USAID CENTRAL ASIA FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 13/2019 ISSUANCE DATE: 06/24/2019 CLOSING DATE/TIME: 07/12/2019

SUBJECT: Solicitation for Cooperating Country National Personal Services Contractor (CCN PSC) Human Resources Specialist (Regional Classifier), FSN-9, USAID/Central Asia (USAID/CA), Almaty, Kazakhstan

Dear Prospective Offerors:

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

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V 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 offers.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No late submissions will be accepted.

Sincerely,

James Berscheit Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT TO SOLICITATION NO. 12/2019

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 13/2019 2. ISSUANCE DATE: 06/24/2019 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR 07/12/2019 (6 p.m. Almaty Time)

RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 4. POSITION TITLE: Human Resources Specialist (Regional Classifier) 5. MARKET VALUE: FSN-9, $ 20,896 p.a. (starting gross salary per year) 6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Full-time: 40 hours per week 7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Central Asia (USAID/CA), Almaty, Kazakhstan 8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: FSN SBU 9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION:

The Human Resources Specialist (Regional Classifier) is assigned to one of three Regional Human Resources Support Units (HRSUs). The Human Resources Specialist works under the general administrative supervision of the Regional Executive Officer, and receives all technical supervision from the Senior Human Resources Specialist (Team Leader) in USAID/Washington's HCTM/OHCl/FSN Unit. Locally, the Human Resources Specialist (Regional Classifier) will work as a full member of the Mission Executive Office Team. The regional Human Resources Specialist is responsible for all classification of FSN positions in assigned region(s) and/or countries, with the exception that the HCTM/OHCI Senior Human Resources Specialist may set limits on grade-level approvals based on the experience of the Human Resources Specialist, and as determined practical. The HCTM/OHCI Senior Human Resources Specialist and/or his/her designee will provide final approval for jobs classified in MCIass to FSN-12 and above, all "exceptional" or unusual jobs, and all jobs proposed for FSN-13). Through training and experience, it is expected that the regional Human Resources Specialist will be able to provide advice to client Missions on the classification process, including position description writing, basic organization development and position management, and also to advise Missions when they should request consultant assistance from the HCTM/OHCl/FSN Unit for more complex and/or involved requirements. The Human Resources Specialist will advise Missions on HCTM/OHCl/FSN Unit policy, in such areas as promotion policy, or requesting time-in-grade waivers and/or multi-grade promotions, and so on. The Human Resources Specialist (Regional Classifier) will advise on routine employee relations matters. This position may require travel to support Missions as required.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Classification in MCIass 60%

The Human Resources Specialist (Regional Classifier) provides guidance to client mission supervisors, managers, and others in Missions throughout the Region on the preparation of FSN position descriptions, assuring they are accurate and up-to-date; the Human Resources Specialist reviews classification/re-classification requests submitted by client Missions, through the serviced Missions EXO/HR Unit, making recommendations on a course of action. The Human Resources Specialist prepares to classify the position in MCIass, and conducts supervisory discussions and employee position reviews by phone, email, or video conferencing as necessary to verify duties and assignments, and to gain an understanding of the requirements of the position and the manner in which the job holder proceeds to carry out the work. Once satisfied, the Human Resources Specialist evaluates positions using the MCIass system, and provides a draft MCIass Job Report (JR) to the supervisor for his/her review and for the review of the employee in the position, if any. Upon concurrence from the client Mission, the

Human Resources Specialist determines the recommended grade level and the official position title, and advises supervisors and employees of classification results, and on appeal procedures, if required.

The Human Resources Specialist (Regional) provides advice to client Missions on recommended recruitment processes, including the construction of job announcements; guidance on determining the area of consideration; proper handling of overqualified candidates and/or candidates with excessive current salaries; recommending criteria for selection panel composition, interview questions, preparation of memoranda of negotiation; etc.

B. Market Rate Determination for US and TCN PSC Positions 20%

The Human Resources Specialist (Regional) may be required to provide advice to client Missions and, as requested, review proposed USPSC and TCNPSC Scopes of Work (SOW) and propose a Market Rate (a Civil Service-equivalent classification), based on existing policies and procedures.

C. Administrative Human Resources Management Responsibilities 20%

The Human Resources Specialist (Regional) may also provide advice and assistance to client Missions on the various HR related processes and procedures related to classification or other related areas of human resources.

Supervision Received: The Human Resources Specialist works under the general administrative supervision of the Regional Executive Officer at the HRSU's Mission or work guidance from the client Mission EXO when on an assignment, and receives all technical supervision from the Senior Human Resources Specialist (Team Leader) in USAID/Washington's HCTM/OHCl/FSN Unit.

Supervision Exercised: None.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: All HOST COUNTRY NATIONALS

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/Central Asia Human Resources Office, e-mail: CentralAsiaJobs(a_usaid.qov and/or almatvhrausaid.qov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a. Education: Completion of two years college or university studies in Human Resources Management.

b. Prior Work Experience: The work requires a minimum of 3 years of HR management experience.

c. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) oral and written English capability is required.

d. Knowledge: The work requires knowledge, or the ability to gain knowledge, of USAID and USG HR policy and procedures on position management, compensation, position classification, and HR administration; a good understanding of organization development principles, and a general knowledge of Personal Services Contracting.

e. Skills and Abilities The work requires the ability to plan and organize the work, to establish priorities, to follow up on responses to client Missions, and so on. The Human Resources Specialist must exercise tact and discretion in HR classification matters and inspire confidence

in clients when performing HR functions. S/he must establish and maintain effective working relationships the MCIass and HR POCs, as well as supervisors and employees, and the USAID/Washington FSN Unit staff. The Human Resources Specialist must maintain a positive customer-service attitude, and be able to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision. The work requires the ability to analyze, conceptualize, negotiate, exercise sound judgment, originate ideas and creative solutions, and handle requests and complaints promptly, effectively, and diplomatically with all levels of American and FSN staff, as well as Embassy and USAID/Washington counterparts. The HR Specialist must be able to work under pressure, and to make decisions quickly and independently when dealing with urgent requests, knowing when to seek guidance and assistance. The work also requires the ability to present and make oral presentations one on one or to a group; as well as provide guidance, advice and recommendations on a frequent basis.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria: 1. Education 2. Prior Work Experience 3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Knowledge - Language Proficiency - Skills and Abilities

IV. PRESENTING AN OFFER

1. Eligible Offerors must fully meet the minimum qualification requirements. Qualified individuals are requested to submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae addressing each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item; and names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references.

Packages should be received by COB Wednesday, July 10, 2019 via e-mail: CentralAsiaJobsausaid.uov and/or almatvhrausaid.uov or mail to the Executive Office/Human Resources (EXO/HR), USAID/CA, 41, Kazibek Bi St., Almaty 050010, Kazakhstan (tel.: 7-727-2507612/17, ext. 6353).

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No late submissions will be accepted.

USAID/CA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant's cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant.

2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified above and in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 12.

3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

V. 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 necessary forms.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

According to Local Compensation Plan.

VII. TAXES

The contractor is solely responsible for all taxation obligations in accordance with cooperating country laws. USAID reserves the right to request proof of payment of taxes by the employee.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, "Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad," including contract clause "General Provisions," available at https://www.usaid.qov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar O. pdf. .

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/ClBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.qov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the "Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch," available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oqe.nsf/OGE%20Regulations