Regional Coordinator for Asia

SOLICITATION NO: M/OP-02-336
ISSUANCE DATE: December 21, 2001
CLOSING DATE: January 23, 2002 – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Gentlemen/Ladies:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC): Regional Coordinator for Asia

 

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.

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: M/OP-02-336
2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 21, 2001
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: January 23, 2002 – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
4. POSITION TITLE: Regional Coordinator for Asia
5. MARKET VALUE: $63,211 - $82,180
6. INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:  February 4, 2002 – February 3, 2004
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, D.C.
8. JOB DESCRIPTION (TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITION):

 

Introduction

 

            The Agency for International Development’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance, within the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA/OFDA) is charged with the responsibility for coordinating the U.S. Government’s international disaster preparedness, relief and rehabilitation programs.  The functions of DCHA/OFDA are outlined in USAID handbook 17, Chapter 8.  The purpose of this position is to serve as a Regional Coordinator within DCHA/OFDA’s Disaster Response and Mitigation division (DRM). 

 

Duties and Responsibilities

 

Disaster Response and Mitigation Program Coordination:

·         Monitors threatening and incipient disasters, setting priorities for disaster response and mitigation program development in consultation with members of an Enhanced Regional Team and Regional Advisors (RAs).

 

·         Manages DCHA/OFDA response to declared disasters by:

1.       assuring the timely and appropriate funding of Ambassadors’ disaster declarations;

2.       considering Mission/Embassy proposed programs for assistance beyond the initial request;

3.       preparing/ facilitating clearance of appropriate guidance to field posts;

4.       assuring the timely coordination of response actions agreed to by DCHA/OFDA’s Enhanced Regional Team and Senior Management Team (SMT), including funding, technical assistance, commodity delivery, etc.

 

·         Monitors and evaluates the disaster related programs of other donors and international organizations, and then initiates or coordinates bilateral or multilateral relief,  soliciting the input and technical expertise of Enhanced Regional Team members.  Coordinates USG efforts to achieve maximum effectiveness and solicits outside resources to accomplish USG program objectives.

 

·         Advises the U.S. Mission on resources and strategies to respond to each disaster situation, participating in field assessments with RAs, as appropriate.

 

·         Coordinates USAID’s emergency responses in other countries in support Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) and Assessment Teams in the field during DCHA/OFDA field deployments.  Serves as the head of DCHA/OFDA emergency task force mobilizations in the DCHA/OFDA Operations Center, as necessary.  In consultation with Enhanced Regional Team Members and the SMT, coordinates the development of US humanitarian policy with the State Department, USAID Regional Bureaus, the National Security Council, the United nations, host countries and the PVO community.

 

·         Reviews or coordinates the review of national disaster relief plans with local and regional government disaster coordinators, and advises on the USG assistance available before, during and after disaster events.  Assures that the Chief of Mission or his/her representatives receives appropriate guidance from DCHA/OFDA specialists to facilitate efforts to revise U.S. mission disaster plans to be compatible and supportive of local government plans and capabilities.

 

·         Coordinates the development and revision of DCHA/OFDA Regional Strategies in cooperation with RAs, Enhanced Regional team members, TAG members and DCHA/OFDA Assistant Directors.  Recommends policies and activities to:

1.       Improve local and regional disaster response capabilities;

2.       Improve DCHA/OFDA’s internal capacity to meet demands related to rapid-onset disaster events; and

3.       Mitigate the potential impacts of future disasters, and reduce disaster vulnerability in assigned regions.

 

·         Coordinates the efforts of TAG team members and other USG technical specialists to develop and maintain a program of disaster preparedness, mitigation and prevention activities within assigned regions.  These programs will seek to build the capacity of local partners to manage disasters effectively at the local and regional level, and to reduce the impacts of future disasters on vulnerable populations.

 

·         In coordination with technical specialists from DCHA/OFDA’s Technical Assistance Group (TAG), coordinates technical inputs from other USG Agencies and/or the U.S. private sector for disaster mitigation and relief activities in disaster stricken countries.  Maximizes windows of opportunity that may exist following disaster events to implement programs that may have long-term disaster mitigation benefits for vulnerable populations.

 

·         Serves as the Action Officer on emergencies, presenting policies, procedures and programs that are recommended by the Enhanced Regional Team to the Assistant Director for the Disaster Response and Mitigation Division for review and concurrence.  Works closely with USAID regional bureaus, the Office of Food for Peace (DCHA/FFP), the State Department, the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and other donor governments and international organizations to develop USG responses to disasters and to coordinate these responses with other donors.

