Senior Humanitarian Advisor (SHA) – Northern Sudan

SOLICITATION NO: M/OP-03-870
ISSUANCE DATE: March 28, 2003
CLOSING DATE: EXTENDED DATE: May 27, 2003 – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Senior Humanitarian Advisor (SHA) – Northern Sudan

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 attachment.  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 Mr. Jesse C. Freese (202) 661-9366, or Fax at (240) 465-0244 or via e-mail at sha@globalcorps.com.  Applicants should retain copies of all enclosures that accompany their proposals.

Sincerely,

Rosella Marshall
Contracting Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OP-03-870
2. ISSUANCE DATE: March 28, 2003
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: EXTENDED DATE: May 27, 2003  – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Humanitarian Advisor (SHA) – Northern Sudan
5. MARKET VALUE: ($85,140 - $110,682)
6. INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: July 1, 2003 – June 30, 2005
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Khartoum, Sudan
8. JOB DESCRIPTION (TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITION):

 

Senior Humanitarian Advisor (SHA) – Northern Sudan

 

The DCHA-funded Senior Humanitarian Advisor (SHA) for Northern Sudan will be the principle officer responsible for monitoring the humanitarian situation and managing DCHA relief programs in the northern sector of Sudan – areas of Sudan controlled by the Government.  Primary duties include reporting, developing strategies and plans, program development and management, and coordination.  The duration of the post will be for two years with the option of extending.

 

Statement of Duties and Responsibilities

 

The SHA will be based in Khartoum, Sudan (or will travel to Khartoum from a base in Nairobi if USAID is unable to base staff in Khartoum).  The SHA will serve as team leader for the entire DCHA team based in Khartoum, and will supervise and work in close collaboration with the OFDA Northern Sudan Program Officer (PO).  S/he will travel extensively throughout northern Sudan and to areas of southern Sudan controlled by the Government to assess and monitor conditions, particularly at DCHA project sites, and make recommendations for interventions.  The SHA will also coordinate closely with the USAID Sudan Field Office in Nairobi and travel to areas of Sudan controlled by the opposition in order to be fully cognizant of the overall humanitarian picture in Sudan.  The SHA will be supervised by the Director of the USAID Sudan Task Force in Washington. 

 

The SHA will serve as the principle contact point for USAID for the northern sector of Sudan.  S/he will maintain regular contact with USAID grantees, other UN agencies, International Organizations (IOs), and NGOs.  S/he will also develop relationships with the humanitarian departments of the Government of Sudan and with local authorities and monitor policies directly affecting humanitarian assistance and relief organizations.  The SHA will meet frequently with U.S. government personnel, Sudanese government officials, other foreign diplomats serving in Sudan, and other donor representatives on humanitarian issues, monitor the security situation, and plan responses to new emergency needs.  The SHA will provide overall strategic guidance to the DCHA program in Sudan’s northern sector.  The SHA will also work closely with the USAID Sudan Field Office in Nairobi to plan, monitor and report on general humanitarian needs and specific DCHA programs in transitional and cross-line areas where northern and southern Sudan meet. 

The SHA will be responsible for collecting and reporting information regularly, through official cables, on humanitarian issues and the ability of local communities, local organizations, the host government, relief agencies and donor countries to address the natural and human-caused situation(s) affecting the northern sector of Sudan.  When political or military events affect humanitarian or relief efforts, the SHA will report on those events only to the extent required to inform DCHA/W and the USAID Sudan Field Office in Nairobi of their impact on the humanitarian situation and on DCHA programs.

 

The SHA will be responsible for providing insights into the environment confronting the humanitarian community, identify numbers of affected people and the nature and cause of their vulnerabilities and capacities to cope.  The SHA will also make recommendations to DCHA/W on possible DCHA interventions if appropriate and necessary.  The SHA will report regularly on site visits, meetings and other observations that may impact humanitarian relief efforts.

 

The SHA will lead the USAID/Khartoum team in:

 

Disaster Management - assisting host government, UN, international, non-governmental and local Sudanese organizations in developing strong emergency/disaster preparedness and response capacities.  The SHA, in conjunction with DCHA/W and the Sudan Field Office in Nairobi is responsible for designing an appropriate strategy for responding to new emergency needs, taking into account evolving USG policies, and for contingency planning. 

 

Program Development - providing guidance to NGOs, IOs and UN agencies which are developing programs for potential DCHA funding (including grant amendments and extensions), reviewing concept papers and proposals, commenting on the appropriateness of proposed activities, suitability within the Integrated Strategic Plan for Sudan, other strategic programmatic guidelines and budget levels, ensuring proposals comply with "OFDA's Guidelines for Grant Proposals and Reporting," and providing recommendations for funding determination.  This shall be done in full cognizance of plans and strategies of other donors. 

 

Program Management - monitoring and evaluating DCHA-funded programs in the northern sector of Sudan, visiting DCHA-funded projects on a regular basis and reporting to DCHA and the Sudan Field Office in Nairobi on the quality of NGO, UN and IO programs, making note of deficiencies and evolving operational conditions. Following discussions with DCHA and the Sudan Field Office, the SHA will make recommendations for corrective action to the grantee.

 

Coordination and Representation - coordinating with the humanitarian community in the northern sector of Sudan to develop integrated, non-duplicative programs, and with the U.S. Embassy and other donors on policy issues affecting humanitarian operations.  The SHA will be the senior USAID representative in Khartoum and will represent U.S. humanitarian interests at meetings and conferences, facilitate travel and briefings for official USG visitors to Sudan interested in humanitarian issues, and represent and articulate USAID interests as the U.S. Embassy in Khartoum plans and executes its expansion.  Specifically, the SHA will:

 

·         Coordinate with DCHA/Washington, the Sudan Field Office in Nairobi and U.S. Embassy in Khartoum to ensure that U.S. humanitarian assistance is consistent with the U.S. Integrated Strategic Plan for Sudan; and lead the USAID team in Khartoum in program strategic planning. 

                 

·         Ensure that relief and preparedness assistance is designed and managed in such a way as to support beneficiary capacities and self-reliance.

 

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

     

·         Serve as chief advisor to the U.S. Ambassador (Chief of Mission) on matters concerning USAID’s programs throughout Sudan.  Provide the Chief of Mission with prompt assessments of humanitarian situations and needs.

 

·         Recommend to DCHA/W and the Sudan Field Office in Nairobi appropriate relief assistance that the U.S. government should provide.

 

·         Coordinate with UN and international organizations in Sudan to ensure the efficient use of DCHA resources.  As required, assist national organizations with damage/needs assessments, external communications and liaison with regional, UN and international organizations.

 

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)

• Bachelor's degree and graduate 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 six (6) 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 eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and humanitarian assistance.

 

• Work experience in Sudan.

 

• Two years experience with humanitarian relief programs in areas of civil strife.

 

• Ability to obtain a USAID security clearance

 

• 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 that required in the Basic Qualifications and Selective Factors.

 

• Experience working in Sudan.

 

• Experience in dealing with foreign governments, other USG agencies (including the State Department, Department of Defense, USAID Regional Missions), and coordinating relief activities with UN, international organizations and NGOs involved in humanitarian response in conflict or post-conflict situations.

 

• Direct work experience related to funding and monitoring relief programs either with OFDA (or other USG entity) or another international humanitarian agency. 

 

• Excellent written communication skills as demonstrated through the preparation of reports, memos, briefing packets other official documents.

 

• Arabic language proficiency. 

 

 

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