U.S. Personal Service Contractor Senior Natural Resources Advisor, USAID/Zimbabwe

SOLICITATION NUMBER:  72061321R00003ISSUANCE DATE:  March 23, 2021            CLOSING DATE:  April 22, 2021, 1200 Noon CATPOSITION TITLE:  Senior Natural Resources AdvisorMARKET VALUE:  GS-14 Annualized Equivalent Base ($93,907 - $122,077). The final compensation will be negotiated within the market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background.PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:  Harare, ZimbabwePERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:  Two to three years, subject to availability of funds and needs of the Mission.STATEMENT OF WORK:  As described below.PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands.WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Work is primarily performed in an office setting. The work area is well lighted, heated, and ventilated. Temporary Duty (TDY) travel, however, may present instances of temporary environmental stress due to inadequate work conditions.START DATE:  o/a May/June 2021SUPERVISORY CONTROL:  Incumbent reports to

the Economic Growth Office Director.SECURITY ACCESS:  Facilities AccessAREA OF CONSIDERATION:  U.S. CitizensI.          BACKGROUNDUSAID/Zimbabwe is rebuilding its natural resources program after being absent for more than 20 years. While the country was once recognized internationally for the diverse mega-fauna and rare floral populations found in its network of protected areas and a legal and institutional framework that supported innovative co-management arrangements engaging communities and the private sector, such excellence no longer characterizes the enabling conditions for environmental management in Zimbabwe.Plunging funding, staff exodus, and weakened credibility have severely undermined the capacity of the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the Forestry Commission, the Environmental Management Authority, and other institutions responsible for environmental management at the national scale. In turn, this institutional deterioration has weakened the country’s capacity to manage four other indirect drivers of biodiversity and forest decline: population pressure, poverty and food insecurity, land reform, and climate change.Zimbabwe’s self-reliance depends on the productivity of its natural resources, principally land, water, and fauna, yet Zimbabwe’s food, forests, and wildlife are in steep decline. Ongoing droughts, increased poverty, a growing population, poor land use planning, and weak governance are leading to serious degradation of natural resources, especially water, negatively impacting both communities and wildlife. Agricultural production by smallholders is declining, increasing food insecurity of rural communities.In the early 2000s, the Government of Zimbabwe instituted a land-share model to allow private protected areas and conservancies in Southeast Lowveld. The privately held conservancies were designed to create employment opportunities from tourism-based activities, create income generating enterprises for sustainable natural resource management, and share revenue and benefits with the surrounding communities. Technical advice on improved natural resources and tourism management will increase these conservatories’ ability to generate revenue, employ members of the community, and support small and medium enterprise development. With improved business and community management practices, conservatories will be better prepared to work with communities to safeguard Southeast Lowveld’s biodiversity in and around Gonarezhou National Park and leverage sustainably for community economic growth and household resilience. Zimbabwe is a USAID resilience focus country and is a U.S. Government (USG) interagency Eliminate, Neutralize, and Disrupt (END) Wildlife Trafficking focus country. Currently, the political and operating challenges make it unfavorable for USAID to engage directly with the Government of Zimbabwe, thus the mission must seek alternate approaches to further Zimbabweans on their Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR) by partnering with non-governmental organizations and private sector entities on activities that are not directly affiliated with the government. USAID/Zimbabwe will do this by fostering locally led development, mobilizing domestic and other financial resources, and building the capacity of local partners and local systems.In July 2020, USAID Zimbabwe approved the activity called Resilience ANCHORS. The purpose of Resilience ANCHORS is to work with communities around selected landscapes in the southeast Lowveld (SEL) in the Masvingo District. The intention is to work with SEL communities surrounding the Savé Valley Wildlife Conservancy, Bubye Valley Wildlife Conservancy, Gonarezhou National Park, and associated wildlife corridors. The Mission views these landscapes as “resilience anchors” for holistic multi-donor, multifaceted approaches to reduce communities’ chronic vulnerability to climatic shocks and economic stresses. To improve resilience, USAID seeks to assist communities to iterate and scale locally led management models of these landscapes in a comprehensive way and turn them into engines for economic growth. These “resilience anchors” can provide economic opportunities for vulnerable communities to improve their ability to cope with and recover from shocks while conserving the natural resource base for sustainable livelihoods. Partnering with these privately-owned and co-managed wildlife areas also provides USAID with avenues for moving Zimbabwe forward on the J2SR and a means of seeking co-investment for important development interventions in the SEL.The purpose of the activity is to increase the capacity of communities to sustainably protect and manage community-based natural resources and the wildlife economy (based on the conviction that nature is an economic asset) in anticipation of future shocks and stresses.This purpose will be achieved by meeting the following objectives: Improve economic benefits from strengthened community-level governance and oversight of conservation enterprises; Increase sustainable access to supplies of water of sufficient quantity and quality to meet human, economic, and ecosystem needs; and Strengthen locally led development and private sector engagement.II.        DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:       A.   General ResponsibilitiesThe Senior Natural Resources Advisor is the Mission Natural Resources Team Leader. The overall responsibilities are to provide leadership, vision, professional guidance to USAID/Zimbabwe and the U.S. Mission in the broad area of environmental conservation and natural resources management. The work is complex, and the political environment requires a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy in establishing dialogue and developing programs with the private sector, environmental non-governmental organizations, (NGOs), other donors, and the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ) for sustainable natural resource (land, water, forests, and wildlife) management; the protection of biodiversity, and to build resilient communities living around the public and private protected areas.The incumbent requires a depth of technical expertise in (resilience, biodiversity, community-based natural resources management, and water) and program management skills that will allow him/her to provide leadership on these and other policy issues, meeting and collaborating on a regular basis with senior USAID and Embassy Officers, USAID South Africa regional environmental program officials, other donors, high-level private sector and NGO officials, international organizations and at times with high-level GoZ officials. His/her management decisions require the ability to identify, assess, understand, and systematize complex issues as they relate to Zimbabwe’s broader economic, educational, cultural, and political realities that can lead to significant changes or adaptations to national policies in the natural resources/biodiversity sphere.The incumbent will lead the Natural Resources Team and contribute to the overall U.S. government goal to support Zimbabwe’s Journey to Self-Reliance (J2SR) to ensure that all Zimbabwean citizens are able to benefit from democracy, peace, security, and economic and social opportunities. S/he is the Mission’s chief technical expert and resource person on natural resources management, including building resilience for community-based natural resources management, managing landscapes for productive use while conserving natural resources, integrated water management, forests, wildlife, biodiversity, and climate change. S/he provides policy recommendations, as well as strategic and tactical advice, to the Economic Growth Director, Mission Director, and Ambassador, while overseeing program planning, development, and management within the Natural Resources sector.The Senior Natural Resources Advisor may directly supervise one FSN, manage a portfolio of $20 million dollars, and periodically provide advice to the Mission Environmental Officer regarding environmental compliance issues or cross-sectoral initiatives.       B.   SPECIFIC DUTIESProgram Design and ManagementServes as the Contracting Officer Representative for the Resilience ANCHORS activity and carries out all duties and responsibilities as delegated by the Contracting Officer and Office Director.Provides technical expertise to influence policies to assure alignment with the EGO portfolio and Zimbabwe’s J2SR, other donor programs, and other USG programs and foreign policy priorities.Participate as a key member of the Mission Resilience Management Team to ensure that all NRM activities are building resilience of locally led communities.Actively collaborates with other senior managers to identify and leverage opportunities, respond to challenges and solve problems. Takes an active interest in the work of other technical offices to maximize resource use, make programmatic linkages, encourages others to collaborate with other teams and offices to promote a Mission-wide team spirit and improve communication.Responsible for the overall planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the NRM portfolio.Conceptualizes the Mission’s Natural Resource Management Strategy and takes the lead in ongoing formulation of the portfolio, including preparatory sector assessments, concept papers, activity design documents, and related scopes of work, in collaboration with the EGO Director and program office.Oversees NRM procurement planning, identification of new opportunities, solicitation designs and technical review of applications and proposals (solicited and unsolicited) in close collaboration with the Acquisition and Assistance Office.Develop an appropriate program results framework and supervise design, maintenance and reporting under the NRM Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP) in support of sector strategy, USAID/Zimbabwe CDCS strategy, and the Mission’s Resilience Strategy.Takes the lead in the preparation of NRM portfolio reviews, annual reports, CBJ, and other reporting requirements. Prepares and disseminates reports as required on the impact and results of NRM activities.Contributes directly to monitoring implementation of NRM activities, reviewing work plans and quarterly/annual reports, prepares monitoring reports, identifying key progress indicators, and undertaking field monitoring and data collection in reporting progress of activities.Maintains close, cordial technical management relationships with USAID implementing partners to assure the quality, consistency and coordination of program planning, interpretation of policies, and procedures, regulatory compliance and data collection for results reporting.Mobilizes short-term technical assistance as needed to enhance program implementation.Oversees Regional and AID/W contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements for those activities implemented in Zimbabwe. Coaches CORs/AORs and Activity Managers in drafting statements of work and budgets, etc. Serves on technical selection committee for acquisition and assistance awards.Strategic Leadership, Technical Advice and Policy DialogueEstablishes and maintains productive working relationships with senior private sector, NGO, donor, and other development partner organizations. Establishes close links to environmental leaders, international organizations, environmentally related businesses, and environmental groups within civil society. Represents USAID and the U S Mission to Zimbabwe in a variety of representational events and activities.Drawing on his/her broad technical expertise, represents USAID in donor technical working groups and task forces, and is responsible for ensuring the coordination of USAID policies and investments with those of other donors. Participates and leads multi-donor discussions of significance on natural resources policy and coordinated donor efforts to effect reform.As a recognized expert in environment and natural resources management issues, undertakes ongoing analyses of policies for community-based natural resources management for sustainable use, biodiversity conservation, and climate change. Provides briefings and reports as requested on all activities in these areas.Provide advice and recommendations as required to the EGO Director, Mission Director, the U. S. Ambassador, and other senior USG officials regarding the formulation and implementation of USG strategy in the natural resource sector for effective policy reform.Develops and coordinates strategies and implementation approach to achieve results for the USAID/Zimbabwe natural resource management program within the overall Zimbabwe development context. Coordinates efforts and strategies with other USAID/Zimbabwe offices and draws on the resources of other USG departments, AID/W, the U. S. Embassy, Regional Platforms, multilateral and bilateral donor agencies, and international and national NGOs working in the sector. Makes decisions or recommendations that may significantly change important public policies, programs, or scientific approaches. Due to the quickly evolving nature of the field, these decisions often involve imperfectly defined areas and require extensive probing, consultation, and analysis to determine the scope of the problem and potential solutions.Contributes to USAID/Zimbabwe’s strategic planning and reporting, including assistance in formulating and implementing USAID Zimbabwe’s new Country Development Cooperating Strategy, annual Operational Plan and Performance Plan and Report. Develops refinements of the USAID natural resource management strategy based on continuous assessment and developments with the strategic objective domain. Determines what additional analyses, assessments, or reviews are required for the successful implementation of the natural resources program as a whole.Serves as a link between the Mission and USAID implementing partners for natural resources management.Oversee all monitoring, evaluation and reporting for activities under his/her areas. Coach staff in preparation of data and narratives for annual planning and reporting documents; gather information for ad hoc requests; and provide success stories and other program write-ups for public dissemination.III.       MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSSelection factors determine basic eligibility for the position. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.A. EducationA Master’s degree in environmental resource management/natural resource management, forestry, environmental economics, wildlife biology or conservation, sustainable agriculture, or a related discipline.B.  ExperienceA minimum of 10 years program management in international development, combined from the areas of natural resources management, community-based natural resources management, environmental governance, integrated water management, forestry, property rights, or sustainable agriculture.IV.       SELECTION CRITERIA: A.  Job and Technical Knowledge (75%)Knowledge of USAID procedures, policies, and regulations.Experience and technical knowledge in natural resources management, community-based natural resources management, environmental governance, integrated water management, forestry, property rights, resilience, and sustainable agriculture including U.S. and international best practices.Experience in identifying potential sources of financing leading to implementation mechanisms to work with civil society organizations and the private sector.Experience working with donors and forging strong professional partnerships to enable the USG to strengthen natural resources management and governance.Understanding of the Southern African context and operating conditions.Understanding of the workings of the Government of Zimbabwe (GOZ) and its environmental policy framework, including the Parks and Wildlife act and CAMPFIRE policy.Understanding of USAID resilience, biodiversity and climate change adaptation concepts, and the application of the U.S. END Wildlife Trafficking Act.B.  Skills and Abilities (25%)Strategic planning skills including taking the lead in ongoing formulation of the portfolio, including preparatory sector assessments, concept papers, activity design documents, and related scopes of workWriting and effective oral communication skills, demonstrating ability to represent USAID in a variety of representational events and activities.Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain productive working relationships with senior private sector, NGO, donor, and other development partner organizations. Proficiency with MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, other Microsoft applications, Google mail and other applications.Consideration and selection will be based on a panel review of the application against the Selection Criteria. The most qualified applicants will be selected from the evaluation criteria listed above.Professional references and academic credentials may be evaluated for applicants being considered for selection. References with their contact information should be provided in the application.Please note that not all applicants will be contacted. Applicants are strongly encouraged to write a brief appendix to an OF 309-2 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the required Selection Factors and Criteria listed above.IV.       HOW TO APPLYQualified individuals are requested to submit:USAID Form AID 309-2 (Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts) with handwritten signature (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/).A resume must be attached to the AID 309-2. Resumes must contain sufficient information to make a valid determination of meeting experience requirements as stated in this solicitation. This information should be clearly identified in the resume. Failure to provide information sufficient to determine qualifications for the position will result in loss of full consideration.A recent writing sample of not more than two pages.To fully evaluate applications, resumes must include: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.Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards, or accomplishments.A brief appendix or cover letter that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training address directly the evaluation criteria should be attached.A scanned or emailed copy of transcripts or diploma for the highest degree attained.Names and current contact information of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s ability to perform the duties set forth in this solicitation.Proof of U.S. CitizenshipFor Zimbabwean residents, proof of eligibility to work in ZimbabweApplications 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. It is also possible that reference checks may be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The U.S. Government will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews.VI.       BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:BENEFITS:Employee's FICA ContributionContribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability AdjustmentAnnual IncreaseEligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick LeaveTHE FOLLOWING ALLOWANCES ARE NOT PAYABLE TO A RESIDENT HIRE US PSC:Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120).Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130).Post Allowance (Section 220).Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230).Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260).Education Allowance (Section 270).Education Travel (Section 280).Post Differential (Chapter 500).Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), andDanger Pay (Section 650).TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income taxes, FICA, Medicare, and applicable State Income taxes.ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON- DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION, OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.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 athttps://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.