USAID
See https://sam.gov/opp/09af5043abf34464aed1e09be27cfb66/view for the complete solicitation.**I. GENERAL INFORMATION**
- SOLICITATION NO.: 7200AA22R00028
- ISSUANCE DATE: 02/25/2022
- CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 04/07/2022 at 3:00 PM EDT
- POINT OF CONTACT: Jonathan Bui, e-mail at [email protected]
- POSITION TITLE: Senior Technical Advisor
- MARKET VALUE: This position has been designated at the GS-13 and GS-14 equivalent level, D.C. locality pay (GS-13 $106,823 – $138,868 or GS-14 $126,233 – $164,102 per annum). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. Offerors who live outside the Washington, D.C. area will be considered for employment but no relocation expenses will be reimbursed. If selected at the GS-13 equivalent grade level, following at least one (1) year at the GS-13 grade, the offeror may have the opportunity for advancement to the GS-14 equivalent grade. In order to be advanced to the higher grade, the incumbent must meet the minimum qualifications of the higher grade and receive an excellent performance rating in the most recent annual performance evaluation. The evaluation must include a statement by the supervisor that the employee is performing successfully at the current grade and is considered ready to perform at the higher grade level. Neither advancement nor extension of the contract is guaranteed.
Note: Offerors who submit an offer for the GS-14 grade level, but do not meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in this solicitation and as reviewed by the Technical Evaluation Committee, will not be considered for the GS-13 position if they have not submitted a separate application offer for the GS-13 level. Similarly, offerors who apply for the GS-13 position even though they might meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-14 position will not be considered for the higher graded position if they have not submitted a separate offer for the GS-14 position. Offerors who are unsure of which grade level they meet the minimum qualifications for should submit separate offers for the GS-13 and the GS-14 positions. The Offeror will be considered for the lower grade level if the offeror does not specify the grade level in the submission.
- PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year, with up to four one-year option periods, estimated to start on within 45 days of receiving notification that required security clearance has been obtained. Based on the Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise (an) additional option period(s) for one year for the date(s) estimated as follows:
Base Period
09/01/2022-08/31/2023
Option Period 1
09/01/2023-08/31/2024
Option Period 2
09/01/2024-08/31/2025
Option Period 3
09/01/2025-08/31/2026
Option Period 4
09/01/2026-08/31/2027
-
PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Washington, DC with possible travel overseas as stated in the Statement of Duties. 9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret
-
STATEMENT OF DUTIES
BACKGROUND
The position is located in the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS) in the Program Office (PO). The Senior Technical Advisor U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) will serve as a focal point and technical expert for technical assistance and programming support on prevention, conflict, violence, stabilization, countering violent extremism (CVE), or flexible programming and related monitoring, evaluation and learning activities supported by the CPS Bureau, to include the Complex Crises Fund (CCF), the Global Fragility Act (GFA), and other CPS programs. In this position, the Senior Technical Advisor will support the application of state of the art technical expertise and evaluation and learning approaches to ensure that activities are consistent with Agency policies and international best practices.
The Senior Technical Advisor will serve in an advisory and capacity-building role for monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) and collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) within CPS. The Senior Technical Advisor will fill a critical gap by working collaboratively with CPS teams to develop high quality products and processes that will serve as solid examples, models and guidance for future staff, as well as build the capacity of the staff involved in the process so that they are prepared to take the lead.
CPS seeks to create stable and peaceful societies. The CPS Bureau partners with USAID Missions and U.S. Embassies to contribute to peace and stability through programs, funding, and technical services focusing on social, communal, and political aspects of crises and political transition. CPS is USAID’s dedicated team for technical and analytical expertise on peacebuilding, conflict, and violence prevention. CPS responds to complex crises and opportunities and promotes a path to recipient self-reliance and resilience.
The Program Office provides oversight, guidance, coordination, and support on management, strategy, budget, communications, program, and policy issues for the Bureau. The CPS/PO works closely with Bureau leadership and offices to further the Bureau’s priorities and objectives.
