Local Capacity Development Team Leader and Development Leadership Initiative Coordinator

SOLICITATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-623-11-000003

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 14, 2010.

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME: November 15, 2010 04pm local Time, Nairobi, Kenya

4. POSITION TITLE: Local Capacity Development Team Leader and Development Leadership Initiative Cooordinator

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($84,697 - $110,104 plus benefits). Final compensation will be based on individual’s salary and work history, experience and educational background.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years from date of appointment. Option to extend will depend upon the continuing need for the services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S Citizens Only (Please note that local hired USPSCs are not entitled to allowances.)

EVALUATION FACTORS: Evaluation will be based on a 100-point Scale – Education (20%); Knowledge/Experience (45%), and Skills and Abilities (35%)

9. SECURITY ACCESS: Employment Authorization (With the ability to obtain a Secret Clearance, if required)

10. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION

A. BACKGROUND:
USAID/East Africa is located in Nairobi, Kenya and is part of the USAID Nairobi complex of USAID/Kenya, USAID/East Africa and several other USAID operating units.
The USAID Nairobi complex is a training site for Development Leadership Initiative (DLI) junior officers who are on their first tour overseas for the Agency. USAID/East Africa has also been selected as pilot for a Local Capacity Development (LCD) Team. This solicitation seek candidates who can serve both as DLI Coordinator for the USAID Nairobi complex and Local Capacity Development Team Leader for USAID/East Africa.
DLI Coordinator. Thus far, 17 DLIs have been assigned to the USAID Nairobi complex and approximately 25 more will be deployed during fiscal years 2011– 2012, with 20 DLIs assigned at any given time, on a rotating basis. The normal tour for a DLI is two years, in which the DLIs work in different offices of USAID, each typically for a period of three months.
The DLI training and mentoring program at the Nairobi complex requires dedicated coordination and support to ensure that training plans are developed in light of regional and other training opportunities; that an effective mentorship program is implemented; that space and logistical requirements are met to provide a supportive work environment for the junior officers; and that all other logistical and training needs are met for the DLI training program at the USAID Nairobi complex.
The Coordinator will play an important role as the DLI counselor, providing training and mentoring, will advise the DLIs of the work of the LCD Team, and will develop opportunities to train and mentor all DLIs in USAID procurement reform. .
LCD Team.
The Agency’s procurement reform group has identified as a priority area for reform within the Agency the strengthening of civil society and private sector capacity by supporting local entities who can take greater ownership over the development of their countries. This calls for increasing the number of local partners through direct grants to local nonprofit organizations; and increasing the number of local partners through direct contracts with local private businesses. Since it is recognized that engaging directly with local nonprofit organizations and private businesses can be a time consuming process, the Agency has decided to implement a pilot to establish Local Capacity Development Teams in five regional offices, one of which is USAID/East Africa.

The objective of the LCD Team is to assist USAID missions and operations in the East Africa region to increase the number of local partners and concurrent funds through grants to local NGOs. The Team will assist the missions and operations to mainstream this activity into their annual programming so that it becomes part of the way the Agency does business on a regular basis.

The USAID/East Africa LCD Team will be comprised of four DLIs from different back-stop offices at the Mission; the Contracting Office, the Financial Management Office, the Program Office and the Technical (Health) Office. Each DLI will be paired with a senior Foreign Service National (FSN) professional in the same backstop office. DLIs will be assigned full-time for one year of their two year rotation and the FSNs will devote part of their time to work on the Team. The Team will be led by the incumbent.

The Team will work with Missions in the region to: (a) create more accessible eligibility criteria for local nonprofit organizations to partner with USAID; (b) develop capacity-building programs for local NGOs by training NGOs in grant and report writing, as well as in financial management, or by incorporating capacity building into NGO grants; and (c) develop and implement a Mission-wide grant programs for local NGOs. With regard to (c), the Team will work with the program and technical offices of the concerned Missions to identify areas suitable for implementation by local NGOs, develop requests for grant applications for these areas, solicit and review proposals, and issue grants. The Team will develop a monitoring and evaluation plan to ensure effective implementation and to develop best practices for increasing and improving the participation of local NGOs in the implementation of USAID’s programs

B. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
The Mission DLI Coordinator/ LCD Team Leader will serve as the lead on all activities related to the DLI program in the region. This position will report to the USAID/East Africa Front Office.

C. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. The DLI Coordinator/LCD Team Leader will work with EXO and Front Office to oversee all facets of DLI administrative management:
i. Facilitate the preparation of the DLIJO Memoranda of Understanding for all assignments to post.
ii. Plan and carry out a DLI orientation for all new DLIs coming to the office---including basic information related to payroll, WebTA, etc.-in coordination with HR and Controller's office.
iii. Analyze available space accommodation at the Mission in terms of additional DLIs assigned to Nairobi.
iv. Develop and oversee logistics related to assignments, work with the EXO to determine necessary procurement of office furnishings, computer equipment and peripherals, installation hardware, etc.
v. Provided guidance and interpretation of USAID policies and overall strategic direction for the DLI program and how this intersects with and supports USAID’s development programs and office operation in East Africa.

2. The DLI Coordinator/LCD Team Leader will work with the EXO and Front Office to oversee all facets of DLI training and rotations:
i. Work in conjunction with DLI and his/her supervisor to develop the DLI's Individual Development Plan (IDP).
ii. Oversee documentation and record keeping related to DLI Individual Development Plans (IDPs) -updated in light of training taken, training scheduled, and new opportunities, in coordination with supervisor and DLI junior officer.
iii. Develop training tracking plans and matrices, feedback sheets and evaluation forms to ensure that DLI rotations are productive for the junior officer, that the rotation supervisor has an opportunity to provide input to the official DLI supervisor and that the DLI junior officer will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the efficacy of the assigned rotation.
iv. Manage all aspects of any planned DLI training curriculum and, as appropriate, be responsible for the development of course curriculums.
v. Coordinate with EXO to locate, contract (if necessary), and supervise logistics and administration for instructors (USAID staff in the region, retired USAID officers, and/or USAID Washington staff).
vi. Maintain close contact with USAID technical and support offices and Embassy and other USG offices in-country to identify opportunities for DLIs to fully maximize their rotations. While developing a rotation schedule is the responsibility of each DLI, the Coordinator will provide critical guidance and support to all DLIs as they develop their individual rotation schedule.

3. The DLI Coordinator/LCD Team Leader will also play a key role in developing and maintaining a strong mentoring program at the USAID Nairobi complex:
i. Provide guidance for mentoring: including information on selecting mentors, the roles of mentor and prot?g?, beginning and ending a mentoring relationship, and setting and achieving goals for a productive mentor-prot?g? relationship.
ii. Work with Foreign Service Officers and FSNs to provide advice and guidance on becoming effective mentors.
iii. Track the DLI mentor-prot?g? relationships, meeting with them at least once each quarter to track progress, analyze problems or provide corrective solutions, if necessary, to improve the mentoring relationship.
iv. Serve as a sounding board to listen to DLI issues.
v. Provide advice and guidance to first tour officers regarding their roles as subordinates in the office: working with an office chief, working with local staff, etc.
vi. Make recommendations for ending non-functioning mentor-prot?g? relationships.
vii. Make recommendations to improve training rotations to Office Chiefs, and to the Front Office.
viii. Prepare reports documenting all programming and performance.

4. The Team Leader/DLI Coordinator will work with the USAID/East Africa Front Office to lead the Mission’s LCD Team:
i. Regularly meet with the USAID/East Africa Front Office and other USAID/East Africa Office Directors to learn and stay current with their programs in the region and establish working relationships with the Contracting, Program, Financial Management, Legal and Health offices at USAID/East Africa.
ii. Establish working relationships with all DLI and FSN members of the LCD Team and hold regular staff meetings with the Team.
iii. Guide, direct, coordinate and participate in, as appropriate, the work of the LCD Team in soliciting and meeting with local NGOs eligible for USAID direct grants, coordinate with Mission Technical Officers to ensure compliance work, coordinate with Mission Contracting Officers regarding the issuance, administration and close-out of grants, and coordinate the work of the LCD Team with all concerned Mission offices to ensure that the work of the LCD Team is an integral part of the work of the Mission.
iv. Guide, direct, coordinate and participate in, as appropriate, the work of the LCD Team in collaboration with concerned Agency and Mission officials, in (a) creating more accessible eligibility criteria for local nonprofit organizations to partner with USAID; (b) develop capacity-building programs for local NGOs by training NGOs in grant and report writing, as well as in financial management, or by incorporating capacity building into NGO grants; and (c) develop and implement a Mission-wide grant programs for local NGOs.
v. Establish working relationships with the other Missions and USAID operations in the region that will host visits of the LCT Team, plan trips of the LCD Team to those Missions and operations in collaboration with those Missions and operations and as appropriate join the LCD Team on such trips and guide, direct, coordinate and participate in the work of the Team on such visits.
vi. Inform and advise all DLIs at the USAID Nairobi complex on the work of the Team, holding regular meetings with all DLIs, including DLI Team members, for this purpose and provide opportunities for training and mentoring of all such DLIs on USAID procurement reform.

