Regional Training Advisor for Africa

SOLICITATION NO: M/OP/DCHA/DOFDA-03-1949
ISSUANCE DATE: August 11, 2003
CLOSING DATE: September 8, 2003 – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Regional Training 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 Mr. Jesse C. Freese (202) 661-9366 or Carrie Shirtz (202) 661-9369, Fax at (240) 465-0244 or via e-mail at training@globalcorps.com. Applicants should retain copies of all enclosures that accompany their proposals.

Sincerely,

Joe Lentini
Contracting Officer

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: M/OP/DCHA/DOFDA-03-1949
2. ISSUANCE DATE: August 11, 2003
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: September 8, 2003   – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
4. POSITION TITLE: Regional Training Advisor for Africa

5. MARKET VALUE: $72,381 - $94,098
6. INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: November 17, 2003 – November 16, 2005
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Pretoria, South Africa (See note below)
8. JOB DESCRIPTION (TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITION):

 

Please see below for:

(1)        Note Concerning Place of Performance

(2)        Note Concerning Dual-Citizenship

 

BACKGROUND

USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is charged with responding to both human-caused and natural disasters worldwide.  OFDA works in close cooperation with USAID offices and US Embassies in countries affected by disasters.  OFDA staff conduct assessments of the extent of any particular disaster, and then work with USG Missions, the host government, affected populations, non-governmental organizations, the UN and other donors to determine needs and appropriate responses.  In response to major disasters, OFDA may field Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs).  In recent years OFDA has begun devoting more time and resources to mitigation and preparedness activities, including training in disaster management.

 

An important focus of OFDA’s work in Africa is to develop and manage the implementation of OFDA's Training Strategy for Africa.  This Training Strategy is based on addressing priority performance gaps of the key partners with which OFDA works in emergency situations that reduce the ability of OFDA to achieve its objective to meet the critical needs of targeted vulnerable populations.  The Training Program is comprised of both training and related technical assistance activities and focuses on increasing capacity at both country-specific and regional levels.  To meet these challenging training responsibilities, OFDA established the position of a Regional Training Advisor for Africa, whose duties are defined below:

 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The Regional Training Advisor is responsible for a wide-range of duties, as well as leadership and guidance to the ARO staff, in the following categories: 1) Strategic Direction - 40%, 2) Training Program Management and Administration - 40%, and 3) Coordination, Representation and Communication - 20%.  (Detailed descriptions of each category are listed below).  S/he works under the supervision of and reports directly to the OFDA Training Advisor in Washington.

 

Although the Regional Training Advisor will be based in Pretoria, South Africa, the position will require regular and frequent travel throughout the continent.  In addition, s/he may be requested to assist with disaster response activities and serve on OFDA DARTs anywhere in the region when necessary.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Direction (40%)

 

·         Leads the strategic analysis, development, and planning required for the successful implementation of OFDA's Africa Training Program.  Serves as the main point of contact for OFDA on training and related technical assistance programs in Africa.

 

·         Updates and revises the Training Strategy as required.  Works with Africa staff to ensure the Training Program is consistent with OFDA's overall Strategy for Africa.  Works with the OFDA Washington Training Advisor and training advisors in other OFDA regions to assure that regional strategies are consistent and support the overall OFDA Strategic Plan.  Provides strategic direction to training contractor to assure that activities are consistent with the Training Strategy.

 

·         Ensures that the Training Strategy and Program are well coordinated with activities of the USG and USAID Missions in the region (especially when OFDA training activities involve their counterparts or are hosted in the countries they cover).  Likewise, ensures that Training Program is well coordinated with other institutions and agencies funding or implementing related training activities in Africa.

 

·         Works with the other Africa staff and training contractor in identifying performance gaps of key partners and recommends training and/or technical assistance solutions as relevant.  Assures that the annual training program is consistent with annual performance analysis results.

 

·         Reviews concept papers containing elements of capacity building, to assure that activities respect principles of good training, planning, implementation and management.