For more information, see:
https://www.usaid.gov/who-we-are/organization/bureaus/bureau-conflict-prevention-and-stabilization
Position Description at the GS-13 Level
Responsibility for Decision Making
This PSC position will serve as a Senior Technical Advisor for USAID. The PSC will work closely with the CCF Manager, the Division Chief, Policy Team and others. The supervisor for the position is the Program Office Communications, Learning and Partnerships Division Chief or his/her designee. The PSC will perform her/his duties under administrative direction, with some latitude for the exercise of independent judgment (e.g., in program/project management) in the oversight and management of the CCF account (including gathering relevant country reports and updates and preparation written analysis of countries being considered for CCF funding; and supporting in preparation of draft decision memos, summaries, agendas and other related documents), supporting GFA implementation, and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) issues. As such, the PSC must have relevant subject matter knowledge. Having knowledge in the field of global issues, the PSC will help inform but not make policy.
Knowledge Level
The PSC will be knowledgeable about prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and understand principles, best practices, and key trends associated with this field. The PSC will develop guidance for operating units receiving CCF to aggressively measure and learn from their results to extend the impact of their programs, ideas, and knowledge and provide guidance and technical assistance to operating units receiving CCF on Agency indicators and targets, and facilitate the utilization of these indicators and targets in the development of program planning documents such as the Operational Plan and the Performance Plan and Report.
The PSC will have a Master’s degree with study and/or experience in a pertinent field, including, but not limited to law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or anthropology AND at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience related to community development, democracy, human rights, governance, economic development, conflict, political analysis, and/or complex crises environments, one (1) year of which must be with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree with study and/or experience in a pertinent field, including, but not limited to law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or anthropology, AND at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience related to community development, democracy, human rights, governance, economic development, conflict, political analysis, and/or complex crises environments, one (1) year of which must be with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization.
Supervisory Controls
Working closely with the CCF Manager, the Division Chief, other Program Office teams and others and under the formal supervision of the Program Office Communications, Learning and Partnerships Division Chief or his/her designee, the PSC will help to create a set of work objectives. The PSC and supervisor will jointly develop a work plan that outlines projects (with deadlines), which the PSC will work on with guidance. Such projects include efforts related to supporting CCF management and advising on bureau programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The PSC may be asked to provide direct technical advice to Missions chosen to receive CCF or other bureau funds and should be available for international travel.
Performance Guidelines
The PSC will be expected to learn administrative policies, precedents, and guidelines related to the CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The PSC will provide a range of services including, conducting background analysis, monitoring CCF and other activity implementation, assisting with the development and review of acquisition and assistance documents, providing advice on developing and selecting indicators and assuring data quality for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and developing and conducting trainings or workshops. Based on assignments provided, the PSC will be expected to contribute to technical guidance and support to USAID Missions and Operating Units (i.e., USAID Missions) in the form of planning, developing, designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating activities. The PSC will support preparation of draft decision memos, summaries and agendas and collect data on past proposals for CCF or other bureau funds or programming.
Complexity
The PSC’s duties will be varied, requiring the ability to contribute to and collaborate on analysis, consultations, and guidance on the CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. As these interventions may take place in a range of country contexts, the PSC will be required to support and contribute to interventions in situations featuring uncertainty and continual change (e.g., in legislative realities, programming opportunities or limitations in countries of interest). The PSC will have the support of the CCF Manager, the Division Chief, other Program Office teams and others and will be expected to support resolving problems related to the management of CCF and complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization. The PSC will link the bureau’s technical and sectoral areas with state of the art evaluation approaches to ensure monitoring and evaluation plans are consistent with Agency
Scope and Effect
The PSC will work with others in the office and bureau to assess program effectiveness and contribute to analysis of how the bureau’s efforts are supporting USAID’s work. The PSC’s work outputs will support both Agency efforts as well as those of the broader development community, in particular around programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization. Assignments, particularly those related to providing technical guidance to central and Mission-based programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization efforts, will require the ability to work collaboratively on projects – liaising with stakeholders for inputs and support. The PSC will maintain technical expertise through in person or online trainings relating to Agency monitoring and evaluation (M&E) policy and developments, and share timely recommendations on M&E practices and guidance in a useable form with other staff in the bureau and operating units receiving CCF or other bureau funds or assistance. With support from the CCF Manager, the Division Chief, other Program Office teams and others the PSC will work on multiple simultaneous work streams, many of which will require some project development responsibilities.
