Democratic Republic of the Congo: Solicitation for Personal Service Contractor USAID/DRC/CARPE - Environmental Program Management Specialist

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID/DRC), is seeking applications from qualified individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services, as described in this solicitation. Submissions shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified.

Applications for this vacancy were solicited from August 4, 2015 – August 19, 2015. The solicitation is being re-issued with the sole revision that applications from Third Country National (TCN) applicants will be accepted, in addition to those from US citizen applicants. All other conditions of the solicitation remain the same. All applications received during the period of the initial advertisement (August 4 – August 19, 2015) will be considered, and applicants who submitted a package during that period need not re-apply.

Interested applicants must submit:

(i) Most current curriculum vitae or resume with cover letter;

(ii) Completed, hand-signed form AID 302-3 ;

(iii) Three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts; and,

(iv) Biographical Data Sheet – Form AID 1420.

The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with stated evaluation criteria. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/DRC reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

Applications shall be submitted by email by the closing date and time. Late applications shall not be considered and will be handled in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 15.412.

USAID/DRC anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Services Contract as a result of this solicitation. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

Application packages must be submitted via e-mail to: usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov with a copy to Sandra Kiyanga (skiyanga@usaid.gov) and Matthew Corbin (mcorbin@usaid.gov). Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your email application. **

Solicitation for US/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (USPSC/TCNPSC) USAID/Democratic Republic of the Congo (USAID/DRC) Environmental Program Management Specialist

1.SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-660-15-000006

2.ISSUANCE DATE: December 17, 2015

3.CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR

RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: January 15, 2016, 17:00, Kinshasa Time

4.POSITION TITLE: Environmental Program Management

Specialist (CARPE)**5. MARKET VALUE:** GS-15 ($101,630- $132,122 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years with possibility of three one-year extension options depending on satisfactory performance and the needs of USAID/DRC

7.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The position is based at the USAID/DRC office in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa

7.1AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Third Country National (TCN) or United States (US) Personal Services Contractor (PSC)

8.STATEMENT OF WORK

8.1. CARPE BACKGROUND, TIME HORIZON and OBJECTIVES:

The Central Africa Regional Program for the Environment (CARPE) was initially authorized as a 20-year regional initiative in 1995, with the objective to reduce the rate of forest degradation and loss of biodiversity through increased local, national, and regional natural resource management capacity in the Central Africa region.

Phase I (1995-2002) was to coordinate work on identifying and establishing the conditions and practices required to reduce deforestation and loss of biological diversity in Central Africa. In its first phase, CARPE's partners focused on increasing the knowledge of Central African forests and biodiversity and building institutional and human resources capacity.

In Phase II CARPE implemented sustainable natural resources management practices in 12 landscapes in DRC, ROC, Gabon, Cameroon and Central African Republic (CAR) to conserve biodiversity, forest management, mitigate climate change effects through support to REDD+ strategies and action plans, implementation of Low Emissions Development Strategy (LEDS) and improve overall environmental governance in the region, and strengthen natural resources monitoring capacity.

CARPE is now in its third Phase (CARPE III), which started in October 2013. Phase III is currently authorized until September 30, 2018. The Goal of CARPE III is “Central Africa’s transition to climate-resilient, low emissions development accelerated through sustainable management of bio-diverse forests.” The Development Objective is to maintain the ecological integrity of the humid forest ecosystem of the Congo Basin.

CAPE III comprises four intermediate results that support this objective. These intermediate results (IR) are: (1) Targeted forest landscapes sustainably managed; 2) Threats to biodiversity in targeted forest landscapes mitigated; (3) Policy and regulatory environments supporting sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation established; and (4) Capacity to monitor forest resources, greenhouse gas emission and biodiversity strengthened. The results will be accomplished through two distinct but interdependent projects: Central Africa Forest Ecosystems Conservation (CAFEC) and Environmental Monitoring and Policy Support (EMAPS).

The site-based CAFEC project focuses on sustainable forest management, wildlife conservation and community-level REDD+ activities linked to national REDD+ strategies through programs covering eight carbon-rich, biologically sensitive and diverse natural forest landscapes in DRC and RoC. Modest support is provided to the Forest Ministry of Cameroon and to Gabon’s National Parks Authority (ANPN) to improve parks management through the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). CAFEC project’s eight landscape programs are implemented by four U.S. based international NGOs (World Wildlife Fund-WWF, Wildlife Conservation Society-WCS, Conservation International-CI, and African Wildlife Foundation-AWF) in a consortium that also includes regional and national NGOs.

