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.: 72061525R10018 

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 Program Specialist (Regional Engagement Team Lead) 

6. MARKET VALUE: 5,676,423.00 to Ksh. 9,649,886.00 KSH per year (including 13th month bonus), equivalent to FSN-11 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 USAID’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). 

USAID’s East Africa Regional Platform has been operational for decades and merged with the bilateral mission over the past ten years. Most of the platform’s work is carried out through two Regional Development Objective Grant Agreements (RDOAGs), which focus on joint priority areas with the East African Community (EAC) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and a large portfolio of complimentary activities that are carried out by Implementing Partners (IPs). Managing these partnerships and agreements involves several high-level USAID commitments, including relationship building and maintenance, reporting, joint programming, and collaborative initiatives. The USAID/KEA Mission has overall responsibility and accountability for USAID’s East Africa regional programs, relationships, strategy, operating unit responsibilities, monitoring and evaluation, and links with bilateral missions in the region. SPA is tasked with supporting the FO on all these responsibilities and the job holder is part of a regional team responsible to support all regional programs and activities. The East Africa regional budget is around $40 million a year, which is programmed in accordance with the RDCS and through the RDOAGs. 

The Regional Engagement Specialist will be part of SPA’s Regional Engagement Team, responsible for managing and providing technical assistance for regional programs and operations. This team leads critical cross-mission regional priorities, including intergovernmental engagement, East Africa strategy, budget management, and partnerships with regional donors and philanthropic organizations. The Specialist reports to the Team Lead and collaborates closely with SPA’s Deputy Office Directors, as well as the Office Director and Deputy Mission Director overseeing the regional platform. In this role, the job holder serves as the technical specialist for USAID/KEA's significant investments in the regional portfolio. Under the guidance of the Team Lead, the Specialist coordinates a weekly Regional Core Group of 20 staff from USAID/KEA and engages with personnel from bilateral missions and other USG agencies to maximize the impact of USG resources.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

Technical Assistance and Program Planning: 35%

• Coordinate and support the Regional Development Cooperation Strategy.
• Assist in internal and external portfolio reviews to demonstrate program alignment with the regional strategy.
• Aid Mission management in identifying sustainable development strategies, ensuring cross-sectoral consistency.
• Advise on USAID resource programming and budget analysis.
• Analyze and prepare reports on developmental issues affecting USAID’s strategy and objectives, including socio-economic developments.
• Coordinate with SPA and other Mission offices to ensure that the process of designing, negotiating, signing and implementing Implementation Letters under the RDOAGs is fully carried out. Support the development of technical ILs, develop and manage cross-cutting ILs.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in project design, providing technical assistance, advice, and training to staff throughout the design process for USAID regional projects.
• Assists in developing and updating USAID/KEA’s regional development strategies through mid-course stock taking.
• Coordinate weekly Regional Core Group Meetings, set agendas, and ensure follow-up. 

Project/Activity Design, Management, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning: 35%

• Plan, design, develop, and provide strategic and technical assistance in managing new and existing regional programs and activities. These duties include activity design, leading procurement processes, and activity or project 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.
• Supports integration of gender, youth, and other cross-cutting issues into project design, implementation, and evaluation.
• Prepares statements of work for designing activities working closely with Technical Teams.
• Evaluates activity proposals and manages the project development process, ensuring compliance with requirements.
• Works with Procurement Specialists on procurement plans and submission of documents.
• Drafts and reviews relevant Mission orders and directives.
• Share best practices, insights, and lessons learned with other regional teams and offices to foster organizational learning and improvement.
• Identify and propose new processes, technologies, or methodologies to enhance regional operations and performance.
• Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Team to create and manage a robust Performance Management Plan to track USAID’s regional impact.
• Serve as AOR/COR or activity manager for programs and activities that include policy reform, capacity development, and other areas relevant to the regional engagement and local development portfolios and other focus areas in Office.
• Guides and advises Mission staff on CLA approaches in accordance with AID/W and Mission specific guidance, ensuring compliance with best CLA practices
• Supports the application of CLA principles in Mission practices, such as design, implementation and portfolio reviews.
• Provide recommendations on evaluation scopes of work, which deepen regional engagement within the performance assessments of USAID activities.
• Maintains relationships with technical teams to monitor donor and counterpart contributions. 

Representation, Outreach, and Reporting: 30%

• Represent USAID/KEA at intergovernmental meetings and maintain relationships with regional technical experts.
• Draft quarterly updates for USAID bilateral missions and stakeholders.
• Leads in the coordination across technical teams for preparation inputs for various agency level reporting systems.
• Coordinates inputs from Mission teams and implementing partners and contractors to complete narratives for required and ad hoc reports as requested by the U.S. State Department and USAID/W.
• Supports procedures for performance reporting for interventions across for various USAID program documents including the USAID/KEA Strategic Framework, the annual Operational Plan (OP), PPR, the Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ), the Performance Management Plan (PMP), activity MEL plans, etc.
• Succinctly responds to high demands and requests on program performance from USAID/W, Congress or the host-Government in a timely manner.
• Facilitates communication and coordination with international and local partners.
• Collaborates with Mission staff to develop strategic communications and briefing materials for the regional platform. Supports the development of a quarterly Regional Bulletin, which is sent to East Africa bilateral Missions.
• Work with SPA to track regional localization developments and respond to DC-based data calls around for localization information and, work with DOC to disseminate regional localization successes.
• Explore and develop new relationships with regional donors and other regional organizations that have similar regional objectives under the guidance of the Team Lead. Develop and maintain an up-to-date database of regional partners. Ensure good collaboration and information sharing with counterparts in Dar es Salaam and Djibouti Embassies (where the accredited U.S. Ambassadors for IGAD and EAC.
• Ensure that USAID’s relationship with the EAC and IGAD is robust, respectful, strategic, and broad in response to USAID’s RDOAG commitments and donor partnership best practices. Support USAID 

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

A minimum of five (5) years of professional, managerial, and/or senior level technical experience in program design, implementation, monitoring, analysis, research and reporting (in written and oral form) on economic or social development activities and/or development assistance are required. Experience in East Africa with USG or similar international agencies is required. Experience working on multiple projects, in a fast-paced environment and delivering quality products in a timely manner is required.

Supervisory Relationship 

The job holder will work under the supervision of the Senior Regional Engagement Team Lead. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work with the job holder having significant latitude to manage his/her own work and priorities. The supervisor provides overall policy direction and the goals and objectives to be achieved. Work is reviewed in terms of results achieved. 

Supervisory Controls 

Supervision of other staff not anticipated.

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) 

The position requires an advanced level of knowledge in the fields of international development and programming, and requires an extensive knowledge of the East Africa Regional economic, political, historical and cultural characteristics, as well as familiarity with partner development landscape in the East Africa region. Knowledge or the potential to acquire knowledge of USG policies and procedures, U.S. laws/legislation dealing with USG assistance programs. 

• Skills and abilities (40 Points) 

The Specialist must have excellent program management skills, and the ability to juggle competing priorities. Must have strong analytical abilities and interpersonal skills. Ability to cultivate and maintain constructive relationships with colleagues within USAID and other donors and counterparts (EAC, IGAD, others) and the private sector. Ability to anticipate issues and to provide well thought out recommendations on development and program issues. Very strong ability to write logically, concisely, and convincingly. Additionally, the Specialist must have ability to:

• Represent USAID in technical-level senior meetings, articulating USAID’s regional strategy and priorities.
• develop timelines for accomplishment of goals with clear objectives and benchmarks;
• convey complex policy and procedural requirements to client and colleagues and host country counterparts;
• adapt rapidly to changing program priorities and deadlines and recommend appropriate adjustments as needed;
• analyze and interpret policies, and guide stakeholders in the application thereof;
• analyze complex problems and develop options and recommendations for resolving them; and
• work effectively in a team environment, and to achieve majority agreement on policy, project, and administrative matters. 

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