2. ISSUING DATE: June 28, 2009
3. CLOSING DATE: July 27, 2009
4. POSITION TITLE: Agricultural Advisor
5. Number of Positions: Three
6. MARKETING VALUE: GS-14 ($83,445 - $108,483)
7. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: USAID/AFGHANISTAN
8. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Agriculture and Environment Team
Leader, Office of Alternative Development and Agriculture, USAID/Afghanistan and receives technical direction from the Ministry of Agriculture
9. SUPERVISORY CONTROL: No Supervisory Responsibilities
10. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year (12 months) with an option
for renewal
11. SECURITY ACCESS: U.S Citizens: Secret Level
Third Country Nationals: Employment
12. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. OR Third Country
Nationals (TCN) CITIZENS
POSITION DESCRIPTION: USAID AGRICULTURAL ADVISOR
A. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities:
S/he will be based in USAID Afghanistan's Office of Alternative Development and Agriculture in Kabul with possible assignment to the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. At various times s/he will be required to travel throughout Afghanistan to assist with site visits, monitoring of activity compliance with Mission administrative and implementation requirements. During field visits to work sites, s/he will live and work in field conditions. The Agricultural Advisor performs a wide range of duties, including consultative, advisory, and monitoring functions; identifying, analyzing, and implementing agriculture programs and activities; formulating, quantifying and tracking results and performance indicators. In addition to technical and administrative functions, s/he will provide guidance to implementing partners in making adjustments to program and administrative plans to achieve targeted results. S/he will also keep abreast of economic, political and social developments which may affect activities, identifying and assessing their importance and impact on overall agriculture program objectives.
B. Duties and Responsibilities
The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities:
1. Program/Project Design and Development 45%
The incumbent will be responsible for overseeing the design and development of USAID-funded agriculture activities, ensuring that the projects are vetted through the relevant Afghan ministries and other organizations doing agriculture related activities. S/he will also be responsible for making sure that all ADAG agriculture activities have met the Mission administrative and program requirements.
2. Program Management 35%
S/he may be assigned to manage specific programs. This will include tracking performance with regards to projected completion times, the receipt and validation of cumulative project and program costs, gathering all project documentation for work and funded projects, and ensuring the completion of all administrative and reporting requirements. This will include receiving and reviewing reports from implementers for completeness, established requirements, and assisting in the development and completion of all in-progress and final project inspection and reporting requirements. The incumbent will develop internal Mission documentation supporting project planning and implementation, such as Action Memoranda and Modified Acquisition and Assistance Documents (MAARDS) and will assist with internal and external reporting to meet USAID/Afghanistan, USAID/Washington and U.S. Embassy requirements.
3. Liaison Services 20%
Establish and maintain contacts with representatives of local and international organizations, such as U.S. and international military, UN offices, NGOs, and other USG agencies. Provide advice to the Ministry of Agriculture, Infrastructure and Livestock (MAIL) as required. Maintain contact with USAID institutional contractors and grantees. Obtain reports and materials produced by local and international organizations. Analyze and conduct field trips to ground truth information as appropriate or requested. Attend relevant regional meetings to develop contacts, gather information, and represent USAID. Establish and maintain contacts with Afghan government officials and offices dealing with issues related to USAID activities.
C. EVALUATION CRITERIA/SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:
1. Education: (20 points) A degree in agricultural economics, agricultural business, agricultural marketing, international agricultural development, animal science, agronomy, horticulture, soils, food science or related discipline required.
2. Prior Work Experience: (20 points) A relevant Bachelor's degree plus eight (8) years of relevant experience of which 4 (four) years is relevant overseas experience; OR a Master's degree in a relevant major plus six years of relevant experience of which four years is relevant overseas experience; or a PhD in a relevant major plus five years of relevant experience of which four years of relevant overseas experience. Work experience in a transitional or conflict zone preferred. This should include experience in working either for USG, other donor organizations, Government of Afghanistan organizations or private sector institutions involving environment project/program management. S/he must have the ability to work effectively in a team setting.
3. Language Proficiency: (15 points) Must have excellent English communication skills, both orally and in writing. Candidate must have the ability to present analysis and recommendations in clear written and oral formats. Additional consideration will be given to applicants with Dari or Pashto language skills.
4. Knowledge: (20 points) A good knowledge of U.S. Government technical assistance activities in Afghanistan; of Agency policies, regulations, procedures and documentation; the objectives, methodology and status of the USAID/Afghanistan programs and projects. Intermediate to advanced knowledge of computer graphic/presentations.
5. Abilities and Skills: (25 points) The incumbent is expected to exhibit strong managerial skills and technical expertise needed to support the design and implementation of USAID's Agriculture & Environment portfolio. Incumbent must have proven technical and managerial skills to develop and implement program activities; strong interpersonal skills including demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a range of professional counterparts. Strong computer skills are desired with work experience utilizing Microsoft Office programs (e.g., Word, Excel, Power Point, etc.). Incumbent must possess excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy and the ability to establish and develop productive working relations with key counterparts, and a high level of trust with public and private organizations; excellent written communication skills sufficient to prepare high quality regular and ad hoc reports on program activities and progress, presentations; and the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Maximum Points Available: 100.
D. Term of Performance
The term of the contract will be for one year with the option for an extension based upon performance and need. Selection of the preferred candidate and contract award will be made as soon as possible, subject to an interviews and medical and security clearances. Within 4 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Kabul to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS 14. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history.
In addition, the Mission has 35% Post Differential allowance and 30% Danger Pay. FICA and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID for U.S. PSCs only. During this one year period you will be entitled to two Rest and Recuperation trips (R&R) and two Regional Rest Breaks. While you will have to use your Annual Leave or Compensatory off for R&R, you will be entitled to 5 days Administrative Leave plus two days of travel time for each Regional Rest Break. Currently, there are 2 destinations for Regional Rest Break - they are: Dubai and New Delhi.
Afghanistan is a no-dependent post.
E. General information regarding living and working conditions in Afghanistan
Life in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan has somewhat improved since the establishment of the government, and great strides have been made to regularize the availability of services, utilities, and supplies of common consumer items. Living conditions, however, are still difficult but this is an historical opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team to assist the Afghans to bring about peace and stability to their war-torn country. Afghanistan is an unaccompanied post. All staff will be housed on the heavily guarded and fortified Embassy compound, at a military compound, or at a PRT with day-to-day work in GIRoA ministries, especially the Ministry of Mines.
F. Medical and Security Clearance
The selected applicant must be able to obtain (US Citizens should obtain USG Secret Level and Third Country Nationals should obtain employment authorization) security clearance. US Citizens should obtain Department of State Class I Medical Clearance and Third Country Nationals should obtain Medical Clearance and certify it by USG certified doctor.
G. Benefits:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]
A. BENEFITS:
o FICA Contribution
o Contribution toward Health & life insurance
o Pay Comparability Adjustment
o Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
o Annual & Sick Leave
o Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service as per post policy
B. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):
(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)
(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)
(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and
(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)
(8) Education Allowance (Section 270)
(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
(10)Education Travel (Section 280)
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
C. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes
under the foreign earned income exclusion.
H. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs/AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs
AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays
AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical expense payment responsibility
AAPD 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase
AAPD 06-01 Medical evacuation insurance
CIB 01-10 Revision of medical clearance process - PSC with U.S. Citizens
CIB 01-07 Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs
CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs)
CIB 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process - PSCs with U.S. Citizens
CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts
CIB 99-22 PSC Policy
CIB 98-23 Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements
CIB 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs
CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs
CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D.
CIB 97-17 PSC's with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens
CIB 97-16 Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less
CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts
CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors
CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract
CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles
Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:
#psc
Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at:
I. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:
For initial consideration:
1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vita
3. OF-612
J. APPLYING
Qualified individuals are required to submit a U.S government OF-612 form which is available at:
1: ,
2: Federal Offices
3: or at USAID/Afghanistan web site at
Applications without completed OF-612 form will not be considered.
Applicant's CVs should also be included as an attachment.
All applications should be submitted electronically to e-mail address
Attention: Seetha Chayapathi
Human Resources Specialist
USAID/Afghanistan
Applications should only be sent to the e-mail address given above.
To Ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for an interview. Applicants may submit an application against this solicitation at any time but prior to July 27, 2009, 16:30hrs Kabul time unless revised.
Please note that only short listed candidates will be notified.
List of Required PSC forms outlined below can be found at:
1. OF-612
2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)
3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) SF-86, or
4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)
5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). Standardized regulations (government civilians foreign areas)
Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.
Point of Contact
Seetha Chayapathi, Human Resources Specialist, Phone (in Afghanistan) -
(202) 216-6288 Ext. 4440; Fax (202) 216-6288 (Ext. 4440) Email:
.
Place of Performance
Address: USAID/Afghanistan
U.S. Embassy
Great Masoud Road
Kabul, Afghanistan