Level and Purpose of Contacts
The PSC will engage with individuals and groups from USAID – typically through meetings, calls, and consultations (on an as-needed, as-appropriate basis) – as an important step in advancing USAID’s approach, research agenda, and programmatic priorities related to CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The PSC will join more senior staff in engagements with higher level professionals and technical representatives of USAID Missions, USAID Bureaus, development institutions (i.e., bilateral donor counterparts), private philanthropic foundations, and representatives of implementing partners. Through such engagements, the PSC will support and contribute to the CCF account, GFA support, and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The PSC will be expected to thoughtfully and professionally encourage the cooperation of people or groups and the PSC will be expected to work with a variety of professional and technical personnel to thoughtfully advance this work.
Position Description at the GS-14 Level
Responsibility for Decision Making
This PSC position will serve as a Senior Technical Advisor for USAID. The PSC will work closely with the CCF Manager, the Division Chief, Policy Team and others. The supervisor for the position is the Program Office Communications, Learning and Partnerships Division Chief or his/her designee. The PSC will perform her/his duties under administrative direction, with some latitude for the exercise of independent judgment (e.g.., in program/project management) in the oversight and management of the CCF account (including gathering relevant country reports and updates and preparation written analysis of countries being considered for CCF funding; and supporting in preparation of draft decision memos, summaries, agendas and other related documents), supporting GFA implementation, and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) issues. As such, the PSC must have relevant subject matter knowledge. Having knowledge in the field of global issues, the PSC will help inform but not make policy.
Knowledge Level
The PSC will be knowledgeable about prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and understand principles, best practices, and key trends associated with this field. The PSC will develop guidance for operating units receiving CCF to aggressively measure and learn from their results to extend the impact of their programs, ideas, and knowledge and provide guidance and technical assistance to operating units receiving CCF on Agency indicators and targets, and facilitate the utilization of these indicators and targets in the development of program planning documents such as the Operational Plan and the Performance Plan and Report.
The PSC will have a Master’s degree with study and/or experience in a pertinent field, including, but not limited to law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or anthropology AND at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience related to community development, democracy, human rights, governance, economic development, conflict, fragility, political analysis, and/or complex crises environments, one (1) year of which must be with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization.
OR
A Bachelor’s degree with study and/or experience in a pertinent field, including, but not limited to law, political science, government, international affairs, international development, or anthropology, AND at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience related to community development, democracy, human rights, governance, economic development, conflict, political analysis, and/or complex crises environments, one (1) year of which must be with a U.S. Government foreign affairs agency, international or domestic assistance organization, or non-governmental organization.
Supervisory Controls
Working closely with the CCF Manager, the Division Chief, other Program Office teams and others and under the formal supervision of the Program Office Leadership and Learning Division Chief or his/her designee, the PSC will help to create a set of work objectives. The PSC and supervisor will jointly develop a work plan that outlines projects (with deadlines), which the PSC will work on with guidance. Such projects include efforts related to supporting CCF management and advising on bureau programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The PSC may be asked to provide direct technical advice to Missions chosen to receive CCF or other bureau funds and should be available for international travel.
Performance Guidelines
The PSC will be expected to learn administrative policies, precedents, and guidelines related to the CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The PSC will provide a range of services including, conducting background analysis, monitoring CCF and other activity implementation, assisting with the development and review of acquisition and assistance documents, providing advice on developing and selecting indicators and assuring data quality for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming, and developing and conducting trainings or workshops. Based on assignments provided, the PSC will be expected to contribute to technical guidance and support to USAID Missions and Operating Units (i.e., USAID Missions) in the form of planning, developing, designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating activities. The PSC will support preparation of draft decision memos, summaries and agendas and collect data on past proposals for CCF or other bureau funds or programming.
