STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The basic function of this position is to provide non-prescriptive security support to USAID Implementing Partners (IPs) throughout the country. The Partner Liaison Security Specialist (PLSS) position and duties are primarily to help IPs, and their sub-partners, to better manage and mitigate their security risks. USAID’s Automated Directives System (ADS) Chapter 573 provides additional background information. Previous experience indicates that the most effective PLSSs build trust and confidence with IPs, respecting their organizational cultures and approaches. PLSS services will be offered to IPs but they will not be required to utilize them.
The PLSS is a full-time Cooperating Country National (CCN) position located in the USAID/Ukraine Executive Office (EXO) reporting to the Supervisory Management Specialist
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The PLSS will have Individual and Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) contractor oversight duties. The PLSS will be responsible for providing the critical services described below:
Safety & Security 50%: Establishes strategic relationships with local, regional and national Government of Ukraine (GOU) security agencies to include local and national police, and military units related to citizen security and/or civil affairs (e.g. Territorial Defense); and liaises as necessary to ensure USAID can assess security conditions on the ground and its potential impact on USAID-funded activities. Provides timely safety information for rural and urban areas where USAID program activities are being implemented; including monitoring trips, gauging security situations prior to travel, and communicating risk assessments to staff traveling on site visits.
Acts as point of contact for staff, for IP security coordinators, and beneficiaries as requested by senior management. Reviews IP security plans and collaborate with IP security coordinators and (if established) the Mission’s Partner Liaison Security Platform (PLSP) or similar support mechanism, on matters related to security, risk and evacuation plans.
Operations 30%: Individually and as part of COR contractor oversight duties, the incumbent advises USAID on the communication, transportation, and safety/security requirements for all USAID programs and will be a principal USAID point-of-contact for the RSO and inter-agency partners.
a) Training: Assesses needs and develops training programs for field operations that respond to an increasingly insecure environment for IP personnel. Researches, organizes and provides references and guidelines for effective standard operating procedures for USAID employees operating throughout Ukraine.
b) COR Responsibilities: Serves as Contracting Officer’s Representative for the (if established) Mission’s Partner Liaison Security Platform (PLSP) or similar support mechanism. This includes functioning as and performing all expected duties of a USAID COR (should a PLSP or similar support mechanism be established), including but not limited to providing contractor technical direction, reviewing and approving contractor work-products, evaluating contractor performance, maintaining productive communications with the contractor, and performing contract project and financial management for interventions within the scope of work of the contractor. The position is planned to manage an award for IP security support services, including training, guidance, and communications with relevant internal and external partners, as well as related support to USAID internally. Assists in the organization, design and implementation of projects to improve risk management and control.
c) Personnel and Organization: Evaluates security requirements, both current and projected, and develop appropriate personnel and organizational security strategies, to support USAID mission programming.
d) Technical Expertise: Provides technical expertise and skills for the implementation of USAID operations in high-risk environments in coordination. Integrates elements of risk assessment and low-visibility presence into program operations in high-risk or potentially hostile areas in Ukraine.
Strategic Planning 20%: Individually and as part of COR contractor oversight duties:
Develops a USAID/Ukraine Safety and Security Plan, including guidance on minimization and mitigation of risk to IP personnel and to mission-funded programs. Advises USAID on security and risk factors affecting USAID programs throughout Ukraine, and advises USAID on responding to the safety and security needs of IPs and options for reducing/mitigating risk to staff, programs, and equipment. Monitor USAID and Embassy safety and security policies and practices, and relevant Ukraine laws and established rules, procedures and guidelines, especially as they apply to or affect USAID’s IPs. Develops security strategies to enhance off-site operations for USAID projects in Ukraine, while still maintaining acceptable risk levels. Participates in regular U.S. Embassy security and risk-related meetings at the request of USAID.
The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship Program, and other events as necessary, in accordance with USAID policy.
Supervisory Relationship: Works under the general supervision of the Supervisory Management Specialist, who sets objectives of a broad nature; the incumbent handles all work independently according to policies or accepted practice and resolves problems which arise in the Executive Office by determining approaches to be taken and methods to be used. Supervisor’s review when necessary is limited to adherence to broad policy or procedure. The majority of assignments accrue from the normal flow of office functions. COR duties will be delegated from and overseen solely by the relevant Contracting Officer in coordination with the Supervisory Management Specialist.
Supervisory Exercised: This is a non-supervisory position.
Physical Demand: The work requested does not involve undue physical demand.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE:
Education: Minimum of bachelor’s degree in civil defense, crisis management, criminal justice, project management/business administration, economics, military studies, security operations, civil affairs, law enforcement, law or legal studies, homeland security, counter-terrorism studies or relevant field is required.
Prior Work Experience: Minimum five years of experience/training in the areas of citizen security, civil affairs, physical and operational security, military/police operations, and/or civil defense.
Language Proficiency: Fluency (Level IV) in English and Ukrainian (oral and writing ability) is required.
EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:
The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The Contracting Officer 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 Contracting Officer 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 Contracting Officer 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.
The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed.
Selection Process and Basis of Evaluation: Offerors who meet or exceed the minimum education and work experience qualification requirements may be further evaluated through review of the offeror’s submitted required documents (see points below) and ranked based on the evaluation and selection factors. A competitive range may be established of the highest-ranked offerors, who may be further evaluated through technical/language tests, interviews, and reference checks to determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/ highest-ranked offeror at the conclusion of evaluations. If negotiations are not successful with the highest ranked candidate, negotiations may be conducted with the next-highest ranked candidate.
100 points –Skills and Abilities: Ability to successfully achieve the Major Duties and Responsibilities as listed in this solicitation; including knowledge of local, regional and national Government of Ukraine (GOU) security agencies to include local and national police, and military units related to citizen security and/or civil affairs (e.g. Territorial Defense), and demonstrated understanding of security and risk factors which could affect USAID programs throughout Ukraine, and the demonstrated ability to advise USAID on responding to the safety and security needs of IPs and options for reducing/mitigating risk to staff, programs, and equipment. Strong interpersonal and team-building skills and ability to work with tact, diplomacy, discretion, and have highly developed customer service orientation skills. The successful applicant must demonstrate resourcefulness across cultures with diverse teams, as well as across the USG inter-agency and Ukrainian ministries, local civil society institutions, high-level officials, and grassroots organizations. The individual must have excellent analytical, written, and oral communication skills, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision. The incumbent must have willingness to travel periodically, both within Ukraine and internationally.
05 July 2023
