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.: 72061525R10015
2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 20, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 12, 2025 (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 (Investment Team Leader)
6. MARKET VALUE: Ksh. 7,978,159.00 to Ksh. 13,562,881.00 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 June 01, 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. A CCNPSC may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, and only in accordance with USAID, Mission and Chief of Mission policies. If remote work is authorized, the contractor’s compensation may be affected in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract, the local compensation plan, and USAID policy.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to qualified Current U.S. Mission Kenya locally employed staff members who meet the definition of a cooperating country national and are hired under the CCNPSC or PSA mechanism. Cooperating country national (CCN) means an individual who is a cooperating country citizen, or a non-operating 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 position serves as the Project Management Specialist (Investment Team Leader) for USAID/Kenya and East Africa (USAID/KEA) in the Office of Economic Growth and Integration (OEGI). OEGI implements a portfolio aiming to reduce hunger and poverty through agricultural interventions; increase resilience of households and communities; enable affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy; increase sustainable delivery of water and sanitation service; and catalyzes finance, trade and investment to bolster development.

The Investment Team Leader oversees a team of two Project Management Specialists, provides strategic planning, leadership, management, and technical expertise to OEGI and the broader USAID/KEA Mission in the area of financial sector development and investment. The incumbent provides technical leadership on the incorporation of financial inclusion and capital mobilization into USAID activities in all sectors supported by OEGI, including Feed the Future (FTF) initiative and Global Food Security Strategy (GFSS) strategy, the Power Africa strategy, and the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) strategy. In addition, the Team Leader provides technical support to other USAID/KEA offices including health and environment to mobilize private investment into their priority sectors. The Team Leader focuses on capital mobilization for investment in partnership with local Financial Institutions and Business Advisory Services Providers for investments across USAID sectors of interest, promoting investment enabling environment reforms through policy and regulatory interventions. The Team Leader is responsible for interagency engagement and collaboration with U.S. agencies engaged in capital mobilization including the Development Finance Corporation in order to mobilize finance and investment in sectors that advance USAID’s objectives. The incumbent will have significant key representational duties with the Embassy, other donors, the private sector and national and local governments, with a particular focus on building strong partnerships for private investment facilitation and policy reform with national and county governments. The Team Leader will frequently meet with company and financial institutions at the Chief Executive Officer level and with the senior management of partner government ministries including the National Treasury. S/he is required to possess a high degree of competence and maturity, and will manage productive relationships within OEGI, the Embassy, private sector, from the local, regional, and international arenas. The incumbent provides senior-level technical expertise in the design, negotiation, management and monitoring of financial inclusions and capital mobilization activities. S/he is expected to incorporate Collaborative Learning and Adaptation into all activity design, implementation, and evaluation duties.

Statement of Duties to be Performed.
Program Design, Management, Evaluation and Representational Duties - 50%
The incumbent plans, designs, develops, and manages new and existing economic growth programs and activities as a technical expert in financial services development (including financial inclusion, private capital mobilization and business enabling environment). The financial sector development program focuses on capacity building service providers, product development, and establishing a policy and regulatory framework to enable access to finance, especially in agriculture. These duties include activity design, leading procurement processes, and activity implementation, identifying and resolving program issues, assuring that all activities are carried out in a technically sound and cost-effective manner, and in accordance with all applicable Mission and Agency directives and requirements. As a key member of the Private Sector Solutions Center of Excellence within OEGI, the Team Leader leads USAID’s efforts to leverage financial markets and private sector interests to support development gains in both OEGI focus sectors: agriculture, nutrition, energy, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) and across the wider USAID/KEA portfolio including environment and health, population, and nutrition.

S/he will serve as the Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative or activity manager for programs and activities for financial services development activities, policy and regulatory reform and other private sector initiatives funded by USAID. As AOR/COR, the Team Lead is responsible for providing technical direction, for obtaining and reporting on results and possible setbacks, and for initiating programmatic adjustments, when necessary. S/he will oversee the development and implementation of annual work plans, schedules for budget allocation, obligation, and expenditure, portfolio reviews, evaluation planning and evaluation, audits, development and outreach communications, and closeouts. The incumbent is also responsible for drafting narratives and providing other inputs into the planning (Operational Plan, Spend Plan, etc.) and reporting (Performance Plan and Report; Mission Resource Request, CBJ, CBN, etc.) processes, as well as ad-hoc reporting requirements, such as responding to Washington taskers, event coordination, supporting VIP visits, and drafting outreach materials. The Team Leader will support OEGI, Mission, and USG efforts to ensure effective, cost-effective, and responsible programming and reporting in compliance with USG and USAID regulations and ethics standards, including environmental compliance, and ultimately help USAID achieve its economic growth objectives in Kenya and the East Africa region.

The Team Lead will have significant representational duties, including representing OEGI and USAID/KEA at public events and in meetings with senior leaders in the Kenyan, East African and American financial and private sectors; in the Kenyan government; and with implementing partners and other stakeholders. S/he is a principal mission contact with American, Kenyan, and international public and private sector officials on issues related to financial inclusion, private capital mobilization and business enabling environment. S/he will be required to maintain high-level/senior relationships with a wide range of contacts in government and semi-autonomous government agencies, private sector, and civil society organizations, donor agencies, implementing partners, and other stakeholders as related to private capital mobilization and business enabling environment, and to represent USAID and the USG with internal and external audiences as required. The Team Leader is also responsible for leading a whole-of-Mission county-liaison team with responsibility for managing USAID’s overall relationship with county executives and coordinating USAID/KEA engagements with the county across all areas of USAID/KEA programming. S/he will work to best facilitate knowledge management through exchange of technical information and ideas, to collaborate on cross-cutting issues, to provide effective collaboration among actors in private sector development, development innovation, and impact investment, and to promote program/project synergies.

Strategy Development, Technical Leadership and Policy Dialogue – 30%
As a senior technical advisor, the incumbent provides thought leadership and management to OEGI, other technical offices and Mission Leadership on the formulation of strategies for financial sector development particularly as they relate to stimulating inclusive, broad-based, and sustainable economic growth. The incumbent’s inputs will inform USAID/KEA’s implementation of partnerships with the U.S. and Kenyan financial sector, under the Feed the Future, Power Africa, Resilience, and WASH initiatives in Kenya, and through the East Africa region as appropriate. The incumbent will also be expected to actively engage in the design of the Country Development Cooperation Strategy and Project Appraisal Documents, and in the oversight of the Mission’s performance as a member of the Mission Leadership Council, Development Objective Team Lead, and/or related roles.

The incumbent provides technical advice and engages in policy dialogue as appropriate with senior representatives at the Government of Kenya, particularly the National Treasury and the Central Bank of Kenya; county governments; private firms and business associations; implementing partners; USAID technical staff and other U.S. government agencies, including the Development Finance Corporation. He/she advises OEGI team members, other technical office staff, the Mission Director and the Embassy on reforms and implementation and keeps abreast of private sector changes and Government of Kenya policies which impact economic growth programs. He/she will regularly represent OEGI in and/or lead Mission working groups focused on national policy reform, county government engagement, and financial sector development.

S/he will keep updated of, and analyze economic, political, and other trends affecting USAID work, and will keep the Mission informed of these trends. S/he will identify ways to further meet both USG foreign policy and GOK private sector and innovation-related objectives in Kenya and the East Africa region.

Investment Advisor - 20%
The Investment Team Leader supports OEGI management by ensuring fluid operations and program leadership within the Investment Team. S/he will have supervisory duties for management of staff, as well as liaising with USG interagency coordination and private sector donor group relations. The Team Leader is a vital member of the Private Sector Center of Excellence leadership team and will work with the overall OEGI team to develop and implement OEGI’s strategy. In the absence of the Director of the Private Sector Center of Excellence Director, the incumbent will be periodically asked to serve as Acting Director for the overall Center with oversight of 12 staff. In close collaboration across OEGI, the incumbent will work towards achieving financial sector development and private sector engagement results under OEGI as a whole.

The incumbent serves as a leader on private and financial sector engagement, making recommendations on major decisions on financial sector development and capital mobilization. S/he provides oversight of key operations and targeted staff within the Investment portfolio. S/he keeps the OEGI leadership informed about marketing and business activities, potential threats, opportunities, and recommends actions. S/he follows-up on decisions made in management meetings and ensures proper execution, facilitates the resolution of issues between departments and activities, and encourages activity managers to evaluate and take actions consistent with USAID overall strategy which will lead to high performance. S/he also acts as a thought leader and sounding board for OEGI leadership and activity managers, develops long-term operational and performance goals for the portfolio, monitors portfolio performance, and develops plans for programmatic shifts when necessary. S/he coordinates the US private sector organizations mapping and follows up to ensure that benefits accrue both for Kenyan and US businesses.

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

Minimum of seven years of professional experience in international development finance, investing or investment banking, including experience in financial transaction analysis, structuring, deal team management; experience in investment and financial transactions in multiple sectors in Kenya is required. Experience in performance monitoring and evaluation, either in a donor or financial sector context.

Supervisory Relationship
The Incumbent is directly supervised by the Director of the Private Sector Solutions Center of Excellence. The incumbent operates independently, and the work is reviewed primarily in terms of results achieved. The Team Leader provides leadership to others involved in the management of the EG investment portfolio, and in the development, design, and drafting of the new economic growth programs/projects.

Supervisory Controls
The Incumbent directly supervises a team of two project management specialists.

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)

Knowledge of the financial sector and institutional and impact investing and deal structuring, including blended finance structures. Knowledge or the potential to acquire knowledge of U.S. Government legislation and financial sector tools across agencies and development agency or development finance institution programming policies, regulations, procedures and documentation is required. The position requires a comprehensive knowledge of a broad range of issues about economic growth with emphasis on finance/credit/banking and private sector development and investment processes; microeconomic impediments to Kenyan investment, and integration into the global economy; and an understanding of the roles that markets and competitive enterprises play in increasing efficiency and productivity. A thorough understanding of economic growth issues in Kenya, including macroeconomic as well as financial sector reforms, credit underwriting and portfolio management, microfinance and Small Medium Enterprise (SME) lending is required as well as a detailed knowledge of USG development priorities in the EG sector. Knowledge of strategies, programs and working methodologies of other donor agencies (bi- and multi-lateral) in the economic growth and investment sector in Kenya.

 Skills and abilities (40 Points)

Due to frequent interaction with external stakeholders in high stakes environments, the jobholder must be able to perceive, use, understand, manage, and handle emotions and communicate effectively to ensure positive working relationships are maintained. The incumbent operates independently, and her/his work is reviewed primarily on the basis of results achieved within the broad constraints of policy and priorities. The incumbent must be able to analyze independently political, social, economic, and policy issues and formulate, present, and successfully defend complex investment structure and implementation actions around private sector engagement and documents in a clear, effective and professional manner. Strong program design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation skills are essential. Must have outstanding skills to conceptualize and articulate EG strategies, design investment and private sector programs, and organize, analyze and interpret EG sector data. Able to effectively communicate complicated policy, strategy and program issues orally and in writing. Has good interpersonal, coordination, and bureaucratic skills; can coordinate successfully with all parts of the USG Mission to advance program interests. Can handle sensitive issues diplomatically, represent USAID authoritatively, and uses good judgment in speaking on behalf of USAID in high-level meetings with government, NGOs and other donors and in conferences, seminars, workshops, etc. Possesses good organization management skills. A high level of English language writing ability is required, must be able to produce publishable quality written documentation and to make oral presentations before high level officials. Can write in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner. Strong knowledge of computer software, administrative and management skills, policy and diplomacy skills are necessary.

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, offerors must sign a Sexual Misconduct Self-Certification form [see hyperlink]related to sexual misconduct when submitting the offer failure to which one will not be considered for award. 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 as described below:

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 Ombudsman
   The 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