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VS. Agency for International DevelopmentCta45#24B-27Gate2

dvisor

Sincerely,

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) -USAID Development Program Specialist (Single Vacancy)

Dear Prospective Offerers:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development

(USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing the personalservices under contract as described in this solicitation. For further information aboutUSAID/Colombia please visit https://www.usaid.gov/colombia.

The applicant must meet requirements as described in the attached solicitation and submit theapplication package electronically to BogotaHR@.usaid.gov as outlined in Section IV, "How toApply". Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of youremail application. Application letters and forms must be signed. Incomplete and unsignedapplications/forms will not be considered.

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

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachedinformation or to BogotaHR@.usaid.gov.

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72051418R10005JOA-DOS:ISSUANCE DATE: August 27. 2018CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 10,2018 /16:00Colombian time.

FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLEUSAIDI COLOMBIA

The U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, is seeking an individual for theposition of USAID Development Program Specialist in the Program Office.

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

10.1 General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

The Development Program Specialist works in USAID/Colombia's Program Office (PRO) andacts as the co-Deputy Director for the office. S/he will be responsible for a variety of standardUSAID Program Office functions, with a focus on strategic planning, operational planning,facilitating program coordination and support, and program documentation and reporting. Theincumbent will lead specific tasks critical to the Mission's strategic planning efforts, includingregional/geographic strategies, the Mission's Country Development Cooperation Strategy, andthe Embassy's Integrated Country Strategy. S/he will also be assigned specific tasks that arecritical to the planning, management, coordination, implementation, and tracking ofUSAID/Colombia programs. The Senior Program Advisor will identify performance gaps inthese areas, and work at the three levels of program performance at USAID/Colombia:organizational systems (the workplace), operational systems (the work), and performancesystems (the worker). The incumbent will advise senior management on organizational re-engineering to improve cross-sectoral integration and improvement of operations andmanagement. S/he will also lead specific tasks critical to the Mission's operation, including key

SOL: 72051418R10005August 27,2018

September 10, 2018 no later than 16:00

Colombian TimeUSAID Development Program Specialist

FSN-12 (COPS 150,751,216- $248,739,508)Final compensation will be negotiated within thelisted market value.Initial period of one year with options for fourone-year extensions. Extension will depend onthe need for continuations of services, availabilityof funds, and satisfactory performance.

USAID/Colombia with possible travel as stated inthe Statement of Work.

All interested candidatesAs an employment precondition, the successfulapplicant is required to obtain U.S Embassy/Colombia Regional Security Office (RSO)Security Clearance.

7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

8.WHO MAY APPLY:

9.SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:

1.SOLICITATION NUMBER:

2.ISSUANCE DATE:

3.CLOSING DATE/TIME FORRECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

4.POSITION TITLE:

5.MARKET VALUE:

6.PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

72051418R10005ATTACHMENT 1I. GENERAL INFORMATION

reporting such as the annual Operational Plan, the Performance Plan and Report, the MissionResource Request, the Congressional Budget Justification, and other Mission reports. S/he willserve as one (of two) Deputy Directors in the Program Office.

10.2 Duties to be Performed

As a USAID employee, the incumbent carries the responsibility to understand and incorporatethe Agency's seven core values in all aspects of his/her work. These core values are: 1. Passionfor Mission, 2.Excellence, 3. Integrity, 4. Respect, 5. Empowerment, 6. Inclusion, and 7.Commitment to learning.

The Development Program Specialist will use his/her knowledge, skills, abilities, and experienceto manage the following responsibilities:

A.Program Implementation40%1.Strategy Implementation: The incumbent will lead working groups and processes

designed to maximize program effectiveness and strengthen cross-cutting coordination,including both programmatic (e.g., Mission cross-cutting priorities like roads,counternarcotics, citizen security, etc.) and geographic (e.g., specific regional focus)working groups.

2.Liaison Working Group Leader: The incumbent will lead a working group consisting ofall Program Office liaisons in order to share best practices, learn from others, andstandardize Program Office services provided to technical offices.

3.Public-Private Partnerships: The Mission has a large portfolio of public-privatepartnerships, which is set to increase dramatically over the coming year (estimated at 15awards for over $100 million total). The incumbent is responsible for overseeing thisportfolio (through his/her direct supervision responsibilities), ensuring its alignment withMission priorities, and providing guidance to ensure development results are maximized.

4.Venezuela Coordination: USAID/Colombia is expecting to receive an additional $37.1

million in FY 2017 resources (beyond the $187 million in FY 2017) to respond to theVenezuela migration crisis along the border. USAID/Colombia programming focuses onshort-to-medium term responses in the areas of health, education, socioeconomicdevelopment, and institutional/organizational capacity building. The incumbent will beresponsible for ensuring that USAID/Colombia's efforts are aligned with the interagencyand other donors.

B.Program Planning and Development30%1.USAID/Colombia Strategy Development: The incumbent will play a key role in guiding

USAID/Colombia strategy development by coordinating efforts across teams to advanceMission priorities, define Mission strategic objectives, and recommend strategicpriorities. The incumbent will establish and lead working groups to define USAIDstrategic priorities for regions and/or cross-cutting themes. S/he will also be responsiblefor coordinating with Government of Colombia officials to ensure that the strategy alignswith host country efforts and to stay apprised of other donor efforts in the country.

2.Embassy Strategy Development: The incumbent will lead USAID and Embassy staffthrough the development of a three-year strategy defining the priorities for the U.S.Embassy in Colombia. This responsibility will require leadership of USAID/Colombia

and interagency staff in order to define priorities, garner consensus on those priorities,and develop the interagency strategy in a way that is fully aligned with USG and theAmbassador's priorities.

3.Portfolio Reviews: The incumbent will lead Program Office staff and Mission technicaloffice staff through the design, implementation, and follow-up of Portfolio Reviews, asemi-annual exercise designed to review progress towards Mission strategic objectives,discuss challenges, and identify bottlenecks to strategy implementation. The incumbentmust have a clear understanding of the Mission's strategic priorities, be able to guidediscussions towards those priorities, and make recommendations to Mission seniorleadership on how to adjust programming to maximize impact. The incumbent will beresponsible for following up on Portfolio Review due-outs and ensure all MissionDirector priorities are addressed. Successful design of Portfolio Reviews will requireclose coordination with the Mission Director and Deputy Mission Director to definepriorities for discussion.

4.Agreement/Contracting Officer's Representative (AOR/COR) Responsibilities: Serves asAgreement/Contracting Officer's Representative for designated USAID/Colombiaactivities, including activity management, financial management, progress monitoring,communications, grant/contract revisions, and other issues as they arise.

5.Budget Planning: The incumbent oversees the Budget Specialist and the budget portfolio,identifying Mission priorities, ensuring that budget allocations align with Mission

priorities, and maximizing flexibility in budget planning. The Mission budget is $187million (in FY 2017) with an active Mission portfolio of over $700 million.

C. Communications and Reporting20%1.VIP Visit Leadership: The incumbent will serve as Control Officer for VIP visitors from

Washington. This leadership role will require that the incumbent lead Mission andEmbassy staff through the development of key messages and the visit schedule, includinglogistics. These visits are of critical importance to USAID/Colombia, and the ControlOfficer is required to lead large numbers of people throughout the embassy in order toensure their success.

2.High-Level Visitor Briefings: The incumbent will brief high-level visitors, including bothU.S. and Colombian citizens, on USAID programming, priorities, and strategic direction.The incumbent will also meet with Colombian organizations, entities, institutions and usethese briefings as an opportunity to learn about the visitor's priorities and determinewhether there is potential alignment between the visitor's priorities andUSAID/Colombia programming. This requires a strong understanding of the entireUSAID portfolio in Colombia. In the case that there is alignment, the incumbent willfacilitate further discussions with relevant technical office staff to identify partnership orcoordination opportunities. These briefings with visitors must be handled with incredibletact to avoid making commitments and further strengthen USAID/Colombia'srelationship with the visitor.

