1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.:      03/18
2. ISSUANCE DATE:           February 26, 2018
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME:         March 12, 2018 before and/or on 5:00

                                                                         PM Eth. Time (Close of Business)

4. POSITION TITLE:          Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
5. MARKET VALUE:           –   FSN-9 trainee level $14,033 – $25,253/ annum

• FSN-10 trainee level $18,740-$33,728/annum
• FSN-11 full performance level $22,927-$41,263/annum

In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/ Ethiopia. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and based on qualification.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:                  5 Years
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:                    US Embassy,  Entoto Road
8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:               RSO Certification
9. BASIC FUNCTIONS:

The incumbent assists the USDH Contracting Officer in managing the overall project acquisition and assistance (A&A) support function for USAID/Ethiopia.  The responsibilities include providing A&A related technical information and advice to Mission and Contractor personnel; managing the A&A process for assigned teams from the advance procurement planning stage to the final closeout of the award; conducting all negotiations with potential contractors with occasional guidance from the USDH Contracting Officer, negotiating complex modifications to contracts and grants; and ensuring proper documentation for all contracting actions. As a key member of the team, the incumbent works to ensure that procurements are executed in accordance with Team needs.  He/she is also responsible for reporting progress on A&A actions related to the Team to the Team Leaders.

10. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. The Specialist (Trainee) is responsible for program/project/activity acquisition and assistance support for USAID/Ethiopia Technical Offices, DO and AO Teams, and any designated Regional clients. USAID programs are diverse and multi-sectoral. The Specialist is required to provide acquisition assistance to designated Technical Offices and/or DO/AO Teams, and to support a variety of programs/projects/activities. These programs/projects/activities are implemented through complex Government contracting and grant mechanisms, including but not limited to purchase orders, competitively negotiated technical assistance agreements, contracts, cooperative agreements, Participating Agency Service Agreements (PASA), and sole source contracts.
2. The Specialist (Trainee) is expected and required to select the appropriate procurement instrument type for the situation at hand, and to accurately apply USG procurement laws, regulations, policies, and procedures governing each type of instrument. The advanced developmental nature of the assignment includes the acquisition of goods and various types of services. The Specialist (Trainee) must be equally familiar with the procedures for acquisition of goods, and for managing personal service and non-personal service contracting actions.
3. The Specialist (Trainee) is expected to work with technical specialists/activity managers in Technical Offices and DO/AO Teams throughout the Mission and the Region, assisting in the preparation of annual procurement plans, the development of clear and concise statements of work, and full supporting documentation. The Specialist (Trainee) must be able to provide authoritative technical guidance to technical specialists/activity managers, pertaining to their procurement-related responsibilities and procedures. Specific duties include:

Pre-Award Duties – the Specialist (Trainee) assists technical DO/AO Team personnel in the analysis of annual program plans, and advises on the selection of appropriate acquisition and assistance mechanisms to help achieve program objectives; assists technical personnel in the preparation of required descriptions of proposed activities, including statements of work, specifications, and activity descriptions; prepares pre-solicitation documents and clearances, including determinations, justifications, synopses, and solicitations and, reviews GLAAS Requisitions (REQs) for completeness and clarity.  The Specialist (Trainee) advises on the adequacy of evaluation criteria, proposed contracting mechanisms, the extent of advertising required, and any other required terms and conditions.  In coordination with Technical Offices and/or representatives of host-country governments, the Specialist (Trainee) evaluates and analyzes bids and proposals, ensuring compliance with evaluation criteria.  The Specialist (Trainee) assists in the development of pre-negotiation costs or programmatic objectives, in conjunction with the Contracting/Regional Contracting Officer and/or his/her designee, technical personnel, and others; recommends the competitive range, and negotiates with potential awardees; documents negotiations in writing; assists in technical and cost evaluations; recommends the selected contractor and prepares contract files, to include making required certifications and determinations necessary for each procurement action: and, prepares award documents that accurately reflect all discussions and provisions relevant to the type of award mechanism to be implemented.

Post-Award Duties – The Specialist (Trainee) monitors performance as required by the terms and conditions of the award, through review of performance and review of financial reports; manages the assigned portfolio; assures that funding is available when required; and, works with DO/AO Teams/CORs/AORs to assure targets/milestones are set and being met (or that remedial action is taken), and that the overall goals of the program/project/activity are met; conducts site visits and attends meetings; and, provides guidance to technical personnel and assists in programmatic duties as required to avoid contractual/legal improprieties.  The Specialist (Trainee) assists the CO/RCO with issues that may arise during contract performance, including changes, work stoppages, disputes, implementation problems, defaults, cost overruns, unacceptable performance, and payment problems.

1. The Specialist (Trainee) conducts closeouts of contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements after completion; closeouts include ensuring contract audits are conducted in a timely manner, preparing performance documentation, and resolving outstanding issues noted in audits.