5. Other duties as assigned by the USAID/East Africa Mission Director.

12. POSITION ELEMENTS:

Medical and Security Clearances:
The selected applicant must be able to obtain a Secret Security clearance and a Department of State Class I Medical Clearance.

Supervision Received:
Incumbent is supervised by the Mission Director or his/her designee. Assignments are made via annual work objectives, email exchanges, telephone calls and periodic coordination meetings. However, the incumbent independently plans and manages his/her work objectives and agenda. S/he must be able to work independently, exercise good judgment and his/her advice and input are considered valuable for the management of DLIs.

Supervision over Others:
None

Available Guidelines:
Automated Directive Systems; Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); AID Acquisitions Regulations (AIDAR); AID Automated Directives System (ADS Series); U.S. Department of State Standardized Regulations; Federal Travel Regulations; Circulars and Controller General Decisions, USAID Mission Orders, Project Papers, Mission Strategy, and other documents available.

Exercise of Judgment:
A high degree of independent judgment and ingenuity will be required to interpret Agency DLI polices and guidelines and harmonize these with the overall Mission objectives.

Authority to make Commitments/Obligations:
As a USPSC, the incumbent has no authority to make commitments on USG funds.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts:
The incumbent serves as the coordinator and technical resource person for the DLI program. S/He has contacts with USAID/W; Mission Director, Senior Embassy officials including the Ambassador and DCM, USAID/SA; Office Chiefs and local hire employees for information dissemination and coordination. The DLI Coordinator makes recommendations to the team leaders and the SA Mission Director and Deputy Directors concerning the continuation or revision of USAID DLI mentorship, training and administrative management. Maintain close contact with technical and support offices to identify opportunities for DLIs to fully maximize their rotations.

Period of Performance
The incumbent shall provide the services described above for an initial two years with the possibility of extensions with the total contract period not exceeding five years. The option to extend will depend upon the continuing need for the services, availability of funds and satisfactory performance.

13. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
The following factors represent minimum requirements, unless otherwise indicated. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be further evaluated based on the following evaluation factors.

1. Education

College degree is required.

2. Work experience

At least 5 years of experience working with USAID procedures and systems and extensive experience in supervision and coaching newer professionals. The incumbent's work profile should reflect an ability to work in complex organizations, coordinating staff and resources within and across units.

3. Language

Fluency in written and oral English is required.

14. EVALUATION CRITERIA

Selection will be based on obtaining high scores on the evaluation criteria below (out of a possible 100 points). In an attachment to the application, applicants shall address each of the evaluation factors and sub-factors, describing specifically and accurately their relevant education/training and experience. Applicants shall highlight how they meet the job requirements and make special note of relevant significant awards and achievements. Failure to address the evaluation factors and sub-factors and how their qualifications meet the requirements of the position will result in an applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent education, training, and experience. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and interviewed.

Evaluation factors will be used to establish a preliminary rating of candidates. Highly rated candidates may be asked to submit written responses to a series of questions to further evaluate their written communication skills. Highly rated candidates will be interviewed and reference checks will be conducted, after which time final ratings will be established.

A. EDUCATION (20 points):

College degree is required. While not required, an advanced degree in education or a development related field will be deemed a positive factoring evaluating an applicant ‘s education.

B. KNOWLEDGE/WORK EXPERIENCE (45 points):

At least 5 years of experience working with USAID procedures and systems and extensive experience in supervision and coaching newer professionals. Candidates who also have experience in the design, development and implementation of professional development programs will be considered favorably. The incumbent's work profile should reflect an ability to work in complex organizations, coordinating staff and resources within and across units. While not required, experience working in Africa on business, banking or development in particular and Peace Corps experience in general will be deemed a positive factoring evaluating an applicant ‘s knowledge and experience. Similarly, experience working with USAID procurement and grant-making systems will also be deemed a positive factor in evaluating an applicant’s knowledge and experience. An understanding of education and training, mentoring relationships and fostering junior officers is required.

C. SKILLS & ABILITIES (35 points):

Fluency in written and oral English is required. Fluency in written and oral French is not required but will be deemed a positive factoring evaluating an applicant ‘s skills and experience. A writing test may be administered to assess written fluency.

The incumbent must have ability to: organize, develop, and implement a series of training and rotational opportunities for junior officers to ensure that all goals are met for DLI junior officers. S/he must be sensitive to the needs of new officers overseas for the first time, an ability to provide counseling to both the junior officers and the senior officers who will taken on a more proactive role with on-the-job training. Must be able to track and document progress (or lack thereof) for all junior officers under the DLI program at Post. S/he must have excellent communication and leadership skills to ensure that all officers are motivated to provide the necessary training and mentoring required by this program. The incumbent must be able to independently establish and maintain contacts with senior-level as well as junior levels officers within the USG. Computer skills and familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet programs are required.

The incumbent must also be able to lead, guide and direct the work of a team of junior professionals backstopped by senior part-time local professionals, and participate in that work as necessary and appropriate to team objectives and professional development of team members. The incumbent must be prepared to travel in the East Africa region and interact with a diverse body of private and public sector parties, and be able to meet internal USAID goals for team performance.

15. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

A) APPLYING
For applicants to be considered for this position, the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position.

i). Marking Applications: To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.

ii). CV: An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

iii). Form OF-612: The submitted form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612. Form 612 is available at the USAID web site, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/OF612.pdf or internet http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP, or at USG offices.

iv). References: Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter. The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant.

v). Required Forms for PSCs: The following forms and others shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. Additional forms may be required at the time the selection process is completed.

Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)
Questionnaire for the Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or
Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
Fingerprint card

vi). Late Submissions: Qualified individuals should note that applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, local time, on the date specified on the covering letter to this solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information.

B) SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES

i). Medical Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual and eligible dependents will be required to obtain a medical clearance or waiver, through the Dept. of State, Office of Medical Clearances, for the country of performance specified. Instructions for obtaining the medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

ii). Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a Secret Security Clearance through the USAID Office of Security. A temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted for the required level of clearance. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

C) REGULATIONS/BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

i). USAID Regulations:

1. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs): CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this web site – http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.

2. AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.

ii). Benefits, Allowances and U.S. Taxes: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed).

*A local -hire USPSC does not qualify for the allowances listed in paragraphs 2. and 3. below:

1. Benefits:
a) Employee’s FICA Contribution
b) Annual Contribution towards Health and Life Insurance
c) Pay Comparability Adjustment - - Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs
d) Worker’s Compensation
e) Vacation and Sick Leave
f) Access to Health Unit if employee and/or dependents are medically cleared to serve at post of assignment (Not applicable to local hire USPSCs).

2. Allowances * (If Applicable):
a) Post Differential (Section 500)
b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
c) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
d) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220)
e) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
f) Payment During Evacuation (Section 600)
g) Education Allowance (Section 270)
h) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
i) Danger Pay (Section 650)
j) Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Dept of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

3. In-Kind Allowances:
The USG will provide the following in-kind allowances, on par with US Direct Hires at the same location, in lieu of some allowances in paragraph “2. Allowances* (If Applicable)” above:
a) Housing
b) Furniture
c) Appliances
d) Furnishings (drapes/blinds, rugs, lights, etc.)
e) Utilities
f) Guard Services for Residence

4. Federal and State Taxes:
a. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes and will be withheld from compensation payments.
b. State Taxes: USAID withholds state taxes from compensation payments.

END OF SOLICITATION

Michael Makosala
SOL-623-11-000003
USAID/EA/RLA-Regional Legal Advisor
c/o American Embassy
United Nations Avenue
Gigiri
Nairobi, Kenya