22-93 Project Management Specialist (Energy Team Leader)

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.: 22-93
2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 1, 2022
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: July 17, 2022 (4:30 PM East Africa Time).
4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID Kenya and East Africa Human Resources, e-mail at [email protected]
5. POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Energy Team Leader).
6. MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to FSN-12 Step 1 (6,834,442 KSH per annum) to Step 13 (11,618,566 KSH per annum).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: 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. It is anticipated that the selection of the successful candidate will be completed within an estimated six-month period from the closing date of this solicitation. The base period will be for one year with the commencement date based upon successful medical clearance and security certification. Contingent on Agency needs, the Contracting Officer may exercise four additional option periods from the contract commencement date.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya;with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to qualified Kenyan Citizens, including current locally hired employees of the US Government in Kenya. Employees presently on probation are ineligible to apply.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Security certification issued by the US Embassy RSO.
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract

USAID/KEA’s energy team works in both Kenya and the broader East Africa region to increase access to clean, adequate, reliable and cost-effective electricity supply to drive economic development while providing opportunities for increased private sector participation. The team works to achieve universal access, improve the enabling environment, advance on and off-grid power generation transactions, facilitate regional power trade, and increase private sector investment in energy infrastructure. The energy team leads the execution of the interagency Power Africa initiative for Kenya and East Africa and serves as COR/AOR and Activity Manager for a diverse portfolio of contracts and grants with a life of project value exceeding $100 million.

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) position serves as USAID’s lead for the OEGI Energy Team responsible for overall management of USAID/Kenya East Africa’s energy portfolio including providing strategic planning, leadership, management, and technical expertise to ensure the well-coordinated and effective program implementation. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) is responsible for the design, development, and management of the Kenya and regional energy/power sector plans and programs to support energy sector development with a focus on clean energy. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) reports directly to the Director of the Private Sector Solutions Center of Excellence and advises senior Mission management and others in the USAID/Kenya East Africa Mission on national and regional energy/power development, with a major focus on the clean energy areas of energy efficiency, energy policy, and energy systems and infrastructure for generation, transmission and distribution.

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) is responsible for implementation of the Presidential Power Africa initiative requiring coordination with a range of USG agencies engaged in undertaking feasibility studies and financing for large energy projects that typically require a minimum of several hundred million dollars in investment. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) serves as a key resource to the larger Embassy in the interagency energy working group where the incumbent utilizes their in-depth knowledge of the Kenyan and regional energy/power sector and of economic growth issues in Kenya and the region to help USAID and the broader USG achieve high impact programs to expand power generation, improve access to power services, and increase the use of renewable energy solutions. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) conceptualizes and articulates energy and economic growth strategies and implements, and monitors and evaluates existing and new energy/power programs. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) will serve as COR/AOR for grants and contracts, managing significant, complex, and sensitive portions of the overall USAID energy assistance to the Government of Kenya (GoK) and across East Africa.

This is an essential leadership position within OEGI. Serving as a senior strategic and technical advisor, the Project Management Specialist (Energy) will lead the planning, design, management, and implementation oversight of USAID/KEA’s energy sector investments as they relate to OEGI activities related to the Power Africa program. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) represents the Mission in discussions and negotiations with the GoK at very senior levels including to the Minister of Energy, along with other donors, and implementing partners (IPs); represents USAID in GoK and donor meetings involving support to private sector development and energy reforms, articulating the USAID and USG position on programs and strategies to various audiences and stakeholders. Given the high publicity associated with the Power Africa Presidential Initiative, the Project Management Specialist (Energy) routinely briefs and accompanies senior USAID and USG staff including the Ambassador and visiting heads of USG agencies in energy sector related public meetings, field trips, and discussions with Kenyan and regional officials and partner organizations.