Supervisory relationship: The Acquisition Specialist (Trainee) works under the general supervision of the Contracting Officer/Regional Contracting Officer and/or his/her designee, or a higher-level Specialist/Officer, who makes assignments in terms of the broad range of developmental procurement actions the Trainee will perform.  The Specialist (Trainee) will independently initiate necessary coordination with requesting Mission CORs/AORs, Technical Offices, and DO and AO Teams, providing basic policy guidance on how to best fulfill requirements, with OFM and RLA as necessary, and with staffs of other agencies, and with awardees.  The Specialist (Trainee) will keep the higher-level Specialist/Officer, and/or the Contracting Officer/Regional Contracting Officer, and/or his/her designee, updated through status reports and verbal briefings.  Completed work is reviewed closely at this level, in terms of reviewing the procurement approach for results achieved, in meeting delivery schedules, and in the selection of appropriate contract methods.

Supervisory Controls: This is a non-supervisory position.

11. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: S. Government Cooperating Country Nationals (CCNs) applicants. 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.
12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
13. POINT OF CONTACT: addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov ;

1. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

EDUCATION: Possession of a Baccalaureate Degree or the equivalent of a four-year US college/university (or equivalency accreditation if a non-US institution) degree in accounting, law, business, finance, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and/or organization and management is required.  NB: Additional education may NOT be substituted for Experience.

LANGUAGE: Level IV (Fluent) English and Amharic language proficiency (if appropriate), both oral and written, is required. Familiarity with additional languages in Office-supported countries is desired.

TO BE HIRED FOR FSN-9, THE APPLICANTS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT

EXPERIENCE:

Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a closely related field is required.  One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to no less than the next lower level of FSN responsibility in this or a related occupation, within a USG organization the Host Government, the private sector, or within an international or donor organization, in an English-language work environment.  NB: Additional experience may NOT be substituted for Education.

POST ENTRY TRAINING:

Trainee/entry level, the Specialist (Trainee) will be provided formal training; successful completion of all mandatory Federal Acquisition Certification courses leading to successful completion of Contracting (FAC-C) Level I, in accordance with a formal individual development plan (IDP), is required for progression to the FSN-10 level; along, with at least a Fully Successful or equivalent performance evaluation.  In addition, the Specialist (Trainee) will be provided formal and/or on-the-job training in the ADS, FAR, CFR, OAA-Intranet, the AIDAR, and Mission and Office operating and administrative procedures.  Formal training, other than FAC-C Level I, will be provided based on availability of course offerings, and availability of funds.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes, or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge, is required.  An understanding of US Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition portfolio, and/or the ability to quickly gain such understanding, is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, small purchase procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types.  A basic understanding of markets pertaining to program/project/activity requirements for services and commodities, and a good knowledge and understanding of US market and pricing methods is desirable.

The potential to acquire the ability to plan and administer acquisition activities, and provide acquisition assistance and support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required.  The potential to gain the ability to apply contracting regulations, procedures, and policies to individual acquisition and assistance programs is required.  And, an ability to deal effectively with high-level representatives of the US and Regional business community, and with colleagues in USAID Missions and/or host governments throughout the Region is required.  Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Business suite is desired.

Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, along with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail, are required.  The ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential, as well as the ability to maintain strict CONFIDENTIALITY, and meet all STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/ETHICS STANDARDS in accordance with US law throughout all phases of acquisition and assistance procurement processes.

TO BE HIRED FOR FSN-10, THE APPLICANTS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT

EXPERIENCE:

Four or more years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a closely related field is required.  As this position is part of a recognized and established career ladder, a minimum of one year of this experience must have been gained working in a USAID Contracting/A&A Office at no less than the next lower grade level.  NB: Additional experience may NOT be substituted for Education.

POST ENTRY TRAINING:

The Specialist (Trainee) will be provided formal training; successful completion of all mandatory Federal Acquisition Certification courses leading to successful completion of Contracting (FAC-C) Level II, in accordance with a formal individual development plan (IDP), is required for progression to the FSN-11 level; along, with at least a Fully Successful or equivalent performance evaluation.  In addition, the Specialist, as an advanced Trainee will be provided other formal and/or on-the-job training as considered appropriate, based on availability of course offerings, and availability of funds.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes is required.  At this level, knowledge of US Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations, or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer an acquisition and portfolio, is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, small purchase procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types.  A good knowledge of Regional markets pertaining to program and project requirements for services and commodities, and a good knowledge and understanding of US market and pricing methods is desirable.

The ability to plan and administer acquisition activities, and provide adequate acquisition assistance and support for agency programs and projects in a timely manner is required.  The ability to apply governing contracting regulations, procedures, and policies to assigned acquisition and assistance programs is required.  An ability to deal effectively with high-level representatives of the US and Regional business community, and with colleagues in USAID Missions and/or host governments throughout the Region is required.  Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Business suite is required.

Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, along with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail, are required.  The ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential, as well as the ability to maintain strict CONFIDENTIALITY, and meet all STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/ETHICS STANDARDS in accordance with US law throughout all phases of acquisition and assistance procurement processes.

TO BE HIRED FOR FSN-11, THE APPLICANTS SHOULD MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENT

EXPERIENCE

Five or more or progressively responsible work in acquisition and assistance is required.  As this position is part of a recognized and established career ladder, a minimum of two years of this experience must have been gained working in a USAID Contracting/A&A Office, with at least one year at the next lower, FSN-10, grade level.  NB: Additional experience may NOT be substituted for Education.               

POST ENTRY TRAINING:

The Specialist must have previously successfully completed all mandatory Federal Acquisition Certification – Contracting (FAC-C) Level I and Level II courses in accordance with a formal individual development plan (IDP).  Level III training will be provided, in person or on-line, over a period of time as a part of the continuing requirement for all A&A professionals to complete a minimum of eighty (80) Continuous Learning Points for every two-year period.  In addition, the Specialist will be provided with formal or on-the-job training to keep abreast of changes in the ADS, FAR, CFR, OAA-Intranet, the AIDAR, and Office and Mission operating and administrative procedures.  Off-site formal training, if considered necessary, will be provided based on availability of course offerings, and availability of funds.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of US Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations, and knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, small purchase procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types. A good knowledge of host-country and regional markets pertaining to program/project/activity requirements for services and commodities, and a good knowledge and understanding of US market and pricing methods is required.  Knowledge of business processes in public or private sectors is required.

The ability to plan and administer large acquisition activities, and provide adequate acquisition assistance and support for agency programs/projects/activities in a timely manner is required. The ability to apply governing contracting regulations, procedures, and policies to individual complex acquisition and assistance programs is required.  An ability to deal effectively with high-level representatives of the US and Regional business community, and with colleagues in USAID Missions and/or host governments throughout the Region is required.  Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Business suite is required.

• EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants must submit a completed form {Universal Application for Employment (DS-174)} along with the credential documents to USAID/Ethiopia, Human Resources Office via the email address addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov.  Each applicant must fully explain his/her job-related duties and qualifications on the application form in order to provide for an accurate evaluation of his/her education, training, and experience. All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical disabilities, or membership in an employee organization. This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process please notify the Agency. Applicants who are not contacted within thirty days after the final filing date are to assume that their applications were not accepted.

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:-

• Letter of Application/Cover Letter;
• Completed and Signed Application for Employment Official Form–DS-174 found here https://et.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/;
• Current Resume/CV;
• Copies of credential documents (i.e., degree, training certificates, etc.);
• Application must be submitted ONLY via addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov and the email subject must say–solicitation 03/18 Acquisition and Assistance Specialist.
• Please submit the application only once; and
• Late and incomplete applications will not be considered; the application must be submitted before or on the date of filing at local Ethiopian time 5 p.m.
• For your application to be considered, please make sure to specifically mention for which grade you are applyed for.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov Section I, item 12.

EVALUATION FACTORS

Those applicants who meet the minimum education and experience qualifications will be evaluated based on the content of their application as well as on the applicant’s writing, presentation, and communication skills. On a supplemental document included with the application package, applicants should cite specific, illustrative examples to address each factor. Responses are limited to 1,000 characters per factor, Times New Roman font, 12-font size, and 1” margins. Applicants should describe specifically and accurately the experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the factor. Applicants should include their name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to specifically address the Evaluation Factors will result in the applicant not receiving full credit. The Evaluation Factors listed will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application. Applicants must submit a supplemental document outlining their responses to the evaluation factors in order to be considered. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

FACTOR #1:

Describe your experience in working with contracts, task orders, purchase orders, grants, cooperative agreements or any other type of implementing mechanism used to support international development programs or activities or other relevant Government programs.

FACTOR #2:

Describe your experience in competitive processes related to implementing mechanisms used to support international development programs or activities or other relevant Government programs.

FACTOR #3:

Discuss the key challenges and opportunities associated with managing the overall project acquisition and assistance (A&A) support function for USAID or working in a similar bureaucratic environment.

BASIS OF RATING

Applicants who clearly meet the Education/Experience requirements and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on scoring of their Evaluation Factor responses. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and professional reference checks. The Applicant Rating System is as follows:

Evaluation      Factors:          40 points

Factor #1         15 points

Factor #2         15 points

Factor #3         10 points

Interview Performance:                                  40 points

Professional Reference Checks-                    20 points

Total Points: 100

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, applicants must prominently reference the solicitation number and signed in the application form before submission.  For your application to be considered, please make sure to specifically mention for which grade you are applied for.

Applications will be initially screened by the Human Resources Office to determine whether applicants have met the advertised minimum qualifications. A list of qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring office for further consideration and screening. Final selection of candidates will be made and those selected will be invited to an interview in order to select the best-qualified candidate.

The USAID Mission assumes no liability for the loss or mishandling of applications. For additional information about the position and/or the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 011 130 6002 ext. 6031, 6035 or 6043.

NOTE: THE APPLICATION FORM IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE UPON REQUEST AND ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD FROM THE INTERNET http://ethiopia.usembassy.gov/job_opportunities.html.  THE FINAL SELECTION OF A CANDIDATE IS BASED SOLELY ON THE ADVERTISED QUALIFICATION IN A COMPETITIVE PROCESS.  INDIVIDUALS WHO MEET THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

1. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)
2. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

1. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized in accordance with Mission policy and local labor law.

1. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .
2. Contract Cover Page form AID 302-4 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .
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 .