The Administrative Assistant supports the finance, operations and technical teams and will perform other administrative duties, including coverage for reception, as requested.
Only Kenyan citizens are eligible for this position.
Administrative Assistant Job Responsibilities
Support administrative and finance activities by organizing and archiving information.
Assist staff with overflow work including word processing, data entry and internet research tasks.
Perform errands in support of assigned tasks, such as post office deliveries or pickups, project purchases or other miscellaneous tasks.
Perform follow up calls to provide confirmation of receipt of official correspondence, reservations, and other communications.
Maintain office and purchase order files, databases and assist with recording the purchasing of supplies.
Support procurement actions of office supplies and materials (e.g., for workshops) and ensure an adequate supply of office materials (paper, toner, stationary, cleaning substances, toiletries etc.) for the day-to-day running of the office.
Welcome and attend to all office guests and answer the office telephone.
Any other assignments as determined by project needs.
Qualifications for the Administrative Assistant Job
Minimum two (2) years of experience in administrative and/or operational management, preferably with an international organization.
Bachelor’s degree in administration or related discipline.
Strong ability to pay attention to detail and follow instructions.
Exceptional computer skills in MS office programs
Excellent English writing skills and speaking ability.
Website: Website www.usaid.gov
-
Administrative Assistant
-
Deputy Chief of Party Operations Manager
Position Summary: The DCOP for the AHADI project will be based in Nairobi, Kenya. A key element of the position is working effectively with high-profile government and non-governmental interlocutors, USAID technical teams, subcontractors, partners, grantees and other stakeholders. Successful candidates will have demonstrated expertise managing donor-funded projects and technical expertise in decentralization, public financial management, local governance and/or service delivery.
Reports to: Chief of Party
Interrelationships: The Deputy Chief of Party will report to the Chief of Party who bears overall responsibility for Program implementation.
Qualifications: Master’s degree or higher in public administration, political science, law, government, international development or similar field is required.
Minimum of fifteen years working in international development with progressively greater responsibility.
Substantial international comparative experience working with USAID Democracy and Governance programs generally and decentralization specifically.
Experience working on donor-funded local service delivery, local government capacity-building, and/or civil society advocacy activities highly desirable.
Relevant professional accomplishments, including demonstrated skills in program design, program implementation, monitoring for results, organizing and leading workshops and/or training
Strong interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
Fluency in English is required
Specific duties include:
Under the direction of the COP, the DCOP will be responsible for assisting the COP with regards to program leadership, strategic planning, technical direction, and technical quality assurance.
The DCOP will contribute to the overall strategic direction of AHADI’s technical programing including helping to develop, implement and monitor technical program activities. This may include, but is not limited to
Supporting technical staff to conceptualize and develop work and activity implementation plans and consultant scopes of work; mentoring AHADI staff in the counties (regional coordinators)
Improving programmatic team’s capacity to identify and use evidence when designing interventions and describing activity outcomes;
Directly contributing to the implementation of activities that draw upon the DCOPs technical areas of expertise;
Ensuring that the program has robust tracking and accountability systems for activity implementation;
Enhancing technical staff capacity and systems to ensure quality of project interventions and quality control over deliverables (i.e. consultant reports, manuals, policy tools);
Engaging in regular program meetings to maintain and strengthen the team’s strategic focus, to discuss challenges, solutions and outcomes;
Improving cross-sector/cross team coordination, collaboration and lesson learning;
Suggesting improvements to work routines that will reduce the bureaucratic and administrative tasks that senior sector staff must undertake, freeing their time for more deliberate and thoughtful programming.
Work under the direction of the COP to liaise with USAID technical staff in the Democracy and Governance office as well as technical teams for those sectors contributing to AHADI. The DCOP will also assist in coordinating with other USAID implementing partners in sectors important for AHADI implementation.
Support and oversee the performance of project technical consultants. This may involve interviewing consultant candidates, writing scopes of work for consultants, and providing guidance and ensuring quality control over consultant activities and reports.
The DCOP will collaborate with the AHADI technical and Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adapting (MERLA) staff, including AHADI home office and sub-contractor staff, to contribute to project learning and knowledge generation. This may involve:
Overseeing or directly drafting project reports to ensure AHADI’s technical strategies are communicated to USAID in a timely and useable manner.
Providing guidance on types of information the program team needs to do more evidence based programming;
Identifying what kind of knowledge the M&E, communications and program teams can extract from programming;
Overseeing and contributing directly to AHADI knowledge and learning reports, including preparation of short articles, issue briefs, or analyses arising from project activities and reports
Mentoring Nairobi and county-based staff on ways they can contribute to the project’s evidence based programming, results capture, and learning;
In coordination with the COP, the DCOP will liaise with the SUNY/CID Home Office to help ensure adequate HO support and oversight for the duties listed above.
The DCOP must be a team player, and comfortable working with AHADI project staff, professional associates and clients of all ranks.
Carry out other duties as assigned by the COP.
Location:
The Deputy Chief of Party will be based in the AHADI Nairobi office.
Travel:
Travel in country is expected. It is anticipated that travel will be between 30-40%.
go to method of application » -
Finance Assistant
Position Summary: To provide the Finance Manager with financial and administrative support including: processing and tracking all income and expenditure, enforcing compliance, inputting transactions onto the accounting system, maintaining books and records, and reporting.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration/ Accounting
A minimum of CPA Part 2
At least three years’ accounting experience in for profit or non-profit organization.
Good communication and inter-personal skills
Problem analysis and problem-solving skills.
Three years’ experience in financial accounting or bookkeeping;
Experience working using Oracle as a financial management system preferred;
Previous auditing experience highly sought;
Previous experience working in Kenya highly sought;
Knowledge of local tax laws;
USAID experience a plus;
In addition, must be flexible, willing to perform assigned and additional duties and work irregular hours under challenging conditions;
Attention to detail and accuracy
Planning and organizing
Ability to take initiative
Ability to work in a team.
Responsibilities:
The incumbent will report to the Finance Manager. S/he will:
Work under the Finance Manager to ensure smooth operation of all finance matters.
Processes all income and expenditure transactions; settling invoices, receipts, payments,
Managing all financial documents and records.
Managing vendor accounts, accounts receivable and accounts payable.
Facilitate the disbursement of funds for grants and ensure proper supporting documentation is provided and other grants-related activities as required.
Assists with preparation of monthly financial reconciliations and submission to home office.
Remittance of taxes exemption request to relevant authorities.
Assists with coordination of audit and related risk management/internal control activities.
Enforces SUNY/CID and USAID rules and regulations at all times during transactions, ensuring and maintaining internal financial controls and procedures.
Carries out other duties as directed by the Finance Manager.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya
Reporting: Reports directly to the Finance Manager -
Procurement and Local Subcontracts Assistant Human Resource Assistant
Summary of Primary Duties: The Procurement and Local Subcontracts Assistant will play a pivotal role in ensuring integrity, fairness, and openness in procurement processes as well as adherence to policies, procedures, and controls.
The main responsibility for this position is to assist in the procurement of goods and services. The position requires relevant work experience in the field of procurement, managing interpersonal relationships and communication, and following up on vendor issues.
The position requires knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
The Procurement and Local Subcontracts Assistant will be responsible for gathering complete procurement related backup documentation.
He or she will be involved in developing and releasing solicitations, and assist in conducting price/cost/reasonability analyses, as well as perform any other related duties as assigned.
Essential Duties
Prepare and file complete backup documentation for procurement purchases to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance
Assist and collaborate in external or internal audits as necessary
Uphold integrity, compliance, fairness, accuracy, and openness in procurement processes
Assist in compliance with DAI/USAID and FAR policies, and procedures
Maintain electronic procurement records & files in various DAI’s system platforms
General Acquisition & Procurement Responsibilities
Solicit bids and quotes from vendors in adherence with policies & approved requisitions
Assist in tracking all project procurement activities and delivery status of goods/services
Conduct price/cost/reasonability analyses
Prepare cost evaluation data and source selection documentation
Through market research efforts, identify and qualify potential suppliers, products, and services
Ensure that beneficial, ethical and open supplier relationships are created and maintained according to procurement policies
Maintain accurate procurement records in DAI’s procurement system (TAMIS) Pro
Assist in market research and soliciting bids /quotes from vendors for items in adherence with project policies.
Provide day-to-day operations and logistics support to the program teams
Assist in monitoring, tracking and expediting program procurement activities and delivery status of goods/services.
Assist with completing the procurement process through raising payment requests through the procurement software.
Carry out other duties and responsibilities as directed
Supervisory Responsibilities: The Procurement and Local Subcontracts Assistant will have no supervisory responsibilities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in purchasing and supply chain management or related field
1+ years of relevant experience in procurement
Minimum 1 years’ experience working in a procurement role for USAID-funded projects
Demonstrated attention to detail
Demonstrated ability to respond effectively to time sensitive demands and inquiries
Proficiency using Microsoft office suite, and other relevant software
Demonstrated strong problem solving skills as well as exceptional customer relations (both internally & externally); provides sound business judgment and contractual oversight
Excellent organizational skills with a willingness to take initiative and be proactive in the procurement process
A diploma professional procurement and supply change management qualification such as CIPS, CPSP-K, etc.
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple concurrent bids
Excellent communications and ability to relate to people at all levels of an organization and of different multi-cultural backgrounds
Extremely well organized and self-directed individual with sound technical skills, and analytical ability
Base of Operations: Nairobi, Kenya with travel to project activity sites as needed.
Reporting: The Procurement and Local Subcontracts Assistant will work closely with the Procurement Specialist and report to the Procurement & Subcontracts Manager.
go to method of application » -
Graphic Designer
Objectives and Duties: The graphic designer will provide support to the Communications Director and the overall Hub team.
She/he will help the Hub team illustrate their work and accomplishments with visually compelling graphic design, animation, and professionally formatted reports and presentations.
The designer should be familiar with In-Design, Adobe Creative Suite, and web-based animation and design programs.
The designer should be able to professionally format a report in Word and be able to lay it out for print and for electronic distribution.
The designer should also be savvy with PowerPoint, Prezi and/or Keynote and be able to create visually compelling presentations that distill complex information in an easy-to-digest and attractive manner.
Ideally, the graphic designer has previous experience in animation or could pick up the skill quickly.
The graphic designer will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following detailed tasks:
Final formatting of reports, presentations, and all Hub deliverables
Creation of infographics to distill complex information in an attractive, digestible manner
Presentation design and formatting
Template creation
Social media content creation
Creation of photo stories
Web design and the creation of new interactive features
Web maintenance and uploading of content
Translate data in to easy-to-digest graphics
Create short animation pieces to tell a Hub story
Create content for the Hub’s communication pieces, such a the monthly newsletter and weekly roundup
Support content creation and design for all Hub reports and taskers
Qualifications:
At least five years of experience working as a graphic designer.
Strong theoretical and practical background in graphic design, including the use of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Illustrator, Photoshop, In-Design, CorelDraw, etc.
Expert experience in designing visually informative graphics and images.
Expert experience in the layout of professional reports.
Experience transforming complex data sets into compelling and creative visualizations that emphasize impact.
Experience working in collaboration with technical teams and delivering under tight deadlines.
An innovative and pragmatic problem solver
Demonstrated ability to work well within a team.
Excellent English writing and communication skills
Strong attention to detail.
The designer should provide examples of past work and provide current/ past references that can attest to graphic designer’s expertise and work ethic.
Reporting: The Graphic Designer will report to the Director of Communications
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Base of Operations: The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya -
Communications Specialist
Position Summary: The Communications Specialist will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating all aspects of communications and outreach including designing and implementing effective outreach and communications strategies for AHADI and developing interventions to strengthen targeted county media entities in full compliance with USAID policies and regulations, on-time, within budget, and with maximum impact.
S/he will identify activities for documenting into snapshots and success stories, flickr stories and newsletter articles.
S/he will be responsible for knowledge management in the Program.
The main function of the knowledge sharing responsibility will be to help champion organization-wide knowledge sharing, so that the organization know-how, information and experience is shared inside and (as appropriate) outside the organization with clients, partners, and stakeholders.
In addition, s/he will assist the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist in collecting and synthesizing data and reports to support the AHADI reporting function.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Data Management, Journalism, Public Management or related field relevant to the position requirements.
At least 10 years’ experience designing and implementing communications and outreach programs for USAID funded development programs;
Demonstrated ability to serve as a principal liaison among development partners, the media, and key government counterparts, both at the national and county level, as well as civil society and private sector leaders;
Highly developed communication skills (spoken, written and presentational);
Experience originating, soliciting, writing or editing complex or sensitive materials for distribution in newsletters, websites and reports;
Solid understanding of cross-cutting issues such as HIV/Aids, gender, youth, and the needs of marginalized communities.
Demonstrated ability to write clearly and concisely, to work in a fast-changing political environment, to work well under pressure and to handle concurrent projects including organizing media coverage, technical workshops, briefings and interviews.
Demonstrated ability to serve as a principal liaison among a donor-funded program, the donor, the media, and key Government of Kenya and county counterparts as well as civil society and private sector leaders.
Duties:
Communications:
Oversee the continuous review and implementation of USAID AHADI Communications Strategy;
Serving as the point of contact with USAID/Kenya on media and public relations matters, and as the in-house expert on branding, marking, and positioning of AHADI communications materials and deliverables;
Providing advice to the COP, other staff members, grantees and AHADI partners on media engagement, deliverables, outreach, communications, and public relations issues; and
Performing other duties as assigned to achieve AHADI objectives and results.
Establishing and cultivating contacts with Government of Kenya officials at all levels (Governors, Senators, and Members and staff of County Assemblies, among others), journalists, and other USAID implementing partners in order to keep apprised of governance and devolution developments and trends, as well as opportunities to promote AHADI;
Creating snapshots, success stories, articles, and other outreach materials for external distribution;
Designing and implementing interventions to strengthen targeted media county entities;
Collaborating with other AHADI staff and partners to organize, carry out, and report on media interventions;
Knowledge management
Promote knowledge sharing through the organization’s operational processes and systems by, among others, strengthening links between knowledge sharing and the information systems, and improving integration among departments in the Program, to facilitate seamless exchange of information across the program;
Promote collaborative tools such as activity rooms to facilitate sharing of ideas and work among internal teams and external partners;
Provide support for the establishment and nurturing of forums where information on programming is shared;
Share experiences across various departments, beneficiaries on innovative approaches in knowledge sharing, including preparation of case studies;
Help monitor and evaluate the knowledge sharing program, including external benchmarking and evaluation programs/opportunities;
Help disseminate information about the organization’s knowledge sharing program to internal and external audiences, including organizing knowledge sharing events (such as knowledge fairs, devolution study groups maintaining communications on knowledge sharing across the organization, and preparation of brochures/presentations.
Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:
Serving as a key member of the AHADI research and learning team;
Collaborating with AHADI staff and partners to support the AHADI learning agenda;
Support the development of the necessary communications and reporting templates for use by AHADI staff and implementing partners;
Assisting with editing of AHADI monthly, quarterly and annual reports;
Providing internal editorial support to ensure that AHADI documents and/or reports are of high quality and comply with the USAID branding requirements;
Advising the AHADI M&E Specialist, COP, staff and partners on effective methods for presenting or communicating AHADI data and results.
Location: The Communications Specialist will be based in the AHADI Nairobi office.
Travel: Travel in country is expected. Transportation, accommodations and per diem will be provided by the project in accordance with AHADI and USAID regulations. It is anticipated that in the travel will be between 30%-40% -
Regional Communications Specialist
Position Summary
The Communications Specialist will support USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) Services task order.
The Communications Specialist will provide support to the development of communications products and publications focused upon USAIDs development strategy. Regional Communications Specialist Job Responsibilities
Social Media and Media Monitoring
Supply input into the production of social media toolkits
Develop quarterly plans for social media posts including justification based on current events
Provide daily media monitoring reports and advise on media houses and journalist content
Prepare for and cover events as requested
Prepare website stories,
Engage in media calls and prepare press kits,
Take, edit and post photos
Update media contact lists
Prepare event specific media monitoring reports
Gathering content from the field
Gather stories from IPs through making field visits at the discretion of the COR
Produce three Flickr stories from field visits
Provide story lines and transforming lives stories that reflect USAIDs reach
Prepare success stories for use in other publications including e Newsletters and Quarterly brochures
Strategic Planning
Using experience participate and develop materials for strategy review sessions
Assist in developing an agenda and a presentation that:
Reviews and assesses MSI communications work in the previous quarter using indicators established by the overall communications strategy;
Highlight successes, challenges and recommendations;
Synthesizes journalist participation and press coverage; and
Pitches potential stories or identifies gaps in content based on field work and research.
Oversight, coordination and editing
Ensure all written materials adhere to relevant style guidelines before submission
Coordinate coverage of events and manage work planning with other communications specialists
Support coordination of quarterly meetings with IP communication staff
Qualifications for the Regional Communications Specialist Job
Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications or a relevant related field of study. Master’s degree preferred.
5-7 years of related public relations, public outreach or Communications for Development experience.
Demonstrated experience producing and editing written products such as social media messages, news/blog articles, reports, fact sheets, speeches, success stories, and press releases.
English language skills at the S/5 and R/5 level to perform communications technical services.
Ability to travel as needed throughout Kenya and East Africa
Demonstrated supervisory skills.
USAID experience is a plus.
Ability to work well in a team. -
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.govSKILLS 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 pointsExamples of Materials – 10 points
Interview Performance – 30 points
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned)
Total Possible Points: 100 -
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 AdvisorSOLICITATION 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, KenyaThere 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 SpecialtyServe 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
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.