The EMAPS project aims to improve national and regional environmental policies and regulations, and build capacity of public and private institutions to support forest and biodiversity conservation, and national REDD+ programs. It also provides state-of-the-art monitoring of forest cover change, greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity. The EMAPS project has five activities: 1) Strengthening Central Africa Environmental Management and Policy Support implemented by the World Resources Institute (WRI); 2) Congo Basin Forest Monitoring Using Satellites implemented by the NASA-University of Maryland Consortium (NASA-UMD); 3) Forest Resource Management implemented by the USFS; 4) Central African Satellite Observatory for the Congo Basin Forest implemented by the Central African Forest Observatory (OSFAC); and 5) Strengthening Capacity for Regional Environmental Policy Support Activity (in development) and to be implemented by the Central African Forest Commission (COMIFAC).

8.2 CARPE Rationale:

Central Africa contains the second largest area of contiguous moist tropical forest in the world. More than 60 million people live in the region, and these people depend on their rich forests and other biotic resources for their livelihoods and economic development. These forests form the catchment basin of the Congo River, a watershed of local, regional and global significance. The forest provides valuable ecological services by controlling and buffering climate at a regional scale and by absorbing and storing excess carbon dioxide released from the burning of fossil fuels, thereby helping to slow the rate of global climate warming.

In the national interest of the United States Government to support the rational and sustainable development of this region, and at the same time address global environmental concerns. In support of the broad goals and interests of the U.S. Government, CARPE's Strategic Objective contributes to economic development and the alleviation of poverty throughout Central Africa. The program, therefore, benefits not only the people and countries of the region, but also U.S. citizens and the global community as well. It does so by helping to conserve the forests and other biological resources that are essential for economic development in the region. It will also contribute to slowing global climate change and conserving the species and genetic resources of the Congo Basin.

The Strategic Objective of CARPE is to reduce the rate of forest degradation and loss of biodiversity through increased local, national, and regional natural resource management capacity.

The Results Framework and the more detailed Performance Management Plan (PMP) provides an umbrella for many of the activities the U.S. is undertaking in support of the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP). The CBFP is an international, voluntary partnership among governments, NGOs, research organizations and private sector representative associations that was announced at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD). The U. S. goal for the Partnership is to promote economic development, poverty alleviation, improved governance, and natural resources conservation through financial and technical support for a network of national parks and protected areas, well-managed forestry concessions, and assistance to communities who depend upon the conservation of the outstanding forest and wildlife resources of eleven key landscapes in six Central African countries.

The objectives of the CBFP overlap in significant measure with those of CARPE but CBFP and CARPE differ with respect to scope of activity and entities participating. The CBFP includes partners other than CARPE partners and its activities cover all the countries of Congo Basin.

CARPE Management Team (CARPE/MT) is located in USAID/DRC/Kinshasa under the leadership of a Team Leader, assisted by a core team of professional and support personnel. The core CARPE Team (CARPE/MT) key personnel have authority to carry out inherently governmental functions on behalf of USAID and manage the program under the general supervision and oversight of the USAID/DRC Mission Director. In addition, an expanded team, consisting of both U. S. Government and non-governmental partners, meets periodically in Washington to exchange views and coordinate their activities under CARPE. The expanded team includes non-U.S., as well as U.S. members, and meets in the U.S. annually. As USAID is legally responsible and accountable for program funds, USAID procurement procedures govern CARPE implementation and provide a number of mechanisms for other USG agencies to participate. All agencies must meet procurement integrity responsibilities.

8.3. CARPE III Program Implementation Strategy:

CARPE Program is implemented by the well-known international NGOs with extensive experienced in implementing conservation, biodiversity and environmental management projects. Assistance to these NGOs is procured through a competitive selection based on Request for Applications (RFAs). The lead NGOs implementing the CARPE programs are: WWF, WCS, CI, AWF and WRI. The lead NGOs work in a consortium mode binging in other partners to provide specialized expertise.

In addition forest management and climate change mitigation programs (e.g. REDD+) are implemented by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), NASA-University of Maryland Consortium (NASA-UMD) and a Kinshasa based regional NGO known as the central African Forest Observatory (OSFAC). Regional policy reforms are addressed by the Yaounde/Cameroon based regional organization--the Central African Forestry Commission (COMIFAC) under grant arrangements. CARPE has been playing a prominent role in the Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP), by supporting the CBFP facilitation Office (U.S. Department, of State) and its regional partner COMIFAC. CARPE has been the primary means through which U.S. supports CBFP.

The CARPE’s U.S.-based partners work with African NGOs, research and education organizations, government agencies, and private sector consultants to evaluate threats to forests and biodiversity and climate change in Central Africa and identify opportunities for sustainable forest and environmental management.

8.4. CARPE Management at USAID/DRC and relationship with USAID/W:

The CARPE management team (CARPE/MT) based at USAID/DRC is comprised of four professionals: Director and Team Leader, Program Management Specialist, Global Climate Change Specialist and a Natural Resources Management Specialist. The CARPE/MT is supported by a senior level Program Management Specialist (local hire FSN) and an Administrative Assistant.

At the USAID/Washington level CARPE is supported by a Desk Officer based in AFR/SD who ensures liaison and coordination and program support. The CARPE/Director maintains frequent contact with the Desk Officer to share and exchange information and ensure clearance of program documents (e.g. Congressional Budget Justifications-CBJs, Congressional Notifications-CNs, Operational Plans-OPs etc.). Programmatically, the USAID/E3 Bureau provides field support through its Forestry and Biodiversity (FAB) and Global Climate Change/Sustainable Landscapes (GCC/SL) programs.

CARPE closely coordinates its programs with other USG agencies that fund biodiversity, wildlife conservation and environmental programs in the region such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); Department of State (DoS)/ Oceans, Environment and Science Office (OES), Congo Basin Forest Partnership (CBFP) Facilitation Office (DoS), and other offices of USAID/W (USAID/E3 bureau and AFR/SD (climate change program).

9. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

9.1 Basic Function:

The Environmental Program Management Specialist is a key member of the CARE/MT and the expanded teams for the CARPE Strategic Objective. Under the general supervision of the CARPE Team Leader, the Specialist has a wide-ranging, pivotal role in functioning and interacting within a highly specialized CARPE/MT, providing overall program management and planning support, achieving results, monitoring the performance of the CARPE partners and the program overall, and coordination of implementing partners and donors. S/He is expected to exercise considerable independent judgment and initiative in executing all duties and responsibilities, and work with minimal direct supervision. His/her general responsibilities will consist of the following:

• Supervise directly up to two FSN/TCN professional CARPE staff members.
• Assist the Team Leader in providing management assistance and supervision oversight in the implementation of the entire CARPE program and all its activities.
• Serve as Agreement/Acquisition Officer Technical Representative (AOTR) for CARPE contracts, grants and agreements. S/He will also be involved in the planning and administration of interagency agreements (i.e. IAA/PAPA/PASA).
• Act as senior resident expert advisor on technical and policy pertaining to sustainable natural resource management.
• Oversee the development, revision and implementation of CARPE's overall performance monitoring plan and monitoring implementing partners' performance.
• Coordinate and provide liaison with implementing partners, host country counterparts, and other donors.
• Develop and oversee the annual obligation plan and assure timely obligation of CARPE financial resources.

9.2 Specific Responsibilities:

1.Assist the Team Leader in management and supervision oversight in implementation of the entire CARPE program and all its activities:

1. Serve as Agreement and Acquisition Officer Technical representative of acquisition and assistance awards under CARPE. In this capacity, the incumbent will:

2. Work with the Team Leader, with CARPE Field Offices and with USAID/Washington to coordinate and manage CARPE activities in targeted countries and landscape;

3. Oversee the work of contractors, grantees and recipients in coordination with Agreement Officers Representatives (AORs), to ensure the achievement of the objectives set forth in the statements of work or the program descriptions of the awards and to verify that the USAID-funded activities conform to the terms and conditions of the award;

4. Recommend in writing to the Contracting\Grant\Agreement Officer when any changes to the statement of work or program description, technical provisions, and/or any other term or condition of the award are necessary, along with justification for the proposed action;

