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About the Job
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72066324R10027
2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 10, 2024
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: January 1, 2025 NLT 11:59 p.m. EAT
4. POINT OF CONTACTS: Reid Ahl, Supervisory EXO and Fekadu Tamirate, HR Specialist, e-mail at addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov.
5. POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Democracy & Governance)
6. MARKET VALUE: $26,638 – $47,950 yearly i.e., equivalent to FSN-11. In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Ethiopia. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. Salary will be paid in local currency at the exchange rate in effect when the payroll is processed.
7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years. The services provided under this contract are expected to be of a continuing nature through a series of sequential contracts, subject to continued need, satisfactory performance, and the availability of funds. The expected initial period of performance is April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2030.
8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: US Embassy, Entoto Road, Addis Ababa, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs). “Cooperating country national”
means an individual who is a cooperating country citizen, or a non-cooperating country citizen
lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country.
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access.
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
a. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
Serves as USAID Project Management Specialist is located in the USAID/Ethiopia Mission in the Democracy and Governance Generalist to provide technical expertise to the Democracy and Governance Office on governance, transparency, human rights, civil society, media, elections, political transitions, and/or conflict sensitivity. The position requires a proven track record in design and implementation in a range of democracy and governance related programming and have experience in Ethiopia or be familiar with the economic, social and political dynamics of Ethiopian society. The successful candidate will have management responsibility for designed activities within the ODG portfolio as well as coordination responsibilities between USAID/ Ethiopia Offices as well as donor and government partners. The democracy and governance portfolio is diverse and requires an individual who is able to work in a fast-paced work environment with strong team members while successfully managing a diverse portfolio that includes conflict mitigation and management, civic education and engagement, human rights, rule of law, political processes, media and civil society development, anti-corruption, and gender equity. The position requires an individual who is able to exercise sound judgment and demonstrate integrity and neutrality in a politically dynamic environment. Must be willing to travel under rugged circumstances and work on weekends, holidays and evenings as needed. Must be willing to travel inside and outside of Ethiopia. S/he will report to the ODG Director or his/her designee.
b. Statement of Duties to be Performed
The Jobholder provides expert analysis and recommendations to USAID senior staff, ODG team members, other USAID/Ethiopia technical offices, and other donors and US government agencies on those aspects of democracy and governance assistance activities in Ethiopia. Advice is based on tracking issues, trends, and developments, and review of original or secondary data sources and analyses that have or promise to have a bearing on USAID’s program design, direction and implementation. The Jobholder is directly responsible for performing a variety of complex research, reporting, contract monitoring, and analytical duties.
Program management (40%): As Program Management Specialist, The Jobholder is responsible to assist in the development, implementation and management of activities. Serve as the Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative for contracts and/or grants, which includes providing technical direction and administrative approvals to ensure successful implementation of activities. Prepare procurement request documents, statements of work, program descriptions, pipeline analysis and budgets for ongoing and planned activities. Monitor accomplishments against annual work plans and performance measurement targets. Facilitate and participate in field visits. Close work with implementing partners as relates to performance monitoring and reporting.
The Jobholder is responsible for performing financial analyses of assigned projects, ensuring that project pipelines are well monitored and managed, and that project mortgages are appropriately funded. The Jobholder is responsible for preparing accrual worksheets and presenting in clear formats budget data and information as needed to inform financial and programmatic decisions. The Jobholder is responsible for carefully managing and updating program management files. Within the framework of general guidelines, conducts negotiations with relevant counterparts in Ethiopia regarding the design, development and implementation of democracy activities and programs. The Jobholder will also participate in semi-annual portfolio reviews or other mission-wide activity review efforts. As relevant, develops terms of reference for studies and assessments to prepare and update the USAID strategy statement related to democratic political processes and good governance and accountability to inform program and activity design.
Liaison and Communications (35%): The Jobholder should have expert knowledge of Liaison and communication skills:
● Internal to ODG – Actively participate as a member of the ODG. Provide expert advice to professional and technical staff of the ODG team. Supplement and/or cover for other ODG members when on leave or unavailable. Perform other tasks as assigned by the ODG Director.
Internal to USAID – Coordinate and communicate ODG efforts with those of other USAID Office’s programs in order to track joint progress and results in support of the Mission’s strategy.
● Interagency – May be called upon to work in close coordination with other US Mission personnel.
● Other donors/stakeholders and Ethiopian Government -Collaboration with other donors, international organizations, the private sector, universities and other “think tank” research institutes, and associations will be required.
● Other External Communications as designated – Participate actively in conferences, meetings, hearings or presentations involving problems or issues of considerable consequence and maintain regular communications.
Technical analysis and report writing (25%): Participate in the ongoing implementation and new, long-term strategic planning, including planning and contributing to required analyses. Assist in analyzing the current political situation in Ethiopia and provide regular input for various reporting requirements. Participate in the development of concept papers and activity design and approval documents for activities. Participate in the preparation/ refinement of performance management plans for ongoing and new activities. Assess program impact and reports on progress, including preparing annual reports. Perform other duties as assigned by the ODG Director and/or Deputy Director.
The contractor is eligible for travel to the U.S., or to other locations abroad, for training, for temporary duty, or to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy.
c. Supervisory Relationship. This position reports to the Office Director of the Office of Democracy and Governance, or his/her designee.
d. Supervisory Controls. Supervision of other Mission staff is not contemplated.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
About You
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
a. Education: Minimum of bachelor’s in political science, international development, international relations or other similar social science degree is required.
b. Prior Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in the design and management of development and/or humanitarian programs, at least three of which have included specific and extensive involvement in good governance activities.
c. Language: English and Amharic at Level IV (Proficient). English proficiency is a requirement for positions with USAID. In lieu of testing, as academic courses are taught in English at the secondary and post-secondary level, English proficiency will be assessed throughout the evaluation process – application review, skills test, and interview. In addition, candidates may provide proof of English language proficiency. Acceptable certifications include CEFR of C1 or C2, IELTS (minimum of 6.5), Cambridge (CAE), TOEFL IBT (minimum of 95), or TOEFL ITP (minimum of 560). These test results are valid for two years.
d. Knowledge: Demonstrated a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice of good governance, transparency, human rights, civil society, media, elections, political transitions, and/or conflict sensitivity. Demonstrated expertise in rule of law and the development of laws, policies and the legislative development process in Ethiopia and perspectives of government and stakeholders. Ability to acquire knowledge of USAID policy and programming procedures after commencing work. Basic computer skills and familiarity with word processing and spreadsheet programs are required.
e. Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated a thorough knowledge of and ability to analyze the political environment and governance systems in Ethiopia. Ability to inter-relate conflict/stability and good governance issues, trends and developments to USAID programming. Ability to prepare factual and interpretive reports covering good governance is required. Demonstrated capacity to participate in, lead and coordinate team efforts, to research and remain abreast of program management regulations, policies and procedures and to assist team members and implementing partners to apply them. Demonstrated ability to plan and conduct program evaluations, to develop outlines, solicit and incorporate inputs and edit team writing efforts. Ability to plan, organize and execute completed projects. Excellent written and communications skills for analytical and factual reporting and presentations to senior GOE and USG officials. In addition, the employee will be expected to attend meetings, conferences, workshops, in and outside of Ethiopia at which they will be expected to represent the Mission’s policies and program objectives and/or the Mission-endorsed results of their analyses.
III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
The Government may award a contract without discussions with candidates 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 candidates 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 candidates 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.
To meet the basic eligibility requirements for this position the offeror must:
- Be a citizen of Ethiopia, or otherwise eligible to work lawfully in Ethiopia;
- Submit a complete application (Offer) as outlined in the section IV;
- Be able to attain a security certificate for Facility Access;
- Be cleared medically to work in the U.S. Mission to Addis Ababa.
After the closing date for receipt of applications, those that meet the minimum qualification requirements (Education and Experience) will be referred to a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC). Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered. The TEC will review and score the applications to create a list of applicants to be interviewed. Short-listed candidates will be evaluated based on information presented in the application, skills test (if used), interview, and obtained through reference checks. An applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about past performance and abilities.
BASIS OF RATING
Applicants are rated as outlined below.
Application Review 40 points
The application will be scored based on information provided outlining the quality of experience supporting the statement of duties as outlined in this solicitation (See Section II. d. Job knowledge and e. Skills and Abilities).
Technical Skills 30 points
A skills test will be administered in the form of an essay to assess the candidate’s technical knowledge, attention to detail, and clarity of response using logic and reasoning.
Interview Performance 30 points
Interview questions will be intended to explore the candidate’s:
- Knowledge of the governance context in Ethiopia
- Capacity to lead or work as a member of a team
- Ability to prioritize tasks in fast-paced environments
- Understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility concepts
Total Possible Points: 100 points
Reference Check Pass/Fail
A “Fail” Reference Check would result from information regarding confirmed illegal or unethical activities or a preponderance of negative feedback from numerous references; e.g., not a single critical comment.
Required Skills
- Planning
- Communication
- Problem solving
How To Apply
IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER
Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit:
- The offer form DS-174 (Application for U.S. Federal employment) which can be found in the U.S. embassy website https://et.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/; or https://www.usaid.gov/ethiopia/work-with-us/careers/ds-form-174-ccn-application.
- A résumé or CV in English
- Letter of application (cover letter) that describes your knowledge, skills, and abilities, and
- Contact information for a minimum of three and a maximum of five references, including at least two references with direct knowledge of your past performance.
Further Guidance: To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation Number in the offer submission. Application must be submitted ONLY via addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov with the email subject being Solicitation 72066324R10027, Project Management Specialist (DG). Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.
Please do not submit more than one application; and the application must be submitted before or on the closing date at local Ethiopia time 11:59 p.m. (Local Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Time, or EAT). Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.
V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD
The Contracting Candidates will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:
1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)
2. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
3. Fingerprint Card (FD-258)
VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
1. BENEFITS:
Group life insurance, medical coverage, annual leave and sick leave.
2. ALLOWANCES (as applicable):
Meal allowance and miscellaneous benefit allowance.
VII. TAXES
Cooperating Country Nationals are expected to comply with all relevant Ethiopian laws and regulations.
VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs
USAID regulations and policies governing CCN 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 as described below:
LINE ITEMS
| ITEM NO (A) | SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) (B) | QUANTITY (C) | UNIT (D) | UNIT PRICE (E) | AMOUNT (F) |
| 0001 | Base Period – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) – Award Type: Cost – Product Service Code: [e.g. R497] – Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS] | 1 | LOT | $ _TBD__ | $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ |
3. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/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: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.
6. FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference
| 52.304-27 | PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION | JUN 2023 |
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The U.S. Mission in Ethiopia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Ethiopia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations.
The EEO complaint procedure is available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.