Regional Advisor for Africa (multiple positions)

SOLICITATION NO: M/OP-02-1425
ISSUANCE DATE: July 11, 2002
CLOSING DATE:  August 12, 2002 – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

Regional Advisor for Africa

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 Heather Cameron 202-661-9369 or Jesse C. Freese 202-661-9366, or Fax at 240-465-0244 or via e-mail at ofda@globalcorps.com. Applicants should retain copies of all enclosures that accompany their proposals.

Sincerely,

Jean Horton
Contracting Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER:
2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 11, 2002
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: August 12, 2002 – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
4. POSITION TITLE: Regional Advisor for Africa
5. MARKET VALUE: $70,205 - $91,265
6. INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: August 30, 2002 – August 29, 2004
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya
8. JOB DESCRIPTION (TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITION):

 

Please see below for:

(1)    Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

(2)    Important Note Concerning the Number of Contractors to be Hired and the Closing Date

(3)    Additional Information

 

(1) Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

 

The Regional Advisor for Africa works under the supervision of, and reports directly to, the Senior Regional Advisor, DCHA/OFDA Africa Regional Office. The contractor is responsible for strategic analysis, coordination of disaster response activities, and for the identification and formulation of disaster preparedness, mitigation and training programs primarily in an assigned African region.

 

This position requires an experienced practitioner in disaster response and preparedness activities. The contractor will actively develop and coordinate preparedness, mitigation and training programs to increase the capability of host governments, international organizations, and non‑governmental organizations to respond and prepare for disasters in the affected region. The DCHA/OFDA Regional Advisor for Africa is responsible for the following:

 

Disaster Response - Working directly under the guidance and supervision of the Senior Regional Advisor, Africa Regional Office (ARO), the contractor will:

 

1)      Travel to the scene of a disaster or potential disaster and conduct initial assessments of damages and needs

 

2)      Recommend appropriate relief assistance and emergency interventions

 

3)      Coordinate and maintain close liaison with representatives of host government, donor governments, international organizations, non‑governmental organizations to ensure efficient and coordinated disaster response activities

 

4)      Monitor DCHA/OFDA funded activities

 

5)      Coordinate the requests, receipt, distribution, tracking, and accounting of relief supplies provided by OFDA

 

6)      Facilitate and coordinate the arrival and departure of DARTs with the U.S. Mission and, as required, serve on DARTs for short periods of time

 

7)      While on travel, maintain communications with the Africa Regional Office, (ARO)

 

8)      Under the guidance and supervision of the Director, ARO, coordinate with OFDA/Washington and prepare information requirements and reports

 

Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation - OFDA encourages disaster prevention, mitigation, and preparedness activities both in the cause of implementing a disaster response and as a strategy to reduce disaster impacts in areas at risk. Working closely with OFDA/Washington and drawing on the skills and technical expertise within the office and available through inter- and intra-agency agreements, the contractor will assist representatives of host government organizations, international organizations, and non‑governmental organizations in the development of strong emergency and disaster preparedness/mitigation programs.

 

Specifically:

 

1)      Prepare regular strategic and analytical reports on current or anticipated emergencies, as well as comprehensive preparedness documentation on assigned countries

 

2)      Assist with the design, development, and implementation of strategies and integrated disaster

assistance for OFDA, USAID, local governments, and other donors/organizations as appropriate

 

3)      Advise regional officials, including host country authorities and other USAID officials on DRM efforts including the review of sector disaster response and DRM plans

 

4)      Provide support as required for other DRM initiatives in the assigned region as identified by the Africa Regional Office. Support may include assessment visits, project design/evaluation exercises and hazards/vulnerability/risk analysis

 

5)      In the area of mitigation, work with other agencies/organizations to identify critical disaster concerns affecting the region and countries and develop projects/activities for addressing these

 

6)  Work with local and regional institutions and private/public sector organizations to incorporate mitigation into appropriate programs

 

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 all of the basic qualifications and selection 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 (2) 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 (4) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance

·         2 years of experience in emergency humanitarian relief in the assigned region

·         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 the order of importance from the highest to the least.

 

• Additional years of experience in design and management of emergency relief and humanitarian assistance programs above what is required in the Basic Qualifications and Selective Factors;

 

• Demonstrated work experience in Africa on issues relevant to development and management of relief and/or transitional programming (including both field and headquarters experience);

 

• Knowledge of and experience in dealing with host country governments and local authorities and coordinating relief activities with other USG agencies (such as the State Department, Department of Defense, and USAID Missions), UN and other international organizations, and non-governmental organizations involved in humanitarian response;

 

• Direct work experience with OFDA, other USG humanitarian agency (including OTI, FFP, PRM), or International Humanitarian Relief Agency responsible for funding and monitoring implementation of emergency relief activities;

 

• Experience in Strategic planning and design/development of integrated disaster response strategies;

 

• Basic computer skills and excellent written communication skills as demonstrated through the preparation of reports, memos, financial statements, or other official documents;

 

• Foreign language skills in French and Portuguese.

 

(2) IMPORTANT NOTE CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF CONTRACTORS TO BE HIRED AND THE CLOSING DATE

It is OFDA’s intent to contract with multiple Personal Service Contractors under this Solicitation. All applications, including those previously reviewed in relation to an earlier review period, received on or before the following dates:

 

July 24, 2002

August 12, 2002

 

will be reviewed for the number of available positions on that date.

A candidate not contracted with during an earlier period need not reapply for additional positions available in subsequent review periods, applications will be reviewed for all available positions under this solicitation subsequent to the date of receipt.

 

(3) WHERE TO APPLY:
Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004
Via facsimile: 240-465-0244
Via email: ofda@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.