Project Management Specialist (Gender) – FSN-11 (Multiple Vacancies)

Job Summary:

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72030620R10024

2. ISSUANCE DATE: February 13, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 27, 2020 no later than 4:30 pm Kabul time.

4. POINT OF CONTACT: E-mail at kblaidfsnjobs@usaid.gov.

5. POSITION TITLE: Project Management Specialist (Gender) (Multiple Vacancies)

6. MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-11 (Step 1 – 13)

In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of

U.S. Embassy Afghanistan. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, estimated to start one (1) month following receipt of Security Clearance. Employment contract issued under this solicitation is of a continuing nature. Its duration is expected to be part of a series of sequential contracts.

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Cooperating Country National (CCN), meaning an individual who is a cooperating country (Afghanistan) citizen, or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country.

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Foreign Service National (FSN) Security Certification.

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

This position is in the Gender Office (GO), one of the technical offices in the USAID/Afghanistan’s Mission. Under the general supervision of the Gender Office Director/Deputy Director, the incumbent serves as a Program/Project Manager and the Mission’s professional specialist with particular emphasis on strengthening gender practices in Afghanistan. The Incumbent performs wide range of duties to include budgeting, work planning, consultative, advisor, monitoring, management, data collection, analysis and evaluative services in specific areas of expertise. The Incumbent may engage in relationships with Afghan government officials, nongovernmental development professionals in across multiple ministries, international donors and private-sector entities, Washington level technical staff, and Interagency partners; with the end goal of coordinating innovative and responsive USAID programs that attain desired results. The Incumbent designs, manage and evaluate USAID gender initiatives that promote gender inclusion and balance that respond effectively to areas of greatest need and development potential of gender in Afghanistan. The Incumbent must be knowledgeable about and committed to the principles of gender equity and integration.

The incumbent provides expertise and technical assistance focusing GO outcomes and impact and integrating that information into USAID/Afghanistan’s monitoring and evaluation systems, programming decisions, and collaboration with partners. Incumbent contributes to the Mission’s intellectual leadership by helping to coordinate and implement GO capacity in the following areas: Performance Monitoring and Evaluation, Documentation and Reporting, and Program Coordination. The ability to keep Mission Senior Management up to date with all issues that affect project performance and the incumbent’s contribution to ensuring the implementation of the multi-tiered monitoring approach will provide the evidenced-base data on which the leadership can act upon.

The incumbent is required to exercise extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. The Incumbent contributes to the management of the overall Gender Office portfolio. The incumbent performs Contracting Officer Representative (COR) duties, including serving as the technical liaison between the Contracting Officer (CO) and the contractor. This position calls for flexibility, reacting to changing priorities, developing quick, accurate analyses, an ability to work under pressure, and a willingness to assume other job responsibilities for short periods of time due to the absence of staff in the Gender Office.

Skills Required:

Requires travel to provinces:

Skills Description:

Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgement concerning his/her responsibilities and plan and execute work assignments proactively and independently, be a skilled communicator, be able to work under pressure and produce high-quality results quickly, and be able to predict issues of concern. The incumbent must have strong analytical, financial management, communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, and the ability to prepare and present factual and interpretative reports covering complex subject matters. The incumbent must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multi-functional team and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities, and administrative matters. Excellent command of software programs for e-mail, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics presentations required. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

1.     Statement of Duties to be Performed

The incumbent serves as the Project Management Specialist in the form of Contracting/Agreement Officer Representative (C/AOR) for the GO awards that promote gender empowerment/equity and capacity building. These awards range from $1 to $71 million totaling approximately $300 million. The incumbent is responsible for project design, management and implementation. As C/AOR the incumbent monitors the award recipient's progress in achieving the objectives of the Contract or Program Description and verify that the recipient's activities conform to the terms and conditions of the award. The Incumbent provides performance management guidance, contributes to strategy and project design development, monitoring and evaluation and ensures lessons learned and best practices are shared among the wide community of practice.

The incumbent also prepares scopes of work and illustrative budgets for new and follow-on activities, evaluations, and other related efforts. Reviews, and approves proposals and work plans as required. Monitors performance through the multi-tiered monitoring system, written reports, and regular communication with implementers and recipients. Identifies delays and problems with projects and collaborates with the contracting officer and the gender office team to formulate pragmatic solutions. Records findings and follow-up actions in monitoring reports and files. Researches and provides implementers with information or, if needed, appropriate guidance on USAID strategies, regulations and instructions on how to comply with them. Monitors project financial reports, vouchers, accruals and disbursements. Prepares authorizations for signature of responsible superiors. Responds to requests for information from authorized auditors and/or investigators. Consistent with the overall Mission strategy and work plans, the incumbent independently cultivates/maintains contacts and dialogue with local partners.

In execution of Program Management responsibilities, the incumbent analyzes and reports on those aspects of assistance activities in Afghanistan relating to gender. Using published and unpublished sources, and where necessary, conducting research of a qualitative and/or quantitative nature, assesses the progress and impact of new developments and interventions regarding assigned areas. Based on U.S. strategy, mission guidance, collaboration with gender office and contracting office contacts and research findings, the incumbent recommends approval, modification, or rejection of project objectives, approaches, timing, and scope, as appropriate. Reviews the analysis of policy documents of government and nongovernmental organizations of Afghanistan and other donors operating in the country to identify opportunities for future USAID interventions in support of gender programming. Drafts annual and semi-annual performance reviews, Operational Plan, Performance Plan Report, and other required reports as necessary. Briefs officials from the United States and Afghanistan along with contractor representatives on activity performance. Participates in strategy reviews, portfolio reviews, quarterly financial reviews and regular gender office coordination meetings. Provides technical justifications for new activities and for changes to ongoing activities and programs. The incumbent must achieve full command of all mission development management functions such as keeping appropriate records, financial management, work planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation, in order to ensure that implementing partners are performing according to USAID guidance and standards. The incumbent is expected to report on economic, political, cultural and social factors; assistance objectives and methodology; and needed inputs and expected results. Serves as Gender Office representative, as required. The candidate also attends meetings and coordinates with other technical officers as appropriate for their activity.

The incumbent supports the Office Director and Deputy Director in the management and monitoring of the overall GO portfolio. The incumbent also ensures coordination with other relevant projects in the GO and across the Mission executing projects with components that serve to strengthen gender equity principles. The incumbent also assists the GO leadership to ensure that Mission gender activities complement initiatives sponsored by other U.S. Government agencies and their Government of Afghanistan counterparts.

The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.

2.     Supervisory Relationship

Under the overall direction of the Gender Office Director, or his/her designee, plans and carries out day-to-day management of his/her portfolio with a high degree of independence. Assigned duties demand innovative thinking, sound judgment, personal initiative, and the ability to assume increasing responsibility and authority. Meets regularly with supervisor to discuss office/team priorities, program objectives and related activities.

3.     Supervisory Controls

None.

1.     PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Job Location:

Qualifications:

I.      MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

a)     Education: The incumbent must have a bachelor’s degree in international development, international relations and/or statistical analysis. (Education requirement must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

b)     Work Experience: The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience with a proven track record of programmatic accomplishment and professional achievement. The incumbent must have a demonstrated practical experience with monitoring and evaluation and budget management that demonstrates knowledge about the local conditions, capacities and challenges of Afghanistan, and/or experience that demonstrates increasing responsibility for managing, analyzing, coordinating, and guiding significant research, analytical, or project management efforts. (Work experience requirement must be met at the time of application for the subject position).

c)     Language: Level IV (Fluent) speaking/reading English and Level IV (Fluent) speaking/reading Dari and/or Pashtu is required. (English language ability will be tested).

d)     Knowledge: A thorough knowledge and understanding of Afghanistan and development efforts that have taken place since 2001. This knowledge must be complemented by a thorough understanding of: 1) the country's economic, political, and cultural characteristics, 2) the social problems, resources, and 3) the context for women’s empowerment and gender equity development prospects/priorities for Afghanistan. Must have good knowledge, or the potential to acquire such knowledge, of US legislation relating to development assistance, international development, monitoring and evaluation, budget management, programming policies, regulations, procedures and documentation, and of the objectives and methodology.

II.       EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

All applications will be screened for meeting the minimum requirements (Education and Experience). Successful applications will then be ranked by the TEC on Work Experience (100 Points).

Following the ranking by the TEC, successful candidates will be invited for an English and Proficiency Test (EPT) and a Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Test. Successful candidates for these tests will further be invited for an oral interview. Candidates will be selected on final average scores of the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities and Interview.

Job Keywords:

Submission Guideline:

I.      SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Applicants are required to complete and submit a complete application package which must include all required documents (provided below) to AFPAKjobs@usaid.gov with a Subject line Project Management Specialist (Gender) FSN-11 (SOL#: 72030620R10024). Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

a.     Complete the mandatory Google form application available on the following link:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdf1GSRtPN7flKhSmSz6EWJEr1O7SpfdsDMZEKD2TiGu3UODw/viewform?usp=sf_link

b.     Cover memo/email text that outlines how your qualifications and experience meet the selection criteria.

c.      Updated version of Application for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff (DS-174, dated 6/30/2022) https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds174.PDF (A copy of the DS-174 form can also be downloaded from ACBAR.org under this link http://www.acbar.org/applicationform. Applicants who are accessing this solicitation through jobs.af can download directly from the website) AND

d.     A current resume or curriculum vitae.

IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL FOUR ABOVE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. IF YOU OMIT ANY OF THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS, GOOGLE FORM, COVER PAGE, CV OR UPDATED DS-174 FORM, YOUR APPLICATION WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

For Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please refer to below link:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rkZ_Xgdql4Mq9vroj16fJibBYElRhN0b9PGdldAc-G0/edit?usp=sharing

Note:

Æ     Only short-listed candidates will be notified.

Æ     This vacancy is open only to Afghan Nationals.

Æ     Applications with old DS-174 form will not be considered.

Æ     Applications with insufficient, incomplete and inconsistent information to make a determination will not be considered.

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

Æ     Applications submitted as .RAR and/or WinZip file will not be considered.

Æ     Candidates who are applying for this position must fully meet the education requirement (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified. At the time of application, candidates must also meet in full the experience requirement. There is no exception to these requirements.

Æ     Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide educational documents such as degrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents as needed. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in disqualification of their application from further consideration.

Æ     The Agency retains the full right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions.

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

II.   LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

1.     Pre-employment Medical History and Examination Form;

2.     U.S. Embassy Kabul Security Certification Request;

3.     Appointment Affidavits Standard Form 61.

III. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1.     BENEFITS:

-         Defined Contribution Plan (DCF) 12% of the base salary

-         Premium Pay

-         Leave Benefits (Annual, Sick, Maternity, Nursing, Hajj (Pilgrimage) and Special)

-         Medical Benefits

-         Death and Disability Benefits

-         Retirement and other end of service benefits

-         Travel and Temporary Duty (TDY) Benefits

2.     ALLOWANCES (as applicable):

-         25% Unique Conditions of Work Allowance (UCWA)

-         Transportation Allowance

IV. TAXES

Local Employee Staff (CCN) is responsible for paying local income taxes. The U.S Mission does not withhold year end local income tax payments.

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

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN 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.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

2.     Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

3.     Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/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/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations