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.: 72061525R10016
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 Development Assistance Specialist (Public Finance)
6. MARKET VALUE: Ksh. 7,978,159.00 to Ksh. 13,562,881 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 21, 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 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:
General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
This position is located in USAID/Kenya and East Africa’s (USAID/KEA’s) Strategic Planning and Analysis Office (SPA). USAID/KEA manages one of the Agency’s largest portfolios, with an annual operating year budget averaging close to $500 million across bilateral and regional programming, in addition to an extensive humanitarian assistance portfolio. USAID/KEA is one Mission platform managing and supporting two Operating Units, one for the bilateral Kenya program and one for the regional East Africa program. The SPA office is responsible for guiding and coordinating Mission-wide and regional strategy development and implementation; project and activity design; monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL); budget planning and execution; environmental compliance; donor and government engagement; and internal communications for both Operating Units. SPA coordinates closely with the Front Office and USAID/Washington on planning, budget, and reporting and assures compliance with the provisions of the Automated Directives System (ADS) related to the USAID Program Cycle. In addition, SPA keeps a pulse on major development trends in Kenya and the East Africa region to inform strategic and programming choices. SPA also provides strategic leadership for the Mission’s localization initiatives and manages the Mission’s bilateral agreement with the Government of Kenya (GoK), known as the Development Cooperation Framework Agreement (DCFA), as well as the two Regional Development Grant Agreements (RDOAGs) with Regional Intergovernmental Organizations (RIGOs).

The Development Assistance Specialist (Public Finance) serves as the Mission’s key specialist advisor on Financing Self Reliance (FSR) and cost effectiveness of projects in Kenya and East Africa and the principal USAID/KEA specialist on public financial management, domestic resource mobilization and fiscal transparency and accountability. The Specialist leads the design and development of programs and sets the strategic direction for programming that supports USAID investments across different sectors. As a subject matter expert responsible for the management and direction of USAID's support to public financial management (PFM), domestic resource mobilization and fiscal transparency, the jobholder directly manages or oversees programming totaling more than $5 million annually and is required to initiate and maintain high level contacts with Public Financial Institutions and host government officials. The Specialist will exercise leadership in their role as technical advisors, developing and managing development programs, representing USAID in external partnerships and proactively implementing change within the mission.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

Strategic Development and Policy Analysis: 50%

• Advises USAID and Embassy leadership and staff on Public Financial Management (PFM), Domestic Resource Mobilization (DRM), project cost effectiveness and Fiscal Transparency through written reports, oral presentations and other communication.
• Provides strategic advice on PFM institutions that govern and regulate PFM (i.e. controller of budget, Auditor General, Kenya Revenue Authority, Parliamentary Budget Office and Central Bank), inter-governmental mechanisms, rules, procedures and processes.
• Provides advice on microeconomic policies and host country Mid Term Expenditure Framework MTEF
• Prepares analytical reports on changes in GOK’s PFM Act, DRM, PFM policies and practices and fiscal trends and their implication for financing self-reliance.
• Leads the development of strategic documents including DRM strategies, annual operational plans, annual performance reports, congressional budget justifications and other ad hoc reports.
• Guides USAID Technical offices on addressing public financial management, domestic resource mobilization and fiscal transparency and accountability in ongoing and new programs.
• Provides specialized technical advice to the National Treasury, office of president, deputy president, prime cabinet secretary and the Council of Governors and other relevant national or intergovernmental institutions.
• Provide strategic advice on public financial management operational policies within county level governance structures, including enhancing the role of civil society and the private sector in these structure(s).
• Develops and designs new program activities and reviews and advises on proposals from potential partners/contractors and documents recommendations for issuance of grants, contracts and host government agreements.
• Engages with cross-mission teams on the assessment and design of government-to-government programs, including advising on governance related risks, and mitigation measures related to those risks.
• Provides specialized advice and analysis in response to congressional, State and USAID/Washington (USAID/W) inquiries.
• Reviews mission development program approaches on cost-effectiveness.
• Guides the mission on Strategic Partnership Programs. 