5. Review contractor and grantee work plans and recommend revisions where needed;

6. Administer financial management responsibilities;

7. Organize the review of unsolicited applications in accordance with USAID/DRC’s relevant Mission orders;

8. Provide oversight to the Operating Unit (OU) Files manager to ensure that OU files are in accordance with USAID Regulations;

9. Draft statements of work or program descriptions and prepare necessary funding documents for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or Requests for Applications (RFAs);

10. Plan and administer interagency agreements to ensure effective coordination of activities for result achievement;

11. Ensure integration of CARPE of activities implemented under contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and interagency agreements; and

12. Ensure closeouts of awards in compliance with existing regulations and procedures.

13. With the Team Leader’s authorization, supervise, and provide technical and managerial guidance, to the FSN professionals on the core SO team that have direct management responsibility for CARPE activities.

14. Lead the team in program planning, designing and budgeting for the SO.

15. Prepare and/or contribute substantively to key CARPE documents, including, but not limited to: Obligation-related documents, Congressional Budget Justifications, Annual Portfolio Review reports, annual reports, policy papers, new activity solicitation documents and the financial tracking systems.

16. Participate in and/or lead the design and implementation of special studies and/or initiatives to further the objectives of the CARPE.

2. Serve as Senior Resident Expert Advisor on technical and policy matters pertaining to sustainable natural resource management:

1. Advise the CARPE/MT, the expanded team, USAID Missions/field Offices, contractors, implementing grantees/recipients, host country governments, U.S. embassies and other partners involved in CARPE on technical issues pertaining to sustainable natural resource management and related matters.

2. Advise CARPE/MT (core team), the expanded team and concerned USAID Missions and the US embassies of the CARPE focus and other CBFP countries on policy matters, including strategies to assist and encourage participation of the local communities in CARPE activities.

3. In the absence of the Team Leader and with his/her authorization, serve as liaison and represent the CARPE/MT team on technical and policy matters, as appropriate, to the host country counterpart agencies, implementing partners, and other international organizations, to help facilitate exchange of information and coordination of activities.

4. Take lead role in periodically assessing the breadth and appropriateness of CARPE activities to accomplish CARPE goal and objective, and leveraging the programs of various donors in addressing the identified environmental problems such as deforestation in target zones.

5. Ensure the analysis of emerging social, economic, policy and institutional issues that affect the achievement of CARPE objectives and apply the findings to the design and implementation of new activities or to the modification of existing activities.

3. Coordinate CARPE training and capacity building activities:

1. Assemble input from all CARPE AORs and activity managers and other team members and preparing an annual SO training plan.

2. Work with implementing partners in identifying training needs and opportunities, and implement training programs within the host countries, the U. S. and in other countries; and ensure training programs are integrated in the OU Performance plan and training activities are reported in relevant program documents (e.g. PPR).

3. Act as liaison with USAID/Washington and State Department (especially E3 and Africa Bureau/SD and State/OES Bureau) on technical, policy and programmatic issues and identify opportunities for collaboration with USAID/W programs.

4. Ensure adequate dissemination of CARPE results to partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries through organizing and making presentations at workshops, symposia, conferences, publications, etc.

5. Keep abreast of, and disseminate as appropriate, new developments or sources of worldwide information in the fields of natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and management of protected ecological areas.

4. Oversee the design, updating and/or implementation of CARPE’s performance monitoring plan and evaluation plan:

1. Take the lead in updating and summarizing data for the implementation of the CARPE Performance Management Plan (PMP), including results framework, performance indicators and targets--as new activities are integrated within the CARPE program.

2. Ensure coordination among implementing partners and an understanding of their respective roles and responsibilities, in implementing the CARPE Performance Management Plan.

3. Ensure the adequacy of CARPE AORs activity monitoring plans by ensuring site visits and providing technical oversight and quality control in methods of data sampling, measurement and verification.

4. Coordinate verification, compilation and final presentation of annual performance data for CARPE's annual portfolio reviews and the Annual Report submission to USAID/Washington.

5. In coordination with AORs and activity managers and implementing partners, prepare and monitor implementation of a CARPE evaluation and special studies plan.

