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  • Local Hire U.S Personal Services Contractor (PSC): Senior Governance and Inclusive Politics Technical Advisor (U.S Citizens only)

    Local Hire U.S Personal Services Contractor (PSC): Senior Governance and Inclusive Politics Technical Advisor (U.S Citizens only)

    Solicitation No.: MN 20-06
    Issuance Date: January 24, 2020
    Closing Date/Time: February 7, 2020 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
    SUBJECT: Solicitation for Local Hire U.S Personal Services Contractor (PSC): Senior Governance and Inclusive Politics Technical Advisor, GS-14
    Dear Prospective Offerors:
    The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens residing in Kenya to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.
    Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through IV of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.
    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 the attached information.
    Sincerely,
    -s-
    Natalya Komarova
    Executive Officer
    Attachment 1:
    GENERAL INFORMATION

    SOLICITATION NO.: Mission Notice MN 20-06
    ISSUANCE DATE: 01/24/2020
    CLOSING DATE/TIME: 02/07/20 20 at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
    POSITION TITLE: Senior Governance and Inclusive Politics Technical Advisor
    MARKET VALUE: $92,977 to $120,868 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Not-to-exceed six (6) months without option to extend
    PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya
    AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens currently residing in Kenya (with a valid residence permit)[1]. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.
    SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USAID/W issued clearance level at the Facility/Computer Access Level (if U.S citizens)
    POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at pbii@usaid.gov
    PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands.
    STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION

    Background/Introduction
    The origins of Somalia’s governance and conflict challenges are rooted in the marginalization and exclusion over many years of a large part of the Somali population from political power and economic resources. Elites and power dynamics rather than policies or formal laws and regulations continue to shape the realities of the enabling environment. As post-conflict peacebuilding failures are also closely correlated with exclusionary political settlements, greater inclusivity will be a critical factor in consolidation of peace in Somalia. Exclusionary politics and economics also play out in each of the regional member states, where dominant clans enjoy greater access to resources (customs revenues, land and natural resources, development and humanitarian assistance, business opportunities, and security sector assistance). The highly asymmetrical access to power, state resources, and international aid, often structured around clan-families, are major fault-lines in national and regional politics. These dynamics generate grievances that can create or contribute to politically-instigated communal clashes, as well as tactical alliances for Al Shabaab to exploit. Polarized competition between interest groups pursing their own interests increases instability risk. It also creates the danger that assistance intended to strengthen the state is instead used to empower and enrich one social group in Somalia at the expense of others (see Menkhaus 2016; 2014).
    While Somali politics are typically analyzed through the lens of clan politics and elite competition, inequalities are prevalent across multiple dimensions, particularly: location (urban/rural, region), displaced status, gender, age, marital status, and minorities. Lack of and unequal access to opportunities is particularly prevalent in employment; basic services; informal and formal systems of judicial redress; political power and processes; and access to land and natural resources.
    To respond to these governance challenges, USAID/Somalia’s Democracy, Stabilization, and Governance Office focuses on promoting Inclusive Governance. The DSG Office recognizes that to achieve this goal governing institutions must become more effective, accountable, and participatory in order to reverse the destructive legacy of a predatory state, violent extremist ideology, and exclusionary clan and patronage-based politics. At the same time, Somalia’s population must see tangible dividends to “buy-in” and become active participants in Somalia’s state-building project. The DSG office’s underlying developmental hypothesis is that systems and processes that enable inclusive governance are strengthened IF: (1) communities vulnerable to conflict and extremism increase resilience to security threats, strengthen grievance and dispute resolution mechanisms, and are provided with tangible evidence of government response; (2) governance institutions are more effective, accountable, and representative; and (3) political trust and participation is increased.
    In the coming year, USAID/Somalia will be assessing existing programs and designing new set of programs that are designed to respond to this theory of change. This position will be focused on supporting efforts to develop and design new activities focused on the second two parts of this theory of change: 1) governance institutions are more effective, accountable, and representative; and 2) political trust and participation is increased. The person filling this position will work closely with to provide advice on how to advance USAID programming in these two areas.
    BASIC FUNCTIONS
    The Senior Good Governance and Inclusive Politics Technical Advisor reports to the USAID/Somalia DSG Office Director and coordinates closely with the DSG team members managing existing governance and inclusive politics programs, USAID’s Resilience Advisor, and the Program Office. The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya and will have occasional travel to Somalia. The incumbent helps coordinate USAID strategy, assistance, and policy in support of inclusive governance with a primary focus on good governance and inclusive politics.
    USAID/Somalia DSG activities are evolving to the changing political environment, and the Senior Technical Advisor will help shape the new strategic approach including:

    Assessing USAID/Somalia’s successes in advancing inclusive politics to date, identifying key lessons-learned and areas that future programming can build on.
    Identifying key opportunities to advance inclusive politics in Somalia in the coming five years, analyzing possibilities of working with political parties, civil society, electoral bodies, and/or other actors critical to advancing inclusive politics.
    Developing a political economy framework for inclusive politics that draws from existing analyses and other related work to provide a stakeholder map and a general political economy baseline on issues critical to advancing inclusive politics. This framework will enable USAID/Somalia to track changing political environment, power relations, and incentives to advance inclusive politics over the next five years.
    Drafting an initial, flexible design for USAID/Somalia’s new Inclusive Politics program that provides multiple alternatives to respond to different political scenarios over the next five years.
    Promoting partnerships across the USG and with interlocutors from the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), Federal Member States (FMS), the international community, and other key stakeholders to support inclusive politics.

    The Senior Advisor will contribute to the management of USAID/Somalia’s complex inclusive politics and good governance program. Most of the work will be in Nairobi with occasional travel to Somalia.
    The Senior Advisor will liaise with other USAID teams, USG agencies, the FGS, donors, civil society, international experts, and stakeholders to ensure maximum effectiveness of USAID activities in support of good governance and inclusive politics. This position requires technical and programmatic financial expertise in the design and management of good governance and inclusive politics.
    The incumbent may also responsible for representing USAID and the USG in donor meetings, technical working groups, and in meetings with host government officials and civil society representatives. The Senior Advisor will work in close collaboration with other USG agencies to help implement the DSG portfolio as articulated in the DSG Inclusive Governance Project Appraisal Document.
    The Senior Advisor must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a difficult and dynamic political environment. Strong writing and presentation skills are required. Familiarity with good governance, inclusive politics, and political economy analysis is required. Prior experience working on Somalia is preferred.
    As part of the USAID/Somalia DSG Team, the incumbent will, as required, contribute to broader team administrative and programmatic functions. These may include, but not be limited to, preparation of relevant sections of periodic reporting and planning documents, talking points, briefing notes, and analysis in response to requests from the Ambassador, USAID Mission Director, DSG Office Director, Congress, USAID/Washington, and the State Department. As an international expert in DSG, the Senior Advisor will contribute policy recommendations to top USG officials, including the Ambassador.
    SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

    Refine USAID/Somalia’s strategic vision for good governance and inclusive politics. This new strategic vision must draw on lessons learned to date from ongoing USAID and other donor programming, seize on possible opportunities that exist now or in the future, and be flexible, offering various scenarios that respond to changing political environment in Somalia. Accompanying this revised strategic vision, the Senior Advisor will develop a political economy framework for inclusive politics that draws from existing analyses and other related work to provide a stakeholder map and a general political economy baseline on issues critical to advancing inclusive politics. This framework will enable USAID/Somalia to track changing political environment, power relations, and incentives to advance inclusive politics over the next five years.
    Provide management support to one or more existing activities targeting good governance and inclusive politics. This would focus on reviewing programmatic reports, promoting adaptive management of existing programs, and providing technical advice on possible program evaluations and assessments.

    Lead the design of one or more new activities for Somalia that promote inclusive politics and good governance. As part of this effort, the Senior Advisor will:

    Identify key opportunities to advance inclusive politics in Somalia in the coming five years, analyzing possibilities of working with political parties, civil society, electoral bodies, and/or other actors critical to advancing inclusive politics.
    Draft an initial, flexible design for USAID/Somalia’s new Inclusive Politics program that provides multiple alternatives to respond to different political scenarios over the next five years.
    Ensure good governance and inclusive politics-related activities within USAID, among USG agencies, and other donors are coordinated, duplication of effort is minimized, and the institutional strengths of partners are fully engaged.
    Represent the USG in various settings, including meetings hosted by donors, the Somali government, and civil society.
    Serve as a Good Governance and Inclusive Politics expert and advisor to the USAID Mission. Briefings for the USAID Mission Director, the U.S. Ambassador and other USG officials will be required. This will include making recommendation on the most productive use of DSG funding, writing background documents such as concept notes, scopes of work, justifications, and authorizations and working with other offices to get them cleared through the Mission expeditiously.
    Assist in the preparation of reports, analysis, and briefings as required. The Senior Advisor will also be required to provide talking points, briefing notes, and speeches in response to specific events or requests, and to perform other duties, as assigned by the DSG Office Director.

    Position Elements
    Knowledge level required: The incumbent must have an expert-level understanding of governance and stabilization programs characterized by multi-disciplinary approaches, and their role in U.S foreign policy. s/he must have comprehensive knowledge of donor programming policies and international donor regulations, procedures, and practices. The Incumbent must show past experience in performing successfully at high levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction.
     Available Guidelines: The position requires an understanding of an array of USG and USAID regulations. The Federal Acquisition Regulation, Automated Directives System, and other publications available with USAID/Somalia provide guidance on many of the rules and regulations. Ingenuity will be required to interpret and, at times, to develop new guidelines given the dynamic nature of Somalia
    The Senior Advisor must exercise sound and independent judgment in interpreting and applying USG and USAID regulations and standard operating procedures in the course of carrying out assigned duties. The incumbent will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment carrying out work of outstanding difficulty and must consistently demonstrate credible leadership within a dynamic and highly sensitive operating environment.
    Supervisory Controls: The Senior Advisor will receive overall supervision and policy guidance from the USAID/Somalia DSG Office Director. The Senior Advisor will develop work objectives in coordination with the DSG Director against which performance is measured. In the day-to-day work environment, the Senior Advisor is expected to require very little direct supervisions and use his/her initiative, resourcefulness, and creativity to resolve problems and advance USAID/Somalia’s vision for inclusive governance.
    Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent is not authorized to make any commitments on behalf of USAID or the USG. The incumbent will represent USAID, except that communications that reflect a final policy, planning or budget decision of the agency must be cleared by the DSG Director, who is a U.S. Direct Hire employee.
    Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The Senior Advisor will establish and maintain solid working relations with all levels of US Mission personnel and USAID staff. Frequent contact with senior-level US Embassy officers, host government officials, civil society members, international donors, and private sector entities will be required of the Senior Advisor in order to fulfill their duties. The Senior Advisor must establish strong and collaborative working relationships at all levels of county and national government in order to gain credibility and develop partnerships. Often these contacts will be of a high-level and sensitive nature. Therefore, extreme discretion and diplomacy is required.
    Supervision Exercised: None
    Scope/Effect: The individual serves in a role that directly influences USAID/Somalia’s decision and policy making. The individual will provide expert advice and support in the management and implementation of DSG Inclusive Governance Project as well as the Somalia Strategic Framework document, which is USAID’s Somalia broadest and highest development strategy and policy. S/he is responsible for coordination and joint approaches with the Economic Growth and Education technical offices as relevant to the stabilization portfolio.
    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.
    Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties after Entry into Position: It is expected that the incumbent will have the ability to immediately perform the full range of duties as listed above.
    Security Clearance Requirement: USAID/W issued clearance level at the Facility/Computer Access Level (if U.S citizens) or Moderate Risk Public Trust access authorization (if U.S Permanent resident)
    Travel Requirement: The employee must be available and able to travel to Somalia. All support travel to Somalia will be provided by USAID/Somalia in accordance with applicable USAID regulations and U.S. Mission policy.
    Support Items: The employee will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work. This will include a workstation that includes a desk, computer, file cabinets, network access, with the possibility for mobile computing devices based on need and Mission management approval.
    Sunday Pay: Is not authorized.
    SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
    The incumbent must meet the following requirements in education and professional experience:
    Education: bachelor’s degree
    Professional Experience: Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible management experience with a USG entity, international assistance organization, or non-governmental organization in community development, conflict environments, conflict resolution, democracy and governance, international law, and/or political analysis; within which there must be a minimum of two (2) years of overseas field experience working on directly on Inclusive Politics and Good Governance approaches. Prior experience working in Somalia is desired.
    Demonstrated ability to work on international development activities as related to on Inclusive Politics, Good Governance, and stabilization operations is required. Demonstrated knowledge of international best practices in Inclusive Politics and Good Governance is required. Prior experience working collaboratively with other donors is required. Familiarity with development investments in Somalia is preferred.
    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: A practical knowledge of international development activities as related to Inclusive Politics and Good Governance approaches. Prior experience working in Somalia is desired. Demonstrated knowledge of international best practices in Inclusive Politics and Good Governance approaches is required. Prior experience working collaboratively with other donors is required. Familiarity with development investments in Somalia is preferred.
    The Senior Advisor must have strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a difficult and dynamic political environment that brings together individuals from multiple cultures. Therefore, the ability to communicate effectively and diplomatically is essential. Clear and persuasive writing and presentation skills are required. The Senior Advisor must have strong problem-solving skills as well as the ability to lead these efforts collaboratively.
    Demonstrated ability to work as part of a cross-cultural team within the DSG Office and across the broader Mission is essential. Ability to present ideas with tact and diplomacy is required. Ability to develop and maintain a range of mid- to high-level working relationships within the US Government and the Somali Government, among international donor partners, and with the private sector and civil society is required. Ability to quickly understand the basics of development activity management including the requirements for financial and programmatic reporting is required. Proficient use of word processing, spreadsheet, and PowerPoint software programs and willingness to use these programs to organize information, conduct analysis, prepare reports, draft correspondence, and prepare presentations is required. Candidate must be able to communicate exceptionally well in writing and verbally to a diversity of audiences.
    Language proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing, is required.
    EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
    The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.
    Education: Null (Minimum requirement must be met)
    Prior work Experience: 40 points
    Knowledge: 30 points
    Skills and Abilities: 25 points
    Language Proficiency: 5 points
    Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)
    Total Possible Points: 100
    [1] Resident hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement, or for reasons other than for employment with a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

  • Communication Advisor

    Communication Advisor

    GENERAL INFORMATION
    SOLICITATION NO.: Mission Notice 18-192
    ISSUANCE DATE: 12/3/2018
    CLOSING DATE/TIME: 12/14/2018 at 12:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
    MARKET VALUE: $75,628 to $98,317 equivalent to GS-13 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (1) one-year options subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance or better.
    PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya
    AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens currently residing in Kenya (with a valid residence permit)1 and Third Country Nationals. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.
    Resident hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement, or for reasons other than for employment with a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.
    Third country national (TCN) means an individual who is neither a cooperating country national nor a U.S. national, but is a citizen or lawful permanent resident (or equivalent immigration status) of any country other than the countries which are prohibited sources.
    SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: USAID/W issued clearance level at the Facility/Computer Access Level (if U.S citizens) or Moderate Risk Public Trust access authorization (if U.S Permanent resident or Third Country National)
    STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION
    Background/Introduction
    USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEGI) implements programs to increase food security, promote resilience, improve water and sanitation, enhance trade and investment, expand access to energy, and increase sustainable economic integration in Kenya and East Africa. OEGI provides intellectual leadership to design, implement and evaluate programs and strategies in response to the Global Food Security Strategy, the Power Africa Initiative, and other U.S. Government and USAID initiatives and priorities. At the Kenya bilateral level, OEGI manages a $90 million portfolio of activities across multiple sectors including agriculture, livestock, trade, investment, and energy, as described below. At the regional level, OEGI manages a $25 million portfolio, which includes energy and resilience activities, as well as direct engagement with Regional Intergovernmental Organization (RIGO) partners, including the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). OEGI’s work with the RIGOs focuses on promoting regional economic integration and expanding regional and international trade, particularly in agriculture goods.
    OEGI works collaboratively with USAID technical offices within USAID/KEA, bilateral USAID missions across East Africa, regional USAID missions across Africa, and USAID/Washington, as well as with USAID/KEA lifeline offices and USAID/KEA management, to achieve the objectives of the USAID/KEA Kenya Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) and Regional Development Cooperation Strategy (RDCS).
    OEGI supports USAID/KEA’s Kenyan and regional communications strategies. OEGI communicates and coordinates knowledge management on Kenyan and regional programming and policy priorities to USAID bilateral missions and embassies, and works closely with USAID/Washington and inter-agency colleagues to coordinate U.S. Government activities in Kenya and the region.
    OEGI focuses on the following objectives:

    Improve food security, both in Kenya and regionally. Increase access, availability, and utilization of African-grown staple foods in Kenya and in regionally integrated markets. Investments and partnerships facilitate the movement of quality, staple foods, livestock and inputs from areas of availability to areas of deficit, encouraging market-based responses to regional food insecurity. This includes addressing regional plant and animal diseases and other threats to food security.
    Enhance resilience, both in Kenya and regionally. Coordinate multi-sector resilience platforms to increase efficiency and effectiveness of USAID investments in drought prone areas across bilateral Missions and within USAID/KEA.
    Grow exports to the U.S. Increase awareness and utilization of trade preferences under the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) through firm-level assistance, partnership with regional trade associations, and the development and implementation of national AGOA competitiveness strategies.
    Increase trade in Kenya and the region. Assist the RIGOs in the development, harmonization and implementation of trade policies, procedures and standards. Partnering with governments and private sector organizations, OEGI seeks to reduce the number of tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade, deepen regional integration, and advance the Single Customs Territory and Common Market.
    Reduce the time and cost of transport. Improve the performance of the most critical bottlenecks to transit and transport along the key Northern and Central Trade Corridors within the EAC, primarily focused at Port and Border Posts.
    Improve access to clean, reliable and cost-effective access to electricity in Kenya, and support increased cross-border energy trade for the wider East African region. Support
    development of the energy sector through financing, grants, technical assistance and investment promotion, to both public and private sector institutions, and the improvement of the enabling environment to facilitate increased private sector participation in power projects development.
     Increase private financing and investment in Kenya for USAID priority sectors, including energy, agriculture, and water and sanitation infrastructure, through technical assistance programs and a portfolio of Development Credit Authority (DCA) partial credit guarantees with 13 Kenyan financial institutions.
    Improve access to water and sanitation. OEGI manages USAID/KEA’s water and sanitation activities in Kenya and also manages water and sanitation activities in Kenya that are funded by AID/Washington. USAID/KEA is currently the chair of Water Sector Technical Group, which serves as the technical arm of the development partners for coordinating water and sanitation activities.
    Provide direct assistance and technical support to the RIGOs to advance shared priority development objectives and improve their organizational and technical capacity.

    Major Duties and Responsibilities
    The employee will develop and help manage communications throughout OEGI’s seven technical areas of Trade, Investment, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Feed the Future Kenya and Regional, Energy and Resilience. In addition, the employee will promote USAID/Kenya and East Africa (KEA)’s resilience platforms that cut across several technical offices within KEA or across missions within the region, namely Kenya’s Partnership for Resilience and Economic Growth (PREG) and the regional Horn of Africa Resilience Network (HoRN). The employee will manage all communications to numerous internal and external stakeholders including bilateral USAID Missions, USAID/Washington, and other U.S. Agencies or Departments. Using various resources and tracking programs to produce both internal and external communications, the employee will ensure messages are consistent with the overall USAID/KEA objectives to explain, promote, and raise awareness of OEGI and resilience platform activities. This will include developing communication materials, case studies, white papers, newsletter content, social media content, speeches, briefing checklists (BCLs), and other tools as necessary to raise awareness of the portfolio and highlight success stories to ensure that all stakeholders are well informed of OEGI and resilience platform activities and to maximize opportunities for coordinated programming, sharing of best practices, and improved knowledge management across the region. In addition, the employee will develop and provide trainings for OEGI and its implementing partners to strengthen communication skills and practices and will support, as requested, a broad range of communication approaches including public events and social media.

    Outreach and Communications: 65%

    Develop a strategic communications plan and support messaging to highlight the progress of OEGI-funded activities towards the achievement of their overall goals and USAID/KEA objectives.
    Coordinate with the USADI/KEA Development Outreach Coordinator (DOC) to leverage local, regional and international media relationships that will ensure OEGI events/stories are covered on a timely basis with appropriate content and that USAID and Embassy
    Nairobi staff are well informed of OEGI activities, including USAID/KEA’s resilience platform events.
    Establish excellent working relationships and strategic engagement with a wide range of senior figures within the development and USG community related to communications, including communications officials in other USAID Missions, AID/Washington, the USAID/KEA DOC team, the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS) in Kenya, the Kenya and regional donor community, and OEGI’s implementing partners throughout the East Africa region.
    Support and advise OEGI leadership to ensure uninterrupted proper internal and external messaging for all of OEGI’s activities. The employee will need to be a thoughtful, diplomatic, consensus-building, strategic, analytical, and a leader. The employee must be able to use excellent judgment and have the ability to deal with ambiguity at all levels.
    Support logistics for OEGI and USAID/KEA resilience conferences, training events, press interviews, VIP visits, launches of project activities, or other events to ensure events run smoothly and meet USAID messaging goals.
    Write and/or edit briefing checklists (BCLs), speeches, talking points, blogs, success stories, press releases and other communications materials as needed by OEGI, the USAID/KEA resilience platforms, USAID/KEA senior management, the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, or other VIPs as directed, in support of USAID-sponsored public events.
    Develop external communication materials, case studies, white papers, regional newsletter content, social media content, and other tools as necessary to raise awareness of OEGI and USAID/KEA resilience activities and success stories, and ensure that stakeholders, including bilateral missions in the region, are well informed of OEGI activities.
    Advise and make recommendations to USAID staff, the USAID Mission Director, technical offices, implementing partners, and others to communicate about the work and achievements of OEGI. Ensure that all activities well-coordinated with other donor activities through regular updates given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including Annual Reports, Portfolio Reviews, Congressional Budget Justifications, briefings, newsletters and talking points.
    Assist OEGI staff to periodically review implementing partner communication strategies and practices, and provide guidance on USAID branding and marking requirements as required by each award.

    General Management: 35%

    Maintain a current database with all relevant communications contacts that are involved in the implementation of OEGI and USAID/KEA’s resilience platform activities (i.e. spokespersons and programmatic focal points from implementing partners, USAID Missions in East Africa, AID/Washington, Embassy Nairobi agencies, other donors, etc.).
    Proofread and edit OEGI materials to provide quality control.
    Maintain an OEGI repository of publications, fact-sheets and briefers and work with the DOC to ensure periodic publications are completed and submitted on time. These include the Annual OEGI Report and OEGI input into the annual USAID/KEA Events Calendar.

    Position Elements

    Knowledge level required: Knowledge applicable to a wide range of duties involving oral and written communication principles, practices, techniques and methods; analytical methods; and interpersonal relations practices. Skill in applying such knowledge in the modification of standard methods and adaptation of approaches in developing new information materials aimed at enhancing the understanding of groups or individuals of the significant issues of an agency’s program. Knowledge applicable to and skill in assessing public reaction and identifying extent of understanding achieved to evaluate effectiveness of information programs. Knowledge and skill to explain significant issues to generally responsive groups or individuals interested in the agency’s programs.
    Available Guidelines: The employee must be able to exercise broad knowledge of USAID regulations related to communications, Africa Bureau and PPL procedural guidance, USAID/USG strategy documents, Mission Orders, Automated Directive System (ADS), and the Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAR), PPL policies, and other USAID or USG policies related to communications. The employee must be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies of the Strategic Planning and Analysis (SPA) Office, the SPA DOC team, and USAID/KEA, including but not limited to the Branding and Marking Guidance, Mission Orders, Mission Notices, and USG procurement regulations.
    Guidelines including operating instructions, public affairs manuals, agency or local policies and regulations, and standard agency public affairs practices and precedents are readily available and generally applicable to situations encountered, although some gaps exist in specific areas. For routine work situations, the communications Advisor independently selects, interprets and applies the guides, modifying and adapting them to suit specific situations not directly covered by the guidelines. In addition, the specialist is beginning to interpret and apply guidelines and precedents in some unusual situations without assistance from others.
    Supervisory Controls: The Communication Advisor will work under the supervision of the OEGI Senior Operations Specialist. The employee will exercise independence and decision making authority in carrying out duties, subject to final review by the Senior Operations Specialist and the OEGI Office Chief. The supervisor will set overall objectives and resources available, and work with the employee to develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished. The employee will be responsible for planning and carrying out assignments, resolving most conflicts, coordinating with others, and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. Keeping the supervisor informed of progress, the employee may determine the approach to be taken and the methodology to be used. The supervisor will review completed work from an overall standpoint of feasibility, compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting requirements. The supervisor will review and approve the employee’s work plan and performance measures. The employee is expected to work independently with limited guidance, take initiative where appropriate, and support the writing, coordination, and communication needs of OEGI staff members and KEA Resilience platforms, as appropriate.
    Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction, but will have no authority to make financial commitments on behalf of the USG unless such authority is specifically delegated.
    Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Maintain professional and effective working and senior level contacts with internal and external stakeholders including USAID and other USG officials (USAID DOC, Embassy Public Affairs, Embassy Political/Econ officers, Foreign Commercial Section, Foreign Agriculture Service, United States Department of Agriculture, etc.) senior implementing partner representatives including EAC, COMESA, and IGAD officials, as well as Government of Kenya officials.
    Supervision Exercised: None
    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.
    Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties After Entry Into Position: It is expected that the incumbent will have the ability to immediately perform the full range of duties as listed above. This will require specific experience in food assistance programming and USAID regulations.
    Security Clearance Requirement: USAID/W issued clearance level at the Facility/Computer Access Level (if U.S citizens) or Moderate Risk Public Trust access authorization (if U.S Permanent resident or Third Country National)
    Travel Requirement: The employee must be available and able to travel through the greater East Africa region, including Kenya. Travel may represent 15% of total work time.
    Support Items: The employee will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work. This will include a work station that includes a desk, computer, file cabinets, network access, with the possibility for mobile computing devices based on need and Mission management approval.
    Sunday Pay: Is not authorized.11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. 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).
    POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at pbii@usaid.gov

    SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
    The incumbent must meet the following requirements in education and professional experience:
    Education: A Master’s degree in a relevant professional discipline such as media, journalism, communications, international relations, history, anthropology, human rights and/or law degree. However, five years or more of substantive and specifically relevant experience may be acceptable in lieu of a Master’s degree.
    Professional Experience: The candidate is required to have a minimum of seven years of experience directly involved in media, outreach and communications in development partner and/or donor contexts. The candidate must have excellent interpersonal and networking skills and the ability to liaise authoritatively with representatives from the development sector, local media, local government, USG, and other relevant actors. Clear understanding and demonstrated skills in outreach and coordination of organizational messaging is required.
    The candidate must have demonstrated experience in leading consultations and facilitation of various teams with diverse backgrounds and development perspectives; applying broad USG (or similar development organizations) principles, policies and strategies; leading effective USG interagency, partner country, and donor coordination; and working with USG leadership at the working- and senior-levels.
    Additional Desired Skills:

    Working knowledge of USG policies, priorities and strategies;
    Demonstrated familiarity and expertise with a diverse range of communications software.
    Ability to lead meetings and presentations with internal and external stakeholders.

    EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

    According to ADS 309.3.1.10 (g), Offers received from the USNs (preferred) will be evaluated first and TCNs will only be considered if there are no qualified offerors from the USNs.
    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 are required to address each of the following Evaluation Factors in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor. The evaluation factors will be used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.
    Applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples for each Evaluation Factor. Responses must be limited to 500 words per factor. Any words above the limit will neither be read nor scored.
    Factor #1: Demonstrated experience designing and managing strategic communication programs related to economic growth and development, preferably in East Africa.
    Factor #2: Demonstrated experience preparing outreach materials for a wide range of outlets and audiences including print, video, and social media.
    Factor #3: Demonstrated experience coordinating with U.S. Government agencies, international organizations, national or local governments, and/or other high-profile entities supporting economic growth.
    The most qualified candidates may be interviewed, required to provide a writing sample, and demonstrate an ability to operate commonly used office applications. 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. In the event that a candidate has fully demonstrated his/her qualifications and there are no other competitive applicants, USAID reserves the right to forego the interview process. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection.
    Applicants selected for an interview will be asked to submit three examples of previously developed visual and/or written materials in order to demonstrate experience editing and developing a range of visual and/or written materials for external and internal communications, including websites.

    Evaluation Scoring:

    Factor #1 – 25 points
    Factor #2 – 25 points
    Factor #3 – 10 points

    Examples of Materials – 10 points
    Interview Performance – 30 points
    Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)
    Total Possible Points: 100

  • Senior Regional Advisor

    Senior Regional Advisor

    Job Description
    Solicitation Number: 720FDA18B00081
    Salary Level: GS-15 Equivalent: $105,123 – $136,659
    Issuance Date: August 23, 2018
    Closing Date: October 5, 2018 (Deadline Extended)
    Closing Time: 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
    Dear Prospective Applicants:
    The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Regional Advisor (SRA) under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the attached solicitation.
    Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

    Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:

    Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
    Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
    Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.
    Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
    U.S. Citizenship
    Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (FedBizOps, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).
    Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

    USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

    NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS
    AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
    All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data
    Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award
    Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. You will be disqualified if you either
    fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The
    selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.
    NOTE: As of March 28, 2018, all new SAM.gov entity registrations will now require a signed
    notarized letter identifying the authorized Entity administrator for the entity associated with the
    DUNS number. Additional information on the format of the notarized letter and where to submit
    can be found via the below Federal Service Desk link:
    https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257…
    sysparm_search=kb0013183
    Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.
    Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Your complete resume must be emailed to:
    OFDA Recruitment Team
    E-Mail Address: recruiter@ofda.gov
    Website: www.OFDAjobs.net
    Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to OFDA Recruitment Team via the information provided above.
    Sincerely,
    Renee Newton
    Contracting Officer
    Solicitation for USPSC Senior Regional Advisor

    SOLICITATION NO.: 720FDA18B00081
    ISSUANCE DATE: August 23, 2018
    CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: October 5, 2018 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
    POSITION TITLE: Senior Regional Advisor
    MARKET VALUE:
    GS-15 equivalent ($105,123 – $136,659 – not eligible for locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s established salary history. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) one-year options
    PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya

    There may be an initial training program in Washington, D.C. for three months, which will include formal classroom training and on-the-job training; and may include security training. After completion of Washington training, the Senior Regional Advisor will be assigned to the place of performance.
    STATEMENT OF WORK
    POSITION DESCRIPTION
    BACKGROUND
    The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into six divisions.
    The Africa (AFD) Response Division and the Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East (ALE) Response Division are responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations including United Nations (UN) agencies and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. These divisions also oversee OFDA’s non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction and resilience. AFD and ALE Response Divisions also coordinate with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. They devise, coordinate and implement program strategies for a variety of natural and complex disaster situations. Both Divisions encompass groups of operations specialists who provide technical expert capability in assessing the quality and strategic function of disaster response and risk reduction activities. The AFD Response Division is divided into two teams: East and Central Africa (ECA), and Southern, West, and North Africa (SWAN). The ALE Response Division is divided into four teams: East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia (EMCA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and South Asia (SA).
    The Operations (OPS) Division develops and manages operations for OFDA’s disaster responses by readying people and systems; projecting U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian capacity quickly into the field; and delivering material and technical assistance. The OPS Division maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Urban Search and Rescue Teams, coordinating, staffing, training, and equipping Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), and stockpiling emergency relief commodities in key locations around the globe to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division provides technical guidance and expertise in Disaster Logistics, Urban Search and Rescue, Operations Center management, activation/readiness, Civil-Military Liaison, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Consequence Management. It also provides overseas support to OFDA offices and personnel and to other sectors necessary to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division is divided into four teams: the Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP), Military Liaison Team (MLT), Operations Support Team (OST), and Overseas Administration Team (OAT).
    The Program Support (PS) Division provides operational management support, including general administration, budget and financial services, procurement planning, information technology, human resources management including staff care, and contract and grant administration support to OFDA. The PS Division supports OFDA’s mandate by providing innovative solutions in the areas of Information Technology, staffing, funds control, budgeting, human resource management, and procurement to facilitate timely disaster responses. The PS Division is divided into four teams: the Award, Audit, and Risk Management (AARM) team, Human Resources Management Team (HRM), Budget, Finance, and Information Technology (BFIT) Team, and the Acquisition and Management (ACQ) Team.
    The Preparation, Strategic Planning and Mitigation (PSPM) Division is responsible for the technical oversight of all OFDA response and mitigation programs, as well as preparation for response, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction activities. The PSPM Division houses technical experts in all sectors potentially affected by disasters, and leads the Agency in developing and promoting best practices for programming in these specific sectors. In addition, PSPM will be the focal point for technological innovations for humanitarian assistance in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, assessment, and information management. The PSPM Division is divided into four teams: Cross-Cutting Sectors Team, Natural Hazards Team, Health Team, and Food Security and Livelihoods Team.
    The Humanitarian Policy and Global Engagement (HPGE) Division assists the DCHA front office, the OFDA Director and OFDA Deputy Director with tracking trends and policy developments in the humanitarian assistance field. It engages in policy dialogue with other parts of USAID, the USG interagency, other donors, multilateral agencies, and NGO partners; recommends strategies for action to DCHA; initiates development of policy and internal guidance for OFDA; maintains global relationships with implementing partners, other donors, and the broader humanitarian architecture; and engages with the UN to advance USG humanitarian policy objectives and promote humanitarian principles within the USG and internationally. The HPGE Division leads OFDA’s communications and social media outreach to effectively communicate OFDA’s story to a variety of strategic audiences. It serves as the office’s primary interlocutor on strategic issues with other federal partners to provide guidance to OFDA on policy issues pertaining to the interagency, and to improve USG humanitarian coordination and response during large-scale crises. The HPGE Division staff manages global programs, policy and outreach, strategic communications, and interagency training and engagement. HPGE is divided into seven teams: Policy Team, Global Programs Team, Strategic Interagency Team, Strategic Communications Team, Global Capacity and Leadership Development Team, Public-Private Engagement Team, and the United States Mission to the UN (USUN) in New York, Geneva, and Rome.
    INTRODUCTION
    To fulfill its mandate to effectively respond to disasters worldwide, OFDA has established six permanent regional offices. The regional offices are located in San Jose, Costa Rica; Bangkok, Thailand; Pretoria, South Africa; Dakar, Senegal; Nairobi, Kenya; and Budapest, Hungary.
    The regional offices are headed by Senior Regional Advisors (SRAs). SRAs serve as the regional team leaders in disaster response, preparedness, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities. They are principally responsible for managing the regional offices, monitoring all grants on humanitarian assistance program implementation, overseeing sub-regional offices, as applicable, supervising the office staff, and developing, in consultation with their respective Regional Advisors and the OFDA Africa Division Team Leader in Washington, the multiyear strategies for their respective regions. In coordination with OFDA/Washington, SRAs manage disaster response activities, identify and formulate disaster preparedness, mitigation and training programs for their respective regions.
    OBJECTIVE
    OFDA requires the services of a SRA for its regional office in Nairobi, Kenya to ensure that OFDA’s objectives for response, preparedness, DRR, and resilience are met.
    CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    The SRA will be responsible for a complex portfolio—requiring oversight of multiple, concurrent humanitarian crises throughout the disaster cycle. The SRA will manage a team of field-based staff responsible for the monitoring and assessment of humanitarian needs in the region of responsibility and developing, implementing, and monitoring humanitarian response and DRR efforts. The SRA will serve as the lead humanitarian advisor in the field and ensure OFDA field-base perspectives are incorporated into OFDA’s internal and external policy efforts and office-wide initiatives. Up to 75% travel throughout the assigned region and to headquarters will be expected.
    The SRA’s responsibilities will include the following:
    Contextual Specialty

    Serve as an authoritative expert on humanitarian issues, priorities, lessons learned, and opportunities in the region of responsibility.
    Use extensive experience and knowledge base to guide OFDA’s Regional Advisors in analyzing and determining the scale and scope of a wide-range of challenges when complete information is not available and provide support to continued efforts to establish creative solutions.
    Provide expert guidance on political, humanitarian, organizational, structural and stakeholder interests’ specific to the region of responsibility.
    Prepare or supervise the preparation of regular strategic and analytical reports on current or anticipated emergencies, as well as comprehensive preparedness documentation on assigned countries.

    Portfolio Management

    Lead/conduct/oversee initial assessments to identify humanitarian needs and/or DRR opportunities in current disaster sites or locations with high vulnerability.
    Ensure ongoing humanitarian response and DRR activities are monitored to validate that objectives are met and beneficiaries are served.
    Lead the development of country, issue, or disaster specific strategies across the region of responsibility, as well as timely revision of these strategies as contextual realties shift.
    Make authoritative recommendations on difficult resource and programmatic trade-offs within the region and provide expert advice to inform global prioritization.
    Ensure interventions within the region of responsibility align with appropriate strategies.
    Serve a primary role in the management of the approved annual budget for the region to include timely identification of the need for additional resources or the availability of surplus.

    Representation

    Serve as the DCHA/OFDA lead representative and the primary point of contact on humanitarian issues in the area of responsibility.
    Serve as an expert advisor on humanitarian and DRR issues to senior USG personnel in the region to include Ambassadors, Mission Directors, and other heads of agencies.
    Develop and maintain relationships with representatives of host government, emergency/humanitarian donor governments (Department of International Development, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, etc.), international emergency and humanitarian organizations (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, International committee of the Red Cross, International Organization for Migration, etc.) emergency/humanitarian divisions of NGOs, U.S. embassies and USAID missions to ensure efficient and coordinated humanitarian response and DRR activities.
    Represent USAID in joint efforts to design, develop, and implement humanitarian strategies and intervention with local governments, donor, partner, and UN organizations, as appropriate.
    Advise regional officials, including host country authorities and other USAID officials on disaster response, mitigation and risk reduction efforts, including the review of sector disaster response and disaster risk mitigation and DRR plans.
    Work with local and regional institutions and private/public sector organizations to incorporate DRR into appropriate programs.

    Leadership

    Manage and prioritize daily activities of OFDA’s regional office and all related sub-regional and program offices.
    Supervise emergency/humanitarian staff within the region to include provision of technical guidance and oversight, administrative approvals, and staff development and evaluation.
    Provide current and future strategic direction to the regional office to include programmatic, liaison and representational prioritization, and human and financial resource requirements.
    Participate in a leadership role in office-wide policy initiatives to ensure field perspectives are well-represented.
    Serve as an early adopter of change through constructive engagement in policy, process, and management issues during development and implementation.

    General Duties

    Serve in a leadership role on DARTs and/or RMTs within and outside the region.
    Ensure timely reporting of OFDA’s activities the region through written cables, analyses, strategies, and other requests for written information and/or oral briefings.
    As needed, may serve on temporary details within the office to meet operational needs during staff shortages, not to exceed six months. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities as well as directly related to the scope of work provided.

    SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
    The SRA will take direction from and report to the Africa Division Director or his/her designee.
    SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
    The SRA is expected to independently plan, design, and carry out programs, projects, studies, or other work with limited administrative direction from supervisor in terms of broadly defined mission or functions. Results are considered technically authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change, reviewed in terms of fulfillment of program objectives, influence on overall program, or contribution to the advancement of the objective.
    PHYSICAL DEMANDS
    The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
    WORK ENVIRONMENT
    Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
    START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.
    POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.
    EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
    (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
    Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, political science, and disaster management) and eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and international humanitarian assistance, and/or disaster response, of which five (5) years were obtained overseas including on the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation.
    OR
    Master’s Degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, political science, and disaster management) and nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and international humanitarian assistance, and/or disaster response, of which five (5) years were obtained overseas including on the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation.
    SELECTION FACTORS
    (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

    Applicant is a U.S. Citizen.
    Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
    USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
    Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret level clearance as provided by USAID.
    Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.
    Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
    Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

    APPLICANT RATING SYSTEM
    The applicant rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. Applicants must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The rating factors are as follows:
    Professional Experience (10 points):

    Direct donor-based experience with international humanitarian agencies such as USG international humanitarian agencies, UN humanitarian funds, or other international disaster response donor organizations.
    Experience managing humanitarian interventions in an international disaster context across the entire disaster management cycle to include emergency response, early recovery and transition, disaster risk reduction, and resilience.
    Specific experience managing humanitarian interventions including needs assessment, strategy development, budget management, resource prioritization, program development, and program management.

