Program Officer for the Democratic Republic of the Congo

SOLICITATION NO: M/OP-03-090
ISSUANCE DATE: November 8, 2002
CLOSING DATE: December 2, 2002 - 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

Program Officer for the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Gentlemen/Ladies:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA), Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is seeking applications (Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612) from persons interested in providing the PSC services described in the attached. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

 

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612 or SF-171.  Applications that are received without signature will not be considered for the position.

 

Questions may be directed to Jesse C. Freese 202-661-9366, or Fax at 240-465-0244 or via e-mail at jrdrc@globalcorps.com. Applicants should retain copies of all enclosures that accompany their proposals.

 

Sincerely,

Rosella Marshall
Contracting Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OP-03-090
2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 8, 2002
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: December 2, 2002 - 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
4. POSITION TITLE: Program Officer for the Democratic Republic of the Congo
5. MARKET VALUE: $59,409 – $77,229
6. INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: January 15, 2003 – January 14, 2004
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
8. JOB DESCRIPTION (TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITION):

 

Program Officer for Democratic Republic of the Congo

The DCHA/OFDA-funded Program Officer for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will assist in the monitoring of the humanitarian situation and management of DCHA/OFDA relief programs in DRC. Primary duties include reporting, developing strategies and plans, program development and management, and coordination. The duration of the post will be for one year with the option of extending.

 

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

 

The Program Officer will be based in Kinshasa, where he/she will work out of the USAID Mission and maintain a residence. The Program Officer will travel, as security permits, extensively throughout the country to assess, evaluate and monitor conditions, particularly at DCHA/OFDA project sites, and make recommendations for interventions. The Program Officer will report directly to the DCHA/OFDA Senior Program Officer for DRC who will provide broad direction and oversight. The majority of the Program Officers contacts with DCHA/OFDA will be with the Washington-based Disaster Operations Specialist (DOS) covering DRC.  In addition, Program Officer will keep the Senior Program Officer apprised of all major issues, and work closely and collaboratively with DCHA/OFDA's Disaster Operations Specialist for DRC in Washington on all aspects of the portfolio.

 

The Program Officer will maintain regular contact with the grantees, as well as other UN agencies, International Organizations (IOs), and NGOs as well as develop relationships with the local authorities and monitor policies directly regarding humanitarian assistance and relief organizations. The Program Officer will meet with U.S. government personnel, Congolese government officials, other foreign diplomats serving in the DRC, and other donor representatives on humanitarian issues, monitor the security situation, and provide input into a strategy for responding to new emergency needs and the transition of OFDA programs in for long term development USAID activities.

 

The Program Officer will be responsible for collecting information regularly, through official cables and other means, on humanitarian related issues and the ability of local communities, local organizations, the host government, relief agencies and donor countries to address the situations, whether caused by nature or human. When political or military events affect humanitarian or relief efforts, the Program Officer will report on those events only to the extent required to inform DCHA/OFDA/W and the Senior Program Officer of their impact on the humanitarian situation in the DRC and impact on DCHA/OFDA programs.

 

The Program Officer will be responsible for providing insights into the environment confronting the humanitarian community, identify numbers of affected people (displaced and refugees) and the nature and cause of their vulnerabilities and capacities to cope.  The Program Officer will also make recommendations for DCHA/OFDA/W's consideration on possible DCHA/OFDA interventions if appropriate and necessary.  The Program Officer will provide regular reports on site visits, meetings, general atmospherics and other observations that may impact the humanitarian relief efforts.

 

Disaster Management - The Program Officer shall assist host governments, regional organizations, UN, international, and non-governmental organizations in developing strong emergency/disaster preparedness and response capacities.  The Program Officer, in conjunction with the Senior Program Officer and OFDA/W is responsible for implementing DCHA/OFDA's strategy for DRC and participating in contingency planning efforts.

 

Program Development - The Program Officer works with NGOs, IOs, and UN agencies who are developing proposals (to include grant amendments and extensions) for OFDA, ensures their compliance with "OFDA's Guidelines for Grant Proposals and Reporting," reviews concept papers and proposals, and provides recommendations/comments to OFDA for funding determination.

 

Program Management - The Program Officer will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating DCHA/OFDA-funded programs in the DRC countries, visiting DCHA/OFDA-funded projects on a regular basis (as security permits) and reporting to DCHA/OFDA on the quality of the NGOs' work, making note of deficiencies, and attributes and evolving operational conditions. Following discussions with DCHA/OFDA, the Program Officer will make recommendations for corrective action to the grantee.

 

Coordination and Representation - The Program Officer will coordinate with the donor community in DRC to develop integrated, non-duplicative programs, and with USG on policy issues affecting humanitarian operations. The Program Officer, along with the Senior Program Officer will represent the USG humanitarian interests at national and international meetings and conferences, facilitate, as requested, travel and briefings for official USG visitors to DRC interested in humanitarian issues.

 

Policy Development - The Program Officer will collaborate and coordinate DCHA/OFDA’s strategy and programs with the U.S. Embassy in the DRC. Specifically, the Program Officer will:

 

·         Coordinate with OFDA/Washington and US Embassy in DRC and USAID Mission to develop DCHA/OFDA bilateral and regional disaster response and mitigation strategies.

                 

·         Ensure, to the extent possible, that all US government assistance is consistent and compatible with the USAID Africa Bureau program in the DRC and that relief and preparedness assistance is offered and managed in such a way as to not decrease donor dependence by the victims.

 

·         Seek opportunities to initiate mitigation measures that link into the rehabilitation, recovery and development processes with USAID, Africa Bureau.

     

·         Serve as the advisor to the US Ambassador (Chief of Mission) and USAID Head of Missions on matters concerning DCHA/OFDA disaster response.

 

·         Provide the Chief of Mission with prompt assessments of damages and needs. Recommend appropriate relief assistance to DCHA/OFDA/W that should be provided by the U.S. government.

 

·         Coordinate with UN and international organizations in the DRC to ensure the efficient and coordinated use of OFDA disaster resources.  As required, the Senior Program Officer shall assist national organizations with damage/needs assessments, external communications and liaison with regional, UN and international organizations.

 

Reporting - The Program Officer will be responsible for collecting information regularly, through official cables and other means, on humanitarian issues and the ability of local communities, organizations, the host government, relief agencies and donor countries to address the situation.  The Program Officer will produce regular cable reporting on the humanitarian situation with a particular focus on OFDA activities.  The Program Officer will ensure that weekly reporting cables and other alert cables as needed are transmitted to keep OFDA informed of the situation. 

 

BASIS OF RATING:  Applicants who meet the basic qualifications and selective factor(s) will be further evaluated based on the quality ranking factors listed below.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the factors on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each factor.  Be sure to include your name, social security number, and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.  Failure to address the selective and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.                                                                       

Basic Qualifications and Selective Factors: (Determines basic eligibility for the position, candidates not meeting the basic qualifications and selective factors are considered NOT qualified for the position)

·         Masters degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field) or country, and two years experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance

OR

·         Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, economics, food policy or a related field) or country, and four years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance

• Work or educational experience in the assigned region of responsibility.
• Ability to obtain a security clearance as provided by USAID.
• U.S. Citizen.

 Quality Ranking Factors: (Determines the ranking of qualified candidates in comparison to other applicants) The factors are listed in order of importance from the highest to the least.

·         Additional experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance.

·         Experience working in or working with or for humanitarian organizations in areas of civil strife. 

·         Experience in Africa especially in DRC.

·         French language proficiency

·         Knowledge of and experience in dealing with foreign governments, State Department, Department of Defense, USAID Regional Offices, other USG organizations and international organizations to develop U.S. responses to disasters and disaster preparedness activities and coordinate the responses with donors.

 

WHERE TO APPLY:
Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004
Via facsimile: 240-465-0244
Via email: jrdrc@globalcorps.com

 

FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER VACANCIES OR FOR INFORMATION ON THE STATUS OF THIS VACANCY, CALL (202) 661-9369 or (202) 661-9366

 

PLEASE READ ATTACHED SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION. IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS ANNOUNCEMENT.

 

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.

 

A Voluntary Background Survey can be obtained from the above listed contacts or on-line at http://www.usaid.gov/about/employment/idi79-2.pdf . The information from this survey is used to help insure that agency personnel practices meet the requirements of Federal law. Your responses are voluntary and not required.

 

(I)How To Apply
A. Submit a signed OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or SF-171, Application for Federal Employment. You include a resume as an annex to either of these forms. You must include the following information regardless of which application form/format you choose:
1) The announcement number, title and grade and/or pay band of the position for which you are applying.
2) Personal Information
a) Full name, mailing address (including ZIP Code), home and work telephone numbers (including area code)
b) Social security number AND country of citizenship
c) Veterans' preference.
d) Competitive status.
e) Highest Federal civilian grade held, including job series and dates held.
3) Education
a) High school - name, city, state and ZIP Code (if known) and date you received diploma or GED.
b) Colleges and universities - name, city, state and ZIP Code (if known), major(s), type(s) of degree(s) received and date(s) received. If you did not receive a degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours.
4) Job-Related Work Experience (Paid and Nonpaid)
a) Job title (include series and grade if Federal) AND salary
b) Starting and ending dates (month and year) AND hours per week
c) Employer's name, address, and telephone number (including area code)
d) Supervisor's name and telephone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)
e) Duties and accomplishments
5) Other Qualifications
a) Job-related training courses (title and year)
b) Job-related skills (i.e., other languages, computer hardware/software, communications equipment, etc.) c) Job-related certificates and licenses (current only).
d) Job-related honors, awards and special accomplishments (i.e., publications, Memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.). Give dates but do not send documents unless requested.

General Information
A. A separate application must be submitted for each announcement.
B. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that applications are mailed in time to get them to the destination by the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date and time will be considered late, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received at the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation.  
C. Applicants must be citizens of the United States.

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

1. 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)

2. 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).

3. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

01-09 Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens for Support of HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease Initiatives

01-07 Clarification of the Extension/Renewal Policy Regarding Personal Service Contracts (PSCs)

00-08S Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens

00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - Personal Service Contracts ("PSCs") with U.S. Citizens

00-05 Personal Service Contracts (PSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs

00-03 2000 FICA and Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts (PSCs)

99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services

98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waiver List

98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by PSCs

98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs

98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs

98-12 Advertisement of and Requirements for Evaluating Applications for PSCs

98-11 Determining a Market Value for PSCs

98-3 Class Deviation to 31.205-6(g)(3), Foreign National Severance Pay Under Professional Services Contracts

97-17 PSCs with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Resident Aliens Recruited from the U.S.

97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less

97-3 New USAID Contractor Employee Physical Examination

96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract

96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave

94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors (PSCs)

93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

 

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

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).

NOTE: Form 5 is available from the requirements office.

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
** The forms listed 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.