Turkmenistan Country Director in USAID/Central Asia, Turkmenistan

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 28/2022ISSUANCE DATE: 08/23/2022      CLOSING DATE:  09/30/2022 (6:00 pm Ashgabat local time)SUBJECT:  Solicitation for U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) No. 28-2022Turkmenistan Country Director in USAID/Central Asia, TurkmenistanDear Prospective Offerors:The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the solicitation.This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a USPSC contract, nor

does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offer.Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.Sincerely,Michael TeskeActing Executive OfficerATTACHMENT 1                                                                                   SOLICITATION NO. 28/2022I.  GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO.:  27/20222. ISSUANCE DATE:  08/23/20223. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS:  09/30/2022 (6:00 PM Ashgabat local time)4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/CA Human Resources, e-mail: almatyhr@usaid.gov and centralasiajobs@usaid.gov (with autoreply)5. POSITION TITLE:  Turkmenistan Country Director in USAID/Central Asia, Turkmenistan 6. MARKET VALUE:  $95,973-$124,764 per annum (equivalent to GS-14). Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: The duty post for this contract is Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The selected candidate is expected to work eight hours per day during the core working hours of the USAID/Central Asia Mission/Turkmenistan.Overseas USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The U.S. Personal Services Contract will be for one year (subject to possible extension)9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:  Secret ClearanceII. STATEMENT OF DUTIES1. Basic Function of the PositionThe U.S. partnership with Turkmenistan is critical for competing with growing Russian and Chinese influence in the region. Bordering Iran and Afghanistan and with strong cultural ties to Russia and economic vulnerability to China, Turkmenistan is critical to Central Asian security. One of the most isolated countries in the world—due to its location and policy of neutrality—Turkmenistan has limited exposure to international best practices and western media. Isolation, insufficient economic reforms, and a tightly controlled media and civil society limit U.S. engagement and influence. However, after years of economic downturn, Turkmenistan is more open to bilateral relationship and foreign assistance than it has been in more than a decade. USAID assistance in Turkmenistan addresses good governance, market-based economic principles, workforce development, health, management of shared water resources, climate change, energy and agriculture. Turkmenistan’s ongoing economic stagnation—due in large part to its undiversified economy—increases its vulnerability to the influence of malign actors. The economy relies heavily on natural gas exports and has been in recession or stagnation since the sharp drop in oil and gas prices in 2014. The negative impacts of the economic downturn have been felt in all sectors of society retarding growth and development. Innovation and growth are stifled by Turkmenistan’s heavy-handed bureaucracy, a leftover from its Soviet past. These factors increase Turkmenistan’s vulnerability to state actors such Russia and China with tight central control over economy, politics, and society. USAID assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) helps generate revenue, jobs, innovation, and opportunities in Turkmenistan, promoting the eventual self-reliance of the fledgling Turkmen private sector and lessening dependence on outside predatory actors. So far, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is having little impact on the political, economic, and social landscapes and the Government of Turkmenistan (GoTM) has refused to lend direct support to the Kremlin. To mitigate the impact of sanctions against Russia on Turkmenistan, USAID plans to focus on helping Turkmenistan create jobs, drive sustainable, private sector-led economic development that will increase regional and global trade integration, while diminishing dependence on Russian markets.USAID’s bilateral and regional portfolio is focused on forging partnerships with Government of Turkmenistan (GoTM), private sector and civil society to foster inclusive governance and citizen input in decision-making, improve the investment climate and expand trade, and water management and climate change. USAID’s annual assistance budget to Turkmenistan is approximately $8.6 million, including regional and bilateral resources. The USAID Turkmenistan Country Office (TKO) Director and the team play a leadership role in the design, management, implementation, and monitoring of bilateral and regional USAID activities.  For example, the TKO led the design and implementation of a new bi-lateral workforce development activity and is supporting and leading the designs of the new local works and governance activities respectively.  The TKO also provides critical support to regional and multi-country activities and initiatives in its role as the primary interface with the GoTM as well as other diplomatic, donor and development partners, private sector, and civil society in Turkmenistan.  The USAID TKO also serves as the lead of the U.S. Embassy’s Assistance Working Group, coordinating development programming across multiple U.S. government agencies working in Turkmenistan.The incumbent serves as USAID's Country Office Director for Turkmenistan located in Ashgabat and reports directly to the USAID/Central Asia (USAID/CA) Regional Mission Director in Almaty.  