    Management/Supervisory Experience (10 points):

    Demonstrated experience managing a staff of varied nationalities and cultural backgrounds working in a constant state of complex, international humanitarian crisis.
    Experience managing a diverse team of program, technical, and administrative staff, including senior U.S. professionals, working in a constant state of in complex, international humanitarian crisis.

    Skills and Abilities (10 points):

    Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to work effectively with host governments at senior levels in the midst of humanitarian crisis situations.
    Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to work effectively with other donors and diplomatic missions at senior levels in the midst of international humanitarian crisis situations.
    Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to work effectively with international and national non-governmental humanitarian partners at senior levels in the midst of humanitarian crisis situations.
    Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to effectively achieve humanitarian objectives within the USG at senior levels, including with the Department of Defense, Embassies, Members of Congress, and senior executive branch staff the midst of international humanitarian crisis situations.

    Interview Performance (50 points)
    Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (20 points)
    Total Possible Points: 100

  • Food for Peace Advisor – Somalia

    Food for Peace Advisor – Somalia

    GENERAL INFORMATION
    SOLICITATION NO.: Mission Notice 18-137
    ISSUANCE DATE: 08/15/2018
    CLOSING DATE/TIME: 09/14/2018 at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
    MARKET VALUE: $89,370 to $116,181 equivalent to GS-14
    Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) one-year options Not-to-exceed five (5) subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance or better.
    SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret
    STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION
    Background/Introduction
    The Food for Peace (FFP) Office within USAID is the U.S. Government’s (USG) primary arm for responding to major food emergencies throughout the developing world. Somalia, historically and into the foreseeable future, is home to numerous large-scale and complex food emergencies, resulting from conflict, climatic events, poor governance, economic shocks, and other disasters. The scale, scope, and nature of these crises are constantly in flux. In response to emergency food needs, FFP targets food-insecure Somali households and internally displaced populations countrywide with emergency food and nutrition assistance. FFP partners with the UN World Food Program (WFP), other public international organizations and non-governmental organizations on relief, nutrition, livelihoods and resilience-oriented activities. These activities include in-kind food and nutrition assistance as well as cash- and market-based interventions, such as unconditional cash transfers, cash-for-work activities, food vouchers and vocational training.
    To help determine the need for and improve, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the assistance provided under the FFP program in Somalia, the USG, represented by USAID, is seeking applications from local-hire U.S. citizens interested in the position of FFP Advisor.
    Major Duties and Responsibilities
    The FFP Advisor will ensure effective management of FFP resources in Somalia, and may also provide support to other countries in the East and Central Africa region as needed. The incumbent is expected to travel approximately 25% of the time.
    Specific Duties: S/he will have the following specific duties:

    Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to FFP-funded food assistance programs in Somalia for USAID/KEA/FFP and Mission Management, USAID/Washington, other parts of the USG, the United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners, host nation government officials, and others.
    Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements, government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, government food assistance programs, and donor pledges and programs.
    Undertake and report on assessments to inform FFP food assistance funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs.
    Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing FFP-funded food assistance programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims.
    Provide information and guidance to FFP-funded food assistance award recipients on FFP regulations, policies and procedures.
    Work with partners on preparation of annual work plans and program modifications, and with UN and NGO partners, and regional FFP staff on new appeals or revisions to existing ones.
    Coordinate with the USG Country Team, host government, UN and other partners, donors, and others to address issues impacting FFP-funded food assistance programs.
    Work with other parts of the USG and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall.
    Represent FFP in program and strategy discussions with other USAID offices regarding linking humanitarian and development programs to build resilience.
    Prepare and input into best practices, lessons learned, and other communications products on food assistance programming.

    Position Elements

    Supervision Received: The FFP Advisor will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the USAID/KEA/FFP Office Chief, or his/her designee, and is expected to be in regular contact with FFP/Washington and report any information to them on issues pertaining to ongoing programs.
    Available Guidelines: Food for Peace Act, Food for Peace Strategy, Global Food Security Strategy, International Emergency Food Assistance Annual Program Statements, USAID Regulations, Food for Peace program monitoring guidelines.
    Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent shall exercise discretion and independent judgment in managing the portfolio. S/he must be able to work independently in an efficient and timely manner, including preparation of reports, identifying issues and suggesting areas of improvement in various aspects of food assistance program implementation and management, and collaborating with USAID colleagues, and other humanitarian donors and partners.
    Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction, but will have no authority to make financial commitments on behalf of the USG unless such authority is specifically delegated.
    Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent maintains high-level contacts and conducts technical discussions with heads of UN agencies, NGO partners, donors, government officials, and other stakeholders.
    Supervision Exercised: The incumbent may supervise one or more Foreign Service National (FSN) staff.
    Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties After Entry Into Position: It is expected that the incumbent will have the ability to immediately perform the full range of duties as listed above. This will require specific experience in food assistance programming and USAID regulations.
    Security Clearance Requirement: Secret
    Travel Requirement: None
    Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work e.g. desktop computer, shared office equipment (such as printer, scanner and shredder), office supplies and support services.
    Sunday Pay: Is not authorized.**

    AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

    U.S. Citizens currently residing in Kenya[1]. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.
    Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING;
    Be able to obtain a USAID/W issued clearance level at the Secret Level;
    Be able to obtain a medical clearance;
    Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. No special demands are required to perform the work.
    POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at pbii@usaid.gov
    SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
    Education:
    Bachelor’s degree plus at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance (two years of which must be related to food assistance);
    OR
    Master’s degree with significant study in a pertinent field (including, but not limited to international relations, agriculture, economics, public health,) plus at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance (two years of which must be related to food assistance);
    Prior Work Experience:
    The candidate must have at least eight or six years of relevant professional experience (as described above). Relevant experience is defined as some combination of experience in developing, managing, assessing, evaluating and reporting on humanitarian assistance programs, strategic planning, and project design.
    EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
    Applicants shall be rated as per three (3) significant evaluation factors – Professional Experience, Program Management and Interpersonal and Communication Skills. Professional Experience represents half of the overall weight of the evaluation and is the single most important factor. The first two sub factors thereunder are of relative equal weight to each other. The significant factors Program Management and Interpersonal and Communication Skills, when combined, are of equal weight to Professional Experience.The sub factors are of relative equal weight to each other under each significant factor.

    Professional Experience (50%)

    Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USG food assistance programs,
    Demonstrated technical expertise in a food assistance related field, such as nutrition, agriculture, economics, public health, or other related fields.

    Program Management (25%)

    Ability to manage programs, to include programmatic and financial issues,
    Ability to monitor and evaluate programs, to include programmatic and financial issues,
    Ability to review, evaluate and apply complex policies and regulations.

    Interpersonal and Communication Skills (25%)

    Ability to provide rapid, concise, accurate reporting, both verbally and in writing,
    Ability to work effectively as a team member and with staff from diverse cultures.

    [1] Resident hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement, or for reasons other than for employment with a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

  • Senior Youth Workforce Development Advisor (American Citizens ONLY)

    Senior Youth Workforce Development Advisor (American Citizens ONLY)

    GENERAL INFORMATION
    SOLICITATION NO.: 72061518R00008
    ISSUANCE DATE: 06/20/2018
    CLOSING DATE/TIME: 07/19/2018 at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
    MARKET VALUE: $89,370 to $116,181 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with one (1) one-year option subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance or better.
    SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret
    STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION
    BACKGROUND:
    Youth, defined broadly as people between 10 and 35 years old, constitute more than a third of the total Kenyan population of 48 million and are a potential demographic dividend for Kenya. However, this large youth population will continue to act as a stressor contributing to destabilization and inadequate economic growth unless youth are engaged and supported by national and local institutions, businesses, communities, and families to contribute more fully to development. Smart and inclusive investments in youth directly, and through better functioning formal and non-formal youth-serving institutions, will help reverse youth disaffection and harness their energy for the development process.
    Emerging industry sectors where skilled youth are needed include: information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, extractive industries, and environmental conservation as indicated in the Workforce Connections Report of 2014. Other sectors requiring skilled youth differ by county contexts.
    In addition, Kenya faces threats posed by terrorism, localized conflicts, and violent crime. The country has been subject to frequent terrorist attacks by militants, including Somali based al-Qaida and affiliated groups like al-Shabaab. Minimal economic prospects and opportunities, increased marginalization and inadequate participation of youth have increased vulnerability to recruitment into violent gangs and extremist groups. These factors were also identified as critical drivers for youth participation in the 2007 post-election conflict. It was noted that the counties with the highest ratio of youth population to total population (Nairobi, Coast, Rift Valley and Western Kenya regions) are the ones that experienced the highest number of post-election conflicts in 2007-2008.
    The cross-sectoral Youth Assessment Report 2009 also highlights the significance of provision of economic opportunities for youth by indicating that approximately 800,000 youth join the labor market each year against an absorption capacity of a paltry 50,000 formal sector jobs. This leaves hundreds of thousands of youth without formal employment opportunities. The informal “jua kali” sector thus becomes the principal and default source of income for the 60 percent of Kenyans who live on less than $2 a day.
    Kenya has a very robust education system with a National Enrollment Rate (NER) of 95.7 percent. This statistic masks geographic areas with low enrollment and completion rates. Furthermore, a decline in primary completion rates has been observed from 2003 to 2009 for youth aged 15-24 in the Nairobi, Coast and Eastern counties for females, and in Nairobi and Central for males. This is a worrying trend considering that when young adolescents drop out of school, they are more likely to engage in practices that undermine their health and well-being, thereby making it increasingly difficult for them to build the skills necessary for gainful employment. Lower education outcomes are also associated with reduced lifetime earnings that could have an impact on nutrition, health and education outcomes for the next generation.
    Studies indicate that a majority of youth who remain in school are not mastering basic skills and thus are not adequately prepared to participate in the 21st century workforce. As a result, more than 2.5 million Kenyan youth are either unemployed or inactive. The disconnection between industry and academia/education curricula means that the private sector is not getting the workers it needs, and young people are not well-equipped for employment or enterprise. This scenario has frustrated both youth and potential employers, with a negative impact on national productivity. Current reform efforts across the education sector include a strong focus on narrowing the skills gap by developing demand driven skills training curricula that is competency based. These government-led and development partner supported investments in competency based training are intended to build practical skills required for youth to enter either wage or self-employment.
    To address challenges facing Kenyan youth, the Government of Kenya (GOK) and its development partners have launched youth platforms, such as the National Youth Council (NYC) and the National Youth Bunge Association (NYBA). These organizations are attempts to unify youth to address the challenge of access to youth-friendly services and their participation in other development processes. In addition, the GOK has established funds such as the Uwezo Fund and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund to support young Kenyans. However, these platforms need support to build their capacity. Most young people are unable to access such GOK and private sector funds due to factors ranging from stringent regulations and little awareness of their existence. Many other youth lack national identity cards, a necessary prerequisite for many facets of civic adult life in Kenya.
    In response to this development challenge, USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) considers youth as a high Mission priority. The strategy envisions working directly with young people to improve health outcomes, increase skills for economic productivity and civic engagement, and develop individual and community resiliency to resist extremism and ethno-political conflict. The empowerment of youth will forge healthy, productive, and engaged citizens over the long term. With recognition of the challenges posed by a demographic youth bulge, the Mission does not view the youth of Kenya as victims or problems but as a critical part of the solution. Youth can and must drive Kenya’s progress toward responsive, citizen-centered government and a sustainable economy with shared growth to achieve the goals set out in Vision 2030, the national long-term development blue-print.
    The Senior Youth and Workforce Development Advisor will lead USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s cross-sectoral project to strengthen the ability of Kenyan youth to contribute to the country’s social, political, and economic development. The Adviser will foster cross-sectoral collaboration and systemic, locally-led solutions wherever possible in alignment with USAID’s Youth in Development Policy. In doing so, the Adviser will operationalize the development hypotheses relevant to and emerging from each sector engaging with youth to support the Mission-wide youth goal: Kenyan youth are empowered and engaged in social, political, and economic development.
    To achieve this, the Youth Project addresses three key development problems: minimal participation and representation of youth; minimal economic prospects and opportunities; and inadequate access to youth-friendly services. Addressing these issues requires multiple approaches and the integration of key principles into programming targeting youth. These include:

    SKILL-BUILDING: Intentional focus on broadening youth perspectives; development of social, problem-solving, communication, and labor market demand skills;
    PARTICIPATION: Engaging and partnering with youth by offering meaningful and developmentally appropriate opportunities for participation (e.g., youth-led discussions) and leadership (e.g., youth as partners in development programming – mobilizers, tutors, evaluators, and other contributors to development outcomes);
    RESILIENCE: Investing in assets that build youth resilience giving youth the ability to absorb and overcome difficulties such as poverty, conflict, and disease;
    INNOVATION: Embrace innovation and technology by and for youth;
    NORMS AND EXPECTATIONS: Establishing norms and high expectations for positive youth behavior and action that are sanctioned by the group;
    ADULT-YOUTH RELATIONSHIPS: Establishing deep and meaningful ways for young people and adults to relate and engage with each other and specific training for adult leaders; and
    INFORMATION AND SERVICES: Providing problem-specific information and access to developmentally appropriate services.

    INTRODUCTION:
    The Senior Youth and Workforce Development Adviser, Office of Education and Youth (EDY), will provide leadership support to EDY in the following ways:
    The USPSC will report to and participate fully with the EDY Office Chief in providing guidance and overall direction of the development and execution of USAID/Kenya and East Africa-financed activities related to education sector reforms in Kenya, with particular emphasis on existing and planned new activities related to livelihoods and workforce development. The USPSC will be expected to work independently and with minimal oversight from the Office Chief of EDY, based on a general assignment of responsibilities. The USPSC will provide a work plan for accomplishing assigned duties and responsibilities, and will be responsible for daily management of assigned Mission-critical activities, informing and consulting with the Chief of EDY, Deputy Chief of EDY, Deputy Mission Director, Mission Director, and Embassy Front Office, as necessary. Within the scope of work assigned, the USPSC will have considerable latitude in the exercise of their duties, including program/project design, management and evaluation, and the identification and resolution of issues affecting program performance within and outside of the Mission. The USPSC will participate in oversight of the design and implementation of all youth-related programs/projects across the Mission; collaborate with other technical teams (including Economic Growth and Integration; Democracy, Conflict & Governance; Environment & Natural Resource Management; Health, Population and Nutrition); supervise FSN(s) in implementing and approving programs and activities; confer and negotiate with senior level Government of Kenya (GOK) officials, NGO/PVOs, and private-sector partners; participate in or direct staff participation in meetings with GOK officials, members of international organizations and other donors, private-sector representatives, and others to discuss program/project areas and to resolve problems of mutual concern.
    MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    The Contractor will serve as a senior and trusted policy and technical advisor to the Office Chief of EDY, USAID/Kenya and East Africa, the US Mission to Kenya, and the GOK on education sector reforms, and will speak for the Mission on technical youth matters as required.
    The Contractor will participate fully with the Chief of EDY in providing technical leadership and program implementation oversight to USAID/Kenya and East Africa-funded implementing partners working under contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants. Work will require the USPSC to liaise with implementing partners to best facilitate the exchange of technical information and ideas, to collaborate on cross-cutting issues, to provide effective collaboration with the private sector, GOK, and other development partners to promote program/project synergies. The USPSC will select or develop appropriate systems for monitoring implementing partners and activities, for obtaining and reporting on results and possible setbacks, and for initiating programmatic adjustments, when necessary.
    The Contractor will analyze economic, political, and other trends affecting youth and workforce development. Identifies ways to further meet both USG foreign policy and GOK youth sector policy objectives in Kenya.
    The Contractor will maintain a wide range of contacts with government, private sector, voluntary institutions as well as other multilateral and bilateral donors on matters related to youth initiatives to ensure proper activity design and implementation. Actively represents USAID at donor coordination meetings and other events on issues related to youth.
    The Contractor will participate as assigned in the supervision of the Office of Education and Youth’s Foreign Service National (FSN) staff. In total, the EDY Team consists of one U.S. Direct Hire (USDH) EDY Office Chief, one USDH Education Officer who serves as Deputy Office Chief, seven FSN professional staff and one FSN administrative staff. The USPSC will be required to assist in creating a supportive work environment that values diversity, and elicits the highest possible level of performance from the entire Development Objective (DO) Team; assist in setting clear individual and EDY Team work objectives; and help ensure that the staff carries out those assignments. The USPSC is also expected to encourage FSN staff development by assigning and guiding on additional responsibilities.
    The Contractor will assist the Mission in collecting information and evaluating the impact of all youth sector activities. This responsibility encompasses: a) completing youth and workforce sections of the Operational Plan annually; b) participating in evaluations of current and completed activities, including the performance of contractors and grantees; c) ensuring that relevant recommendations are implemented and taken into consideration in the design of new initiatives; and d) evaluating audit report findings and recommending and participating in corrective action.
    The Contractor will participate in ensuring cost-effective allocation and management of USG resources for all activities/projects under the Mission CDCS. The USPSC will assist in providing oversight to ensure that sufficient funds are supported annually in the Congressional presentation and to USAID/Washington for the youth program; that USAID/Washington and USAID/Kenya and East Africa allocate funds and provide other administrative support necessary to meet DO program/project needs; that DO programming, budgets, and schedules for obligation and expenditure are well thought-out, and will lead to achievement of the expected results; and, that USAID/Kenya and East Africa, implementing partner, and Kenyan counterpart organizations’ funds management procedures and practices comply with USG and USAID regulations and ethics standards.
    The Contractor will interact with all other USAID offices on issues related to youth, including reporting, budgeting, and outreach functions. Also coordinates with other USAID/Kenya and East Africa Mission offices on cross-cutting issues affecting youth, i.e., livelihoods, HIV/AIDS education, and civic education.
    The Contractor will support USAID/Kenya and East Africa bilateral efforts on the presidential Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), coordinating with the YALI Regional Coordinator for East Africa based at the Mission, and the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section.

    POSITION ELEMENTS:

    Supervisory Controls: Work will be performed under the general direction of the Chief, Office of Education and Youth, USAID/Kenya and East Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya. Performance will be evaluated annually based on accomplishments.
    Supervision over Others: May exercise full range of normal supervision over two FSN Youth Project Management Specialists and one Project Management Assistant, providing overall policy guidance and coordinating the work of these employees to achieve activity objectives.
    Exercise of Judgment: Overall management of the Education and Youth portfolio is done collaboratively in a team environment, with the USPSC participating fully in the process. Specific work plans and anticipated results are developed in consultation with the EDY Team.
    The USPSC works independently, providing leadership to others involved in the management of the EDY portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of new Education and Youth activities. The work is reviewed in terms of achievement of established milestones, and the appropriateness of program/project activity focus.
    Authority to make Commitments/Obligations: Because the position will be procured through a personal services contract, the incumbent cannot make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government. However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and standing as a highly qualified professional in his/her field, great weight will be given to his/her conclusions and recommendations when commitments are made by those with the authority to do so.
    Physical demands: The primary location of work will be the US Embassy Compound in Nairobi, Kenya. Work in the office is expected to be mostly sedentary. Secondary locations will include implementing partner offices and field offices, the location of program beneficiaries in rural and in urban areas, GOK departments and offices and the offices of bi- and multi-lateral donors and NGOs, and attendance at international conferences and trainings. In-country travel is a requirement of the position and the USPSC may occasionally face challenging living and working conditions while in travel status. Some travel may require USG Regional Security Officer approval.

    TRAVEL REQUIREMENT:
    In-country travel is a requirement of the position and the USPSC may occasionally face challenging living and working conditions while in travel status. Some travel may require USG Regional Security Officer (RSO) approval.
    SUPPORT ITEMS:
    The incumbent will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.
    SUNDAY PAY: Is not authorized.
    AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens.
    PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. No special demands are required to perform the work.
    POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at pbii@usaid.gov
    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
    Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as youth entrepreneurship or livelihoods development, international education, non-formal and/or other alternative youth approaches, workforce development, private sector and/or social/behavioral sciences;
    Minimum of seven years’ experience in developing countries designing and leading youth workforce development and private sector-led youth livelihood initiatives and/or USAID youth programming and strategic outreach to the private sector.
    The youth and workforce development adviser should have experience in designing and implementing tools and approaches that encompass cross-sectoral programming. The ideal candidate will have experience in both youth mobilization and workforce development as well as a proven track record in brokering successful public private sector partnerships to leverage resources and multiply the Mission’s investment in its youth portfolio. Prior experience in managing USAID-funded contracts and grants, particularly in the area of education or youth, is strongly preferred.
    Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels is strongly preferred. This includes contacts with host government counterparts, other donors, and USG agencies.
    Native English writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished documents is required. There is no requirement for local language proficiency, though knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable. Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels is strongly preferred. This includes contacts with host government counterparts, other donors, private sector leaders and USG agencies. The position requires strong communication, mentoring, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs sometimes with short deadlines.
    The position requires strong ability in communications, mentoring, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs sometimes with short deadlines.
    EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
    Applicants are required to address each of the evaluation criteria on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.
    Applicants will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:
    (Maximum Points Available: 100)
    Education (15 points)
    A Master’s degree in an area related to youth entrepreneurial or livelihoods development, international education, non-formal and/or other youth approaches, workforce development, private sector and/or social/behavioral sciences.Professional Experience (45 points)At least seven years of experience in youth programming with demonstrated experience in developing countries. This time should include experience in the design and leadership of youth programming with specialization in workforce development and private sector-led youth livelihood initiatives. The youth and workforce development adviser should have experience in designing and implementing tools and approaches that encompass cross-sectoral programming. The ideal candidate would have experience in both youth mobilization and workforce development as well as a proven track record in brokering successful public private sector partnerships to leverage resources and multiply the Mission’s investment in its youth portfolio. Prior experience in managing USAID-funded contracts and grants, particularly in the area of education or youth, is strongly preferred.
    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (25 points)
    The successful candidate must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of youth workforce development approaches and tools for development assistance. The candidate must be conversant and demonstrate experience in various youth programming approaches, project management, and US Government federal regulations and procedures. Knowledge of successful strategies to develop sustainable public and private sector partnerships to complement core programming is required. This level of knowledge is required as the successful candidate will be responsible for incorporating these strategies into technical documents required by the assignment. Prior certification to work as an Agreement/Contract Officer’s Representative (A/COR), and qualification to administer obligated funds under USAID contracting instruments such as grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts is strongly preferred. Knowledge of best practices for addressing the challenges facing youth (including formal and non-formal/alternative education approaches), human and institutional capacity building, and fragility and/or extremism is strongly preferred.
    Language and Communication Skills (15 points)
    Level IV (Fluent) speaking/reading of the English language is required. Kiswahili language skills will be an asset.
    Notice to Applicants:
    Applicants should carefully review the required education and experience requirements stated in this solicitation to ensure they meet the full set of criteria before submitting an application for consideration. Applicants meeting the required qualifications will be evaluated based on information presented in their application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants.
    LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES
    Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

    Medical Form (DS Form 6561)
    EQIP Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF-86) or
    EQIP Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
    EQIP Signature Forms (3-CER, REL, MEL)
    Finger print Card (FD-258) (available from requirements office)
    AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)

  • Deputy Procurement & Logistics Manager

    Deputy Procurement & Logistics Manager

    Position Summary: The Deputy Procurement and Logistics Manager will work closely with the Procurement and Logistics Manager and the entire Procurement / Logistics team in the AHADI Nairobi Office to ensure that program activities and operational needs are supported to achieve the above noted program objectives.
    The work of the Deputy Procurement and Logistics Manager requires highly developed collaboration and networking skills, exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility.
    Reports to: Procurement and Logistics Manager
    Interrelationships: The incumbent liaises with the other members of the procurement department, the Senior Program Officer / Program Officers / Regional Coordinators / Senior Grants Manger/Grants Mangers as appropriate in the course of his/her duties.
    Key Responsibilities

    Primary deputy to the Procurement and Logistics Manager.
    Assists with procurement processes for all grant activities and AHADI operations ensuring compliance with RF SUNY and USAID regulations, policies and procedures;
    Works closely with procurement assistants to identify goods and services to be procured for the project;
    In collaboration with the entire operations team, determines the most appropriate procurement requirements;
    Manages procurement processes for all grant activities and AHADI operations;
    Identifies goods and services to be procured for the project;
    Carries out assigned procurement activities in accordance with USAID and State University of New York procedures and regulations;
    Ensures the most appropriate procurement methods to ensure that compliance and transparent processes are utilized;
    Supports programmatic and technical aspects of the program as needed, including but not limited to, the following: seeking, contacting, and interacting with vendors, NGOs, Government agencies, and private sector representatives;
    Support the Procurement/Logistics team with logistical support for delivery of goods and services to grantees;
    Coordinates and arranges flights for all staff and manages accounts with the organization’s travel agents;
    Supervises the preparation of project reports and deliverables from the procurement team, and ensures that updates are provided on the status and progress of grantee deliveries;
    Provide support to program teams on field trips ensuring that field level arrangements are made to include flight reservations, accommodation, transportation, communications and other services/goods as needed.;
    Assists visiting USG and RF SUNY staff members and other dignitaries as appropriate in arranging travel and accommodation, in the scheduling and facilitation of meetings and in providing updates and briefings on the evolving environment in country.
    Mentors, Trains and develops the skills of new procurement staff members.
    Performs other duties as assigned.

    Deputizing the Procurement Manager’s Role:
    The procurement and Logistics Assistant Manager will support the Procurement Manager under the following responsibilities:

    Act as the point of contact for procurement department in the absence of the procurement manager.
    Assign procurement tasks to the Procurement officers as may be required from time to time.
    Ensure that the procurement tracker is updated on a weekly basis.
    Oversee management of the inventory to ensure compliance with USAID regulations on the same.

    Qualifications

    University degree in Business Administration or appropriate field.
    Eight – ten years’ experience working in a complex and challenging procurement or related environment.
    Experience in logistics and coordination with travel agencies for flights.
    Fluency in written and spoken English.
    Previous experience working in a USAID funded project.
    In addition, must be flexible, willing to perform assigned and additional duties and work irregular hours under unpredictable conditions.
    English language fluency required.

    Skills and Abilities

    Diplomacy and negotiation when working with community and Government representatives.
    Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
    Ability to identify institutional needs e.g. capacity gaps and design appropriate interventions
    Project cycle management.
    Strong interpersonal communication skills i.e. ability to build strong relationships with partner counties.
    Good management skills.

  • Senior Regional Advisor

    Senior Regional Advisor

    Job Description
    Solicitation Number: 720FDA18B00081
    Salary Level: GS-15 Equivalent: $105,123 – $136,659
    Issuance Date: August 23, 2018
    Closing Date: October 5, 2018 (Deadline Extended)
    Closing Time: 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
    Dear Prospective Applicants:
    The United States Government (USG), represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens to provide personal services as a Senior Regional Advisor (SRA) under a United States Personal Services Contract (USPSC), as described in the attached solicitation.
    Submittals must be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Applicants interested in applying for this position MUST submit the following materials:

    Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:

    Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
    Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.
    Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.
    Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.
    U.S. Citizenship
    Optional: How did you hear about this opportunity? (FedBizOps, OFDA Jobs, Career Fair, etc.).
    Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

    USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.

    NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS
    AND THE SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT
    All USPSCs with a place of performance in the United States are required to have a Data
    Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number and be registered in the System for Award
    Management (SAM) database prior to receiving an award. You will be disqualified if you either
    fail to comply with this requirement or if your name appears on the excluded parties list. The
    selectee will be provided with guidance regarding this registration.
    NOTE: As of March 28, 2018, all new SAM.gov entity registrations will now require a signed
    notarized letter identifying the authorized Entity administrator for the entity associated with the
    DUNS number. Additional information on the format of the notarized letter and where to submit
    can be found via the below Federal Service Desk link:
    https://www.fsd.gov/fsd-gov/answer.do?sysparm_kbid=d2e67885db0d5f00b3257…
    sysparm_search=kb0013183
    Additional documents submitted will not be accepted. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phases of the selection process.
    Applicants can expect to receive a confirmation email when application materials have been received. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications. Your complete resume must be emailed to:
    OFDA Recruitment Team
    E-Mail Address: recruiter@ofda.gov
    Website: www.OFDAjobs.net
    Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to OFDA Recruitment Team via the information provided above.
    Sincerely,
    Renee Newton
    Contracting Officer
    Solicitation for USPSC Senior Regional Advisor

    SOLICITATION NO.: 720FDA18B00081
    ISSUANCE DATE: August 23, 2018
    CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: October 5, 2018 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
    POSITION TITLE: Senior Regional Advisor
    MARKET VALUE:
    GS-15 equivalent ($105,123 – $136,659 – not eligible for locality pay). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s established salary history. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) one-year options
    PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya

    There may be an initial training program in Washington, D.C. for three months, which will include formal classroom training and on-the-job training; and may include security training. After completion of Washington training, the Senior Regional Advisor will be assigned to the place of performance.
    STATEMENT OF WORK
    POSITION DESCRIPTION
    BACKGROUND
    The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into six divisions.
    The Africa (AFD) Response Division and the Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East (ALE) Response Division are responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations including United Nations (UN) agencies and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. These divisions also oversee OFDA’s non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction and resilience. AFD and ALE Response Divisions also coordinate with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. They devise, coordinate and implement program strategies for a variety of natural and complex disaster situations. Both Divisions encompass groups of operations specialists who provide technical expert capability in assessing the quality and strategic function of disaster response and risk reduction activities. The AFD Response Division is divided into two teams: East and Central Africa (ECA), and Southern, West, and North Africa (SWAN). The ALE Response Division is divided into four teams: East Asia and the Pacific (EAP), Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia (EMCA), Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), and South Asia (SA).
    The Operations (OPS) Division develops and manages operations for OFDA’s disaster responses by readying people and systems; projecting U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian capacity quickly into the field; and delivering material and technical assistance. The OPS Division maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Urban Search and Rescue Teams, coordinating, staffing, training, and equipping Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), and stockpiling emergency relief commodities in key locations around the globe to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division provides technical guidance and expertise in Disaster Logistics, Urban Search and Rescue, Operations Center management, activation/readiness, Civil-Military Liaison, and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Consequence Management. It also provides overseas support to OFDA offices and personnel and to other sectors necessary to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. The OPS Division is divided into four teams: the Disaster Assistance Support Program (DASP), Military Liaison Team (MLT), Operations Support Team (OST), and Overseas Administration Team (OAT).
    The Program Support (PS) Division provides operational management support, including general administration, budget and financial services, procurement planning, information technology, human resources management including staff care, and contract and grant administration support to OFDA. The PS Division supports OFDA’s mandate by providing innovative solutions in the areas of Information Technology, staffing, funds control, budgeting, human resource management, and procurement to facilitate timely disaster responses. The PS Division is divided into four teams: the Award, Audit, and Risk Management (AARM) team, Human Resources Management Team (HRM), Budget, Finance, and Information Technology (BFIT) Team, and the Acquisition and Management (ACQ) Team.
    The Preparation, Strategic Planning and Mitigation (PSPM) Division is responsible for the technical oversight of all OFDA response and mitigation programs, as well as preparation for response, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction activities. The PSPM Division houses technical experts in all sectors potentially affected by disasters, and leads the Agency in developing and promoting best practices for programming in these specific sectors. In addition, PSPM will be the focal point for technological innovations for humanitarian assistance in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, assessment, and information management. The PSPM Division is divided into four teams: Cross-Cutting Sectors Team, Natural Hazards Team, Health Team, and Food Security and Livelihoods Team.
    The Humanitarian Policy and Global Engagement (HPGE) Division assists the DCHA front office, the OFDA Director and OFDA Deputy Director with tracking trends and policy developments in the humanitarian assistance field. It engages in policy dialogue with other parts of USAID, the USG interagency, other donors, multilateral agencies, and NGO partners; recommends strategies for action to DCHA; initiates development of policy and internal guidance for OFDA; maintains global relationships with implementing partners, other donors, and the broader humanitarian architecture; and engages with the UN to advance USG humanitarian policy objectives and promote humanitarian principles within the USG and internationally. The HPGE Division leads OFDA’s communications and social media outreach to effectively communicate OFDA’s story to a variety of strategic audiences. It serves as the office’s primary interlocutor on strategic issues with other federal partners to provide guidance to OFDA on policy issues pertaining to the interagency, and to improve USG humanitarian coordination and response during large-scale crises. The HPGE Division staff manages global programs, policy and outreach, strategic communications, and interagency training and engagement. HPGE is divided into seven teams: Policy Team, Global Programs Team, Strategic Interagency Team, Strategic Communications Team, Global Capacity and Leadership Development Team, Public-Private Engagement Team, and the United States Mission to the UN (USUN) in New York, Geneva, and Rome.
    INTRODUCTION
    To fulfill its mandate to effectively respond to disasters worldwide, OFDA has established six permanent regional offices. The regional offices are located in San Jose, Costa Rica; Bangkok, Thailand; Pretoria, South Africa; Dakar, Senegal; Nairobi, Kenya; and Budapest, Hungary.
    The regional offices are headed by Senior Regional Advisors (SRAs). SRAs serve as the regional team leaders in disaster response, preparedness, and disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities. They are principally responsible for managing the regional offices, monitoring all grants on humanitarian assistance program implementation, overseeing sub-regional offices, as applicable, supervising the office staff, and developing, in consultation with their respective Regional Advisors and the OFDA Africa Division Team Leader in Washington, the multiyear strategies for their respective regions. In coordination with OFDA/Washington, SRAs manage disaster response activities, identify and formulate disaster preparedness, mitigation and training programs for their respective regions.
    OBJECTIVE
    OFDA requires the services of a SRA for its regional office in Nairobi, Kenya to ensure that OFDA’s objectives for response, preparedness, DRR, and resilience are met.
    CORE FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
    DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
    The SRA will be responsible for a complex portfolio—requiring oversight of multiple, concurrent humanitarian crises throughout the disaster cycle. The SRA will manage a team of field-based staff responsible for the monitoring and assessment of humanitarian needs in the region of responsibility and developing, implementing, and monitoring humanitarian response and DRR efforts. The SRA will serve as the lead humanitarian advisor in the field and ensure OFDA field-base perspectives are incorporated into OFDA’s internal and external policy efforts and office-wide initiatives. Up to 75% travel throughout the assigned region and to headquarters will be expected.
    The SRA’s responsibilities will include the following:
    Contextual Specialty

    Serve as an authoritative expert on humanitarian issues, priorities, lessons learned, and opportunities in the region of responsibility.
    Use extensive experience and knowledge base to guide OFDA’s Regional Advisors in analyzing and determining the scale and scope of a wide-range of challenges when complete information is not available and provide support to continued efforts to establish creative solutions.
    Provide expert guidance on political, humanitarian, organizational, structural and stakeholder interests’ specific to the region of responsibility.
    Prepare or supervise the preparation of regular strategic and analytical reports on current or anticipated emergencies, as well as comprehensive preparedness documentation on assigned countries.

    Portfolio Management

    Lead/conduct/oversee initial assessments to identify humanitarian needs and/or DRR opportunities in current disaster sites or locations with high vulnerability.
    Ensure ongoing humanitarian response and DRR activities are monitored to validate that objectives are met and beneficiaries are served.
    Lead the development of country, issue, or disaster specific strategies across the region of responsibility, as well as timely revision of these strategies as contextual realties shift.
    Make authoritative recommendations on difficult resource and programmatic trade-offs within the region and provide expert advice to inform global prioritization.
    Ensure interventions within the region of responsibility align with appropriate strategies.
    Serve a primary role in the management of the approved annual budget for the region to include timely identification of the need for additional resources or the availability of surplus.

    Representation

    Serve as the DCHA/OFDA lead representative and the primary point of contact on humanitarian issues in the area of responsibility.
    Serve as an expert advisor on humanitarian and DRR issues to senior USG personnel in the region to include Ambassadors, Mission Directors, and other heads of agencies.
    Develop and maintain relationships with representatives of host government, emergency/humanitarian donor governments (Department of International Development, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, etc.), international emergency and humanitarian organizations (United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, International committee of the Red Cross, International Organization for Migration, etc.) emergency/humanitarian divisions of NGOs, U.S. embassies and USAID missions to ensure efficient and coordinated humanitarian response and DRR activities.
    Represent USAID in joint efforts to design, develop, and implement humanitarian strategies and intervention with local governments, donor, partner, and UN organizations, as appropriate.
    Advise regional officials, including host country authorities and other USAID officials on disaster response, mitigation and risk reduction efforts, including the review of sector disaster response and disaster risk mitigation and DRR plans.
    Work with local and regional institutions and private/public sector organizations to incorporate DRR into appropriate programs.

    Leadership

    Manage and prioritize daily activities of OFDA’s regional office and all related sub-regional and program offices.
    Supervise emergency/humanitarian staff within the region to include provision of technical guidance and oversight, administrative approvals, and staff development and evaluation.
    Provide current and future strategic direction to the regional office to include programmatic, liaison and representational prioritization, and human and financial resource requirements.
    Participate in a leadership role in office-wide policy initiatives to ensure field perspectives are well-represented.
    Serve as an early adopter of change through constructive engagement in policy, process, and management issues during development and implementation.

    General Duties

    Serve in a leadership role on DARTs and/or RMTs within and outside the region.
    Ensure timely reporting of OFDA’s activities the region through written cables, analyses, strategies, and other requests for written information and/or oral briefings.
    As needed, may serve on temporary details within the office to meet operational needs during staff shortages, not to exceed six months. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties and responsibilities as well as directly related to the scope of work provided.

    SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
    The SRA will take direction from and report to the Africa Division Director or his/her designee.
    SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
    The SRA is expected to independently plan, design, and carry out programs, projects, studies, or other work with limited administrative direction from supervisor in terms of broadly defined mission or functions. Results are considered technically authoritative and are normally accepted without significant change, reviewed in terms of fulfillment of program objectives, influence on overall program, or contribution to the advancement of the objective.
    PHYSICAL DEMANDS
    The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
    WORK ENVIRONMENT
    Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.
    START DATE: Immediately, once necessary clearances are obtained.
    POINT OF CONTACT: See Cover Letter.
    EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
    (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
    Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, political science, and disaster management) and eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and international humanitarian assistance, and/or disaster response, of which five (5) years were obtained overseas including on the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation.
    OR
    Master’s Degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including but not limited to international relations, political science, and disaster management) and nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in emergency relief and international humanitarian assistance, and/or disaster response, of which five (5) years were obtained overseas including on the-ground field experience in needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation.
    SELECTION FACTORS
    (Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

    Applicant is a U.S. Citizen.
    Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
    USPSC Application form AID 309-2. Applicants are required to complete sections A through I. This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures will not be accepted.
    Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret level clearance as provided by USAID.
    Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.
    Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
    Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

    APPLICANT RATING SYSTEM
    The applicant rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. Applicants must demonstrate the rating factors outlined below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The rating factors are as follows:
    Professional Experience (10 points):

    Direct donor-based experience with international humanitarian agencies such as USG international humanitarian agencies, UN humanitarian funds, or other international disaster response donor organizations.
    Experience managing humanitarian interventions in an international disaster context across the entire disaster management cycle to include emergency response, early recovery and transition, disaster risk reduction, and resilience.
    Specific experience managing humanitarian interventions including needs assessment, strategy development, budget management, resource prioritization, program development, and program management.

    Management/Supervisory Experience (10 points):

    Demonstrated experience managing a staff of varied nationalities and cultural backgrounds working in a constant state of complex, international humanitarian crisis.
    Experience managing a diverse team of program, technical, and administrative staff, including senior U.S. professionals, working in a constant state of in complex, international humanitarian crisis.

    Skills and Abilities (10 points):

    Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to work effectively with host governments at senior levels in the midst of humanitarian crisis situations.
    Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to work effectively with other donors and diplomatic missions at senior levels in the midst of international humanitarian crisis situations.
    Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to work effectively with international and national non-governmental humanitarian partners at senior levels in the midst of humanitarian crisis situations.
    Demonstrated diplomatic, interpersonal, and representational skills in order to effectively achieve humanitarian objectives within the USG at senior levels, including with the Department of Defense, Embassies, Members of Congress, and senior executive branch staff the midst of international humanitarian crisis situations.