3.Annual Reporting Requirements: The incumbent will lead annual reporting requirements,

requiring exceptional attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability toforesee and address challenges. The incumbent will lead Program Office staff indeveloping Mission-wide guidance and processes for completion of the reportingrequirements, and will lead technical office through its completion. These reports include

the annual Operational Plan, the Mission Resource Request, the Congressional BudgetJustification, and other Mission reports.

D. Supervisory Responsibilities10%1.Direct Supervision: As the co-Deputy Director, the incumbent will directly supervise the

Public-Private Partnerships Alliance Builder (FSN-11 position) and the Budget Specialist(FSN-12 position). The incumbent will provide timely feedback on performance andensure that his/her supervisees are appropriately trained, utilized, appraised, andrewarded. S/he will review the supervisees' performance in an objective manner, identifygoals for professional growth, and opportunities (both formal and informal) for achievingthose goals. S/he will create an office environment that fosters job enrichment, skilldevelopment, and professional growth. To that end, the incumbent will establishperformance targets and prevent and resolve personnel issues in a timely manner. Inaddition to supervision responsibilities, the incumbent will coach and mentor PRO andMission staff on strategy, coordination, and reporting. S/he will support and implementfair personnel practices and foster a work environment that is inclusive and non-discriminatory.

2.Supervise TDY Support and Interns: The incumbent will also supervise, develop work plans,

and mentor PRO TDY support and interns.

11.AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

Cooperating Country Nationals (CCN), meaning an individual who is a cooperating countrycitizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in thecooperating country.

According to ADS 309.3.3, a "USAID policy is that the use of CCNPSCs is preferred over theuse of Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (TCNPSCs) in order to integrate theforeign assistance effort into the community, enhance the skills of the cooperating country'spopulation, and contribute to the local economy."

•Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation section titled HOW TOAPPLY:

•Be able to obtain U.S Embassy/Colombia RSO Security Clearance;•Be able to obtain a medical clearance;•Employment is subject to funds availability and required approvals.

12.PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The primary location of work will be on the U.S. Embassy/USAID compound inBogota/Colombia. No special physical demands are required to perform the work.

13.POINT OF CONTACT:

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attachedinformation or to BogotaHR@usaid.gov.

Note: No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a.Education: A University Degree in the field of International Relations, InternationalDevelopment, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or Business is required.

b.Prior Work Experience: Must have minimum five years of experience in the developmentfield leading/implementing strategies, managing projects, or leading large initiatives. Must haveat least five years of experience working in Latin America.

c.Post Entry Training: Appropriate modules of Leadership and Program Operations training;COR/AOR training; GLAAS; Phoenix; Agency database systems; on-the-job training; and otherareas related to duties.

d.Job Knowledge: The incumbent must have an in-depth professional-level knowledge ofdevelopment principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to managing sectoralprograms/projects/activities in Colombia, and the problems and policies in Colombia from thebusiness, political, civil society, and social perspectives. The incumbent must have knowledgeand understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Colombia;development problems in Colombia and the region; an understanding of the resources, resourceconstraints, and overall development prospects and priorities of Colombia and the region; and,knowledge of, or the potential to quickly acquire knowledge of, USG legislation, policy, andpractices relating to development, including USAID programming policies, regulations, andprocedures. The incumbent must be able to acquire knowledge and understanding of theorganization and respective roles of the different levels of the Government of Colombia in orderto enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program/project/activitystrategy and implementation.

e.Skills and Abilities: The ability to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate assignedprograms/projects/activities is required. The incumbent must have excellent verbalcommunication skills, tact, and diplomacy in order to establish and develop sustainable workingrelations and a high level of trust with senior- and mid-level officials within the Government ofColombia, public and private organizations, and the U.S. Embassy, including primary USAIDtechnical contacts in the development area. Verbal communication skills are used to explain andinterpret Government of Colombia attitudes, priorities, and concerns to USAID officials, and tonegotiate program/project/activity plans and resolve program/project/activity implementationissues with appropriate Government of Colombia institutions, technical advisors, implementingpartners, counterparts, and peers. Excellent writing skills are required in order to prepare regularand ad hoc reports, project documentation, and briefing papers. Good analytical ability is neededto interpret public policies, and to assist in the development of revised policies, as required; and,to develop and monitor the performance of budgets, and the development of periodic work plans.The ability to work effectively in a team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy,program/project/activity, and administrative matters is necessary. The work requires goodcomputer skills in order to manage the achievement of goals and objectives, technical, financial,

