisor

BACKGROUND

The Senior Internal Displacement and Protection Advisor will play a central role in the development of policy and strategies for humanitarian assistance to internally displaced persons (IDPs) for the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) and other offices within the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The incumbent will also play a central role in implementation of the Agency’s IDP policies and coordination within USAID and with other government agencies, donors, and non-governmental partners. The Senior Internal Displacement and Protection Advisor will have substantial knowledge of current development and disaster theory and research regarding IDPs, and experience in the field, working with private voluntary organizations (PVOs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), or international organizations at resettlement or disaster response locations.

INTRODUCTION

OFDA is charged with the responsibility for conducting the U.S. Government's international disaster programs. OFDA is mandated to respond rapidly to emergencies, including providing the provision of assistance to those populations that have been uprooted, known as internally displaced persons. There are an estimated 25 million people displaced throughout the world. Internally displaced persons often are among the neediest and most vulnerable populations in a disaster situation. They are separated from their homes, their lands, and sometimes their families, torn from their livelihoods.

The Senior IDP Advisor will be the principal officer responsible for advising the DCHA Bureau on all aspects and issues regarding IDP policy development. Primary duties will include reporting, developing strategies and plans, policy research and guidance, and coordination among the various DCHA offices, including the Office of Transitions Initiatives (OTI), Office of Food for Peace (FFP), Office of Democracy and Governance (DG), Office of Private Voluntary Cooperation (PVC), Conflict Management and Mitigation Office (CMM) and Program, Policy, and Management Office (PPM). Collaboration with other offices, bureaus and agencies within and outside of the USG is also critical to this position.

OBJECTIVES

The Senior Internal Displacement and Protection Advisor is being recruited to assist in the formulation and application of USG humanitarian assistance policy, strategy, and program implementation with regards to internally displaced persons to improve the agency’s responsiveness and effectiveness to IDPs and protection.

STATEMENT OF WORK

The incumbent will provide assistance to USAID in development of IDP and protection policies, and will coordinate with Agency staff, other USG agencies, and partner organizations. The incumbent will also serve to raise awareness of IDP and protection issues within DCHA and clarify and define USAID’s leadership role on those issues. Specific duties and responsibilities are as follows:

Coordinates development of clear and articulate policy on internally displaced persons and protection issues for DCHA and USAID in general. Makes decisions and provides guidance that significantly affects DCHA and Agency IDP and protection policies.

Articulates on behalf of DCHA, its IDP and protection policies to personnel within the DCHA Bureau, to USAID Missions and other USAID Bureaus, to other US Government agencies, to other donors and implementing partners, through participation in conferences, writing and speaking.

Raises the awareness DCHA staff on IDP and protection issues. Assists the Bureau with better integration of IDP needs and protection issues into normal humanitarian relief, transition, and developmental programs.

Based on analysis and research, clarifies and defines USAID’s leadership role within the USG in relation to IDP issues, including providing recommendations specific to countries on how to address IDP needs.

Coordinates and provides the front line communication with State’s Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM) regarding the development of strategies addressing IDPs.

Assists with the operationalization of OTI’s Abuse Prevention and Protection Team.

Works with counterparts in other donor organizations (e.g. CIDA, DFID, ECHO) to exchange information, establish meetings, solicit publications, and collect information on training opportunities regarding IDPs; coordinate these activities with relevant DCHA offices.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP: The incumbent will take direction from and report to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for DCHA.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The incumbent is expected to operate independently, with a minimum of supervisory controls. He/she reports directly to the Deputy Assistant Administrator for DCHA (DAA/DCHA). The DAA/DCHA defines the USAID technical objectives, priorities and resources available. The DAA/DCHA and the incumbent collaborate in the development of the incumbent’s work plan, specific objectives, outputs and time schedule. The incumbent plans and carries out assignments independently and in conjunction with DCHA staff. He/she reviews relevant policy and determines approaches and methods to be used in consideration of work objectives. Contacts and coordination with others are the responsibility of the incumbent. Work is reviewed on the basis of attainment of objectives, effectiveness of judgments and compliance with broad agency policy.

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

- Bachelors Degree and ten years experience working with PVO/NGOs and international organizations in humanitarian assistance with a focus on displaced persons. Work experience must include substantial travel and work in humanitarian emergency locations.

- Masters Degree with eight years of experience working with PVO/NGOs and international organizations at resettlement or disaster response locations.

- Knowledge of current development and disaster theory and research regarding IDPs

- 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)

QRF #1 Demonstrated knowledge of current development and disaster theory, and research regarding IDPs

QRF #2 In-depth understanding of USG and other international donor disaster response activities and international PVO/NGOs and international organizations.

QRF #3 Demonstrated skills in leadership, supervisory, and programmatic experience.

QRF #4 Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and be comfortable with public speaking.

QRF #5 Demonstrated ability to work independently, have strong initiative, and outstanding organizational skills.

QRF #6 Demonstrated understanding and good skills in word processing for Windows, email systems, and familiarity with spreadsheets.

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 – 16 points

QRF #2 – 10 points

QRF #3 – 10 points

QRF #4 – 5 points

QRF #5 – 5 points

QRF #6 – 4 points

Total Points - 50

WHERE AND HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

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
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: ofda@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.