Statement of Duties to be Performed

1. Strategic Planning and Program Design 40%

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) provides strategic technical and managerial leadership to the conceptualization, planning, implementation and monitoring of significant components of the overall USAID and USG energy sector strategy. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) leads and guides the design and implementation of programs/projects/activities that facilitate expansion of energy generation, transmission and distribution to increase access to reliable, affordable and sustainable electric power. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) obtains support from and coordinates the involvement of IPs and major stakeholders (including GoK ministries and boards, the GOK parastatal operators in power, independent power providers, and private companies, businesses and investors) to identify components of effective clean energy strategies, proposals for new activities, and determinations of achievable results that will serve to improve the economic condition of people in Kenya and the region. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) advises on the allocation of budget available for the energy/power portfolio and on highly specialized issues relating to the energy sector in Kenya and East Africa, USG interests, and regional issues impacting Kenya. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) initiates new activities and obtains required approvals; takes leadership in drafting relevant energy sections of Mission strategy statements, and other concept papers and technical documents, such as results frameworks, activities packages, budgets, background documentation, and performance monitoring plans. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) directs and coordinates the drafting of activity design, analysis, and assessment documentation and related technical, policy, economic, and budgetary analysis; takes a leadership role in implementing changes to existing clean energy activities; and serves as a member of Mission technical review teams for energy-related (and other) concept papers, solicited or unsolicited proposals, and proposed awards under USAID-funded activities. Further the Project Management Specialist (Energy) drafts and analyzes technical documentation (Requests for Application, Requests for Proposal, Statements of Work, etc.) needed to develop strategy, obligate funds, and award grants and contracts; and serves as a member on Technical Evaluation Committees, contributing to the review and selection of project proposals and USAID/Kenya and East Africa personnel.

2. Policy and Technical Leadership 20%

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) serves as a recognized energy expert, with a strong knowledge of energy policy; keeps abreast of trends and issues in the Kenyan and regional energy/power sectors; reviews and analyzes developments and advises Mission management and Embassy officials on highly specialized and complex issues relating to energy and power in Kenya and the region, particularly those bearing on bilateral assistance or other USG interests. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) carries out a full range of consultative, advisory, strategic, coordinating, planning and evaluation responsibilities related to the assigned portfolio. Contributes to the development of USAID policy and programs in KEA in the energy/power area. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) establishes and maintains senior-level contacts for Mission management in the energy sector, including individuals in the GoK, private and non-governmental institutions, and donor community. As the primary point of contact for the implementation of the Presidential Power Africa initiative in Kenya and East Africa, the Project Management Specialist (Energy) maintains constant contact with USAID/Washington officials and provides them with information, advice, and feedback, represents USAID and the broader USG community in coordinating energy/power efforts with Government of Kenya officials, implementing partners, other development partners, and private sector organizations and providers, and at national and international meetings and technical working groups.

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

3. Program Management, Monitoring, Reporting and Coordination 20%

The Energy Project Management Specialist (Energy) keeps track of all energy projects, collaborating closely with the Project Management Specialist (Energy) s, and with senior Mission management as required. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) serves as the principal USAID employee responsible for interpreting, explaining, and clarifying US Mission policies, programs, and strategies in the energy sector, through regular contact with the GoK, NGOs, IPs, other donors, and civil society organizations. The Energy Project Management Specialist (Energy) establishes and maintains senior-Ministerial level contacts with GoK officials and East African counterparts, donor agencies, the private sector, and a wide range of NGOs, research institutions, and universities as well as liaising with USG interagency coordination, private investors, and other donors. The Energy Project Management Specialist (Energy) ensures coordination with other USG and GoK agencies active in the energy sector, to the extent that these are complementary to or integrated with USAID-funded energy programs. The Energy Project Management Specialist (Energy) plays a key role in the Embassy interagency Energy Sector working group and routinely briefs Embassy colleagues on developments in the sector.

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) is ultimately responsible for overseeing development and management of all Energy Team acquisition and assistance mechanisms. The Specialist directs, coordinates, and monitors activities necessary to attain policy reforms and energy sector results; serves as COR/AOR managing large and complex implementation mechanisms, and overseas the team’s execution of a portfolio of other activities related to energy sector development. The Energy Project Management Specialist (Energy) is required to monitor and evaluate on-going programs, prepare performance reports, annual reporting documents, briefing papers, concept papers, and other periodic documentation for the Mission, USAID/Washington, and the State Department. The Specialist manages daily activities through interface with IPs and the GoK; monitors and evaluates progress of IPs towards achievement of results through regular field trips. The Energy Project Management Specialist (Energy) provides technical support in establishing performance monitoring systems for results frameworks in coordination with Mission management and IPs; and ensures appropriate accounting of resources by tracking quarterly accruals, maintaining project pipeline information, and providing leadership in meeting audit recommendations.

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) applies knowledge of Kenyan and regional governments to assess the suitability of activity or sub-activity proposals, provides regular analysis and reports on the energy situation in Kenya and the region. The Energy Project Management Specialist (Energy) provides technical direction and high-level advice to Mission management on longer-term energy activities; prepares and submits regular progress reports, both on a periodic and ad hoc basis for situation updates, website updates; and maintains regular contact with selected offices in USAID/Washington in order to provide information and advice as required. He/she provides input on energy-related budgetary issues to Mission management, provides analyses of budgetary needs for the existing and planned energy-sector portfolio, and leads discussions and decision-making about funding allocation within the energy portfolio.

4. Supervision and Office Management 20%

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) ensures fluid office operations and provides program leadership within the Energy Team. Supervises Cooperating Country Nationals, which includes developing annual work objectives, identifying appropriate training opportunities, mentoring and coaching them in facilitation of professional development. Conducts regular performance reviews and address any performance challenges that may arise. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) is a vital member of the Private Sector Center of Excellence leadership team and will work with the overall leadership team to develop and implement OEGI’s strategy. In the absence of the Director of the Private Sector Center of Excellence Director, the incumbent will serve as Acting Director for the overall Center with oversight of 12 staff.

Supervisory Relationship

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) works under the supervision of the Private Sector Solutions Center of Excellence Director and is part of the overall OEGI expanded management team. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work, but the Project Management Specialist (Energy) is required to determine those that must be coordinated with the supervisor. The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected. Work is reviewed in terms of results achieved.

Supervisory Controls

The Project Management Specialist (Energy) is responsible for supervision of two senior technical CCNs on the energy team and ensuring they have clear responsibilities, providing ongoing mentoring and guidance in the implementation of activities, and supporting their development of work objectives, training and professional development, and providing constructive feedback regarding their performance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Any application that does not meet the minimum requirements stated below will not be evaluated.

1. Education: A Master’s Degree in engineering and/or energy policy is required.
2. Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of professional-level experience in an energy sector-related area is required. Experience in the development of sectoral and project documents, and performance of project design, program planning, and/or implementation work is required. Experience must also include performance monitoring, and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data. At least three years of direct supervisory experience managing a unit, team, or a group of professional staff.
3. Language Proficiency: Fluency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili is required.

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.

– Job Knowledge (60 points)

Comprehensive knowledge of the GoK and East African energy sector and technical interventions and approaches to increasing power generation, clean energy, and expanding access to energy services. Additionally, the Project Management Specialist (Energy) position requires an in-depth and expert knowledge of a broad range of issues of energy policy, generation, transmission, distribution and human resources capacity building as well as knowledge of private-sector development, investment, and competitiveness. A thorough knowledge of energy sector issues in Kenya, including macroeconomic as well as private-sector and energy related areas is required. Knowledge of strategies, programs, and the working methodologies of other donor agencies and banks in the energy sector in Kenya and East Africa is required.

– Skills and abilities (40 points)

A high level of technical expertise and ability in energy and private-sector development is required. Must possess the ability to advise senior Mission and USG management on Kenyan and East Africa power development and issues across a wide range of energy related topics (such as the regulatory environment for energy, key barriers to energy reform, etc.) and their implications on programs. Program design, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation skills are essential. 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 ability to effectively communicate complicated policy, strategy, and program issues orally and in writing is also required. Must have excellent interpersonal, coordination, and bureaucratic skills; be able to coordinate successfully with all parts of the USAID Mission and Embassy to advance energy program interests. The Project Management Specialist (Energy) must be able to handle sensitive issues diplomatically, represent the USG authoritatively, and use good judgment in high-level meetings with the USG, the GoK, NGOs, and other donors and in conferences, seminars, and workshops. Must possess good organizational and management skills, must have strong leadership skills with the capability to mentor new staff and support their technical development and capability to design and manage complex energy sector activities.

Total possible points: 100

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

The Contractor must observe Kenyan laws including those concerning income and related tax obligations.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN and TCN 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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf
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.
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/OGE%20Regulations
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]