GENERAL INFORMATION
USAID DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING) AND DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANT’S BANK ACCOUNTS.
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72061525R10011
2. ISSUANCE DATE: November 26, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: December 10, 2024 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).
4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Kenya and East Africa Human Resources, e-mail at [email protected]
5. POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Biodiversity and Policy)
6. MARKET VALUE: Ksh. 7,821,724.00 to Ksh. 13,296,947.00 KSH per year (including 13th month bonus), equivalent to FSN-12 grade level in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Kenya and East Africa. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years estimated to start o/a September 25, 2025. The services provided under this contract are expected to be of a continuing nature that will be executed by USAID through a series of sequential contracts, subject to the availability of funds, the continued need for services and successful performance.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya; with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to qualified Cooperating Country National (CCN) (an individual who is a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country). Employees presently on probation are ineligible to apply.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Security certification issued by the US Embassy RSO.


STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
The Project Management Specialist (Biodiversity and Policy) is the technical lead for the implementation of biodiversity conservation programs and interlocutor for policy. This position 1) serves as USAID/Kenya’s ENV Team’s advisor on Government of Kenya (GoK) programs, initiatives, policies and laws related to Natural Resources Management/Biodiversity; 2) provides leadership, vision and professional guidance on Natural Resources Management/Biodiversity program planning for the ENV Team ; 3) manages technical programs as AOR/COR and leads by engaging in policy dialogues with GoK and other relevant stakeholders; 4) technical lead as a policy analyst for existing and new regional policies, strategies and laws related to biodiversity conservation and management in East African Region. These services are provided in support of the achievement of USAID/Kenya and East Africa Development objectives.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed.
Technical Leadership (40%)
As a recognized expert in the fields of Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management Policy the incumbent will provide technical and policy advice to all levels in the U.S. Mission. In this capacity the incumbent:
• Serves as a senior FSN staff member and USAID/Kenya’s expert in providing the perspectives of Government of Kenya (GoK) and local Kenyan partners on Natural Resources Management/Biodiversity Policy, law and regulations.
• Leads in the identification of opportunities and approaches, in negotiating Project/Activity Agreements and in resolving sensitive policy and programming issues with GoK and their impact on USAID’s Natural Resources Management/ Biodiversity program in Kenya.
• Performs full range of professional consultative, advisory, and monitoring, information gathering, analytical and evaluative services on the scope and complexity of USAID/Kenya’s ENV program portfolio.
• Is also the technical lead as a policy analyst for reviewing existing and formulation of new policies and laws that support biodiversity conservation across transboundary ecosystems in East Africa. The leadership role is based on the incumbent’s thorough understanding of the priorities and perspectives in Natural Resources Management, environmental management and conservation and the positions, policies, and practices of the GoK and East African Region.
• Provides professional judgment and acumen in the development, management and evaluation of major programs and projects designed to achieve U.S. objectives.

Program and Project Management (25%)
Serves as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/ Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) or Activity Manager for grants and agreements to the Government of Kenya (GoK) and non-government implementing partners involved in biodiversity conservation and Community Based Natural Resources Management.
Performs the following program/project management duties as AOR/COR:
• Performs all responsibilities outlined in the AOR/COR designation letter- template located in the Automated Directive System (ADS) 300 Series (specifically ADS 302 & 303). Examples include provide activity management oversight, field monitoring, data quality assessments, review and approval of partner progress reports, analysis and approval of financial expenditure data and project budget tracking, prepare annual activity incremental funding actions and/or technical amendments as needed.
• Ensure projects/activities/contracts contribute to the achievement of the Natural Resources Management project results and the relevant Development Objective (DO) at the Mission level.
• Work with implementing partners and other stakeholders on creating innovative development ideas that are informed by the Agency’s Risk-Appetite Statement.
• Operationalize adaptive management throughout the program/project by continually evaluating the contractor/grantee performance. Make programs adaptive to new learning and changing contexts and provide recommendations for program/project changes to relevant authorities in the Mission.
• Manage opportunities for effectively communicating activity progress, in cooperation with Mission communications staff, for highlighting activities and accomplishments.
• Utilize data and evidence for decision making.

Leadership and Supervision (15%)
The job holder is a recognized expert in the fields of Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) and Biodiversity conservation, leading the ENV team in ensuring there is integration of community in the co-management of natural resources.
This position will directly supervise the Project Management Specialist (Environment), mentor and guide the supervisee in technical work and career progression.

Natural Resources Management Program Strategic Planning & Monitoring (10%)
Serves as a back up to the ENV Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Team. Works closely with other AORs/CORs to ensure that all activity MEL plans are up to date. Works closely with the ENV MEL team, tracks progress of implementation of the Kenya portfolio through the compilation of quantitative data for the USAID ENV annual Performance Plan and Report, Operational plan and Portfolio review.

Advisory and Representational (10%)
Serves as a leader and champion for the Journey to Self-Reliance. The Incumbent:
• Engages Kenya government officials and other partners in policy dialogues to achieve locally sustained results, mobilizing public and private revenues, strengthening local capacities, and accelerating enterprise-driven development related to natural resources management.
• Extends USAID’s influence through knowledge sharing and collaboration with other development actors. Catalyzes learning among country development actors to build capacity and facilitate country-led development.
• Leads the USAID/Kenya Community Based Natural Resources Management Team, serves as a Technical Adviser on Wildlife management in Kenya to the whole of Mission Combating Wildlife Crime Working Group and Donor Partners Wildlife Issues Group.
• In coordination with the ENV Deputy Office Director for Kenya and East Africa, manages the relevant sections of the Development Objective Assistance Agreement.
• Serves as a Team Lead for ENV Private Sector Engagement Team and works with Mission integrated teams to create and expand public-private sector partnerships and investment in nature-based tourism and conservation of natural capital in the East African Region.

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

Prior Work Experience

At least seven (7) years progressive experience in the field of natural resource management/Biodiversity Conservation with a strong background on community-based Natural Resource Management and Policy. This will include:
• Experience in NRM/Biodiversity related law and policy analyses, review and development in the Kenyan context, plus, a working knowledge of the important international conventions in these areas.
• Experience working in a “cross-cultural’ setting on work teams of mixed ethnic background.
• Experience working with rural communities with practical experience in participatory natural resource resources management and nature-based enterprise development and
• Experience in field-based monitoring, surveys and/or inventories.

Supervisory Relationship
The incumbent is supervised by the Project Management Specialist (Strategic Planning, Gender and Cross Cutting Issues).

Supervisory Controls
The incumbent supervises the Project Management Specialist (Environment).

Physical Demands

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

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.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.

Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications listed above will be evaluated and ranked according to the following job-related criteria. Top-ranking candidates will be invited for a skills test and an oral interview.

• Job Knowledge (60 Points)

Must have a thorough knowledge and understanding of Government of Kenya policy and legislative reforms in the Environment, NRM/Biodiversity and other related sectors. A thorough knowledge of development approaches within NRM/Biodiversity sector plus institutional strengthening/building is essential; Experience in managing for results in developing countries; Thorough understanding on Natural Resources Management and/or Biodiversity Conservation issues, and the ability to conceptualize, analyze and design integrated activities; and an understanding of USAID policies, strategic planning and regulations is an added benefit.

• Skills and abilities (40 Points)

Ability to develop and maintain an extensive range of high-level contacts in GoK, civil society, academia, development partners and local community organizations; Strong written, verbal and analytical skills- must be able to write syntheses and explain results in a fashion that is readily understandable to non-technical/Biodiversity specialists and audiences; Skills in computer applications, teamwork (complex institutional and multi-cultural settings), policy analyses and institutional relations. Must be able to obtain, analyze and evaluate complex information and prepare precise, accurate, factual and analytical sound reports. The ability to quickly and objectively render advice is required. including ability to prepare well-written reports.

Total possible points: 100

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Step 1: Eligible Offerors are required to register in MyJobsInKenya at www.myjobsinkenya.com 

Step 2: Complete the job application at www.myjobsinkenya.com

Step 3: Internal Offerors/Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages), a copy of your most recent Performance Evaluation Report, and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload them to MyJobsInKenya.

                        OR

External Offerors/Not Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages) and copies of all relevant certificates. Scan and attach all the documents and upload them to MyJobsInKenya.

 USAID’S ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

USAID has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct with the goal of fostering a respectful, safe, healthy and inclusive work environment. USAID maintains policies and procedures to establish a workplace free of sexual misconduct as described in Agency policy atADS Chapter 113, Preventing and Addressing Sexual Misconduct.

By acceptance of the contract award, the contractor acknowledges having read, and agrees to abide by, the Agency’s ADS 113 policies and procedures.

SELF CERTIFICATION

Offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink]related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer. The signed form will be filed in the award file. If the offeror fails to submit a signed-certification, the offeror will be determined to be non-compliant to submission requirements and will not be considered for award. 

• For the Apparently Successful Offeror:
  • If Self-Certification response is “Yes”: In consultation with the Resident Legal Advisor (RLO) or General Counsel Acquisition and Assistance (GC/AA), the CO will request further details from the offeror. 
  • Event of False Certification: If the certification provided is found to be false, the offeror may be eliminated from consideration for the award. If the contract has been awarded, the false certification may be grounds for termination of the contract. The action may be punishable to the full extent of the law.

USE OF THE AGENCY’S MISCONDUCT PORTAL AND INQUIRIES MADE TO PREVIOUS COs FOR APPARENTLY  SUCCESSFUL OFFEROR

The Office of Employee and Labor Relations (ELR) operates USAID’s Misconduct Reporting Portal. Prior to award, the CO will email ELR at [email protected] to identify whether Agency records include any prior disciplinary action related to sexual misconduct taken against the apparently successful offeror.

If the apparently successful offeror has previously held a Personal Services Contract at USAID, the CO will attempt to contact the previous administrating CO to inquire about previous disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct against the apparently successful offeror.   

NEW ENTRANT ORIENTATION (NEO)

For PSCs onboarded in Washington, the contractor must complete the information session on USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as part of NEO. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the contractor has completed NEO and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

For PSCs onboarded overseas, including CCNPSCs and TCNPSCs, the PSC must complete an online module related to USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct as administered by their cognizant CO as part of their onboarding process. The CO will include documentation in the award file that the PSC has completed the online module and has been made aware of USAID’s zero tolerance policy for sexual misconduct.

Note to Applicants:

1. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted through myjobsinkenya.com.
2. Submissions will only be accepted through myjobsinkenya.com. Late and incomplete applications (those that do not contain the applicant’s most current and up to date detailed CV and relevant education certificates) will not be considered for the position.
3. All Applicants must provide at least three professional references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

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

BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

Benefits and allowances are offered in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan (LCP).

TAXES

CCNPSCs are required to pay PAYE and statutory deductions. All applicable taxes will be deducted from the stated gross market rate.

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/ads/policy/300/aidar
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.

 LINE ITEMS

ITEM NO (A)	SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B)	QUANTITY (C)	UNIT (D)	UNIT PRICE (E)	AMOUNT (F)
0001	Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: Cost - Product Service Code: [ R497] - Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]	1	LOT	$ TBD	$_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

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/resources_standards-of-conduct.
5. PSC OmbudsmanThe PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.

 The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: [email protected]. 

6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference 

52.204-27

PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION

JUN 2023