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USAID SENIOR BUDGET ADVISOR - Intermittent


  1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL-306-12-000088-01-OPPD
  2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 09, 2013
  3. CLOSING DATE/TIME: January 23, 2013 AT 16:30 local time
  4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Budget Advisor
  5. NUMBER OF POSITION: One
  6. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($84,697 to $110,104)
  7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Six Month Intermittent. Compensation will be
    based on When Actually Employed (WAE) Basis
    (USAID ADS, Chapter 499 and 413) only the hours
    that they are in duty status and actually work.
  8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kabul, Afghanistan
  9. DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Deputy Director Budget and Program Oversight
  10. SUPERVISORY CONTROLL: Minimal. The incumbent is expected to act independently with little direction
  11. SECURITY ACCESS: Secret Level
  12. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
A. Basic Function of the Position
The Senior Budget Advisor supports and advises the Resource Management Unit by providing expert budget development and management guidance in support of the USAID strategy and program design and management process. The advisor assists on the programming and management of an annual budget of $1.8 billion allocated to more than 100 programmatic activities. Budget decisions can involve major areas of uncertainty in terms of levels, priorities, and risks. The incumbent requires a broad knowledge of administrative and managerial techniques, and awareness of and ability to be responsive to political sensitivities since the work is carried out in a constantly changing political and strategic environment involving collaborative relations with specialists of various disciplines. Advance planning and preparation are key, as well as ability to respond to new requirements on extremely short notice.
B. Duties and Responsibilities
The Senior Budget Advisor manages the Resource Management Unit, and provides expert budget development and management guidance in support of the USAID strategy and program design and management process.
Management:
• Supports the work of budget team.
• Supports the Mission Lead on program budget matters.
• Liaises with Embassy counterparts on budget issues and actions.
• Coordinates work of budget team with other teams in OPPD (design, M&E, on-budget).
• Works with the Office of Financial Management and the Executive Office on operational budget planning and execution.
• Sets and enforces the standards for budget documents, spreadsheets, narratives, and database management.
• Responsible for organizing and overseeing development and use of budget tools and practices.
Budget Formulation:
• Advises on and assists in the development of current and out-year budgets.
• Ensures mission management team has engaged in the process, and that the final budget reflects Mission needs and Front Office priorities.
• Informs the application of the current year Operational Plan budget to technical programs and projects.
• Assists in the creation and application criteria for allocation of funds to programs and projects.
• Drafts the budget justification documents (reclamas, impact of budget changes on programs, etc.).
• Develops the annual calendar of budget actions that will ensure effective management of the budget.
Funds Use and Tracking:
• Reviews budget tables for accuracy and content.
• Analyzes information and issues.
• Oversees application of budget rules and policy, and ensures tracking of compliance with same (ex. Earmark tracking).
• Alerts other offices to budget actions and concerns – sets the stage for budget team exercises as needed.
• Organizes and coordinates formal reviews of pipelines and budgets.
Information:
• Keeps Embassy and Washington colleagues up to date on budget actions and issues.
• Ensures that a standard set of budget tables is produced and disseminated on schedule.
Budget Document:
• Develops and/or edits obligation documents, action memos, waivers and other documents needed for budget decisions.
• Drafts or edits Congressional Notifications.
Knowledge Required for the Position:
• Develops and/or edits obligation documents, action memos, waivers and other documents needed for budget decisions.
• Drafts or edits Congressional Notifications.
• Expert knowledge of the concepts, principles, and practices related to U.S. Government budget and financial management.
• Experience developing and overseeing the implementation of program budgets.
• Knowledge of the budget cycle and USG budget systems.
• Experience in a critical priority post context.
• Knowledgeable about the development context, strategic and program planning for development results.
• Possesses some technical knowledge of one or more of the standard development sectors (e.g., agriculture, trade, health, education, democracy and governance, infrastructure).
• Strong skills in financial analysis, negotiation, writing and presentation.
• Have functional knowledge of computer software (word processing, PowerPoint presentation, spreadsheet, and database) in order to prepare reports, conduct analyses, and disseminate information to the public as required.
• Ability to analyze budget operations, assess and evaluate operational effectiveness, identify and recommend solutions, and to improve methods of implementation.
• The incumbent uses judgment and creativity in interpreting and adapting guidelines and, in many instances, must establish criteria, concepts, theories, or propose new programs for resolving unyielding problems.
• The advisor assists on the programming and management of an annual budget of $1.8 billion allocated to more than 100 programmatic activities. Budget decisions can involve major areas of uncertainty in terms of levels, priorities, and risks. The incumbent requires a broad knowledge of administrative and managerial techniques, and awareness of and ability to be responsive to political sensitivities since the work is carried out in a constantly changing political and strategic environment involving collaborative relations with specialists of various disciplines. Advance planning and preparation are key, as well as ability to respond to new requirements on extremely short notice.
C. EVALUATION/SELECTION CRITERIA:
  1. Work Experience: (25 Points):
    The candidate must have at least five to seven years of relevant experience in a developing country context. Relevant experience is defined as developing, managing, and evaluating development programs, including strategic planning and performance-based management and budgeting, and project design and feasibility. Specific knowledge of the Afghanistan processes and budget preferred.
  2. Education: (15 Points):
    The candidate must have a relevant Master’s degree. Relevant majors include accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field of study.
  3. Technical Knowledge (25 points):
    Demonstrated knowledge of broad, multi-sectoral development issues and familiarity with two or more of the following sectors or program areas: democracy and elections, economic governance, institutional development and capacity building, community development, private sector development, agriculture/agribusiness, and environment.
  4. Work skills & Abilities (25 points):
    The position requires various skills and abilities as stipulated below:
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to make cogent arguments clearly and succinctly in written and oral presentations.
• Ability to effectively facilitate discussions and/or meetings.
• Evidence of initiative and proactive engagement with colleagues to complete assigned tasks in accordance with agreed timetables.
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft PowerPoint, and the ability to use internet search engines to facilitate information gathering and research
• Evidence of effective team leadership skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural team.
• Ability to work effectively and make sound decisions in high-stress and crisis situations.
• Ability to effectively collect, synthesize and present information from diverse sources.
• The incumbent must understand the fundamentals of budgeting.
• S/he must establish and maintain working relationships with the office’s COTRs, all support offices, and implementers’ staff.
  1. Communication (15 points):
    The candidate must be fluent in both spoken and written English.
Maximum Points Available: 100
D. Term of Performance
The term of the contract will be Intermittent, compensation will be based on When Actually Employed (WAE) Basis (USAID ADS, Chapter 499 and 413) only the hours that they are in duty status and actually work.
The place of performance is authorized as Afghanistan. Employee shall be required to proceed to Kabul to perform TDY duties upon request; TDY duration will be calculated on a daily basis of eight hours per day with a minimum of 45 days unless a shorter period is determined appropriate by the Contracting Officer.
Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received or, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed directly to Kabul to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history.
In addition, the Mission has a 35% Post Differential allowance (if employee spends more than 42 consecutive days counted from the time of arrival to Afghanistan) and 35% Danger Pay (while in Afghanistan). You will be entitled to One R&R and one RRB if spend 6 months consecutively on TDY to Afghanistan you will have to use your Annual Leave or Compensatory time for R&R, and you will be entitled to 10 days of Administrative Leave.
Physical Demands and Work Environment: Work in the office is mostly sedentary but travel to program activity implementation sites outside of Kabul requires U.S. Government Regional Security Officer (RSO) approval, travel in fully armored vehicles and close coordination with the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulate security officers, DoD, and ISAF as relevant. Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) and District Stabilization Team (DST) sites are in remote areas of Afghanistan in rugged terrain that requires good physical condition to conduct site assessments.
E. General information regarding living and working conditions in Afghanistan
Life in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan has improved somewhat since the establishment of the government, and great strides have been made to regularize the availability of services, utilities, and supplies of common consumer items. Living conditions, however, are still difficult but this position offers a historic opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team to assist the Afghans to bring peace and stability to their war-torn country. Afghanistan is an unaccompanied post. All staff members are housed on the heavily guarded and fortified Embassy compound, at a military compound, or at a PRT.
F. Medical and Security Clearance
The selected applicant will be subject to a security background check; U.S. citizens must be able to obtain a USG Secret Level security clearance. The selected applicant must be able to obtain a Department of State Class I Medical Clearance in accordance with any such requirements set forth in the contract or required by the USAID Mission.
G. Benefits:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]
a. BENEFITS:
o FICA Contribution
o Contribution toward Health & life insurance
o Pay Comparability Adjustment
o Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
o Annual & Sick Leave
o Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service as per post policy b. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):
(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)
(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)
(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and
(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)
(8) Education Allowance (Section 270)
(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
(10)Education Travel (Section 280)
* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).
c. FEDERAL TAXES: PSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.
H. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs/AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs
AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays
AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical expense payment responsibility
AAPD 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase
AAPD 06-01 Medical evacuation insurance
CIB 01-10 Revision of medical clearance process – PSC with U.S. Citizens
CIB 01-07 Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs
CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs)
CIB 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process – PSCs with U.S. Citizens
CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts
CIB 99-22 PSC Policy
CIB 98-23 Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements
CIB 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs
CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs
CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D.
CIB 97-17 PSC’s with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens
CIB 97-16 Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less
CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts
CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors
CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract
CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles
Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:
Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at:http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf
How to apply:
I. APPLYING
All applications should be submitted electronically to e-mail address
AfUSAIDJobs@state.gov
Attention: Sameer Lodeen
Human Resources Specialist
USAID/Afghanistan
To ensure that your application is received for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number as (1288-1) in the subject line of your e-mail or your application may not be considered.
Applicants may submit an application against this solicitation at any time but prior to January 23, 2013 16:30 local (Kabul) time unless revised.
The highest ranking applications may be selected for an interview. Please note that only short listed candidates will be notified.
J. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs: Interested applicants must submit the following documents or their applications may not be considered for this position:
  1. Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;
  2. Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and email contacts,
• The applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Afghanistan will only contact references for the finalist, and will only do so with the permission of the applicant.
  1. A written statement that addresses the Evaluation/Selection Criteria in this solicitation.
The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.
K. Other Information related to PSCs:
Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts. Those documents can be found at:
Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs, which can be found at:http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf
Point of Contact:
Sameer Lodeen
Human Resources Specialist
Email: slodeen@usaid.gov
Phone (in Afghanistan) – (202) 216-6288 Ext. 4344;
Cell 0093797777301 or Fax (202) 216-6288 (Ext. 105)
Place of Performance
USAID/Afghanistan
U.S. Embassy
Great Masoud Road
Kabul, Afghanistan