and social. Strong leadership skills are needed to ensure progress on critical tasks, oftentimeswithout direct supervision authority over key stakeholders, and take programs / projects /activities from concept to full implementation.

f. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English (level IV) and Spanish (level IV), both oral andwritten is required.

All applicants must attach a copy of a valid language test results in the non-primary language(English and/or Spanish) to be eligible for consideration. USAID Colombia will only accept thelanguage tests administered by AVANTI Language School SAS, the Foreign Service Institute(FSI) and other Official U.S. Government Language testing institutes. Please followinstructions below on the section titled "Language Testing Procedures".

III. EVALUATION CRITERIA

To be considered for this position, offerors must meet the minimum qualifications noted above.For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on a panel assessment of theapplicant's writing, presentation, and communication skills. In a supplemental narrativeincluded with the application package, applicants must address each minimum qualificationabove as it relates to their ability to meet the position's major duties and responsibilities.Applicants should describe specifically and accurately experience, framing, education and/orawards they have received that are relevant to the each minimum qualification.

Responses are to be submitted in English and limited to two (2) pages using Times New Roman12; the document must have one (1) inch margins.

Applicants must include their name and the solicitation number at the top of each additional

page.

1. POSITION ELEMENTS

a.Available Guidelines: USAID/Colombia policies; Embassy Integrated Country Strategy;USAID Country Development Cooperation Strategy; USAID Administrative Directive System(ADS); USAID rules and regulations; and U.S. Department of State Standardized regulations.

b.Exercise of Judgment: Must exercise a high level of independent judgment based onknowledge and experience within available guidelines in his/her competences, especially whenrepresenting the USG and discussing Mission's activities with external stakeholders.

c.Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent exercises the authority given to allUSAID activity managers and CORs/AORs, and may make administrative arrangementsconsistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The incumbent takes action and establishespriorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought whenneeded, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status. The incumbent may notindependently commit the USG to the expenditure of funds. The incumbent may negotiate adreferendum for the immediate supervisor.

V. HOW TO APPLY

All applications must be submitted by e-mail with the subject line SOL: 72051418R10005 -USAID Development Program Specialist to BoaotaHRiSusaid.qov

d.Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are maintained with mid- to high-levelUSAID and other USG agency officials, mid- to high-level Colombian Government officials(e.g., Governors and Secretaries), other embassies, counterparts, grantees, contractors, anddonors in the pursuit of Mission goals.

e.Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year.

2. BASIS OF RATING

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and basic eligibility requirements will befurther evaluated based on their responses to the minimum requirements in the supplementaldocument. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated ontheir interview performance and on their professional reference checks. The applicant ratingsystem is as follows:

Evaluation Factors

•Work Experience: 15 points•Technical Knowledge: 20 points•Written Communication: 20 points•Skills and Abilities: 15 points•Interview and Oral Communication: 30 points

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

Total Possible Points: 100

IV. PRESENTING AN OFFER

Applications must be submitted in accordance with the instructions in the section titled How toApply. Incomplete applications may be eliminated from further consideration. All documentationwill be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements, and candidates who donot meet the minimum requirements will not be scored.

Candidates may be invited to take a written technical test. Finalist candidates may beinterviewed. Reference checks may be requested. The applicant's references must be able toprovide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant doesnot wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in theapplicant's cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant's

concurrence.

1. LANGUAGE TESTING PROCEDURES

Most of the positions at the U.S. Embassy require specific levels of both Spanish and or English.

All applicants seeking a Mission Colombia local position must submit a valid language test resultin the non-primary language (English and/or Spanish).

