USAID Job Opening

Disaster Training Advisor

SOLICITATION NO: M/OP/DCHA/DOFDA-04-036

ISSUANCE DATE: October 21, 2003
CLOSING DATE: November 19, 2003 – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Personal Services Contractor (PSC) Disaster Training Advisor

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 Carrie Shirtz (202) 661-9369 or Jesse C. Freese at (202) 661-9366, 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-04-036
2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 21, 2003
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: November 19, 2003 – 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)
4. POSITION TITLE: Disaster Training Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE: $81,602 - $106,086
6. INITIAL PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: January 5, 2004 – January 4, 2006
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC
8. JOB DESCRIPTION (TO INCLUDE EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR POSITION):

Background

USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (USAID/DCHA/OFDA) – henceforth OFDA – is charged with responding to both human-caused and natural disasters worldwide on behalf of the U.S. Government. The training function within OFDA addresses preparation of OFDA staff for responsibilities in emergency response, managing grants to partner organizations for disaster response and mitigation, and coordination with other U.S. Government agencies. OFDA also supports capacity building world-wide for emergency responders through its regional programs.

· OFDA Staff Training: Training for staff and key partners in emergency response has long figured as an important function within OFDA. The nature of OFDA’s work in the field does not vary significantly – however, the situations in which OFDA deploys assessment and response teams varies widely, so the training curriculum is flexible in order to incorporate evolving needs. The Staff Training Unit is composed of four professional trainers (institutional contractors) and seeks to assure that: a) the curriculum is comprehensive and courses are balanced among OFDA performance needs; b) course delivery is high quality and interactive and that delivery mechanisms are diversified; d) training management is professional and transparent; and e) training is coordinated with Bureau, Agency, USG and other partners.

· Regional Training: Each OFDA region (LAC, Africa and Asia/Pacific) plans and manages its own training program, in all cases seeking to increase the capacity for emergency response in each country where OFDA works. Generally, OFDA works with three major categories of partners: USG missions, international partners in emergency response, and local disaster response structures. Training support mechanisms are in place in most regions.

Worldwide Training Programs: OFDA also runs or supports several worldwide training programs through several teams within OFDA, which the Training Advisor supports in a variety of ways. They include a program on US Mission and inter-agency preparedness focused on Mission Disaster Preparedness Officers, and diverse technical training programs for NGOs such as public health, safety and security, or OFDA grant proposal writing.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Disaster Training Advisor is the lead point of contact for all disaster related training, capacity building and institution building conducted with funds from the International Disaster Assistance Account in preparation and response to emergencies world-wide. The Advisor will provide strategic direction and technical oversight for all OFDA staff and regional training. This includes coordination of all training conducted by the three OFDA Divisions, institutional contractors, and local capacity building through regional training support mechanisms.

The position is located within and reports to the Office of the Director. Supervision and programmatic guidance is provided by the OFDA Deputy Director. The individual serves as the focal point for training within OFDA, as well as represents OFDA within DCHA, USAID and State, as needed.

Core Functional Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership: Leads the strategic analysis, development, and planning required for the successful implementation of all OFDA's training. Updates the Training Operational Strategy as required. Facilitates and participates as a technical expert in discussion(s) with OFDA Senior Management to develop and articulate OFDA-wide objectives for staff and regional training. Serves as a link between SMT and Training Unit to articulate and transmit performance requirements and policy decisions.

Staff Training: Serves as the main resource person for OFDA on staff training and performance improvement. Provides strategic direction and oversight to training contractors to assure that activities are consistent with the Training Strategy. Oversees / works with the Staff Training Unit to prepare training programs and annual work plans, and to monitor, assess and review courses and the overall curriculum. Subjects all new and existing internal and external trainings to a make/buy analysis to determine if the needs are better met through existing training providers or if developing unique training programs better serve OFDA training needs.

Regional and Worldwide Training: Provides technical assistance in developing regional training strategies, training requirements in APS/RFPs, training work plans, M&E systems; provides direction to the revamping of regional materials development process; Assures coordination and communication between regional training players on new programs or management issues so that linkages are maintained both programmatically and personally; convenes and coordinates annual meetings of regional trainers; supervises the Africa Regional Training Advisor; assists OFDA Divisions and Teams in fielding consultants for evaluations, planning or training implementation; reviews proposals for training / capacity-building elements; serves as CTO for worldwide training programs as necessary.

Coordination/Linkages: Serves as a link to other USAID and USG entities in all aspects of training information and coordination, specifically in terms of DCHA Bureau offices collaboration on emergency response. Plans and presents specific briefings, lectures, and trainings on all aspects of DCHA/OFDA.

Monitoring/Evaluation: Develops mechanisms to capture evaluation data and feedback from all stakeholders as to DCHA/OFDA staff and regional training programs to ensure that training continues to be relevant, properly targeted, properly timed, and remains practical.

Collateral Duties: Performs other duties as assigned including serving as a rotational duty officer, on disaster assistance response teams, and response management teams.

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 with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field and five (5) years of training experience.

· Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field and three (3) years of training experience.

· Three years experience in the development and management of training programs.

· Ability to obtain a Secret level security clearance as provided by USAID.

· U.S. Citizenship

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.

· Experience designing and/or adapting courses for various cultures in the international arena.

· Demonstrated ability to work in a training environment with the diverse array of individuals and organizations involved in disaster response/preparedness/mitigation and humanitarian assistance, examples may include U.S. Government agencies (e.g., USAID, State, U.S. Department of Defense, etc.), international organizations, non-governmental organizations, UN agencies and/or host governments.

· Ability to perform in high stress environments of a highly dynamic nature as illustrated by work performed in disaster prone international areas.

· Ability to design and implement training, using a results-based framework such as that used by USAID.

· Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills as illustrated by the ability to design and present training.

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.