Senior Agriculture Policy Advisor

Job Description

SUBJECT: Solicitation # 624-11-013 for a U.S. Personal Service Contractor

Senior Agriculture Policy Advisor – Accra, Ghana

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development/West Africa (USAID/WA), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens individuals interested in providing Personal Services Contractor (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submission shall be in accordance with this solicitation and at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. The Senior Agriculture Policy Advisor position is located in Accra, Ghana.

Any questions on this solicitation should be directed to in writing to Cynthia Arde-Acquah at .

All applications packages are to be submitted to:

Via courier Regional Executive Office

USAID/West Africa

Fourth Circular Rd. CT

P.O. Box 1630

Accra, Ghana

Via email: . Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be Microsoft Word or PDF and should not be zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB.

Late applications will be not be accepted and will be handled in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) .1

USAID/WA anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Service Contract as a result of this solicitation. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as result of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of an application.

Sincerely,

Heather Armstrong

Supervisory Executive Officer

USAID/West Africa

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 624-11-013

1. ISSUANCE DATE: April 15, 2011

1. CLOSING DATE: May 16, 2011

1. 4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Agricultural Policy Advisor

1. 5. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION POSITION: USAID West Africa Agricultural Office. Accra, Ghana

1. 6. POSITION TITLE/GRADE OF DIRECT SUPERVISOR: USAID/West Africa Agriculture Office Chief/FS 01

1. 7. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION (Base Pay): Annual salary ranging from

(GS 14 - $84,697 - $110,104 per annum) With 20% Post Differential (currently). Final compensation will be based on the individual’s salary history, work experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

1. 8. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The incumbent is expected to work with a high level of independence. S/he must be able to set priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance and little or no follow-up.

1. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years

1. SECURITY ACCESS: US: Secret level clearance

1. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: USPSC

1. JOB DESCRIPTION:

Background and Basic Function of the Position

USAID/West Africa Mission was established in 1999 to address critical challenges that are best dealt with at the regional level. The Mission covers the fifteen countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plus six others including Cameroon, Chad, and Mauritania. The Mission bases its approach on its regional advantage in addressing cross-border issues and in providing support to programs and policy reforms in countries where USAID does not have a presence.

A key important strategic objective of the United States Government (USG) in Africa is that of reducing hunger and poverty. Thus, the Mission’s agriculture and food security strategic objective is based on the assumption that ensuring food security and management of environment resources is critical to West Africa’s economic growth and the health of its people. At the regional level USAID/West Africa works with regional organizations such as ECOWAS and Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) and others within the larger framework of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) to achieve this. Thus, USAID/West Africa supports programs to end hunger through research, including biotechnology and horticulture as well as by improving markets and trade especially in agribusiness. USAID/West Africa collaborates with CILSS, Club du Sahel and Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) along with ECOWAS on food monitoring and food policy issues. Within the framework of the West Africa Cotton Improvement program, the Mission will focus on improving production, infrastructure and marketing of cotton in the region.

In West Africa, cotton is critically important particularly to the four countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali - collectively referred to as the C-4 countries. In all C-4 countries, cotton has been a major driver of economic growth, employment, and incomes. It is the main economic activity for over one million households in the C-4, while over ten million farmers depend on the crop for their livelihoods. Cotton is also a major source of government revenue. During the past ten years however, the cotton sector has been plagued with problems, thereby resulting in downward trends in the share of international price received by cotton producers in West Africa, in spite of approximately fourfold increases in production during the past two decades.

Because of the high level of policy dialogue on agriculture issues in the region, USAID is looking for a full-time Senior Agricultural Policy Advisor who will focus on interacting with government and donors on agriculture policy and USAID’s Cotton Program.

13. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. The Senior Agricultural Policy Advisor will be a senior member of the Mission and the Agricultural strategic objective team and as such will advise Mission management on agriculture policies and directions and will be the Mission advocate in the region on agriculture policies.

1. The incumbent who will report to the USAID/West Africa Agriculture Office Chief or his or her designee is expected to provide leadership in the design and integration of the U.S. Government’s (USG) inputs into Feed the Future Program, the West African Cotton Improvement Program (WACIP) and USAID/West Africa agriculture strategic objective as a whole.

1. The incumbent’s program design skills must be complemented with strong skills in program management oversight as well as the ability to monitor and evaluate in order to effectively assess the impact of USG/USAID inputs into the sector.

1. The incumbent must also be a strong team player, charged with providing guidance on effective integration of agriculture, including cotton programs, with the Trade Strategic Objective. This will be achieved through close coordination in program planning and implementation between the Trade and the Food Security and the Agriculture strategic objectives.

1. Specific Tasks: Under the Supervision of the Agriculture Office Chief or his or her designee, the incumbent will:

1. i. Advise Mission management on key agriculture policy issues and directions to be taken by the Mission to achieve strategic objectives results in the sector.

1. ii. Advise, on behalf of USAID/West Africa Mission, senior government and regional organizations on USG policies and priorities - especially on synergies between agriculture and trade.

1. iii. Provide leadership in identifying areas in the cotton industry for policy and strategic analysis in support of more effective programming and benefits for the various stakeholders whose livelihood depends on various aspects of the industry.

1. iv. Provide policy and strategic guidance to USAID grantees in the implementation of activities under this initiative and serve as an advocate for USAID with regional, international and donor organizations in the sector.

1. v. Provide, leadership in work-plan preparation, implementation, monitoring and the evaluation of USAID’s WACIP activities as well as other assigned grants and contracts, ensuring that the activities are consistent with the USAID/West Africa Strategic Framework. Participate in refining the program monitoring plan and indicators for the cotton program.

1. vi. Closely coordinate with other USAID/West Africa Mission’s Technical team leaders the facilitation in the design and implementation of the WACIP and other USAID/West Africa Mission activities.

1. vii. Continually identify ways for improving program performance and impact through such mechanisms as the alignment with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) and country needs and advises the Mission of opportunities for program adjustments to accommodate new activities, including public/private partnerships, Global Development Alliances and other innovative means to expand developmental impact in areas critical to improving the livelihoods of millions of farmers in the region.

1. viii. Provide technical direction to the WACIP grantee managers responsible for the implementation of activities including those in the areas of cotton economic governance, sectorial reforms, and enhanced capacity for midstream (value adding) and downstream (export, marketing) value chain to be determined. Organize and manages the operations of the USAID WACIP activities including budgeting, strategic planning, staff supervision, procurement planning, and mentoring and training of staff. Provide technical direction to other grantees and contractors as assigned.

1. ix. Represent USAID in meetings with: (a) senior representatives of the relevant regional organizations, and (b) other international donor organizations, particularly the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and various bilateral donors such as the EU, Japan, DFID, and CIDA in support of the cotton sector, to coordinate assistance efforts, strengthen program collaboration, and look for opportunities to leverage other donor assistance in support of USAID objectives.

1. x. Prepare as needed program documents such as: USAID’s Annual Report, Congressional Presentation, and USAID’s input into the Mission Performance Plan.

1. xi. As a senior manager in USAID/West Africa Mission, participate, along with other USAID Missions and US Embassy staff in an annual presentation on the progress on the program and seek ideas from colleagues and other USG officials working in the region.

1. 14. SUPERVISION/OVERSIGHT OVER OTHERS: The incumbent is not expected to supervise staff but will provide monitoring and technical directions to implementing partners and policy guidance to the Agricultural technical team.

15. EDUCATION/EXPEREINCE REQUIRED FOR THE POSITION:

1. EDUCATION: Master’s degree in agricultural science or related field, private sector development, international trade, agriculture economics or a related discipline.

1. TECHINCAL KNOWLEDGE: A strong knowledge of agricultural food security and agricultural and economic (business/trade) policy reform is required. Familiarity with agricultural development programs and policies being implemented in Africa by USAID and other donors as well as knowledge of the public/private partnerships.

1. WORK EXPERIENCE: At least ten years of senior agriculture policy advisory experience in international and regional organizations of development related experience, preferably in Africa. Experience and knowledge in one or more of the following areas: trade and investment, and macro and micro-economic policy analysis or agribusiness. Extensive management experience, such as successfully overseeing complex programs and the ability to function as part of a team with supervision provided from another country is required. Professional level leadership and management experience in international organizations bilateral, multilateral and regional organizations.

1. COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: An ability to work as a member of teams and to foster teamwork is required as well as the ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships at all levels, including staff and colleagues, USAID/Washington, the U.S. cotton industry, regional partners, ministerial-level officials in West Africa, the heads of other donor agencies, and leaders of the NGO and corporate community. A strong ability to lead policy and program negotiations and dialogue with host country, U.S. government officials, and the cotton industry.

This is a senior level position at USAID/WEST Africa Mission and requires a combination of high-level interpersonal, managerial, technical and analytical skills. The management environment in which the incumbent will operate is complex, involving a multiplicity of donor and country interests requiring a professional with extremely sophisticated and senior-level team-building and public diplomacy skills.

1. LANGUAGE: Excellent English language (S4/R4) communications skills, both written and oral, including public speaking skills, and a good working (reading and speaking) knowledge in French are essential.

10. OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS:

1. GUIDELINES: The incumbent is expected to become familiar with USAID processes, procedures and rules as documented in the ADS. In situations where the Advisor’s judgment points to a need for additional clarity or guidance, his/her supervisor will provide such guidance with the assistance of the USAID/WA support offices as appropriate. The Advisor will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies, including but not limited to the Automated Directive System (ADS), USG procurement regulations, and USAID program strategy and policy documents. The Advisor must be able to use his/her judgment in interpreting and applying guidelines even when the specificity and applicability of them is not well defined.

The incumbent is required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems.

1. COMPLEXITY: The management environment in which the incumbent will operate is complex, with many donors and country interests and requires a professional with senior-level team-building and public diplomacy skills. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. As a regional advisor the incumbent will represent USAID in consultation with a wide range of public and private sector officials, civil society and community leaders, regional institutions and donors. Within USAID/WA the incumbent will be a principle point of contact for providing technical expertise, advice, informational updates and briefings on issues related to agriculture, agricultural trade and the cotton sector.

1. SCOPE AND EFFECT: The work of the incumbent will impact large programs with substantive effect on large groups. He/she will advise Mission Management and other USG stakeholders on the impact of agricultural programs. He will represent USAID in meetings as in 6.I above.

1. PERSONAL CONTACTS: The advisor will establish and maintain professional contacts/relationships at all levels, including USAID/WA staff and colleagues, USAID/Washington, US Embassies, the U.S. cotton industry, regional partners, ministerial-level officials in West Africa, the heads of other donor agencies, and leaders of the NGO and corporate community.

1. LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Incumbent will also be expected to maintain and manage good working relationships with various stakeholders in USAID/W A and to ensure that the program is in line with USG policies. The purpose of these contacts is to enhance understanding of USG agricultural sector work and share experiences and to foster coherent implementation of agricultural programs.

The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with USAID office personnel as well as representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work where there is often no clear or immediate solution. In addition, considerable judgment is required in working effectively and coordinating multi-sectorial efforts in support of USAID’s development objectives and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions.

1. PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed primarily in the USAID/WA office in Accra, Ghana but requires extensive travel throughout the fifteen countries of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plus six others including Cameroon, Chad, and Mauritania.

11. EVALUATION CRITERIA: Only applicants meeting the required minimum qualifications for the position will be evaluated.

1. EDUCATION (10%)
2. TECHINCAL KNOWLEDGE (20%)
3. WORK EXPERIENCE (40%)
4. COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS (20%)
5. LANGUAGE SKILLS (10%)

12. SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants will be evaluated based on position requirements and evaluation criteria weighting. Those applicants determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Applicants are required to address each of the position requirements on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each requirement. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. USAID may evaluate the applicant’s professional references and academic credentials. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter and USAID will delay such a reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. The selected candidate must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate.) Substantial delay in obtaining either clearance may nullify a job offer, and USAID may offer the position to the next highest ranked candidate. USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with shortlisted applicants to clarify or gain a better understanding of a particular evaluation criteria area listed above.

13. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: Interested applicants must submit (1) his/her most recent curriculum vita (CV) or resume; (2) a signed OF 612 or SF171; (3) names and contact information for at least three professional references able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities; a statement addressing each of the position requirements on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received that are relevant to each requirement; (4) and his/her full mailing address; telephone numbers; and e-mail address(s) and should retain copies for their records of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time to the address specified in the cover letter.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended purpose, please reference the solicitation number on your application, any attachments, and as the subject line in any cover letters; e-mails or faxes. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for interviews.

11. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Interested applicants must submit: (i) his/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/WA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. (The SF 171 or OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.) Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:

Forms outlined below can found at

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612.

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). *

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)

(SF-86), or *

4. Foreign Activity Data (AID 6-85). *

5. Finger Print Cards (SF-87). *

6. E-QIPS Signature Forms.*

7. Notice Required By Privacy Act (AID 500-5).*

8. Fair Credit Reporting Act (AID 500-4).*

* Forms 2 through 8 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) PERTAINING TO PSCS:

CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website

#psc

to determine which CIBs/AAPDs apply to this contract.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a USPSC employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.)

BENEFITS:

Employee’s FICA Contribution

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

*Note: If a US citizen, the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

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) Educational Allowance (Section 270)*

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)*

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)*

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income Taxes