1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 306-09-103/OEG
2. ISSUING DATE: June 29, 2009
3. CLOSING DATE: July 28, 2009 16:30hrs Kabul time
4. POSITION TITLE: Urban Planner Advisor
5. Number of Positions: One
6. MARKETING VALUE: GS-14 ($83,445 - $108,483)
7. ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION: USAID/AFGHANISTAN
8. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Head of Office of Economic Growth,
USAID/Afghanistan and receives technical direction from the Ministry of Urban Development
9. SUPERVISORY CONTROL: Minimal. The incumbent is
expected to act independently with little direction.
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 URBAN PLANNER ADVISOR
A. BACKGROUND:
Of the estimated 25 million residents of Afghanistan, approximately 22% reside in urban areas, areas with numbers rising rapidly. During the conflict of the past two and a half decades the social and economic infrastructure of Afghanistan was virtually destroyed. Most cities in Afghanistan now face acute shortages of housing and basic services. Seventy eight percent of the population now lives in rural areas but the stronger employment growth in the cities is encouraging a rural to urban migration. The country's urban population is concentrated in 5 of its 34 provinces: Kabul ( million), Herat ( million), Nangahar ( million), Balkh ( million), and Kandahar (1.0 million). These provinces with about a third of the country's population ( million), have large urban concentrations that grew at very fast rates (around 17% in Kabul) in the post Taliban years as refugees flowed back into the major urban area settling largely in informal and unplanned settlements. Moreover, United Nations estimates that between 2000 and 2015 the national population is expected to increase by 14 million with more than half this growth occurring in urban areas.
USAID/Afghanistan aims to expand the capacity of the GIRoA manage growth in urban areas through providing high-level advisory support to the Minister of Urban Development (MUD) on a range of issues dealing with urban planning and particularly, the GIROA's development of master plans for the country's major urban areas.
B. BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:
The incumbent will have the following duties and responsibilities:
Based in Kabul, Afghanistan, the Urban Planning Advisor will report to the Head of the Office of Economic Growth (OEG) and will develop the capacity within the Ministry of Urban Development to develop comprehensive urban master plans for the major urban areas of Afghanistan. Thus, s/he will receive technical director from the Ministry of Urban Development. S/he will be responsible for providing a full range of analytical, technical and management services to stand up within the Ministry of Urban Development the capacity to manage development of master urban plans for the country's urban areas that are consistent with contemporary international best practices in the area. This includes: advice, coordination, monitoring, information gathering, analysis, and design leading to master plans for Afghanistan's 5 major urban areas. A cadre of urban planners with the skills to develop further master plans and to continue to update the ones in place will also be instituted. S/He will also represent the Mission on urban planning-related activities with Embassy colleagues, GIRoA officials, coalition forces, program partners, and other stakeholders.
As an Urban Planning Advisor the incumbent will perform duties and responsibilities which may include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
• Assist the Ministry of Urban Development to assess, monitor and report on the capacity of basic infrastructure, road networks, public utility services, social services and municipal buildings in the selected 5 urban areas;
• Advise the Ministry of Urban Development on how to build capacity within the Ministry on the development of city plans and development strategies;
• Advise the Ministry of Urban Development on the installation of geographic information systems (GIS) to improve the Ministry's urban planning for housing, economic development, social services, transportation, public utilities, and water and waste management;
• Assist the Ministry of Urban Planning to coordinate with municipal planning staffs and to improve planning synchronization and get municipal buy-in and input into the master urban plans;
• Assist the Ministry of Urban Development with communication to national, provincial and municipal authorities on the urban planning process and the synchronization of current national-level plans, policies, and priorities related to urban planning;
• Provide urban planning expertise to the USAID Mission Director, Director of the Office of Economic Growth, USAID COTRs managing land reform and municipal development programs, field project officer, and Department of State representatives;
• Prepare and submit appropriate documents such as analytical reports, briefing materials, decision memoranda, correspondence, and others related to the specific area(s) of assignment;
Provide support to the Mission and US Embassy in the tracking of implementation; identification and resolution of problems and institutional issues that impact the implementation of urban planning projects.
Serve as an extended member of the Mission's teams working on urban planning issues, including the Office of Economic Growth, in particular, land reform specialist and relevant land market development program, and Office of Democracy's municipalities program. Serve as a point of contact for Urban Planning issues with GIRoA officials, Embassy colleagues, coalition forces, other donors, implementing partners and other stakeholders.
Assist the Ministry of Urban Planning to Prepare Geographical Information System (GIS) maps of the five major urban areas and conduct GIS analysis
• Advise the Ministry of Urban Development on implementation of the National Land Policy, particularly on how to incorporate informal settlements into the formal city master plans in Afghanistan's five major urban areas. This will be complementary to the Mission's larger programs working in this regard.
• Serve as an additional monitor on USAID programs working in this area, contribute to problem solving and coordination among programs and donors.
This is a senior level professional urban planning managerial position that requires hands-on technical skills, well developed interpersonal and managerial skills, sound judgment, and the ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders. The incumbent must work with general Agency policy guidance and must exercise a high degree of personal initiative. The individual must be able to set and meet deadlines in a complex organizational structure.
C. Duties and Responsibilities
Capacity building and policy development and implementation
The incumbent serves as a key Mission and GIRoA Advisor on urban planning. The incumbent develops and analyzes policy options for USAID and for Afghan authorities in urban planning and the development of GIRoA's capacity for urban planning. S/he identifies constraints and synergies with Afghanistan and USG programs, and utilizes knowledge to recommend and oversee reform programs, for the approval of USAID.
The incumbent is one of the key Mission contacts with GIRoA and other international donor organizations providing technical assistance to GIRoA for the development of master urban plans for Afghanistan's five largest urban areas and the development of an urban planning capacity within the Ministry of Urban Development based on best contemporary practices. On a continuing basis, the incumbent critically reviews USG and other donor assistance activities to ensure maximum coordination, and leverage for USG policy initiatives. The incumbent will help to monitor USAID projects that have an urban planning component, such as the Afghanistan Municipal Strengthening Program, and will report to the USAID Mission on the progress of the urban planning component of such projects. The incumbent will be responsible for facilitating coordination between the Ministry of Urban Development, the USAID Mission and projects with an urban planning component. The incumbent will participate in the coordination of urban planning and program implementation with GIRoA counterpart agencies, suppliers, contractors and donor agencies (i.e., the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank, etc) working in the sector. S/he also participates in project planning, implementation and other technical meetings, as required.
The incumbent will submit status and other reports and memoranda to the Mission Management regarding progress and performance, problems and corrective actions, and general oversight. Reports shall be of sufficient scope so as to be useful to USAID in fully monitoring the progress of the contract administration and review contractor performance. Where deficiencies are noted, recommends corrective action.
D. EVALUATION CRITERIA/SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:
1. Technical Skills: (35 points)
• Extensive multi-disciplinary experience working in city or urban planning to assist ministerial and municipal staffs with strategic planning and program synchronization;
• Applicant to posses a masters degree in urban planning, land management, engineering, or similar technical nature and have extensive experience in city infrastructure planning and maintenance, preferably in a less-developed country. Experience with maintaining and developing solutions for aging infrastructure;
• Experience working and presenting projects to a city manager or city council;
• Ability to train, coach, and mentor others in urban or city planning and build their capacity in project development and presentation;
2. Management Skills: (35 points)
• Demonstrated urban planning management skills including previous experience in advising host country counterparts on urban planning issues required.
• Extensive field experience, preferably in developing country environments and in project development and management in the area of urban planning and capacity building for urban planning required.
3. Interpersonal Skills: (15 points) Prior experience and demonstrated ability to interact effectively with senior GIRoA officials and other stakeholders, and the ability to work productively in a multicultural environment required. Ability to work effectively as part of a team required.
4. Communication Skills: (15 points) Must have a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively through oral presentations and briefings, written reporting and analysis, and information technology tools. Candidates with local language skills and Afghanistan experience are highly desired.
Maximum Points Available: 100.
E. 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. Employee is authorized two R&R (Rest and Recuperation) and three RRBs (Regional Rest Break) during the 1-year assignment period. In lieu of the three RRBs, employee may be authorized an additional R&R trip for a total of three R&R trips
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 one-day travel time going and one-day travel for coming 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.
F. 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.
G. 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.
H. 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.
I. 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:
J. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:
For initial consideration:
1. Cover Letter
2. Curriculum Vita
3. OF-612
K. APPLYING
Interested applicants must submit:
1. his/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;
2. signed OF-612;
3. three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts,
a. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Afghanistan will only contact references for the finalist, and will only do so with the permission of the applicant.
4. a written statement that addresses the Evaluation/Selection Criteria in this solicitation.
The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.
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 28, 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