The test result(s) must be submitted along with the application; otherwise the application will notbe considered.

For recruitment purposes the United States Mission Colombia will only accept the language testsas follows:

English and/or Spanish:Test administered by AVANTI Language School SAS, the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) andother Official U.S. Government Language testing institutes.

Language test results are valid for one year.If applicants do not have a valid language score from one of the above mentioned LanguageInstitutes, they may contact the following Institute to be tested in English and/or Spanish asrequired:

Avanti Language School: Carrera 21 # 87 - 24 Polo Club, Bogota, Colombia. Applicants mustrequest a language test by writing to academic@avantilanguageschool.com - For further

Attention: Executive Officer

USAID/ColombiaHuman Resources Office

Applicants must submit their application by the closing date and time specified in Section I,item 3. Late applications will not be considered.

Qualified applicants must submit the following documents or their applications will not beconsidered for this position:

1.Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member -DS-174 whichyou can find at the following link:https://co.usembassv.eov/wp-content/uploads/sites/103/2017/04/DS-174expires05-31-2019-

Aprll2017.pdf2.Supplemental document with written responses to the evaluation criteria (Maximum 2

pages).3.Copy of valid language test results administered by AVANTI Language School SAS, the

Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and other Official U.S. Government Language testinginstitutes.

4.Copy of Colombian work permit and/or residence visa (if applicable).

information please contact PBX: 634-6637 or mobile 321-463-6470. Cost of language test is theapplicant's responsibility.

**Failure to include the required language testing scores will result in the applicant beingdeemed ineligible for the position.

2. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

At the time of application, candidates must fully meet the education requirement (graduated anddegree and/or diploma already received) as specified, and must also meet in full the workexperience requirement. There is no exception for these requirements.

Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide proof of education such as valid copies ofdegrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents as needed. Failure to provide therequired documentation will eliminate the candidate from further consideration.

Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your emailapplication. Any attachments provided via email must be compatible with Microsoft Word 2003or PDF. ZIP files will not be accepted. Note that attachments to emails must not exceed 20 MB.Application letters and forms must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms willnot be considered.Only short listed candidates will be contacted and may be interviewed.

USAID retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage ofthe recruitment process.

USAID reserves the right to obtain information on finalists from any and all sources inside oroutside the US Government.

VI.LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the CO informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the COwill provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the followingforms.

1.U.S. Embassy Colombia Security Certification Request

2.Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)3.Medical clearance4.Copy of education certificates (copy of actual degree)

VII.BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefitsand allowances:

Salary: Will be determined by the USAID Contracting Officer within the FSN-12 salary rangebased on experience, qualifications, and salary history. This position is taxable;incumbent will be required to pay Colombian taxes.

BENEFITS and ALLOWANCES:

•Christmas Bonus: 1 month basic salary per year•Vacation Bonus: 1 month basic salary per year•Service Bonus: 1 month basic salary per year

•Education Allowance (if applicable)•Benefit Allowance: Cps $1,072,273 per year•Meal Allowance: Cps $751,955 per year•Severance: (cesantias), plus 12% interest per year of severance•Life insurance•Medical insurance (optional)

Please be advised that all bonuses and allowances are paid proportionately, actual payments arepro-rated according to the number of months worked during the pay year. Also, the selectedcandidate will receive health and pension benefits according to Colombian labor law.

VIII.TAXES

Local Employee Staff (CCN) is responsible for paying local income taxes. The U.S Mission doesnot withhold year end local income tax payments.

IX.USAID REGULATIONS. POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAININGTO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCNPSC awards are available at these sources:

1.USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, "Direct USAID ContractsWith a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for PersonalServices Abroad, "including contract clause "General Provisions," available athttps://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

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

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

4.Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as anindividual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the "Standards of EthicalConduct for Employees of the Executive Branch," available from the U.S. Office of

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission provides equal opportunityand fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color,religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexualorientation. The Department of State also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in allpersonnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs. The EEO complaintprocedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunitybased upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should availthemselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices,and/or courts for relief.

Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. SeehttPs://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations