U.S. Personal Service Contractor (U.S. PSC) Senior Development Advisor, USAID/Somalia (GS-15)

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all Offer materials for their records.

USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.

Applications must be submitted electronically via email to nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov by the closing date and time indicated above. Late, incomplete, or unsigned applications will not be considered. Scanned copies are accepted by email. Applicants must prominently reference the solicitation number in the application submission.

This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in this solicitation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Knowledge Level Required: Requires mastery of programming supporting USAID/Somalia development objectives advancing strengthening Somalia’sresilience to recurrent climate and other shocks, preventing and countering violent extremism, and delivering urgent humanitarian assistance. The employee must be able to: 1) maintain an in-depth understanding of political, economic, organizational, and stakeholder interests specific to Somalia; and 2) identify development assistance programming priorities, lessons learned, and opportunities within and relevant to Somalia, and apply those to program strategy development and implementation. The employee must also have significant experience in program development and implementation; broad and in-depth experience in implementing technical programs and strategies; experience in consultations and facilitation of various teams with diverse backgrounds and development perspectives; applying broad USG (or similar development organizations) principles, policies and strategies; effective interagency coordination, partner country, and donor coordination; and working with USG leadership at the highest levels.
2. SOLICITATION NO.: 72064924R00003
3. ISSUANCE DATE: May 29, 2024
4. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: June 18, 2024 at 16:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
5. POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii email at pbii@usaid.gov and Noel Sikasa at nsikasa@usaid.gov
6. POSITION TITLE: U.S. Personal Service Contractor (U.S. PSC) Senior Development Advisor, USAID/Somalia
7. MARKET VALUE: $123,041 to $159,950 equivalent to GS-15. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are not entitled to Locality Pay.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Mogadishu, Somalia with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties. Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.
9. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from award date.
10. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S Citizens. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.
11. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: TopSecret
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on U.S. Embassy compound in Mogadishu, Somalia. No special demands are required to perform the work.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION

BACKGROUND:

Somalia suffers from recurring climate shocks including droughts and floods. Almost half of the population requires humanitarian assistance, and nearly 4 million remain internally displaced.

Somalia is slowly overcoming the legacy of state collapse, but progress remains extremely fragile. While al-Shabab (aS) has been driven from major cities, it still controls large parts of rural Somalia; mounts regular attacks on urban centers, including Mogadishu. Building on humanitarian assistance programs, Mission investments bolster household and community resilience to recurrent climate shocks, reducing the humanitarian caseload over time. In doing so, the Mission partners with the Somali private sector to harness its dynamism to build resilience and create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for youth.

In 2019, USAID re-established a permanent presence in Mogadishu. However, apart from the Mission Director and two USPSCs, USAID/Somalia staff remain based in Nairobi. Staff travel to Mogadishu is gradually increasing as space is available but remains restricted to the international airport compound for security reasons, with very limited opportunity to travel elsewhere in Somalia over the past two years. Most project management and oversight is therefore done remotely, requiring the assistance of third-party monitors.

USAID/Somalia’s 36 positions are housed in five offices – Democracy, Stabilization and Governance; Social Services; Economic Growth; Program Office; and Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The regional Mission for Kenya and East Africa provides financial, legal, and management support.

In 2023, USAID development assistance (DA) was $97 million in addition to over $909 million in humanitarian assistance. The Mission manages over 20 DA awards valued at about $335 million.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Advisor will handle all assigned work largely independently or, as required, leading multidisciplinary teams. The Advisor is expected to make independent judgments that can be defended as necessary. As a highly qualified professional, substantial reliance is placed on the Advisor to independently plan and carry out the specific activities and leading their team(s) entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The Advisor will devise and lead the implementation of solutions to problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used; developing and coordinating solutions; and then taking appropriate actions necessary to resolve the problem. S/he will ensure that all activities are appropriately documented in required reports and through regular updates given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including Annual Reports, Portfolio Reviews, annual budget and pipeline analyses, Congressional Budget Justifications, and briefings and talking points. The Advisor will review annual work plans, and negotiate program and activity issues with counterparts to include government, civil society, private sector and implementing partners.

Liaison and Public Contact 25%

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with various high-level individuals, including the U.S. Ambassador and heads of all interagency bodies resident at post, highest level host-country contacts and their staff, Ambassadors and Senior Development officials from donor countries, high level UN agency representatives, Members of Congress and their staff, other legislative and executive agencies, executives of major corporations, and public opinion leaders. Establishes and maintains close and cooperative working relationships with USAID senior staff in the functional bureaus and the field, and other institutions with related interests, in order to advance the programs and objectives of USAID. Serves as a principal Bureau and Agency representative at meetings, conferences, and other fora involving high-level policy officials from other federal departments and agencies, other donors, the U.S. and foreign private sector, foreign governments, and other bilateral and multilateral organizations to carry the Agency’s official position, to conclude agreements and to exchange ideas and information. Actively participates in boards and committees as the representative of USAID in dealing with matters which extend well beyond the assigned program responsibility. Serves as the principal representative and consultant for the Agency at inter-agency and international meetings dealing with issues and information in the area of expertise and program responsibility.

Advice and Guidance 25%

Serves as the primary Agency advisor on various programs and events. Counsels senior management staff and officials at multiple levels of USAID, senior staff of other Federal and private sector clients, and vendors on Agency matters. Advises on the appropriate methods and techniques to use in order to achieve program goals and objectives. Serves on inter Agency, national, and/or international special work groups, task forces, or expert panels on special projects or studies critical to the resolution of far-reaching operating issues and problems. Communicates with the Bureau for Africa Front Office on the status of different work activities and efforts. Reports regularly on the effectiveness of specific programs.

Policy Development 20%

Provides leadership in promoting sustainable development assistance programs; helps the Agency to evaluate its programmatic initiatives; and provides broad policy direction and external coordination for the Mission to meet the goals and objectives of the Bureau for Africa and the Agency. Formulates and/or reviews, coordinates, and obtains approval of USAID guidance; policy determinations; and delegations of authority on all matters related to the Mission’s functions to provide official status and continuity. Develops, conceives, plans, and implements policies and guidelines affecting broad, emerging, and/or critical Agency programs. Translates new legislation into program goals, actions, and policies, interpreting the impact of new legislative requirements on Agency programs. Recognized as an Agency authority in formulating new policies and program objectives that have a broad or long-range impact on one or more significant programs of the Agency. Provides management and counsel to senior management of the Agency to improve internal business processes and the effectiveness of major Agency operations and functions.

Human Resources Management 20%

Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of direct-hire employees and non-direct-hire employees, including both internationally and locally recruited Personal Services Contractors (PSCs) stationed in Somalia. Sets priorities and goals for employees, establishes deadlines, and makes certain that work assignments are completed on time. Assigns work according to complexity of the task to be performed and the capabilities of employees, reviews and approves/disapproves leave requests, and recommends and discusses changes in work priorities and operations with employees’ supervisors. Identifies training needs. Recommends supporting documents for recruitment, selection, promotion, awards, and disciplinary actions. Participates in the review and improvement of work methods and organizational structures, and oversees the preparation of staff position descriptions. Resolves informal complaints and grievances. Takes personnel actions as necessary. Assures that organization staff at all levels is trained and complies fully with the provisions of Agency safety regulations. The Senior Advisor is responsible for furthering the goals of equal employment opportunity (EEO) by taking positive steps to ensure the accomplishment of affirmative action objectives and by adhering to nondiscriminatory employment practices in regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or handicap. Specifically, the Senior Advisor initiates nondiscriminatory practices and affirmative action for the area under his/her direction in the following: (1) merit promotion of employees and recruitment and hiring of applicants; (2) fair treatment of all employees; (3) encouragement and recognition of employee achievements; (4) career development of employees; and (5) full utilization of their skills.

Program Management and Oversight 10%

Formulates strategic program plans that assess policy and program feasibility and include realistic short- and long-term goals and objectives to maximize development assistance program results. Defines and strengthens the USAID role in identifying and promoting specific development assistance policy projects, and focuses Agency efforts on projects that serve as pilots for broader private sector efforts to achieve other foreign policy-related sustainable development goals. Seeks systematic approaches to support the Agency’s objectives, including (as appropriate) through design and initiation of innovative pilot projects. Based on project results, identifies, and develops principles and approaches, as well as model projects, which can be implemented Agency-wide. Recommends special projects to further the Agency’s mission. Has overall responsibility, as well as delegated authority, for the oversight and administration of broad, emerging, and/or critical Agency programs or operations. Primarily responsible for the direction and management of large-scale Agency programs and operations to efficiently achieve specified goals and objectives. Evaluates current and proposed programs and operations, and recommends actions to Initiate, modify, or discontinue projects. Receives administrative direction in terms of the broadly defined missions and functions of USAID.

POSITION ELEMENTS

1. Level and Purpose of Contacts: The SDA will maintain professional and effective working and senior level contacts with internal and external stakeholders including USAID and other USG officials (Ambassador, DCM, Embassy Pol/Econ, Pol/Mil, PAO, DAT, Management, and related sections, DOD, FBI, and other key interagency representatives, etc.) senior implementing partner representatives including all UN agencies as well as Government of Somalia officials at both the national and sub-national levels.
2. Supervisory Controls: The SDA will work under the supervision of the Deputy Mission Director and/or designee. The employee will exercise independence and decision-making authority in carrying out duties, subject to final review by the Mission. The incumbent formulates strategic program plans that assess policy and program feasibility and include realistic short- and long-term goals and objectives to maximize development assistance program results. S/he defines and strengthens the USAID role in identifying and promoting specific development assistance policy projects, and focuses Agency efforts on projects that serve as pilots for broader private sector efforts to achieve other foreign policy-related sustainable development goals. Seeks systematic approaches to support the Agency’s objectives, including (as appropriate) through design and initiation of innovative pilot projects.
3. Guidelines: The employee must be able to exercise broad knowledge of USAID regulations, the Africa Bureau and Bureau for Planning, Learning, and Resource Management procedural guidance, USAID/USG strategy documents, Automated Directive System (ADS), the Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAR), and other USAID or USG policies. The incumbent plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of direct-hire employees and non-direct-hire employees, including both internationally and locally recruited PSCs. Sets priorities and goals for employees, establishes deadlines, and makes certain that work assignments are completed on time. Assigns work according to complexity of the task to be performed and the capabilities of employees, reviews and approves/disapproves leave requests, and recommends and discusses changes in work priorities and operations with employees’ supervisors. Responsible for the timely evaluation of employee performance, and counseling and instruction to individual employees on matters relating to career planning, training, and administrative issues. In addition, the Advisor will be called on to interpret and apply guidelines and precedents in some unusual situations without assistance from others.
4. Supervision Received: The incumbent will report to the Deputy Mission Director and/or designee. S/he will have significant latitude and is expected to take significant initiative in planning and carrying out his/her assignment.
5. Physical Demands: The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. If traveling overseas, the employee may be subject to some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
6. Work Environment: Work is primarily performed in an office setting. If the employee travels, the work may additionally involve safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
7. Sunday Pay: Not authorized.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

The incumbent must meet the following requirements in education and professional experience:

1. Education: A master’s degree in international development, business, agriculture, public administration, economics, or related field.

2. Professional Experience: The candidate is required to have a minimum of twenty-five (25) years of development experience which includes some combination of work in complex crisis environments similar to that of Somalia. The candidate must also have significant experience in program development and implementation; a broad and in-depth experience in implementing technical programs and strategies; experience in consultations and facilitation of various teams with diverse backgrounds and development perspectives; applying broad USG (or similar development organizations) principles, policies and strategies; effective interagency coordination, partner country, and donor coordination; and working with USG leadership at the highest levels.

3. Additional Desired Skills:

1. Working knowledge of USG policies, priorities and strategies;
2. Clear understanding and demonstrated skills in developing assistance activities and implementing programs is required.
3. Demonstrated capability for complex analysis and the ability to obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of program and personnel performance data is required;
4. Ability to lead meetings and presentations with senior internal and external stakeholders; and
5. In depth understanding and experiences of living and working in fast-paced, complex crisis environments similar to Somalia.

Applicants who clearly meet the skills and qualifications requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of Evaluation Factor responses submitted with the applicant’s application.

Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following Evaluation Factors. The evaluation factors will be used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and/or required to provide a writing sample. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. In addition, applications (written materials and interviews) will be evaluated based on content as well as on the applicant’s writing, presentation, and communication skills.

Evaluation Factors:

1. Education: (5 points)

• A master’s degree in international development, business, agriculture, public administration, economics, or related field is required.

2. Relevant Work Experience: (40 points)

• Minimum of twenty-five (25) years of development experience which includes some combination of work in complex crisis environments similar to that of Somalia.
• Demonstrated experience researching, designing or implementing programs related to complex crisis environments, preferably in East Africa.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with U.S. Government agencies, international organizations, national or local governments, and/or other high-profile entities supporting economic growth.

3. Technical Knowledge: (35 points)

• The candidate must demonstrate an understanding of the forces that build resilience to recurrent shocks and that can prevent and counter violent extremism.
• S/he must demonstrate a sound understanding of bilateral and regional trade agreements and their implications for global trade and development objectives.
• S/he must demonstrate competencies in working with market-based approaches to achieve development outcomes.
• An understanding of the democracy, stabilization, governance, economic growth, and social services sectors is required to support discussions on highly technical issues with government officials, the Embassy, USAID/Washington and potential partners is an important element of the position.

4. Skills and Abilities: (20 points)

• The incumbent must have a proven track record with developing strategic plans, a comprehensive understanding of development assistance, and program management. The incumbent should have the ability to analyze historical and current data and reports on development programs, identify trends, and synthesize findings and conclusions. S/he must have experience, knowledge and skills in drafting strategy documents.
• The candidate must have strong problem solving skills involving complex, or conceptual problems, particularly in the areas of private sector engagement and business development. Similarly, S/he must have strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• S/he must be a team player and be able to develop and maintain positive working relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders, private sector, donor and the Federal Government of Somalia representatives.
• S/he must be able to provide cross-sectoral guidance on economics, trade, investment and private sector engagement to staff and partners, and have a level of authority/leadership/credibility necessary for successfully fulfilling the scope of work.

Evaluation Factor Scoring:

Education – 5 points

Work Experience – 40 points

Technical Knowledge – 35 points

Skills and Abilities – 20 points

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)

Total Possible Points: 100

How to apply

Interested applicants are required to submit the following:

1. Offerform AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with individuals,” available athttps://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

2. An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume (no more than five pages), cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position, copies of all relevant certificates and include three (3) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

3. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically via email to nairobipscjobs@usaid.gov

4. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

   FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference: 52.204-27 PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION 05/22/2024

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