Program/Project/Activity Management: 25%

• Manages contracts and grants that address public financial management and domestic revenue policies, systems, and capabilities at the national and county/local levels, including those related specific service delivery areas.
• Oversees implementation of projects and activities, including jointly developing work plans, convening collaborative meetings and fosters collaboration to achieve results.
• Designs and implements strategies to deepen peer to peer learning among counties to facilitate FSR.
• Ensures all required USAID documentation is prepared including specialized opinions and reports that inform USAID’s regular portfolio reviews and annual reporting.
• Conducts periodic reviews and evaluations pertaining to these activities, identifies emerging problems and determines the course of action.
• Prepares technical memos related to areas of expertise and manages document processing.
• Provides technical direction and guidance to implementing partners to improve project implementation and results.
• Identifies and synthesizes best international and regional practices and lessons learned for purposes of informing new/ongoing programs.
• Provides guidance and oversight on USAID interventions that supports GoK’s debt management and fiscal space consolidation programs. 

Strategic Relationships and Representation: 25%

• Maintains direct and substantive contacts to advise and represent USG policy interests at high levels in the Government of Kenya: Treasury, Other Executive Branch, Kenyan Parliament, Council of Governors, Constitutional Commissions, civil society, business sector, media and academia.
• The incumbent will add value to existing partnerships and establish new ones - with international, regional and local partners - to support various streams of PFM and DRM.
• Represents USAID and the U.S. Government in donor meetings, Kenyan government task forces, inter-governmental working groups and county-led initiatives.
• Participates in and, on a rotational basis with other development partners, and leads relevant development partner working groups.
• Collaborates with USAID/Washington's Office of Chief Economist and USAID’s Bureau for Planning, Learning and Resource Management (PLR) Localization Team and other USAID missions to share lessons.
• Provides public financial management expertise as a member of USAID’s County Liaison Teams/Prosper Counties and represents USAID at various engagements with county governments, civil society and private sector. 

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 of work experience in public financial management, domestic resource mobilization and fiscal transparency and accountability. Five of the seven years must be experience in a senior capacity leading public financial management and/or domestic resource mobilization that must include managing or developing strategies for development programs in collaboration with high level host country counterparts, sub national governments, diverse local stakeholders and the development partner community. Expertise in and ability to analyze complex budgetary strategy papers and policy statements, decentralized financing processes, host government audit reports, inter-governmental mechanisms, political and institutional challenges regarding PFM and other financial

Supervisory Relationship 

The Specialist operates under the policy direction of the USAID/KEA/SPA Office Director or their designee. The Specialist develops their own work objectives against which performance is measured. In the day-to-day work environment, the Specialist takes initiative and is resourceful and creative in resolving problems and achieving the program’s goals and objectives. The Specialist has wide latitude for exercising independent decision-making.

Supervisory Controls 

The job holder directly supervises two FSN Specialists in SPA, PMS FSN-11 (50005166) and PMS FSN-9/10 (50007560).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical

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) 

Requires specialized knowledge and understanding of public financial management, domestic resource mobilization and fiscal policy and the budget cycle in Kenya. Must understand the political and fiscal trends, role of fiscal institutions, interests of key actors and Public Financial institutions (i.e. Ministry of finance Treasury, Kenya Revenue Authority, County Governments, Audit and oversight institutions, etc.) and implications of devolution in the country. Demonstrated knowledge of development partners' activities in the Public Financial Management (PFM) sector, as well as a strong understanding of their role in strengthening PFM institutions.

•  Skills and abilities (40 Points) 

The job holder must have superior communication skills and the ability to interact and work with people of different backgrounds. The job holder must have strong analytical and writing skills and ability to work independently. The job holder must have initiative and good judgment and must be able to interpret and apply policies, regulations and procedures and deal effectively with highest level representatives of GOK officials, senior private sector personnel and U.S. Mission personnel.

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.

                        OR

External Offerors/Not Current USG Employees: Attach an updated curriculum vitae/resume (no more than five pages) and copies of all relevant certificates and 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 at ADS 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