In this role, s/he supports USAID's Turkmenistan portfolio of approximately $8.6 million in programs across multiple sectors in close coordination and in collaboration with USAID/CA technical offices – the Economic Development Office and Democracy and Health Office. S/he represents USAID to the Government of Turkmenistan (GoTM), private sector, civil society, and diplomatic, donor and development partner community as well as within U.S. Embassy Ashgabat inter-agency.  The incumbent will engage in policy dialogue with senior GoTM officials, diplomatic missions, other donors, international organizations, local non-government organizations, and private sector actors to advance USAID objectives in Turkmenistan and Central Asia.  The work involves substantial coordination and engagement with these institutions across all sectors and areas of USAID programming.Change of country leadership in 2022, Turkmenistan unequivocally signals its transition to a greater economic reforms and diversification path.  This position plays a key role in supporting Turkmenistan’s ongoing reform agenda to include President Serdar Berdimuhamedow’s vision for digital transformation, improved business environment, better governance, health and education.  A key element of USAID’s work is to expand and deepen engagement with national government entities to strengthen governance and increase citizen participation in democratic processes.  The incumbent will play a key role in expanding USAID’s relationship with the GoTM.The incumbent also serves as U.S. Mission Turkmenistan’s Foreign Assistance Coordinator, coordinating over $10 million in foreign assistance from three U.S. government agencies and providing policy recommendations to the Ambassador.  In this role, s/he leads the Mission’s Assistance Working Group and is a member of multiple other sectoral working groups. The incumbent is also responsible for leading and coordinating all foreign assistance-related strategic planning, budgeting, and reporting processes, including the Mission Resource Request, Operational Plan, and Performance Plan and Report.The incumbent manages a talented team of four local staff members.   S/he is a key member of the USAID/CA's Senior Management Team as well as U.S. Embassy Ashgabat’s Country Team 2. Major Duties and Responsibilities:Strategic LeadershipConceptualizes and leads USAID’s strategic planning processes for Turkmenistan across sectors and with external partners.Provides guidance to USAID/CA’s technical teams on strategic priorities and programming options based oncountry context and active engagement with the GoTM, civil society, private sector, academia, and other stakeholders. Represents USAID to the U.S. Embassy’s inter-agency, to ensure the alignment with broad USG policies and strategies.Represents USAID in discussions with host country counterparts regarding strategic interests and priorities inTurkmenistan and Central Asia.Understands and applies development concepts to forge stronger development partnerships with Turkmenistan.Serves as a Turkmenistan subject matter expert for USAID/CA and USAID/Washington global and regionalprogramming.Program and Team ManagementManages a four-person team in Ashgabat responsible for representing and advancing USAID’s interests and programs in Turkmenistan, including the establishment of office priorities and a conducive work environment.Provides staff with mentorship and professional development opportunities.Plays a lead role in the design, implementation, and monitoring of USAID’s bilateral and regional programming to include activities related to trafficking in persons, health, private sector engagement, workforce development, civil society, water management, climate change and good governance.   Actively collaborates with other USAID and inter-agency senior managers to identify and leverage opportunities, respond to challenges, and solve problems. Works with technical offices to maximize resource use and identify and implement linkages between the Mission’s programs.Encourages Ashgabat staff to collaborate with USAID/CA teams and offices in Almaty to promote a mission-wide team spirit and improve communication.Partners with USAID/CA’s development outreach and communications team to increase awareness of USAID engagement and programming in Turkmenistan with a focus on the benefit to citizens across the country.Represents USAID to internal and external stakeholders, including government, diplomatic missions, civil society, private sector, and academia, to advance regional and bilateral objectives and programming.Reviews and clears a wide range of documents on behalf of USAID for U.S. Mission Turkmenistan and USAID/CA (e.g. cables, reports, briefing checklists).Inter-Agency Coordination/U.S. Mission Turkmenistan Assistance Coordinator (30%)Leads U.S. Mission Turkmenistan's Assistance Working Group to coordinate engagement and programming across all U.S. government agencies partnering with Turkmenistan. On behalf of the Chief of Mission, coordinates U.S. government strategic planning, budgeting, and reporting processes for Turkmenistan, including the Mission Resource Request, Operational Plan and Performance Plan and Report.Under Chief of Mission Direction, lead foreign assistance-related engagement with the GoTM (e.g. initiate or negotiate bilateral sector agreements, prepare for bilateral dialogues, advance joint initiatives, etc).Supervisory RelationshipThe incumbent will report directly to the USAID/Central Asia Regional Mission Director.  S/he will work with little guidance.  The Mission Director will provide direction on outcomes to be achieved and expects the incumbent will determine the methods to attain those outcomes and assign work to subordinates or issue requests for documentation, attendance at meetings, data, etc. to other office directors or their designees.  The Mission Director will expect the incumbent to address the full array of standard Program Cycle tasks and report to or consult the Mission Director on higher-level tasks or challenges that would have a broad and substantive impact on Mission operations and programming.Supervision/Oversight Over OthersThe incumbent will exercise the full range of normal supervision of four local staff. S/he has final responsibility for the technical and managerial performance of subordinates, as well as their conformance with policy, regulations, and procedures.  S/he also initiates and reviews proposals for all types of personnel actions affecting his/her subordinates.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.II.  MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION 1. GENERAL: Must be a U.S. citizen. Must be able to obtain a U.S. Government “FACILITY ACCESS” security clearance. Must be able to secure a medical clearance to serve in Central Asia. Must be willing to travel throughout the five countries in Central Asia. Must have High Threat Security Overseas Seminar (HTSOS) and Foreign Affairs Counter Threat (FACT) trainings before arriving at post. Available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months.2. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the duties described above such as political science, law, international development, or a related discipline is required.3. PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE Minimum of five years of hands-on management experience, demonstrating sound and independent judgment, leadership and interpersonal skills, and ability to strategize, develop and effectively implement programs is required. Minimum of five years professional experience in development is required.Professional experience demonstrating management abilities, including: management of teams; ability to prioritize activities and implement numerous assignments concurrently; respond quickly, effectively and flexibly to wide-ranging requests; and operate effectively in a cross-cultural setting.4. SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Demonstrated ability to assess priority host country development assistance needs and to negotiate with highest level government officials on sensitive political, policy, and country program priorities is required.Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural setting.  Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to engage productively with colleagues at all levels are paramount. Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy to make and maintain productive contacts with senior GOK representatives, NGOs, and private sector officials.  Verbal communication skills are also needed to advise senior USAID and U.S. Embassy officials, negotiate USAID plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members.  Excellent written communication skills to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.Successful experience supervising and/or leading teams of professionals.  The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to work on his/her own, as a member of a team or office, and as a mentor to staff, proactively working to achieve consensus on policy, project and administrative matters.  Ability to effectively motivate and supervise staff.Proven skills in project design, implementation and grant and contract management, financial management, performance monitoring, and evaluation.6.  LANGUAGE SKILLS: Native level of professional English is required.III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO 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 CO 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 CO 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. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.Applicants who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection Factors will be further evaluated. Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. Candidates meeting the above required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application.After meeting the minimum qualifications, consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the Evaluation Criteria. Additionally, USAID may request writing samples and an interview from the top-scoring candidates. Top-scoring candidates will also be asked to provide three professional references. Please note that not all applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless the expenses are pre-authorized. Reference checks may be conducted on candidates selected for an interview.Applicants must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).Applicants will be evaluated against the following criteria (100 points total):1. Education (10 points)Bachelor’s degree in a field relevant to the duties described above such as political science, law, international development, or a related discipline is preferred.  In cases of exceptional work experience, other relevant degrees and/or work experience will be taken into consideration.                            2. Work Experience (35 points)Strong hands-on experience at an advanced management level, demonstrating sound and independent judgment, leadership and interpersonal skills, and ability to strategize, develop and effectively manage programs.Professional experience in international development with background in areas such as strategic planning and budget management. Professional experience related to personnel and project management, monitoring and evaluation, and additional technical experience in any of the above areas is also highly desirable.Professional experience demonstrating strong team and time management abilities, including management of teams; ability to prioritize activities and implement numerous assignments concurrently; respond quickly, effectively and flexibly to wide-ranging requests; and operate effectively in a cross-cultural setting..3. Knowledge (20 points) Broad knowledge of international development programs and policies;In-depth knowledge and skill in conceptualizing programming, policies, and plans, and developing strategies for their implementation;Demonstrated ability to influence government priorities and decision-making; Familiarity with USAID policies, programming and management precepts is desirable.  Proven ability to effectively plan, direct, administer and supervise USAID country programs.4. Skills and Abilities (35 points)Demonstrated ability to assess priority host country development assistance needs and to negotiate with highest level government officials on sensitive political, policy, and country program priorities is required.Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural setting.  Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability to engage productively with colleagues at all levels are paramount. Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy to make and maintain productive contacts with senior GoTM representatives, diplomatic missions, NGOs, and private sector officials.  Verbal communication skills are also needed to advise senior USAID and U.S. Embassy officials, negotiate USAID plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members.  Excellent written communication skills to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.Successful experience supervising and/or leading teams of professionals.  The incumbent must demonstrate the ability to work on his/her own, as a member of a team or office, and as a mentor to staff, proactively working to achieve consensus on policy, project and administrative matters.  Ability to effectively motivate and supervise staff.Proven skills in project design, implementation and grant and contract management, financial management, performance monitoring, and evaluation.TERM OF PERFORMANCEThe base term of the contract will be for a period of two years, which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to, continued need, satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-14 position in the USG Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change on a similar basis as for direct-hire USG employees will be added.SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCEThe USPSC will be required to complete a full physical examination (including relevant immunizations) from his/her own physician and then obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to service overseas. Also, USAID/Central Asia must initiate a security clearance prior to the Contractor’s travel to post of duty. Until a temporary or final adjudication of a security clearance is received, the contract shall not be signed.If a candidate fails to obtain a security clearance (temporary or full) within six months, the offer may be retracted.                       VI. SUBMITTING AN OFFERSubmission of a résumé alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described in this section. Failure to provide the required information and/or materials will result in your not being considered for employment. All application packages are to be submitted via email to: centralasiajobs@usaid.gov, citing the Solicitation number and the Position title.Interested individuals meeting the Minimum Qualifications above are required to submit the following:1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I.3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents4. Cover letter and current résumé/curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/résumé 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. Ensure the application covers the evaluation and selection criteria, as outlined in Section III of this solicitation.5. Applicants must provide a minimum of three references within the last five years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Ideally, references should be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.7. 4. Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - The Offeror will be required to show proof that the Offeror is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 on or before the first date of onboarding, or submit an approved reasonable accommodation to the CO. If the contractor does not meet this requirement the contract may be terminated.** See Notice Regarding Any Court Order Affecting the Implementation of E.O. 14042 in Section VIII below.V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRESOnce the Contracting Officer informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms will be provided. http://www.usaid.gov/forms1. Medical History and Examination form (DS-6561)2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or Questionnairefor Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)3. Finger Print Card (FD-258)4. Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306)The above listed forms shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCESAs a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:1. BENEFITS (if applicable)(a) Employer's FICA Contribution(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment(d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation(f) Annual and Sick Leave(g) Medevac insurance(h) Access to Embassy medical facilities when in Almaty, Kazakhstan(i) Paid Parental Leave Benefit(j) Relocation Expense Benefit2. ALLOWANCES: (if Applicable)The following allowances may be provided for PSCs located in foreign countries using rates prescribed under the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign areas) available athttps://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101:(a) Post Allowance (Section 220)(b) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)(c) Education Allowance (Section 270)(d) Education Travel (Section 280)(e) Post Differential (Chapter 500), and(f) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)VII.  TAXESIt is the responsibility of the selected candidate to abide by the tax regulations. USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCsUSAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf .Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms .Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at  http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs .Ethical Conduct.  By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations .