SOL - 612-16-000011 04.21.2016
1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 612-16-000011
2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 20, 2016
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: May 27, 2016 - 1700 hrs. Malawi Time
4. POSITION TITLE: FEED THE FUTURE TEAM LEADER/AGRICULTURE ADVISOR
5. MARKET VALUE: Ranging from $102,646 to $133,444 per annum (GS-15 equivalent).
Final compensation will be based on individual’s salary and work history, experience and
educational background.
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, beginning o/a July, 2016
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi.
8. SECURITY ACCESS: U.S. Personal Services Contract – Secret/ Third Country National (TCN)
Personal Services Contracts - Work Authorization
9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. Citizens (including Legal Permanent Residents)
and Third Country Nationals.
Third Country Nationals means an individual (i) who is neither a citizen nor a permanent legal
resident alien of the United States nor of the country to which assigned for duty, and (ii) who is
eligible for return to his/her home country or country of recruitment at U.S. Government
expense.
10. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES: Selected applicant must obtain Secret
Clearance (USPSC)/Facility Access (Permanent Resident)/ Employment Authorization (TCN)
and necessary Medical Clearance within a reasonable period of time. USAID will provide details
regarding these clearances to the selected candidate.
11. SCOPE OF WORK:
1. BACKGROUND:
As a Feed the Future (FTF) focus country, USAID/Malawi has a substantial agriculture and
food security program exceeding $80 million over five years. A key member of
USAID/Malawi’s Sustainable Economic Growth (SEG) Office, the Feed the Future Team
Leader / Agriculture Advisor will support the implementation of FTF and related food security
and resilience initiatives. The principal function is to support FTF programming and directly
oversee implementation of activities to achieve measurable results in improving food security
in Malawi through sustainable increases in productivity, strengthening the competitiveness of
target value chains, expanding agricultural trade, and improving nutritional outcomes for
women and children. The FTF Malawi program is working to diversify and sustainably
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intensify smallholder agriculture production, with a focus on legumes and orange-fleshed
sweet potatoes, and to increase agricultural incomes and reduce rural poverty. This work is
complemented by programs which undertake messaging to encourage dietary diversification
and improved nutrition behaviors. USAID/Malawi’s FTF program is highly integrated with the
Food for Peace (FFP) development and Global Climate Change (GCC) programs, and is
increasingly focused on enhancing resilience through an integrated approach with FFP, GCC,
and other sectors.
The performance period for this position will be two years.
2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Basic Functions - The Feed the Future Team Leader / Agriculture Advisor provides strategic
leadership in identifying and applying innovative approaches and best practices to achieve
measurable results in the areas of crop productivity, extension services, value chain
development, trade, finance, climate change adaptation, resilience, women’s economic
empowerment, nutrition, and private sector and small enterprise development activities that
improve food security and reduce rural poverty in Malawi. The principal function is to provide
state-of-the art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in
developing and managing USAID/Malawi's complex national, district, and local level
activities under the FTF Initiative.
The Feed the Future Team Leader / Agriculture Advisor also provides senior level mentoring
and guidance on project management, AOR/COR responsibilities, agricultural productivity,
market systems, extension services, enterprise development, finance, resilience, and state-of-
the art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing and
focusing private sector engagement to improve food security. The Leader / Advisor will be
part of the Mission's 15-member SEG Office, which houses the FTF, Food for Peace (FFP),
and Environment Teams. Within SEG, the FTF portfolio is comprised of six interdisciplinary
subject matter experts, managing a portfolio of $80 million over five years. The Leader /
Advisor is expected to complete assigned duties with little direct supervision, exercising
extensive independent judgment as he or she works with diverse groups and stakeholders.
The Feed the Future Team Leader / Agriculture Advisor will provide strategic and technical
guidance and leadership in agriculture and food security-related topics for the SEG Office;
serve as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) / Agreement Officer's Representative
(AOR) for major FTF grants and/or contracts; and develop strategic partnerships with the
public and private sector to improve food security and reduce rural poverty in Malawi. This
work will include the following:
A. Strategic and Technical Guidance and Leadership (30%)
The Feed the Future Team Leader / Agriculture Advisor will serve as a key advisor in
developing and implementing USAID/Malawi agriculture and food security strategies,
including:
Provide technical and analytical leadership and contribute to USAID/Malawi’s strategy
development to enhance the long-term impact of FTF and related investments.
Develop new hypotheses and theories of change and lead the design and implementation of
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new agriculture activities aimed at sustainably improving productivity, strengthening market
systems, enhancing resilience, and improving nutrition for women and children.
Conduct strategic analysis and research; review reports and technical proposals; and prepare
substantive reports and briefing materials on issues related to technical and programmatic
approaches to sustainably enhance food security.
Advise the Office Director of SEG, the Deputy Director, the SEG team, the Program Design
and Analysis Office, USAID Mission Management, and the Embassy on food security and
related agricultural policy in support of USAID-funded activities.
Contribute to the Mission’s strategic efforts to programmatically integrate activities across the
Mission’s economic growth, health, governance and education portfolio, including targeted
interventions between FTF investments and food for peace, governance, education and
environment.
B. Program Management (30%)
The Feed the Future Team Leader / Agriculture Advisor will be responsible for managing a
complex portfolio including the direct management of several agriculture and food security
activities and advising on numerous others. S/he will also:
1. Conduct and supervise administrative and financial analyses, develop and track budget
2. As AOR/COR, manage, monitor, and oversee the activities of grantees and/or contractors
3. Develop activity performance monitoring and evaluation plans and monitor their
4. Liaise with implementing contractors, recipients, and grantees, and undertake visits to
5. Contribute to development of all Mission reports, including Operational Plans; annual
preparation, and oversee implementation and other budget requirements for the FTF
portfolio.
implementing USAlD's agriculture and food security activities. Keep contractors,
recipients, and grantees informed of USAID requirements and priorities.
implementation. Conduct and/or oversee evaluations, assessments, and reporting in support
of the SEG portfolio.
project sites on a regular basis.
Performance Plans and Reports; portfolio reviews; semi-annual and annual reports;
quarterly financial reports; data quality assessments; site monitoring reports; etc.
6. Make recommendations to the Mission on program directions and management.
C. Build Strategic Partnerships (20%)
The Feed the Future Team Leader / Agriculture Advisor will be responsible for developing
new and innovative partnerships and maintaining working relationships, including:
1. Foster and maintain strategic partnerships with new and existing private sector partners,
mid to senior level GOM officials, the donor community, and civil society to enhance
collaborative efforts that achieve mutual goals and objectives.
for planning and improving agriculture and food security programming in Malawi.
2. Serve as member of GOM and donor technical working groups and other relevant forums
D. Supervision of Local Staff (20%)
The Advisor will supervise 2 - 3 local staff, providing annual evaluations, senior level support,
training, and mentoring on project management, AOR/COR responsibilities as well as state-of-
the art, specialized knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in enhancing food
security to FSN staff working on the FTF portfolio.
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12. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA
To be considered, the applicant must have:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicant is a U.S./Third Country National.
In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications
listed in the Evaluation Criteria. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel
evaluation of the Evaluation Criteria. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be
requested only from the top scoring candidates. Please note that not all applicants will be
interviewed or contacted. USAID will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews
unless expenses are preauthorized. Reference checks may be conducted on those candidates
selected for an interview. The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive
information about his/her past performance and abilities. Applicants are required to write a
brief cover letter to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum
Qualifications and Evaluation Criteria listed below.
EVALUATION CRITERIA:
The following factors will be the basis for the evaluation of all applications. All applications
will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. Applicants are
required to provide a cover letter addressing how they meet the requirements of each criterion
below and submit three to five professional references with complete contact information.
Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (listed in
descending order of importance):
Experience (30 points): Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible professional
or program experience in agricultural development programs, with multilateral and bilateral
donors, NGOs, USAID implementing partners, and/or government is required. A minimum of
five years of experience with USAID and/or USAID implementing partners is preferred.
Experience with donor agency/mission organization, procedures, and operations systems (e.g.,
development approaches; procedures for programming funds, defining objectives, and
monitoring results; and procedures for awarding and managing grants and contracts) is
required. Sub-Saharan Africa experience is desired.
Skills and Abilities (20 points): Strong analytical, management and organizational skills are
required. The position requires demonstrated ability in strategic planning, technical and socio-
economic analysis, and budget preparation and reporting skills. Considerable confidentiality,
sensitivity, poise, and maturity are mandatory as the applicant will represent USAID in
meetings with mid to senior level Government of Malawi (GOM) officials and with private
sector and donor partners. The applicant should possess strong interpersonal and cross-cultural
skills, the ability to work effectively within a diverse team and with minimal supervision.
Strong leadership and negotiating skills are required; in particular the demonstrated ability to
work with new private sector partners, technical and senior GOM officials, USAID
Implementing Partners, donors, and civil society. Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in
Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are required.
Knowledge (20 points): Broad knowledge of technical and programmatic approaches in
enhancing food security is mandatory. This may include demonstrated knowledge in the areas
of non-farm agricultural sector/market-led job creation, mobile money; digital business
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solutions, entrepreneurial innovation, and/or DCA credit applications in agri-business.
Knowledge and skill in conceptualizing programming, policies, and plans, and developing
strategies for their implementation is required. Significant knowledge of current USAID
program management and monitoring and evaluation methods as well as a broad range of
issues related to agricultural development is required. Knowledge of the structure and
workings of the U.S. government is desired. Knowledge of the Malawi context, government of
Malawi (GOM) organizational culture, structure, policies, programs and operations and
development priorities is desired.
Education (15 points): The applicant must have at least a Master's Degree in an agriculture-
related field, business, management, economics or other fields relevant to the duties described
above.
Language (15 points): Excellent English writing and speaking ability is required. The
candidate must have a demonstrated capacity to communicate complex policy, strategy, and
program issues orally and in writing in a clear, concise, and well-organized manner.
Candidates meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information
presented in the application and reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews
with the most highly ranked applicants
13. POSITION ELEMENTS
1. Direct Supervision: The incumbent will be supervised by the SEG Office Director or Deputy
Office Director.
2. Available guidelines: The main guiding documents for this contract will be the
USAID/Malawi CDCS, the Feed the Future Project Appraisal Document and Multi-Year
Strategy, relevant Mission Orders, and relevant USAID Strategies and policies.
3. Post-entry training: Minimal, as necessary to perform duties.
4. Authority to make commitments: The incumbent will have full authority to clear relevant
documents and to represent the Mission at key events such as within the development partner
coordination forum.
5. Nature, level, and purpose of contacts: The incumbent will regularly interact with senior
staff from across the Mission including the Supervisory Program Officer, Deputy Mission
Director and Mission Director. The incumbent will regularly consult with senior Government
of Malawi staff, staff from other development partners, and project personnel including Chiefs
of Party. The Incumbent may also participate in the development of communication materials
for personnel at the highest levels of the U.S. government within Malawi including the U.S.
Ambassador.
6. Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will provide extensive thought leadership, guidance,
and mentoring for SEG staff. The Advisor may supervise one to three FSN employees and
may be asked to provide relevant approvals or clearances in the absence of particular SEG
senior staff members.
7. Security/Medical Clearances: The selected applicant must be able to obtain and maintain
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appropriate security and medical clearances.
Place and period of Performance: The overall period of performance for this Personal
Services Contract (PSC) will be for 24 months, starting on/around July 2016 and ending in
July 2018. The main place of performance will be Lilongwe, Malawi, with some travel within
Malawi
14. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS
Forms outlined below can be found at
http://inside.usaid.gov/forms/
1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts Form AID 302-3.
2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **
3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **
4. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **
** 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.
15. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) or ACQUISITION AND
ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs
AAPDs and CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and
contract.
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
AAPD 05-02 Clarification of Policy for Personal Services Contracts with Anticipated
AAPD 06-01 Medical evacuation insurance
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
CIB 99-22 PSC Policy
CIB 98-23 Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel
CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under
CIB 97-16 Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for
increase
Contract Performance Periods Exceeding Five (5) Years
Country Nationals
Security Requirements
Appendix D.
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 (PSCs)
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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: http://www.usaid.gov/work-
usaid/aapds-cibs
16. 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 Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for
those benefits listed under item A below.)
A. BENEFITS:
1. Employee's FICA Contribution
2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
3. Pay Comparability Adjustment
4. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
5. Annual & Sick Leave
6. Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service
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. Educational Allowance (Section 270)
9. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
10. Educational Travel (Section 280)
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
C. FEDERAL TAXES
USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.
17. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:
All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. The
highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary.
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
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A) APPLYING
For applicants to be considered for this position, the following guidelines will be adhered to
and forms completed, signed and submitted to lilongwehr@usaid.gov , to allow the evaluation
committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of
the position.
i). Marking Applications: To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position,
please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any
cover letter, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.
ii). CV: An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Your 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. Applicants are encouraged to
write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the
minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.
iii). Form AID 302-3: The submitted form must be signed and completed as much as possible
and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather
than repeat it in the Form AID 302. Form AID 302-3 is available at the USAID web site, or
internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at USG offices.
iv). References: Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives,
with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide
substantive information about your past performance and abilities. Reference checks will be
done on selected applicants only. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be
contacted as a reference, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter. The interviewing
committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant.
v). Required Forms for PSCs: Specific forms shall be completed only upon the advice of the
Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.
vi). Late Submissions: Qualified individuals should note that applications must be received
by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be
considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless Contracting Officer determines that the
documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of
applications is 5:00 pm, local time, on the date specified on the covering letter to this
solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission,
modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information. USAID/Malawi
reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation.
B) SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES
i). Medical Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual and eligible
dependents will be required to obtain a medical clearance. Instructions for obtaining the
medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been
concluded.
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ii). Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to
obtain a Security Background Check. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be
forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.
C) REGULATIONS/BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES/DEFINITIONS
i). USAID Regulations:
1. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs): AAPDs serve as official sources
for the latest updates in acquisition and assistance (A&A) policy and requirements. AAPDs
provide information of significance including, but not limited to, advance notification of
changes or implementation of new requirements to A&A regulations and procedures. Please
refer to this web site – http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which
AAPDs apply to this contract.
2. AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR)
Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal
Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary
regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.
Point of Contact: Any questions about this solicitation may be directed to: lilongwehr@usaid.gov
Note: No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained, unless you are required to
have more information about this solicitation.
Place of Performance
USAID/Malawi
NICO House
Lilongwe, Malawi