 

·         Facilitates the review and negotiation of grants for disaster relief and mitigation in close consultation with members of the Enhanced Regional Team.  Prepares or coordinates the preparation of requests in the New Management System (NMS) for transmittal to the USAID contracts office for action.  Works with grantees, or coordinates the efforts of other Enhanced Regional Team members, to ensure compliance.  Reviews/facilitates changes to grant agreements, as appropriate.

 

·         Participates on DCHA/OFDA Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), which are designed to respond on short-notice to rapid onset disasters around the world.  Serves on Disaster Assessment teams, as assigned by the Assistant Director for Disaster Response and Mitigation and the SMT, and recommends emergency relief initiatives for DCHA/OFDA/Washington consideration.

 

·         Facilitates the preparation and coordination of information concerning disaster mitigation and response activities that are undertaken by DCHA/OFDA, seeking to maximize coordination between USG Agencies, NGOs and private sector groups during disaster response.  Assigns tasks to Enhanced Regional Team members, including Information Specialists, to prepare press releases, Fact Sheets, Situations reports, weekly reports, daily reports, reporting cables, Congressional correspondence and the like.

 

·         Serves as the DCHA/OFDA Duty Officer on a rotating basis after normal duty hours, weekend and holidays.  In this capacity, receives telephone calls and notification of cable traffic received by the State Department Operations Center dealing with emergency situations.  Takes appropriate action, as necessary.

 

Team Building

·         Works with OFDA Regional Advisors (RAs) at field posts in Asia, the Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean and Enhanced Regional team members in Washington, DC to plan for major disaster contingencies.  Coordinates cross training for RAs to build a multi-faceted worldwide response capability.  Participates in the recruitment/ selection of new RAs.  Operates within the context of the RA system when on temporary field assignments.

 

·         Coordinates team building efforts for assigned Enhanced Regional Team, including

1.   Organizing team meetings, and assigning responsibility to appropriate staff members to facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and provide follow-on notes and minutes; 

2.   Ensuring that Enhanced Regional Team receive appropriate training, and are enrolled in DCHA/OFDA’s core training programs, including Disaster Assessment Training, DART Training, cable training, etc.  Serve as a facilitator or instructor at training sessions, as appropriate;

3.   Ensuring that DCHA/OFDA programs, policies and strategies benefit from the input of all Enhanced Regional Team members and RAs;

 

·         Assuring the successful staff development of all core team members assigned to the Enhanced Regional Team, including:

1.   Mentoring the Deputy Regional Coordinator for assigned regions;

2.     Ensuring that an appropriate staff development plan is in place for Disaster Operations Specialists assigned to the Enhanced Regional Team;

3.     Providing substantial input as part of regularly scheduled evaluations for all core team members assigned to the Enhanced Regional Team; coordinating this input with the Assistant Director for the Disaster Response and Mitigation Division.

4.     Arranging cross training for Enhanced Regional Team members to maintain the organizational depth of critical team functions.

 

·         Ensure an equitable distribution of work and responsibility among Enhanced Regional Team members and core team members by:

1.       Coordinating the preparation of Scopes of Work for new and temporary DCHA/OFDA personnel, including staff members detailed from other USG Agencies; participating in the recruitment and selection of Enhanced Regional Team members;

2.       Directly supervising the work of staff members detailed from other USG Agencies, including staff seconded to DCHA/OFDA through the U.S. Forest Service Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP);

 

·         Participates in After Action reviews of critical DCHA/OFDA disaster response interventions and mitigation programs.  Collaborates closely with coordinating staff from the U.S. Forest Service Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP) to ensure that the concerns and experiences of all Enhanced Regional team members receive consideration and discussion as part of this process.

 

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)

 

A. Bachelor’s degree and graduate degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to International Relations and Political Science) OR five years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian relief within the context of a natural disaster OR some combination thereof.

 

B. Not less than three years of programmatic and disaster relief experience in the Asia region.

 

C. US Citizenship

 

 

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.

 

1. Additional relevant experience and/or education surpassing the minimums described in the basic qualifications and selective factors.

 

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

 

3. Experience in reviewing and negotiating proposals from private voluntary organizations wishing to work in the disaster-stricken countries in the regional area and to prepare the necessary documentation to ensure emergency relief is provided.

 

4. Experience in developing strategies for the disaster planning and disaster relief of affected countries in the regional area.

 

5. Knowledge and experience of USG policy and regulations for responses to natural disasters and complex emergencies.

 

6. Demonstrated ability to work in teams.

 

7. Demonstrated experience developing mitigation programs.

 

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) 661-9366

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 an 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.