DRC: Environmental Program Management Advisor

Environmental Program Management Advisor

Democratic Republic of the Congo

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 660-S-03-002
ISSUANCE DATE: April 17, 2003
CLOSING DATE: June 6, 2003

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Environmental Program Management Advisor for USAID/DRC Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications [SF-171 or OF-612] for U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals.

Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Further, applicants must be available to begin work July 1, 2003. Applicants must state availability within this time frame in the application or covering letter. Applicants must also submit a writing sample, not to exceed 300 words.

Questions concerning this announcement may be directed to James Mayer, Executive Officer, who may be reached at (242) 81 700-5731. FAX (243) 880-3274 or e-mail at: [email protected].

All applications may be submitted by mail, facsimile or e-mail [solicitation number must be referenced in any response to this announcement].

If sent via courier:
Management Office/HR
USAID/DRC
198 Isiro Avenue
Kinshasa/Gombe, Democratic Republic of the Congo
If sent via U.S. mail to:
Management Office/HR
USAID
Unit 31550
APO AE 09828-1550
If sent via e-mail attachment [Please note on “subject line”, number of this solicitation]: Send to [email protected]
Application forms: USG Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 can be located at the USAID website:
http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms

USAID DRC anticipates awarding one (1) PSC contract as a result of this solicitation, subject to availability of funds. USAID/DRC reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation.

Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their application. Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application. Submissions made via e-mail must be in Word 2000.

Cordially,

James E.H. Mayer
Supervisory Executive Officer
USAID DRC
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 660-S-03-0021
2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 17, 2003
3. CLOSING DATE: May 16, 2003
4. POSITION TITLE: Environmental Program Management Advisor
5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 equivalent [$72,381 - $94,098
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with possibility of an additional two years, subject to the availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
8. SUPERVISION: Supervision is provided by the CARPE SO Team Leader

9. STATEMENT OF WORK

A. Overview:

The Environmental Program Management Specialist is a key member of the core SO team and the expanded teams for the CARPE Strategic Objective. Under the general supervision of the CARPE Project Manager, the incumbent has a wide-ranging, pivotal role in supervising a highly specialized SO Team, providing overall program management and planning support, achieving results, monitoring the performance of the CARPE, and coordination of implementing partners and donors. S/He is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in executing all duties and responsibilities, and work with minimal direct supervision. His/her general responsibilities will consist of the following:

1. Supervise directly five FSN/TCN professional SO Team staff members.

2. Assist the Project Manager in providing management assistance and supervision oversight in implementation of the entire CARPE and all its activities in serving as cognizant technical officer (CTO) of CARPE contracts, grants and agreements. S/He will also be involved in the planning and administration of interagency agreements such as Participating Agency Program Agreements (PAPAs) and Participating Agency Service Agreements (PASAs).

3. Act as senior resident expert advisor on technical and policy pertaining to sustainable natural resource management.

4. Oversee the development, revision and implementation of the CARPE’s overall performance monitoring plan and implementing partners’ performance monitoring plans.

5. Coordinate and provide liaison with implementing partners, host country counterparts, and other donors.

6. Develop and oversee the annual obligation plan and assure timely obligation of CARPE SO financial resources.

B. Specific Responsibilities:

1. Assist the Project Manager in providing management assistance and supervision oversight in implementation of the entire NRM program and all its activities:

a. Serve as Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) of acquisition and assistance awards under CARPE. In such capacity, the incumbent will:

· Work with the Project Manager, with CARPE Field Offices and with USAID/Washington to coordinate and manage CARPE activities in each participating country and targeted landscape;

· Oversee the work of contractors, grantees and recipients to ensure the achievement of the objectives set forth in the statement of work or the program description of the awards and to verify that the USAID-funded activities conform to the terms and conditions of the award;

· Recommend in writing to the Contracting\Grant\Agreement Officer when any changes to the statement of work or program description, technical provisions, and/or any other term or condition of the award are necessary, along with justification for the proposed action;

· Review contractor and grantee work plans and recommend revisions where needed;

· Administer financial management responsibilities;

· Organize the review of non-competition continuation applications;

· Maintain adequate CTO files;

· Draft statements of work or program descriptions and prepare necessary funding documents for Requests for Proposal (RFPs) or Requests for Application (RFA);

· Plan and administer interagency agreements to ensure effective coordination of activities for result achievement;

· Promote integration and mutual support of activities implemented under contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and interagency agreements;

· Ensure closeouts of awards in compliance with existing regulations and procedures.

b. Supervise, and provide technical and managerial guidance, to the FSN professionals on the core SO team that have direct management responsibility for CARPE activities.

c. Lead the team in program planning, designing and budgeting for the SO.

d. Prepare and/or contribute substantively to key CARPE documents, including, but not limited to: Obligation and earmarking documents, Congressional Budget Justifications, Annual Portfolio Review reports, Annual reports, policy papers, new activity solicitation documents and the Online Presidential Initiative (OPIN) tracking system;

e. Participate in and/or lead the design and implementation of special studies and/or initiatives to further the objectives of the NRM SO.

2. Act as Senior Resident Expert Advisor on technical and policy matters pertaining to sustainable natural resource management:

a. Advise the core SO team, the expanded SO team, USAID Missions/field Offices, contractors, implementing grantees/recipients, host country governments and other partners involved in the CARPE on technical issues pertaining to sustainable natural resource management and related matters.

b. Advise the core SO team, the expanded SO team and concerned USAID Missions and the US embassies of the six CBFP countries on policy matters, including strategies to assist and encourage participation of the local communities in CARPE activities.

c. In the absence of the Project Manager and/or with his/her authorization, serve as liaison and represent the core SO team on technical and policy matters, as appropriate, to the host country counterpart agencies, implementing partners, and other international organizations, to help facilitate exchange of information and coordination of activities.

d. Take the lead role in assessing the breadth, depth, and appropriateness of CARPE activities, and the programs of various donors in addressing the identified environmental problems such as deforestation in target zones.

e. Interpret/analyze the social, economic, political and institutional issues that affect the achievement of CARPE objectives and apply the results to the design and implementation of new activities or to the modification of existing activities.

f. Coordinate CARPE training and capacity building activities by: a) assembling input from all activity managers and other team members and preparing an annual SO training plan; b) working with implementing partners to agree on respective roles and responsibilities, identify training needs and opportunities, and implement training programs within the host countries, the U.S. and in other countries; c) ensuring complementarities/integration of the implementing partners’ training programs with the SO training plan; and d) facilitating reporting on training activities in an appropriate format and frequency.

g. Act as liaison with USAID/Washington (especially EGAT Pillar and Africa Bureaus) on technical, policy and programmatic issues and opportunities for collaboration with USAID/W programs.

h. Ensure adequate dissemination of CARPE results to partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries through workshops, symposia, conferences, publications, etc...

i. Keep abreast of, and disseminate as appropriate, new developments or sources of worldwide information in the fields of natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and management of protected ecological areas.

3. Oversee the design, updating and/or implementation of CARPE’s performance monitoring plan and evaluation plan:

a. Take the lead in developing and finalizing the CARPE Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) during the first year of the program.

b. Ensure coordination among implementing partners and an understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities, in implementing the team’s performance monitoring plan.

c. Organize periodic forms to discuss, and take the lead in updating the performance monitoring plan--including results framework, performance indicators and targets--as new activities are integrated within CARPE program.

d. Ensure the adequacy of core SO team members’ respective activity monitoring plans by helping to prepare site visit schedules and providing technical oversight and quality control in methods of data sampling, measurement and verification.

e. Coordinate verification, compilation and final presentation of annual performance data for CARPE’s annual portfolio reviews and the Annual Report submission to USAID/Washington.

f. In coordination with activity managers and implementing partners, prepare and monitor implementation of a CARPE evaluation and special studies plan.

4. Monitor compliance of CARPE activities with USG environmental regulations:

a. Work with Mission Environmental Officers and Regional Environmental Officer to ensure compliance of all Mission SOs with USG environmental regulations, in particular Regulation 216, by conducting periodic field monitoring of activities' compliance with approved Initial Environmental Examinations (IEEs) and environmental assessments (EAs) and recommending modifications to the IEEs or EAs as appropriate.

b. Identify opportunities for training, as needed, for core SO team members and implementing partners (both U.S. and host country nationals) for preparation of environmental statements, activity IEEs, environmental impact monitoring and mitigation plans, and environmental assessments.

C. Supervisory Controls:

Supervision Exercised: Directly supervise five professional FSN/TCN SO Team professional staff. Prepare work plans, annual performance evaluations and provide general performance guidance and counseling.

Supervision Received: The Environmental Program Management Advisor, also serves as the Deputy Project director and will work as a full member of CARPE’s core Strategic Objective team, supervised by the CARPE Project Manager. Annual evaluations of the incumbent’s work performance will be prepared by the Project Manager based on 360 input from the core SO team members, partners and customers.

D. Employee Guidelines: The incumbent will be expected to be an expert in his/her field, and be able to independently obtain USAID policy guidance and USG/USAID acquisition and assistance regulations as necessary to perform his/her duties. He/she must demonstrate sound judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and policy determinations to assigned responsibilities.

E. Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent will handle all work independently, according to policies, previous training, accepted practices, and programmatic guidance. He/she must be able to set priorities and initiate and complete tasks in a timely manner and with minimal supervision. The incumbent will make program decisions based on expert knowledge and judgment and will function as acting SO Team leader in the absence of the CARPE SO Team leader.

F. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will work with all levels of staff in USAID’s Field Missions/Offices and REDSO, including team leaders and members of appropriate Strategic Objectives and support offices. The incumbent will develop working contacts with USAID/Washington technical offices, host countries’ counterpart ministries, and other USG agencies at post, PVO and NGO partners, other donors and international organizations, and community-based organizations and customers to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of this contract.

G. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: In carrying out assignments, the incumbent maintains working contacts and communicates regularly with all levels of technical and policy personnel from all Mission SO teams, and, as appropriate, with other USG agencies and with representatives of international organizations, bilateral and multilateral assistance agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the Government of DRC, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of this contract.

H. Qualifications:

1. Education:

A minimum of a Masters Degree in natural resource management, an agricultural science, forestry, or other technical field closely related to natural resource management and agriculture. A Ph.D. and a history of peer reviewed published research in a relevant area is preferred.

2. Prior Relevant Technical and Management Experience:

The incumbent should have a minimum of eight years prior experience in natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, forestry/agro forestry, and/or sustainable agriculture, preferably in Africa. Professional experience working on community-based natural resource management issues, and managing related activities, is also required. Experience with USAID management systems, and familiarity with USG/USAID acquisition and assistance regulations, preferably through direct management of similar USAID projects and experience as a CTO--with the demonstrated capability to manage for results and implement policies and procedures in accordance with established regulations is highly preferred. Substantive, related work experience in Central Africa is highly desirable. Prior work experience in implementing complex, field-oriented monitoring and evaluation systems are also be highly advantageous.

3. Language Proficiency:

Ability to communicate in English at the S-5/R-5 level is required. French language fluency at least at the S-3/R-3 level is also required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Demonstrated strong English writing and analytic skills necessary to meet tight deadlines with clear and effective reports and analyses are required. A comprehensive understanding of technical and policy issues surrounding sustainable forest management, biodiversity, and community-based natural resource management in Africa is required. A thorough and demonstrated knowledge of USG/USAID acquisition and assistance regulations is also required. Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheet applications are required. Strong interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams, are required and essential. A proven ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of professional counterparts, partners and customers at all levels, including those from host country governmental and non-government organizations, farmers and community-based organizations, USAID Missions, other U. S. Government agencies, and other donors, is likewise essential.

Knowledge of statistical and/or survey methodologies is desirable. Demonstrated writing skills in French are highly desirable.

I. Interpersonal Skills & Ability:

Demonstrated professional and diplomatic skills are required in working effectively with all SO team members of diverse cultural backgrounds, and with a broad range of professional counterparts at all levels, including host country governmental and non-governmental organizations, Embassy officials and staff, other USG agencies and other donors.
Proven ability to work effectively in a team environment and proactively work to achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters is essential.
Outstanding writing skills are required with the ability to meet deadlines, prepare concise reports, briefing papers and conduct local analyses, with minimal office support. Applicants should submit a brief (less than 5 pages) writing sample.
Written and oral fluency in English and French is required.
Computer literate in word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and database programs, e.g., major components of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access).

14. Evaluation Criteria

Education 20
Prior Relevant Technical and Management Experience 40
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 30
Language 10
15. Medical/Security Clearances: As a condition of employment, the candidate selected must be able to obtain any required agency security and medical clearances.

16. Length of Contract: The term of the contract will be for two (2) years, with the possibility of extension for an additional two years. This contract will be awarded subject to availability of funds.

17. AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING:
Benefits

1. Employee’s FICA contribution
2. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance
3. Pay Comparability Adjustment
4. Annual Salary Increase
5. Eligibility for Workers Compensation
6. Annual and Sick Leave
7. Shipment and storage of household effects
8. Shipment of POV (Private Own Vehicle)
9. R&R, dependent travel and other Offshore benefits and allowances as
permitted for USAID direct hires
Allowances
1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
3. Post Allowance (Section 220)
4. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
6. Education Allowance (Section 270)
7. Education Travel (Section 280)
8. Post Differential (Chapter 500) (5%)
9. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)
10.Danger Pay (Section 650) (15%)
FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.
CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO USPSCs
99-9 Personal Services Contracts (PSC) Annual Health
99-7 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services
98-25 Defense Base Act (DBA) Coverage and DBA Waver List
98-24 Use of Compensatory (Comp) Time by USPSCs
98-23 Guidance Regarding Classified Contract Security and Incumbent
Personnel Security Requirements
98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs
98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs
98-10 Personal services Contracts (USPSCs) Annual Health Insurance Costs
98-5 Contractual Coverage for Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) Services
97-16 Class Justification for Use of Other Than Full & Open Competition for
Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with
Locally with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan,
and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or Less
97-11 (Corrected) 1997 FICA & Medicate Tax Rates for Personal Services
Contracts
97-3 New USAID Incumbent Employee Physical Examination
96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contract
96-19 U. S. Personal Services Contract (USPSC) - Leave
96-8 Determining a Market Value for USPSCs Hired Under Appendix D,
Handbook 14
94-9 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Incumbents (USPSCs)
93-17 Financial Disclosure Requirements Under a Personal Services Contract
(USPSC)
LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR USPSCs
1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612
**2. Incumbent 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 requirement office.
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)
** The forms listed as 2 through 5 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.