    Interview Performance (50 points)
    Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (20 points)
    Total Possible Points: 100

  • Food for Peace Advisor – Somalia

    Food for Peace Advisor – Somalia

    GENERAL INFORMATION
    SOLICITATION NO.: Mission Notice 18-137
    ISSUANCE DATE: 08/15/2018
    CLOSING DATE/TIME: 09/14/2018 at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
    MARKET VALUE: $89,370 to $116,181 equivalent to GS-14
    Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with three (3) one-year options Not-to-exceed five (5) subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance or better.
    SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret
    STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION
    Background/Introduction
    The Food for Peace (FFP) Office within USAID is the U.S. Government’s (USG) primary arm for responding to major food emergencies throughout the developing world. Somalia, historically and into the foreseeable future, is home to numerous large-scale and complex food emergencies, resulting from conflict, climatic events, poor governance, economic shocks, and other disasters. The scale, scope, and nature of these crises are constantly in flux. In response to emergency food needs, FFP targets food-insecure Somali households and internally displaced populations countrywide with emergency food and nutrition assistance. FFP partners with the UN World Food Program (WFP), other public international organizations and non-governmental organizations on relief, nutrition, livelihoods and resilience-oriented activities. These activities include in-kind food and nutrition assistance as well as cash- and market-based interventions, such as unconditional cash transfers, cash-for-work activities, food vouchers and vocational training.
    To help determine the need for and improve, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the assistance provided under the FFP program in Somalia, the USG, represented by USAID, is seeking applications from local-hire U.S. citizens interested in the position of FFP Advisor.
    Major Duties and Responsibilities
    The FFP Advisor will ensure effective management of FFP resources in Somalia, and may also provide support to other countries in the East and Central Africa region as needed. The incumbent is expected to travel approximately 25% of the time.
    Specific Duties: S/he will have the following specific duties:

    Serve as point of contact for all issues pertaining to FFP-funded food assistance programs in Somalia for USAID/KEA/FFP and Mission Management, USAID/Washington, other parts of the USG, the United Nations (UN) and non-governmental organization (NGO) partners, host nation government officials, and others.
    Report on all food security issues, to include changes in the food security situation and food assistance requirements, government policies and actions affecting food assistance programs, government food assistance programs, and donor pledges and programs.
    Undertake and report on assessments to inform FFP food assistance funding decisions or modifications to ongoing programs.
    Monitor and report on implementation of ongoing FFP-funded food assistance programs, including progress and problems encountered by grantees, as well as commodity management, including following up with cooperating sponsors on the status of loss claims.
    Provide information and guidance to FFP-funded food assistance award recipients on FFP regulations, policies and procedures.
    Work with partners on preparation of annual work plans and program modifications, and with UN and NGO partners, and regional FFP staff on new appeals or revisions to existing ones.
    Coordinate with the USG Country Team, host government, UN and other partners, donors, and others to address issues impacting FFP-funded food assistance programs.
    Work with other parts of the USG and other donors to promote integration of food assistance with other programs to increase the effectiveness of the programs overall.
    Represent FFP in program and strategy discussions with other USAID offices regarding linking humanitarian and development programs to build resilience.
    Prepare and input into best practices, lessons learned, and other communications products on food assistance programming.

    Position Elements

    Supervision Received: The FFP Advisor will be supervised on a day-to-day basis by the USAID/KEA/FFP Office Chief, or his/her designee, and is expected to be in regular contact with FFP/Washington and report any information to them on issues pertaining to ongoing programs.
    Available Guidelines: Food for Peace Act, Food for Peace Strategy, Global Food Security Strategy, International Emergency Food Assistance Annual Program Statements, USAID Regulations, Food for Peace program monitoring guidelines.
    Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent shall exercise discretion and independent judgment in managing the portfolio. S/he must be able to work independently in an efficient and timely manner, including preparation of reports, identifying issues and suggesting areas of improvement in various aspects of food assistance program implementation and management, and collaborating with USAID colleagues, and other humanitarian donors and partners.
    Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent is expected to take initiative and act independently with little direction, but will have no authority to make financial commitments on behalf of the USG unless such authority is specifically delegated.
    Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent maintains high-level contacts and conducts technical discussions with heads of UN agencies, NGO partners, donors, government officials, and other stakeholders.
    Supervision Exercised: The incumbent may supervise one or more Foreign Service National (FSN) staff.
    Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties After Entry Into Position: It is expected that the incumbent will have the ability to immediately perform the full range of duties as listed above. This will require specific experience in food assistance programming and USAID regulations.
    Security Clearance Requirement: Secret
    Travel Requirement: None
    Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work e.g. desktop computer, shared office equipment (such as printer, scanner and shredder), office supplies and support services.
    Sunday Pay: Is not authorized.**

    AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

    U.S. Citizens currently residing in Kenya[1]. Citizenship, if dual, must be clearly stated.
    Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING;
    Be able to obtain a USAID/W issued clearance level at the Secret Level;
    Be able to obtain a medical clearance;
    Employment is subject to funds availability and all the required approvals obtained.

    PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. No special demands are required to perform the work.
    POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at pbii@usaid.gov
    SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
    Education:
    Bachelor’s degree plus at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance (two years of which must be related to food assistance);
    OR
    Master’s degree with significant study in a pertinent field (including, but not limited to international relations, agriculture, economics, public health,) plus at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in humanitarian assistance (two years of which must be related to food assistance);
    Prior Work Experience:
    The candidate must have at least eight or six years of relevant professional experience (as described above). Relevant experience is defined as some combination of experience in developing, managing, assessing, evaluating and reporting on humanitarian assistance programs, strategic planning, and project design.
    EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
    Applicants shall be rated as per three (3) significant evaluation factors – Professional Experience, Program Management and Interpersonal and Communication Skills. Professional Experience represents half of the overall weight of the evaluation and is the single most important factor. The first two sub factors thereunder are of relative equal weight to each other. The significant factors Program Management and Interpersonal and Communication Skills, when combined, are of equal weight to Professional Experience.The sub factors are of relative equal weight to each other under each significant factor.

    Professional Experience (50%)

    Demonstrated knowledge and experience with USG food assistance programs,
    Demonstrated technical expertise in a food assistance related field, such as nutrition, agriculture, economics, public health, or other related fields.

    Program Management (25%)

    Ability to manage programs, to include programmatic and financial issues,
    Ability to monitor and evaluate programs, to include programmatic and financial issues,
    Ability to review, evaluate and apply complex policies and regulations.

    Interpersonal and Communication Skills (25%)

    Ability to provide rapid, concise, accurate reporting, both verbally and in writing,
    Ability to work effectively as a team member and with staff from diverse cultures.

    [1] Resident hire means a U.S. citizen who, at the time of hire as a PSC, resides in the cooperating country as a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen employed by a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement, or for reasons other than for employment with a U.S. government agency or under any U.S. government-financed contract or agreement. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes persons who at the time of contracting are lawfully admitted permanent residents of the United States.

  • Senior Youth Workforce Development Advisor (American Citizens ONLY)

    Senior Youth Workforce Development Advisor (American Citizens ONLY)

    GENERAL INFORMATION
    SOLICITATION NO.: 72061518R00008
    ISSUANCE DATE: 06/20/2018
    CLOSING DATE/TIME: 07/19/2018 at 04:30 p.m. (Nairobi Time)
    MARKET VALUE: $89,370 to $116,181 equivalent to GS-14. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
    PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, with one (1) one-year option subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance or better.
    SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret
    STATEMENT OF DUTIES/POSITION DESCRIPTION
    BACKGROUND:
    Youth, defined broadly as people between 10 and 35 years old, constitute more than a third of the total Kenyan population of 48 million and are a potential demographic dividend for Kenya. However, this large youth population will continue to act as a stressor contributing to destabilization and inadequate economic growth unless youth are engaged and supported by national and local institutions, businesses, communities, and families to contribute more fully to development. Smart and inclusive investments in youth directly, and through better functioning formal and non-formal youth-serving institutions, will help reverse youth disaffection and harness their energy for the development process.
    Emerging industry sectors where skilled youth are needed include: information technology, agriculture, manufacturing, construction, extractive industries, and environmental conservation as indicated in the Workforce Connections Report of 2014. Other sectors requiring skilled youth differ by county contexts.
    In addition, Kenya faces threats posed by terrorism, localized conflicts, and violent crime. The country has been subject to frequent terrorist attacks by militants, including Somali based al-Qaida and affiliated groups like al-Shabaab. Minimal economic prospects and opportunities, increased marginalization and inadequate participation of youth have increased vulnerability to recruitment into violent gangs and extremist groups. These factors were also identified as critical drivers for youth participation in the 2007 post-election conflict. It was noted that the counties with the highest ratio of youth population to total population (Nairobi, Coast, Rift Valley and Western Kenya regions) are the ones that experienced the highest number of post-election conflicts in 2007-2008.
    The cross-sectoral Youth Assessment Report 2009 also highlights the significance of provision of economic opportunities for youth by indicating that approximately 800,000 youth join the labor market each year against an absorption capacity of a paltry 50,000 formal sector jobs. This leaves hundreds of thousands of youth without formal employment opportunities. The informal “jua kali” sector thus becomes the principal and default source of income for the 60 percent of Kenyans who live on less than $2 a day.
    Kenya has a very robust education system with a National Enrollment Rate (NER) of 95.7 percent. This statistic masks geographic areas with low enrollment and completion rates. Furthermore, a decline in primary completion rates has been observed from 2003 to 2009 for youth aged 15-24 in the Nairobi, Coast and Eastern counties for females, and in Nairobi and Central for males. This is a worrying trend considering that when young adolescents drop out of school, they are more likely to engage in practices that undermine their health and well-being, thereby making it increasingly difficult for them to build the skills necessary for gainful employment. Lower education outcomes are also associated with reduced lifetime earnings that could have an impact on nutrition, health and education outcomes for the next generation.
    Studies indicate that a majority of youth who remain in school are not mastering basic skills and thus are not adequately prepared to participate in the 21st century workforce. As a result, more than 2.5 million Kenyan youth are either unemployed or inactive. The disconnection between industry and academia/education curricula means that the private sector is not getting the workers it needs, and young people are not well-equipped for employment or enterprise. This scenario has frustrated both youth and potential employers, with a negative impact on national productivity. Current reform efforts across the education sector include a strong focus on narrowing the skills gap by developing demand driven skills training curricula that is competency based. These government-led and development partner supported investments in competency based training are intended to build practical skills required for youth to enter either wage or self-employment.
    To address challenges facing Kenyan youth, the Government of Kenya (GOK) and its development partners have launched youth platforms, such as the National Youth Council (NYC) and the National Youth Bunge Association (NYBA). These organizations are attempts to unify youth to address the challenge of access to youth-friendly services and their participation in other development processes. In addition, the GOK has established funds such as the Uwezo Fund and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund to support young Kenyans. However, these platforms need support to build their capacity. Most young people are unable to access such GOK and private sector funds due to factors ranging from stringent regulations and little awareness of their existence. Many other youth lack national identity cards, a necessary prerequisite for many facets of civic adult life in Kenya.
    In response to this development challenge, USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) considers youth as a high Mission priority. The strategy envisions working directly with young people to improve health outcomes, increase skills for economic productivity and civic engagement, and develop individual and community resiliency to resist extremism and ethno-political conflict. The empowerment of youth will forge healthy, productive, and engaged citizens over the long term. With recognition of the challenges posed by a demographic youth bulge, the Mission does not view the youth of Kenya as victims or problems but as a critical part of the solution. Youth can and must drive Kenya’s progress toward responsive, citizen-centered government and a sustainable economy with shared growth to achieve the goals set out in Vision 2030, the national long-term development blue-print.
    The Senior Youth and Workforce Development Advisor will lead USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s cross-sectoral project to strengthen the ability of Kenyan youth to contribute to the country’s social, political, and economic development. The Adviser will foster cross-sectoral collaboration and systemic, locally-led solutions wherever possible in alignment with USAID’s Youth in Development Policy. In doing so, the Adviser will operationalize the development hypotheses relevant to and emerging from each sector engaging with youth to support the Mission-wide youth goal: Kenyan youth are empowered and engaged in social, political, and economic development.
    To achieve this, the Youth Project addresses three key development problems: minimal participation and representation of youth; minimal economic prospects and opportunities; and inadequate access to youth-friendly services. Addressing these issues requires multiple approaches and the integration of key principles into programming targeting youth. These include:

    SKILL-BUILDING: Intentional focus on broadening youth perspectives; development of social, problem-solving, communication, and labor market demand skills;
    PARTICIPATION: Engaging and partnering with youth by offering meaningful and developmentally appropriate opportunities for participation (e.g., youth-led discussions) and leadership (e.g., youth as partners in development programming – mobilizers, tutors, evaluators, and other contributors to development outcomes);
    RESILIENCE: Investing in assets that build youth resilience giving youth the ability to absorb and overcome difficulties such as poverty, conflict, and disease;
    INNOVATION: Embrace innovation and technology by and for youth;
    NORMS AND EXPECTATIONS: Establishing norms and high expectations for positive youth behavior and action that are sanctioned by the group;
    ADULT-YOUTH RELATIONSHIPS: Establishing deep and meaningful ways for young people and adults to relate and engage with each other and specific training for adult leaders; and
    INFORMATION AND SERVICES: Providing problem-specific information and access to developmentally appropriate services.