 

Training Program Management and Administration (40%)

 

·         Responsible for developing and implementing a training plan comprised of both training and technical assistance to address the OFDA Training Strategy for Africa.  This includes developing a budget for approval by OFDA/W, and arranging for administrative and program support necessary to implement the training plan.

 

·         Serves as a member of the technical development team for an OFDA Africa Training Support mechanism.

 

·         Serves as the Cognizant Technical Officer monitoring the services provided by the training contractor.  Sets program objectives, reviews annual work plans, establishes budgets and monitors expenditures.  Provides oversight and regular guidance to the contractor to ensure the consistency, quality and timeliness of services provided.  Ensures the development of a monitoring and evaluation plan to evaluate the progress of program activities.  Monitors partner organizations to ensure goals and objectives are met.  Assures lessons learned are applied to improve the success of the program.

 

·         Works with the training contractor to use a participatory training design and development methodology consistent with other OFDA regional programs, and ensures that OFDA course materials are made available and are appropriately adapted (and translated when necessary) for each country.

 

·         Assists the contractor to coordinate with other OFDA regions to ensure that skilled, qualified instructors well versed in the OFDA methodology and course materials are made available when necessary.

Coordination, Representation and Communication (20%)

 

·         Coordinates the Africa training and technical assistance activities with the other Africa staff, other OFDA-supported programs in Africa, the OFDA/W Africa Team, Technical Assistance Group (TAG), Enhanced Planning Team (EPT) and Information Support Unit (ISU).

 

·         Coordinates closely with the OFDA/W Training Advisor on all issues, particularly those related to OFDA policy and the Africa Training Program's linkages with OFDA global training programs and activities.  Coordinates all relevant issues with Regional Training Advisors and Managers in other OFDA Regional Offices.

 

·         Serves as OFDA/Africa primary point of contact, representative and liaison on all training issues with U.S. Embassies and USAID Missions, national governments, international organizations and non-governmental partner agencies.  Represents OFDA/Africa at meetings, conferences and workshops; provides briefings and presentations; supports the visit of USG officials on training-related business; attends selected OFDA-supported trainings given by the contractor.  Travels frequently throughout the continent.

 

·         Routinely produces cables and trip reports and contributes to other documents and publications as required.  Provides regular communication with partners in the region (USAID Missions, U.S. Embassies and other key partners such as donors, national governments, humanitarian partner agencies, etc).

Other Duties as Assigned

·         The incumbent may perform other related duties, including disaster response activities, mitigation and preparedness activities, as assigned.

 

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 graduate degree with two years experience in training program management or training project development (specifically planning, organizing, directing, designing/coordinating training programs)

 

OR

 

·         A bachelor's degree and four years progressively responsible experience in training program management or training project development (specifically planning, organizing, directing, designing/coordinating training programs)

 

·         Ability to obtain a USAID security clearance.

 

·         U.S. Citizenship (See note below)

 

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.)

 

·         Experience in training program development, strategic planning, management and the implementation of training plans surpassing the minimum required above.

 

·         Experience coordinating and collaborating with a diverse array of individuals and organizations (e.g. foreign governments, U.S. government entities, international organizations and non-governmental organizations) at multiple levels (local, national, regional) involved in disaster management training and technical assistance.

 

·         Experience planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating training programs, using a results-based framework such as that used by USAID.

 

·         Experience with contract management, regulations, procedures and practices, particularly with USAID.

 

·         Experience in training in topics related to disaster preparedness, mitigation and response.

 

·         Demonstrated training experience in Africa.

 

(1) NOTE CONCERNING PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

 

The expected place of performance is Pretoria, South Africa but may be relocated to another country within the region if the situation warrants.  The duties to be performed will remain the same regardless of location.

 

(2) NOTE CONCERNING DUAL-CITIZENSHIP:

 

Dual citizens may be asked to renounce second-country citizenship.

 

WHERE TO APPLY:
Via mail: GlobalCorps, 1201 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20004
Via facsimile: 240-465-0244
Via email: training@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 a SIGNED OF-612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) or a SIGNED SF-171 (Application for Federal Employment). You may also include a resume and cover letter as part of your application; however, these documents do not replace the federal forms.

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.