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.: 72064924R10009
2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 25, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 08, 2024 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).
4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Kenya and East Africa and Somalia Human Resources, e-mail at [email protected].
5. POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Reconciliation)
6. MARKET VALUE: The full performance level of this position is equivalent to FSN-11, which is between 5,565,120.00 KSH to 9,460,674.00 KSH per annum. However, if USAID’s evaluation does not result in an award at the full performance level, USAID may make an award to a selected CCN qualified at the closest next lower level, with contract options to place the contractor at each progressive level until the full performance level is reached. The entry level of this position is equivalent to FSN-10, which is between 4,104,558.00 KSH to 6,977,740.00 KSH per annum. In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID Somalia. The salary range provided is inclusive of all allowances and annual bonus. All applicable taxes will be deducted from the stated gross market rate. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years estimated to start o/a January 12, 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:

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

This position is established as USAID Project Management Specialist (Reconciliation) “Ladder” position, which includes positions at the FSN-10 and the full performance level of FSN-11.

The USAID/Somalia Project Management Specialists (PMS) in the Democracy, Stabilization, and Governance (DSG) Office are responsible to contribute to the overall implementation of Mission strategy in Somalia and DSG objectives through planning, achieving, and evaluation of results in democracy, stabilization and governance activities. Specifically, the DSG office seeks to promote a stable Somalia that is able to begin to implement inclusive governance and to demonstrate democratic values. As such, DSG programming covers a range of programmatic issues, including community recovery from conflict, local governance, and national-level political consensus building. The PMS’ in DSG serve as team members working on select portions of the DSG portfolio with responsibility to conceptualize, plan, design, develop, analyze, implement, manage, evaluate, report on, and/or document programs/projects/activities in the sector, and to serve as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) for assigned programs/projects/activities. The PMS is a professional, and requires specialized knowledge of the policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation governing the conduct of DSG programs/projects/activities in Somalia.

The Project Management Specialist (Reconciliation) (Full Performance Level-FPL) serves as a key member of the DSG Office, providing expertise and technical inputs related to the planning, designing, managing and monitoring the progress of activities in their assigned areas of the DSG portfolio. These areas may include reconciliation (conflict prevention, management and mitigation; intercommunal reconciliation; trauma healing and transitional justice; etc.); peacebuilding; countering violent extremism; social inclusion of marginalized and/or minority populations; civil society strengthening; human rights, SGBV, and media; natural resource governance and land management; rule of law; and durable solutions for displaced persons in fragile state environments. Secondary responsibilities, as delegated, may include program management in areas related to the wider DSG portfolio. S/he will initiate and maintain contacts with senior representatives within the Somali government, donors, academia, civil society organizations, and the private sector on themes relating to reconciliation, conflict management and mitigation, peacebuilding, and the like. The incumbent will utilize her/his technical skills and knowledge of peace and reconciliation issues and program implementation to recognize opportunities for new initiatives and propose modifications of program results. S/he will also engage in a variety of complex research, reporting and analytical duties, and coordination. The incumbent will carry out his/her duties as a staff member of the DSG Office in the USAID/Somalia Mission, working in collaboration with other members of the team.

This is the Full Performance level of a Career Ladder Position Description made at a level below the full performance level, where the selected CCNPSC demonstrates high potential to achieve the full performance grade level, but cannot meet the full training and/or experience requirements of the full-performance position description at the time of award.

The assignment requires occasional site visits and other travel to select locations in Somalia in adherence to Mission standard operating procedures including those related to security and safety.

CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa.

Statement of Duties to be Performed.

Strategic Planning, Analysis, and Program Design (30%)

• Assist with the strategic planning and design of development activities, intermediate results, modifications to activity designs, and measures of achievement in Somalia. This will include USAID/Somalia’s Operational Plan, and Performance Plan and Report, and the U.S. Embassy’s Mission Strategic Resource Plan. The incumbent will also design new activities in the democracy, stabilization, and governance portfolio on behalf of the Mission.

Program Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting (30%)

• Day-to-day oversight and management of performance to ensure program implementation achieves planned results. He/she will, in collaboration with implementing partners, develop performance monitoring systems and report on program performance, in accordance with USAID/Somalia reporting requirements.
• Monitor progress and impact of USAID/Somalia programs in the democracy, stabilization and governance portfolio in Somalia through continuous contact with implementing partners. This will include travel to Somalia when appropriate.
• Track, revise, and report on indicators of results and ensure that measurements of progress are accurate and clearly describe the objectives of the program and the results achieved.
• Report to USAID/Somalia staff on progress and impact of USAID programs as appropriate during program implementation reviews and during the preparation of USAID's annual performance report. Generate annual reporting as per USAID requirements.
• Conduct regular data quality assessments to ensure that indicators and data for USAID–funded programs are appropriate, collectible, and accurate.
• Regularly communicate and interact with senior USAID and Somalia stakeholders, including beneficiary communities, private sector firms, country development committees, government actors, civilian administrations, civil society groups, Somali indigenous NGOs, and international NGOs and UN agencies.
• Monitor relevant news and analysis sources to assist the Mission to better understand and address the complex governance, conflict, and social issues affecting Somalia and use the information and analysis to ensure that ongoing and planned programs in Somalia remain relevant.
• Represent USAID/Somalia and participate in conferences, workshops, and meetings at senior levels. Work closely with stakeholders and partners to ensure that program achievements and lessons learned are properly disseminated.
• Prepare summary tables, graphs, and charts on the above information for the purpose of better informing USAID and Somalia stakeholders on trends, status, needs, and opportunities.

Program/Project/Activity Management (30%)

• Carry out official Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) and Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) duties, for specific USAID-funded development activities in Somalia.
• Oversee the development of annual work-plans by implementing partners. Review annual work plans and activity plans for comprehensiveness, clarity, and adherence to USAID/Somalia’s Operational Plan and Strategic Statement.
• Draft statements of work, procurement documents, congressional notifications, correspondence, and other documentation.
• Plan and track expenditures and obligations in grants and contracts and ensure that the flow of funds within the program is not disrupted.
• Serve on technical and sectoral coordination committees as a USAID/Somalia’s representative.
• Foster donor coordination by participating in donor meetings as USAID/Somalia’s liaison.
• Keep donor and implementing partners informed of USAID/Somalia’s assistance plans, implementation progress, and relevant USAID processes through regular communications and meetings.
• Maintain regular contact with implementing partners to support activity implementation and assess its effectiveness, efficiency, and impact, including reviewing and commenting on partners’ periodic reports.
• Coordinate the activities of short-term consultants and visitors for USAID/Somalia.

Liaison and Representational Duties (10%)

• Represent the USAID/Somalia program as required at official meetings and events and provide written reporting as appropriate.

The Position Description for entry level FSN-10 as per this link: USAID Project Management Specialist (Reconciliation) (Entry Level-EL)

Full Performance Level (FSN-11):

 

Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in a field related to Democracy and Governance in Somalia, to include program management or implementation, social science research and analysis, development policy analysis, public administration/policy analysis, or a closely related field. One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level of FSN responsibility in this or an occupation that requires similar skills, with a government or non-government organization, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization.

Entry Level (FSN-10):

Prior Work Experience: A minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in a field related to Democracy and Governance in Somalia, to include program management or implementation, social science research and analysis, development policy analysis, public administration/policy analysis, or a closely related field.

Supervisory Relationship

The position will be supervised directly by, and report to, the USDH DSG Office Director, or his/her designate, and will work in close coordination with the other members of the USAID/Somalia DSG Office. The Project Management Specialist will participate as a full team member of the USAID/Somalia DSG Office. Performance is evaluated annually on the basis of achieving work objectives and performance measures.

Supervisory Controls

This is a Non-Supervisory Position although he/she may have to supervise activities as COR/AOR.

Physical Demands

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Offerors seeking consideration for the full performance level will be considered in isolation first, and only if no acceptable offeror is found at that level, the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will proceed to review offerors at the lower levels. 

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.

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.

• Job Knowledge (60 Points)

Must have detailed knowledge of the current state of development in Somalia. Must possess extensive knowledge of Somali politics, cultures, societies, and values, especially regarding the conditions and role of women and historically marginalized communities. Must have advanced understanding of development problems related to political and electoral processes, civil society and media development, and the overall development prospects and priorities for Somalia and the region. Must have thorough knowledge of legislation, policy, and practice relating to development assistance and DG programming policies and objectives in Somalia. The Specialist must have outstanding knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different levels of the host government in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on program implementation.

• Skills and abilities (40 Points)

Managerial and coordination skills; excellent interpersonal skills in various settings; good social and professional judgment; ability to undertake field trips in Somalia, as security permits; ability to maintain collaborative working relationships in a team structure. Able to work under complex situations and maintain high-quality work output. 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 must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with: 1) all categories of USG employees at post and in Washington, D.C.; 2) Somali government officials; 3) International Organizations, Donors, and Embassies; and 4) the general public. The incumbent is required to be able to prepare concise/thorough documents and reports including but not limited to: concept papers; scopes of work; reports; budgets; a range of other project documents for internal and external purposes; human interest stories; and correspondence, all of which must be done in a professional and competent manner requiring little or no editorial changes. The incumbent will also be required to be able to speak publicly in English and in Somali representing USAID effectively and competently. Able to communicate effectively with beneficiaries. The ability to work in teams and apply good listening and interviewing skills will be important to accomplishing the objectives of this position. Able to develop and maintain an extensive range of working level contacts with stakeholders. Able to communicate ideas in writing and orally, clearly and effectively in English. A strong ability to analyze information, evaluate data and prepare reports and related documents in English. Good monitoring, evaluation and management skills are required. Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are essential to the effective performance of this job.

Total possible points:  100

“'The TEC will consider all offerors below the full performance level on an equal basis for their demonstrated potential to rise to the full performance level.”

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

Step 1: 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.

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) - 0001
SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) - Base Contract FSN - 10 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]
QUANTITY (C) - 1
UNIT (D) - LOT
UNIT PRICE (E) - $ TBD
AMOUNT (F) - $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

 

ITEM NO (A) - 1001
SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) - Option 1 – FSN – 11 (Attachment A) 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]
QUANTITY (C) - 1
UNIT (D) - LOT
UNIT PRICE (E) - $ TBD
AMOUNT (F) - $_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