    INTRODUCTION:
    The Senior Youth and Workforce Development Adviser, Office of Education and Youth (EDY), will provide leadership support to EDY in the following ways:
    The USPSC will report to and participate fully with the EDY Office Chief in providing guidance and overall direction of the development and execution of USAID/Kenya and East Africa-financed activities related to education sector reforms in Kenya, with particular emphasis on existing and planned new activities related to livelihoods and workforce development. The USPSC will be expected to work independently and with minimal oversight from the Office Chief of EDY, based on a general assignment of responsibilities. The USPSC will provide a work plan for accomplishing assigned duties and responsibilities, and will be responsible for daily management of assigned Mission-critical activities, informing and consulting with the Chief of EDY, Deputy Chief of EDY, Deputy Mission Director, Mission Director, and Embassy Front Office, as necessary. Within the scope of work assigned, the USPSC will have considerable latitude in the exercise of their duties, including program/project design, management and evaluation, and the identification and resolution of issues affecting program performance within and outside of the Mission. The USPSC will participate in oversight of the design and implementation of all youth-related programs/projects across the Mission; collaborate with other technical teams (including Economic Growth and Integration; Democracy, Conflict & Governance; Environment & Natural Resource Management; Health, Population and Nutrition); supervise FSN(s) in implementing and approving programs and activities; confer and negotiate with senior level Government of Kenya (GOK) officials, NGO/PVOs, and private-sector partners; participate in or direct staff participation in meetings with GOK officials, members of international organizations and other donors, private-sector representatives, and others to discuss program/project areas and to resolve problems of mutual concern.
    MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

    The Contractor will serve as a senior and trusted policy and technical advisor to the Office Chief of EDY, USAID/Kenya and East Africa, the US Mission to Kenya, and the GOK on education sector reforms, and will speak for the Mission on technical youth matters as required.
    The Contractor will participate fully with the Chief of EDY in providing technical leadership and program implementation oversight to USAID/Kenya and East Africa-funded implementing partners working under contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants. Work will require the USPSC to liaise with implementing partners to best facilitate the exchange of technical information and ideas, to collaborate on cross-cutting issues, to provide effective collaboration with the private sector, GOK, and other development partners to promote program/project synergies. The USPSC will select or develop appropriate systems for monitoring implementing partners and activities, for obtaining and reporting on results and possible setbacks, and for initiating programmatic adjustments, when necessary.
    The Contractor will analyze economic, political, and other trends affecting youth and workforce development. Identifies ways to further meet both USG foreign policy and GOK youth sector policy objectives in Kenya.
    The Contractor will maintain a wide range of contacts with government, private sector, voluntary institutions as well as other multilateral and bilateral donors on matters related to youth initiatives to ensure proper activity design and implementation. Actively represents USAID at donor coordination meetings and other events on issues related to youth.
    The Contractor will participate as assigned in the supervision of the Office of Education and Youth’s Foreign Service National (FSN) staff. In total, the EDY Team consists of one U.S. Direct Hire (USDH) EDY Office Chief, one USDH Education Officer who serves as Deputy Office Chief, seven FSN professional staff and one FSN administrative staff. The USPSC will be required to assist in creating a supportive work environment that values diversity, and elicits the highest possible level of performance from the entire Development Objective (DO) Team; assist in setting clear individual and EDY Team work objectives; and help ensure that the staff carries out those assignments. The USPSC is also expected to encourage FSN staff development by assigning and guiding on additional responsibilities.
    The Contractor will assist the Mission in collecting information and evaluating the impact of all youth sector activities. This responsibility encompasses: a) completing youth and workforce sections of the Operational Plan annually; b) participating in evaluations of current and completed activities, including the performance of contractors and grantees; c) ensuring that relevant recommendations are implemented and taken into consideration in the design of new initiatives; and d) evaluating audit report findings and recommending and participating in corrective action.
    The Contractor will participate in ensuring cost-effective allocation and management of USG resources for all activities/projects under the Mission CDCS. The USPSC will assist in providing oversight to ensure that sufficient funds are supported annually in the Congressional presentation and to USAID/Washington for the youth program; that USAID/Washington and USAID/Kenya and East Africa allocate funds and provide other administrative support necessary to meet DO program/project needs; that DO programming, budgets, and schedules for obligation and expenditure are well thought-out, and will lead to achievement of the expected results; and, that USAID/Kenya and East Africa, implementing partner, and Kenyan counterpart organizations’ funds management procedures and practices comply with USG and USAID regulations and ethics standards.
    The Contractor will interact with all other USAID offices on issues related to youth, including reporting, budgeting, and outreach functions. Also coordinates with other USAID/Kenya and East Africa Mission offices on cross-cutting issues affecting youth, i.e., livelihoods, HIV/AIDS education, and civic education.
    The Contractor will support USAID/Kenya and East Africa bilateral efforts on the presidential Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), coordinating with the YALI Regional Coordinator for East Africa based at the Mission, and the Embassy’s Public Affairs Section.

    POSITION ELEMENTS:

    Supervisory Controls: Work will be performed under the general direction of the Chief, Office of Education and Youth, USAID/Kenya and East Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya. Performance will be evaluated annually based on accomplishments.
    Supervision over Others: May exercise full range of normal supervision over two FSN Youth Project Management Specialists and one Project Management Assistant, providing overall policy guidance and coordinating the work of these employees to achieve activity objectives.
    Exercise of Judgment: Overall management of the Education and Youth portfolio is done collaboratively in a team environment, with the USPSC participating fully in the process. Specific work plans and anticipated results are developed in consultation with the EDY Team.
    The USPSC works independently, providing leadership to others involved in the management of the EDY portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of new Education and Youth activities. The work is reviewed in terms of achievement of established milestones, and the appropriateness of program/project activity focus.
    Authority to make Commitments/Obligations: Because the position will be procured through a personal services contract, the incumbent cannot make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government. However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and standing as a highly qualified professional in his/her field, great weight will be given to his/her conclusions and recommendations when commitments are made by those with the authority to do so.
    Physical demands: The primary location of work will be the US Embassy Compound in Nairobi, Kenya. Work in the office is expected to be mostly sedentary. Secondary locations will include implementing partner offices and field offices, the location of program beneficiaries in rural and in urban areas, GOK departments and offices and the offices of bi- and multi-lateral donors and NGOs, and attendance at international conferences and trainings. In-country travel is a requirement of the position and the USPSC may occasionally face challenging living and working conditions while in travel status. Some travel may require USG Regional Security Officer approval.

    TRAVEL REQUIREMENT:
    In-country travel is a requirement of the position and the USPSC may occasionally face challenging living and working conditions while in travel status. Some travel may require USG Regional Security Officer (RSO) approval.
    SUPPORT ITEMS:
    The incumbent will be provided with the support services, equipment, and supplies necessary to perform the work.
    SUNDAY PAY: Is not authorized.
    AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens.
    PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound in Nairobi, Kenya. No special demands are required to perform the work.
    POINT OF CONTACT: Executive Office/Human Resources, Patrick Bii, HR Assistant, email at pbii@usaid.gov
    MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS
    Master’s degree in a relevant discipline such as youth entrepreneurship or livelihoods development, international education, non-formal and/or other alternative youth approaches, workforce development, private sector and/or social/behavioral sciences;
    Minimum of seven years’ experience in developing countries designing and leading youth workforce development and private sector-led youth livelihood initiatives and/or USAID youth programming and strategic outreach to the private sector.
    The youth and workforce development adviser should have experience in designing and implementing tools and approaches that encompass cross-sectoral programming. The ideal candidate will have experience in both youth mobilization and workforce development as well as a proven track record in brokering successful public private sector partnerships to leverage resources and multiply the Mission’s investment in its youth portfolio. Prior experience in managing USAID-funded contracts and grants, particularly in the area of education or youth, is strongly preferred.
    Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels is strongly preferred. This includes contacts with host government counterparts, other donors, and USG agencies.
    Native English writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into cohesive, polished documents is required. There is no requirement for local language proficiency, though knowledge of Kiswahili is desirable. Demonstrated ability in developing and maintaining counterpart contacts and relationships at both the senior policy and technical implementation levels is strongly preferred. This includes contacts with host government counterparts, other donors, private sector leaders and USG agencies. The position requires strong communication, mentoring, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs sometimes with short deadlines.
    The position requires strong ability in communications, mentoring, interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills, as well as the ability to prepare reports and technical and policy briefs sometimes with short deadlines.
    EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
    Applicants are required to address each of the evaluation criteria on a separate sheet, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each factor.
    Applicants will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:
    (Maximum Points Available: 100)
    Education (15 points)
    A Master’s degree in an area related to youth entrepreneurial or livelihoods development, international education, non-formal and/or other youth approaches, workforce development, private sector and/or social/behavioral sciences.Professional Experience (45 points)At least seven years of experience in youth programming with demonstrated experience in developing countries. This time should include experience in the design and leadership of youth programming with specialization in workforce development and private sector-led youth livelihood initiatives. The youth and workforce development adviser should have experience in designing and implementing tools and approaches that encompass cross-sectoral programming. The ideal candidate would have experience in both youth mobilization and workforce development as well as a proven track record in brokering successful public private sector partnerships to leverage resources and multiply the Mission’s investment in its youth portfolio. Prior experience in managing USAID-funded contracts and grants, particularly in the area of education or youth, is strongly preferred.
    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (25 points)
    The successful candidate must demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of youth workforce development approaches and tools for development assistance. The candidate must be conversant and demonstrate experience in various youth programming approaches, project management, and US Government federal regulations and procedures. Knowledge of successful strategies to develop sustainable public and private sector partnerships to complement core programming is required. This level of knowledge is required as the successful candidate will be responsible for incorporating these strategies into technical documents required by the assignment. Prior certification to work as an Agreement/Contract Officer’s Representative (A/COR), and qualification to administer obligated funds under USAID contracting instruments such as grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts is strongly preferred. Knowledge of best practices for addressing the challenges facing youth (including formal and non-formal/alternative education approaches), human and institutional capacity building, and fragility and/or extremism is strongly preferred.
    Language and Communication Skills (15 points)
    Level IV (Fluent) speaking/reading of the English language is required. Kiswahili language skills will be an asset.
    Notice to Applicants:
    Applicants should carefully review the required education and experience requirements stated in this solicitation to ensure they meet the full set of criteria before submitting an application for consideration. Applicants meeting the required qualifications will be evaluated based on information presented in their application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed applicants.
    LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES
    Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

    Medical Form (DS Form 6561)
    EQIP Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security (SF-86) or
    EQIP Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
    EQIP Signature Forms (3-CER, REL, MEL)
    Finger print Card (FD-258) (available from requirements office)
    AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data)

  • Deputy Procurement & Logistics Manager

    Deputy Procurement & Logistics Manager

    Position Summary: The Deputy Procurement and Logistics Manager will work closely with the Procurement and Logistics Manager and the entire Procurement / Logistics team in the AHADI Nairobi Office to ensure that program activities and operational needs are supported to achieve the above noted program objectives.
    The work of the Deputy Procurement and Logistics Manager requires highly developed collaboration and networking skills, exercise of discretion, judgment, and personal responsibility.
    Reports to: Procurement and Logistics Manager
    Interrelationships: The incumbent liaises with the other members of the procurement department, the Senior Program Officer / Program Officers / Regional Coordinators / Senior Grants Manger/Grants Mangers as appropriate in the course of his/her duties.
    Key Responsibilities

    Primary deputy to the Procurement and Logistics Manager.
    Assists with procurement processes for all grant activities and AHADI operations ensuring compliance with RF SUNY and USAID regulations, policies and procedures;
    Works closely with procurement assistants to identify goods and services to be procured for the project;
    In collaboration with the entire operations team, determines the most appropriate procurement requirements;
    Manages procurement processes for all grant activities and AHADI operations;
    Identifies goods and services to be procured for the project;
    Carries out assigned procurement activities in accordance with USAID and State University of New York procedures and regulations;
    Ensures the most appropriate procurement methods to ensure that compliance and transparent processes are utilized;
    Supports programmatic and technical aspects of the program as needed, including but not limited to, the following: seeking, contacting, and interacting with vendors, NGOs, Government agencies, and private sector representatives;
    Support the Procurement/Logistics team with logistical support for delivery of goods and services to grantees;
    Coordinates and arranges flights for all staff and manages accounts with the organization’s travel agents;
    Supervises the preparation of project reports and deliverables from the procurement team, and ensures that updates are provided on the status and progress of grantee deliveries;
    Provide support to program teams on field trips ensuring that field level arrangements are made to include flight reservations, accommodation, transportation, communications and other services/goods as needed.;
    Assists visiting USG and RF SUNY staff members and other dignitaries as appropriate in arranging travel and accommodation, in the scheduling and facilitation of meetings and in providing updates and briefings on the evolving environment in country.
    Mentors, Trains and develops the skills of new procurement staff members.
    Performs other duties as assigned.

    Deputizing the Procurement Manager’s Role:
    The procurement and Logistics Assistant Manager will support the Procurement Manager under the following responsibilities:

    Act as the point of contact for procurement department in the absence of the procurement manager.
    Assign procurement tasks to the Procurement officers as may be required from time to time.
    Ensure that the procurement tracker is updated on a weekly basis.
    Oversee management of the inventory to ensure compliance with USAID regulations on the same.

    Qualifications

    University degree in Business Administration or appropriate field.
    Eight – ten years’ experience working in a complex and challenging procurement or related environment.
    Experience in logistics and coordination with travel agencies for flights.
    Fluency in written and spoken English.
    Previous experience working in a USAID funded project.
    In addition, must be flexible, willing to perform assigned and additional duties and work irregular hours under unpredictable conditions.
    English language fluency required.

    Skills and Abilities

    Diplomacy and negotiation when working with community and Government representatives.
    Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
    Ability to identify institutional needs e.g. capacity gaps and design appropriate interventions
    Project cycle management.
    Strong interpersonal communication skills i.e. ability to build strong relationships with partner counties.
    Good management skills.