USPSC Support Relief Group (SRG) – Humanitarian Assistance Advisor to the Military (Multiple Positions)

Job Description

Position Title: Support Relief Group (SRG) – Humanitarian Assistance Advisor to the Military (Multiple Positions)

Solicitation Number: SOL-OFDA-16-000009

Salary Level: GS-13 Equivalent: $73,115 - $95,048 (Hourly Rate: $35.03 - $45.54, Daily Rate: $280.24 - 364.32)

Issuance Date: November 25, 2015

Closing Date: Open and continuous through November 25, 2016 with

three Review Periods closing on:

March 25, 2016, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time

July 25, 2016, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time

November 25, 2016, 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time

Closing Time: 5:00 P.M. Eastern Time

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The SRG HAA/M will, provide support for various operational aspects of MLT and may include all or some of the following:

• Coordinate with the humanitarian community to achieve the best use of military assets by reducing redundant or counterproductive military activities;
• Assist the military in defining and reconciling its role with that of the greater humanitarian relief community;
• Seek out methods to most effectively utilize DoD strengths;
• Represent OFDA in appropriate DoD training and planning exercises with subsequent reporting to OFDA divisions on activities, lessons learned, success and future activities as a result of OFDA participation;
• Represent OFDA in DoD conferences in the context of priorities set forth by the OPS Division Chief, such as, participate in After-action Reviews (AARs), humanitarian exercises sponsored at the Combatant Command level and at operational level and strategic planning exercises normally conducted through Pentagon auspices to interact with policy makers;
• Assist OFDA management in defining a strategy for military coordination which will include guidelines for determining OFDA participation in DoD operations when specific requests are made and where OFDA should request activities and participation;
• Determine whether OFDA participation in DoD humanitarian activities is necessary and useful;
• Provide OFDA briefings and training to uniformed military officers at various DoD educational institutions (War Colleges, National Defense University, Navy Postgraduate School, etc.) and other units. Training includes OFDA’s Joint Humanitarian Operations Course (JHOC).
• Coordinate with DoD and the Department of State’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs to provide OFDA staff with briefings on military procedures, assets, roles, capabilities, culture, chain-of-command and humanitarian-related activities and circulate status reports which summarize DoD activities in which OFDA personnel are involved;
• Deploy with DoD forces in humanitarian emergencies;
• Provide reports, debriefs and evaluations to the MLT Team Leader and other appropriate OFDA staff of all planning, exercises and deployments;
• Assist in the identification of OFDA’s DRD Division deployment needs in designated “at risk” countries where DARTs may deploy; work with other teams within OFDA to determine appropriate DART needs as a basis for contingency planning for personnel and resources;
• May serve as needed, on RMTs which provides services and support to DARTs deployed in response to disasters. The duties on RMTs will be varied.
• May serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas for an extended period of time.
• Assist the MLT in providing classified USG information support to OFDA as requested and to selected DARTs and RMTs on an as-needed basis;
• Assist regional Combatant Commanders (COCOMs) in developing the humanitarian assistance aspect of their strategic operations and crisis action planning products;
• Liaise with the DoD and other elements of the USG in an effort to help the military coordinate with the humanitarian community;
• Support deliberate planning within USAID/OFDA and serve as an expert in contingency, operational, and forward planning across all humanitarian sectors, with a civil-military focus;
• Provide critical monitoring and planning expertise surrounding incipient disasters, disaster response and early recovery. Monitor regional or country based field situations to advise the Military Planning Process, based on changing field circumstances such as the sudden on-set of natural or manmade disaster or the evolution of a slow on-set disaster or crisis;
• Recommend short- and long-range humanitarian assistance goals for OFDA during disasters with a civil-military context, develop detailed plans for implementing them, and oversee implementation at the DC, COCOM, and field level; and
• Provide gap analysis during disaster responses and recommend appropriate missions and tasks for DOD to support the USG response.
• The USPSC and the Supervisor together will develop deadlines, projects, and work to be accomplished.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the education and experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, political science, or a related field), and seven (7) years of relevant work experience. Two (2) years of this experience must be field (domestic or overseas) experience in humanitarian needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation aid.

OR

Master’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field (including, but not limited to, international relations, political science, or a related field), and five (5) years of relevant work experience. Two (2) years of this experience must be field (domestic or overseas) experience in humanitarian needs assessment, analysis, emergency relief program operations, or post-emergency rehabilitation aid.

AND

Professional experience planning for or responding to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Explosive (CBRNE) event.

SELECTION FACTORS

(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)

• Applicant is a U.S. Citizen.
• Complete resume submitted. See cover page for resume requirements. Experience that cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
• USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form.
• Supplemental document specifically addressing the Quality Ranking Factors (QRFs) submitted.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance.
• Ability to obtain a Department of State medical clearance.
• Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.
• Professional experience planning for or responding to a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Explosive (CBRNE) event.

QUALITY RANKING FACTORS (QRFs)

(Used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified applicants in comparison to other applicants. The factors are listed in priority order from highest to least.)

QRF #1 Demonstrated ability to prepare and conduct oral presentations on a wide variety of topics, and the ability to communicate effectively with relevant parties within and outside of OFDA. Demonstrated ability to write clearly and prepare in-depth reports which may include the application of a variety of analytical techniques;

QRF #2 Demonstrated knowledge of the precepts of humanitarian assistance actions/operations and the ability to communicate those precepts to organizations outside of USAID; in particular, DoD;

QRF #3 Demonstrated knowledge of disaster relief and humanitarian assistance concepts, to include knowledge of the political, economic, and cultural impacts of policy decisions on relief efforts during civil conflicts and natural disasters;

QRF #4 Knowledge of and experience with civilian-military planning for CBRNE, complex emergencies, and natural disaster emergencies at three levels; Washington, D.C., the Combat Command level; and at the field level. Experience to include the various types of CBRNE incidents, complex emergencies, natural disasters, events, and accidents as well as the potential impacts and consequences;

QRF #5 Experience in the design, implementation, and evaluation of internal and external training plans and programs; and

QRF #6 Experience in conducting deliberate, contingency, and operational or crisis action planning for operations, contingencies, projects, or missions. For example, experience using the Military Planning Process.

BASIS OF RATING: Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated based on scoring of the QRF responses. 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 QRFs in a separate document describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, and/or education they have received as it pertains to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection factors and/or Quality Ranking Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, and/or training.

The most qualified candidates may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. OFDA will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and academic credentials will be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an applicant. OFDA reserves the right to select additional candidates if vacancies become available during future phase of the selection process.

The Applicant Rating System is as Follows:

QRFs have been assigned the following points:

QRF #1 – 15 points

QRF #2 – 10 points

QRF #3 – 8 points

QRF #4 – 7 points

QRF #5 – 5 points

QRF #6 – 5 points

Interview Performance – 30 points

The interview process will consist of two parts. The initial interview (Part 1 - 10 points) will consist of the Selection Committee asking applicants in the competitive range a set of standard interview questions. The initial interviews may be conducted in-person or by telephone. Applicants who score a full 10 points in Part 1 will be invited to give an oral presentation to the Selection Committee (Part 2 - 20 points).

The presentation content will be provided by the committee and all presenters will use the same content in their presentation. Oral presentations will be conducted in-person in Washington, D.C. OFDA may be able to provide assistance with travel expenses to Washington, D.C. for the oral presentation. Applicants who are eligible for the oral presentation but are unable to travel to Washington may be allowed to provide an audio/visual version of their presentation for the committee’s review.

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – 20 points

Total Possible Points: 100

APPLYING:

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

Qualified individuals are required to submit:

1. Complete resume. In order to fully evaluate your application, your resume must include:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Names and contact information (phone/email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s). Current and/or previous supervisors may be contacted for a reference.

(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

(e) U.S. Citizenship

Your resume should contain sufficient information to make a valid determination that you fully meet the experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in your resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine your qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.

1. Supplemental document specifically addressing the QRFs shown in the solicitation.

1. USPSC Application form AID 302-3. Applicants are required to complete and sign the form.

Additional documents submitted will not be accepted.

By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any email.

DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS

Via email: recruiter@ofda.gov

About the Organization

BACKGROUND

The Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is the office within USAID that is responsible for providing emergency non-food humanitarian assistance in response to international crises and disasters. OFDA is part of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance (DCHA) and is organized into six divisions.

The Africa and the Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East (ALE) Divisions are responsible for the provision of emergency humanitarian assistance through a grants mechanism to non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations (IOs) including the United Nations (UN) agencies and to other partners to ensure the implementation and delivery of this assistance. These Divisions also oversee OFDA’s non-response efforts in disaster risk reduction and resilience. Africa and ALE also coordinate with other organizations for the provision of relief supplies and assistance. They devise, coordinate and implement program strategies for a variety of natural and human caused disaster situations. Both Divisions encompass groups of technical sector specialists who provide technical expert capability in assessing the quality of disaster response and risk reduction activities.

The Operations Division (OPS) develops and manages logistical and operational support for disaster responses and administrative support to all offices and operations. OPS maintains readiness to respond to emergencies through several mechanisms, including managing Search and Rescue Teams (SAR), coordinating and supporting Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs), and Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate U.S. Government (USG) humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies. OPS performs these functions through four teams, namely, the Disaster Assistance Support Team (DASP), Operations Support Team (OST), Overseas Administration Team (OAT), and the Military Liaison Team (MLT). OPS provides technical guidance and expertise in Disaster Logistics, Search and Rescue, Operations Center Management, Military Liaison, and Consequence Management. It also provides overseas support to OFDA offices and personnel and to other sectors necessary to ensure OFDA’s capacity to execute and coordinate USG humanitarian assistance and response to natural disasters and complex emergencies.

The Program Support (PS) Division provides operational management support, including general administration, budget and financial services, procurement planning, information technology (IT), human resources management including staff care, and contract and grant administration support to OFDA. The PS Division supports OFDA's mandate by providing innovative solutions for IT, staffing, funds control, budgeting, information and human resource management, and procurement to facilitate timely disaster responses.

The Preparation, Strategic Planning and Mitigation (PSPM) Division is responsible for the technical oversight of all OFDA response and mitigation programs, as well as preparation and strategic planning for response, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction activities. The PSPM Division houses technical experts in all sectors potentially affected by disasters, and leads the Agency in developing and promoting best practices for programming in these specific sectors. In addition, PSPM will be the focal point for technological innovations for humanitarian assistance in areas such as monitoring and evaluation, assessment, and information management.

The Humanitarian Policy and Global Engagement (HPGE) Division assists the DCHA front office, the OFDA Director and OFDA Deputy Director with tracking trends and policy developments in the humanitarian assistance field. It engages in policy dialogue with other parts of USAID, the USG interagency, other donors, multilateral agencies, and NGO partners; recommends strategies for action to DCHA; initiates development of policy and internal guidance for OFDA; maintains global relationships with implementing partners, other donors, and the broader humanitarian architecture; engages with the U.N. to advance USG humanitarian policy objectives and to promote humanitarian principles within the USG and internationally. The HPGE Division leads OFDA's communications and social media outreach to effectively communicate OFDA’s story to a variety of strategic audiences; and serves as the office’s primary interlocutor on strategic issues with other federal partners to provide guidance to OFDA on policy issues pertaining to the interagency, and to improve USG humanitarian coordination and response during large-scale crises. The HPGE Division has staff that manage global programs, policy and outreach, strategic communications, and interagency engagement. The HPGE Division also includes Humanitarian Advisors located in Rome, Geneva, and United States Mission to the UN in New York.