5. Monitor compliance of CARPE activities with USG environmental regulations:

1. Work with Mission Environmental Officers and the Regional Environmental Officer to ensure compliance of the CARPE with USG environmental regulations, in particular Regulation 216, by conducting periodic field monitoring of activities' compliance with approved Initial Environmental Examinations (IEEs) and Environmental Assessments (EAs) and recommending modifications to the IEEs or EAs as appropriate.

2. Identify opportunities for training, as needed, to core team members and implementing partners and host country counter parts, for preparation of environmental scoping statements, activity IEEs and environmental impact monitoring and mitigation plans.

10. POSITION ELEMENTS

10.1 Required Knowledge, Skills and Aptitudes:

1. Ability and willingness to undertake frequent work-related regional travel under difficult and harsh conditions.
2. Demonstrated ability to live and work effectively in cross-cultural settings at many levels. Ability to interact with high-level officials and community members alike.
3. Keen interest in conservation and natural resources management subjects and issues.
4. Highly developed communication skills in both written and spoken, in English and French languages.
5. Administrative and management skills commensurate to manage a complex program and its monitoring, evaluation and implementation activities in multiple countries under difficult and adverse conditions.

10.2 Supervision Exercised:

Directly supervise the local hire Program Management Specialist (FSN-10). Prepare work plans, annual performance evaluations and provide general performance guidance and counseling.

10.3 Supervision Received:

The incumbent will work as a full member of CARPE/MT supervised by the CARPE Team Leader. Annual evaluations of work performance will be prepared by the Team Leader based on 360 input from the core team members, USAID/DRC support offices, partners and customers.

10.4 Employee Guidelines:

The individual will be expected to be an expert in his/her field (area of substantive work in this solicitation), and be able to independently obtain USAID policy guidance and USG/USAID acquisition and assistance regulations as necessary to perform his/her duties.

10.5 Exercise of Judgment:

The incumbent will handle all work independently, according to policies, previous training, accepted practices, and programmatic guidance. He/she must be able to set priorities and initiate and complete tasks in a timely manner and with minimal supervision.

The incumbent will make program decisions based on expert knowledge and judgment and will function as acting CARPE Team leader in the absence of the CARPE Team leader. He/she must demonstrate sound judgment in determining the application of current legislative provisions and policy determinations to assigned responsibilities.

10.6 Nature, Level, and Purposeof Contacts:

The incumbent will work with staff in USAID/DRC Offices and its programs. The incumbent will develop working contacts with USAID/Washington technical offices, State Department Officials in Washington, D.C. particularly State/OES, US Embassies in the region, including US ambassadors, host countries' counterpart ministries to the level of Minister, and other USG agencies at post, PVO and NGO partners, other donors and international organizations, and community-based organizations.

11. EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE – REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Minimum Qualifications

A comprehensive range of broad and extensive experience in managing and implementing environmental programs and graduate level formal education in the required fields is required:

i) Education

A postgraduate degree in life sciences, conservation biology, agriculture, environmental science or equivalent is required. A PhD in a similar discipline is preferred.

ii) Experience

1. A minimum of 15 years of experience in natural resources management and/or conservation or a similar field with at least ten years’ experience managing large and complex projects and programs in developing countries of which at least the last three years should be in active management of such programs.
2. At least a Foreign Service Institute or equivalent French language rating of 3 speaking and 3 reading.

iii) Other Required Knowledge and Skills and Aptitudes:

1. Supervisory, and program management experience and supervisory skills commensurate to manage large and complex programs (including, monitoring, evaluation and project implementation activities in multiple countries under often difficult conditions)
2. USAID Activity management and program management experience
3. Ability to be a certified USAID COR and AOR
4. Demonstrated experience in drafting USAID Program documents: CBJs, Operational Plans (OPs), Congressional Notifications (CNs), Performance Monitoring Plans (PMPs) and annual Program Performance Reports (PPRs), and CARPE budget allocations and procurement planning including drafting of modifications of assistance instruments, conducting financial and pipe line reviews (GLASS and accruals), and familiarity with other USAID reporting and management systems (FACTS etc.)
5. Capability in using a variety of USAID web-based applications such as Global Climate Change Report and Global Forest Watch
6. Existing or ability to obtain a secret security clearance
7. Existing or ability to obtain a State Department medical clearance for service in the DRC
8. Excellent interpersonal and team work skills are required (verifiable by former employers)
9. Highly developed communication skills in both written and spoken form, in English and French languages

iv) Desired Qualifications:

1. Ability and willingness to undertake frequent work-related regional and in-country travel under difficult and harsh conditions.
2. Demonstrated ability to live and work effectively in cross-cultural settings at many levels. Ability to interact with high-level officials and community members alike.
3. Demonstrated keen interest in conservation and related areas (e.g., sustainable forest landscapes, drivers of deforestation and forest degradation, land use management, carbon sequestration, carbon measurement and carbon markets. and related issues).
4. Good knowledge of conservation programs funded by other donors and multilateral agencies in Africa.

v) IT skills:

Excellent IT skills are essential in delivering performance. Desired areas are:

Advanced word processing, spreads sheet applications and graphic skills.

12. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application, an interview process, and reference checks. The evaluation criteria for this position are:

Education 20

• Graduate (M.S) degree in an environmental science or related fields(15)
• PhD in an environmental science or relevant fields strongly preferred (5)

Experience and Skills 80

Experience (40):

• At least 10 years of experience in managing large field-based programs related to environment, biodiversity or natural resources management programs or a combination of such programs (20) with a) at least five years’ experience managing projects and programs similar in scope in developing countries (10); and b) managing biodiversity programs during the last three years will be preferred (10).

Skills (40):

• Demonstrated experience in drafting USAID Program documents--CBJs, CNs, OPs, RFAs and RFPs, SOWs, and PIRs and PPRs (10)
• Experience in implementing projects/activities (Grants and Contracts) and managing implementing partners (5)
• Experience in managing biodiversity and environmental programs (5)
• Evidence of strong writing and speaking skills particularly in English language (5)

• At least a Foreign Service Institute or equivalent French language rating of 3 speaking and reading (minimum required) (10)

• Demonstrated ability to live and work effectively in cross-cultural settings evidenced by work experience in several countries), team work and inter-personal skills & ability to interact with high-level officials and other stakeholders (Verifiable by information from reference checks) (5)

Maximum Points: 100

13. Medical and Security Clearance

The selected applicant must be able to obtain a USG Secret Level security clearance within a reasonable time-not to exceed three months; and a Department of State Class I Medical Clearance. TCNs must obtain an Employment Certification by the RSO, U.S. Embassy, Kinshasa. The selected applicant must obtain these clearances prior to receiving a contract. All accompanying dependents must also obtain Medical Clearances prior to departure for post. If the contractor fails to receive a secret clearance, the applicant will not receive a contract.

14. Terms of Appointment

This will be a two-year contract, with 3 one-year options to extend up to a maximum of 5 years, depending on the continued need of the services, the availability of funding and demonstrated performance.

15. Compensation

This position has been classified at a market value equivalent to the GS-15 level

The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that range depending on the qualifications and previous earnings history.

USAID/DRC is a post with a 30% Post differential and currently has a class 50% COLA.

16. Logistical Support

USAID/DRC shall provide office space, and telephone/fax/e-mail (for communication with USAID officials and others in support of program objectives) as well as travel, lodging, and transportation for official purposes.

17. FEDERAL TAXES

USPSCs are not exempt from payment of any Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion. USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA, and Medicare.

18. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy however, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

BENEFITS

(1) Employer's FICA and Medicare Contribution*

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Annual & Sick Leave

(6) Shipment and storage of household effects [limited shipment authorized at present]

(7) Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service

* Note: The Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

ALLOWANCES [if applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below]

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(5) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(6) Educational Allowance (Section 270)

(7) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(8) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(9) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(10) Danger Pay (Section 650)

19.LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs

Forms 1 through 4 outlined below can be found at http://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts (AID 302-3)

2. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622) **

3. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) **, or

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) **

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258) (available from the requirement office) **

Note:

** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. Y

20. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a cover letter and resume with an Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts (AID 302-3) Form (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/ or at Federal offices) and a resume containing the following information:

1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);

2) Education: colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours);

3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor and your availability.

4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

5) Applicants are required to provide three references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers.

Interested candidates should send above via email to: usaidhrkinshasa@usaid.gov with a copy to Sandra Kiyanga (skiyanga@usaid.gov) and Matthew Corbin (mcorbin@usaid.gov).

To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and as the subject line in any cover letter. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in the cover letter.

23. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS

AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to determine which AAPDs and CIBs apply to this solicitation.