Complexity
The PSC’s duties will be varied, requiring the ability to contribute to and collaborate on analysis, consultations, and guidance on the CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. As these interventions may take place in a range of country contexts, the PSC will be required to support and contribute to interventions in situations featuring uncertainty and continual change (e.g., in legislative realities, programming opportunities or limitations in countries of interest). The PSC will have the support of the CCF Manager, the Division Chief, other Program Office teams and others and will be expected to support resolving problems related to the management of CCF and complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization. The PSC will link the bureau’s technical and sectoral areas with state of the art evaluation approaches to ensure monitoring and evaluation plans are consistent with Agency policies and international best practices.
Scope and Effect
The PSC will work with others in the office and bureau to assess program effectiveness and contribute to analysis of how the bureau’s efforts are supporting USAID’s work. The PSC’s work outputs will support both Agency efforts as well as those of the broader development community, in particular around programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization. Assignments, particularly those related to providing technical guidance to central and Mission-based programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization efforts, will require the ability to work collaboratively on projects – liaising with stakeholders for inputs and support. The PSC will maintain technical expertise through in person or online trainings relating to Agency monitoring and evaluation (M&E) policy and developments, and share timely recommendations on M&E practices and guidance in a useable form with other staff in the bureau and operating units receiving CCF or other bureau funds or assistance. With support from the CCF Manager, the Division Chief, other Program Office teams and others the PSC will work on multiple simultaneous work streams, many of which will require some project development responsibilities.
Level and Purpose of Contacts
The PSC will engage with individuals and groups from USAID – typically through meetings, calls, and consultations (on an as-needed, as-appropriate basis) – as an important step in advancing USAID’s approach, research agenda, and programmatic priorities related to CCF account and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The PSC will join more senior staff in engagements with higher level professionals and technical representatives of USAID Missions, USAID Bureaus, development institutions (i.e., bilateral donor counterparts), private philanthropic foundations, and representatives of implementing partners. Through such engagements, the PSC will support and contribute to the CCF account , GFA support, and programming in complex environments and crises and on prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization analysis and programming, and MEL issues. The PSC will be expected to thoughtfully and professionally encourage the cooperation of people or groups and the PSC will be expected to work with a variety of professional and technical personnel to thoughtfully advance this work.
Statement of Duties
At the GS-13 Senior Technical Advisor level:
Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Programming and CCF Support:
● Support background analysis on issues related to CCF or its programs, to include gathering relevant country reports and updates, collecting data on past proposals, and preparing written analyses of countries being considered for CCF funding.
● Capture information from regional and technical bureaus at USAID, State and DoD related to relevant programming.
● Support the preparation of draft proposal summaries and meeting agendas.
● Advise on bureau programming in complex environments and crises, including approaches for integrating gender equality and women, peace, and security (WPS) objectives in bureau programs, and strengthen USAID’s ability to participate in assessments or other work in the field to determine potential need for CCF-funded and other bureau programs.
● Assist proponents/recipients to strengthen CCF proposals, program designs, work plans, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plans, and other related technical documents.
● Monitor CCF and other relevant activity implementation, including use of budget resources.
● Support bureau on new tools for tracking the CCF budget as well as a bi-annual crosswalk of obligations and expenditures.
● Support field and Washington-based mid-cycle portfolio reviews.
● Produce briefing materials on CCF and CCF-supported and other activities.
● Assist with the development and review of acquisition and assistance documents for the full project cycle including strategic planning, solicitations, scopes of work, budgets, and other materials as needed.
Technical Assistance:
● Support in the provision of direct technical advice to Missions chosen to receive bureau support, including CCF, and be available for temporary assignment duty to provide technical assistance to USAID Missions.
● Support the review and analysis of acquisition and assistance regulations and policies for supporting project design or management.
● Support related to GFA implementation, MEL, or policy efforts.
● Support in the provision of expert advice to USAID staff and implementing partners on MEL planning and methodology, as well as on collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) as it relates to prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization.
● Support operating units and offices in Program Cycle implementation, including developing performance management plans (PMPs) and project and/or activity MEL plans.
● Support in the provision of advice on developing and selecting indicators and assuring data quality for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization related programming.
● Support the design monitoring tools for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization programming.
● Support the facilitation of planning, design and/or management of specific CLA strategies and activities.
● Assist in developing, capturing, sharing and testing methods, models and tools to further CLA in the program cycle for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence, and stabilization programming.
● Track post-evaluation actions and synthesize learning.
● Support in the provision of technical assistance and other support to facilitate CLA in Mission programs and within the bureau.
● Develop and deliver written materials and briefings to familiarize staff and partners with evaluation study designs, CLA principles, methods, tools and approaches.
● Work closely with bureau offices to identify key program evaluation questions, design appropriate evaluations in focus countries.
● Work closely with bureau offices to identify CLA priorities and plan and develop relevant CLA activities.
● Support and/or lead internal/hybrid evaluation teams to bolster the technical evaluation skills of mission staff around conflict, violence and stabilization programming.
● Disseminate monitoring, evaluation, and learning findings and create communication products in various formats to inform decision makers, Mission staff and practitioners, and external stakeholders.
Capacity Development:
● Coordinate MEL efforts across bureau, including but not limited to MEL or Learning CPS Strategy, action plan and/or implementation plan and ensure efforts align with Agency-wide policies, strategies, and initiatives.
● Provide support in organizational systems for MEL and/or CLA.
● Support the development of and conducting of trainings, workshops, facilitated learning conversations and other capacity-building opportunities around MEL and/or CLA around conflict, violence and stabilization.
● Support incorporation of recommendations from evaluations and technical, contextual, and experiential learning into program cycle processes.
● Convene community of practice or working group to share and encourage good practices in the conflict, violence and stabilization programming and activities.
● Seek out, understand, and map local expertise available to support field monitoring and evaluation tasks (e.g., surveys, evaluations, data collection, analysis, etc.).
Additional:
● Perform services under this scope of work at physical locations other than Washington headquarters, including within other bureaus, offices or units not to exceed six (6) months.
At the GS-14 Senior Technical Advisor level:
Conflict Prevention and Stabilization Programming and CCF Support:
● Conduct background analysis on issues related to CCF or its programs, to include gathering relevant country reports and updates, collecting data on past proposals, and preparing written analyses of countries being considered for CCF funding.
● Capture information from regional and technical bureaus at USAID, State and DoD related to relevant programming.
● Support the preparation of draft proposal summaries and meeting agendas.
● Advise on bureau programming in complex environments and crises, including approaches for integrating gender equality and women, peace, and security (WPS) objectives in bureau programs, and strengthen USAID’s ability to participate in assessments or other work in the field to determine potential need for CCF-funded and other bureau programs.
● Assist proponents/recipients to strengthen CCF proposals, program designs, work plans, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) plans, and other related technical documents.
● Monitor CCF and other relevant activity implementation, including use of budget resources.
● Support bureau on new tools for tracking the CCF budget as well as a bi-annual crosswalk of obligations and expenditures.
● Conduct field and Washington-based mid-cycle portfolio reviews.
● Produce briefing materials on CCF and CCF-supported and other activities.
● Assist with the development and review of acquisition and assistance documents for the full project cycle including strategic planning, solicitations, scopes of work, budgets, and other materials as needed.
Technical Assistance:
● Provide direct technical advice to Missions chosen to receive bureau support, including CCF, and be available for temporary assignment duty to provide technical assistance to USAID Missions.
● Support the review and analysis of acquisition and assistance regulations and policies for supporting project design or management.
● Support related to GFA implementation, MEL, or policy efforts.
● Provide expert advice to USAID staff and implementing partners on MEL planning and methodology, as well as on collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) as it relates to prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization.
● Guide operating units in Program Cycle implementation, including developing performance management plans (PMPs) and project and/or activity MEL plans.
● Provide advice on developing and selecting indicators and assuring data quality for CCF and other prevention, fragility, conflict, violence and stabilization