Solicitation Issuance Date: June 17, 2015 Application Closing date and time: July 17, 2015 5:00P.M, Local Time (Nairobi, Kenya) Position Title: Senior Devolution Advisor – Kenya (One Position) Salary Level: GS-14 Equivalent
SUBJECT: Request for Personal Services (RFP) No. SOL‐615‐15‐000032 (RE-ADVERTISED) USAID/Kenya and East Africa (KEA) Senior Devolution Advisor

Dear Prospective Applicants: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), requests an application from qualified U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCN) interested in providing PSC services as described in the attached solicitation in Nairobi, Kenya. This position has been re-advertised from Solicitation number SOL-615-15-000006. Applicants who submitted applications under the previous application must resubmit an application to be considered for this solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified in this document. Kindly submit:
1. Your most current curriculum vitae or resume.
2. Signed form OF-612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or SF 171, Application for Federal Employment.
3. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)
4. At least three references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and e-mail contacts.
5. Cover letter stating period of availability for work in Nairobi, Kenya. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID/KEA reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. If you are selected for this position you must be available to start work as soon as valid medical and security clearances are obtained. This availability MUST be indicated in your cover letter (applications not indicating this availability will not be considered).
Any questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than 5:00PM Nairobi local time, June 24, 2015 in writing to Karla Camp at kcamp@usaid.gov and Justine Kibabu at jkibabu@usaid.gov. Only Electronic submissions are acceptable. All application packages must be submitted via e-mail: tokcamp@usaid.gov and jkibabu@usaid.gov by the closing date and time. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application. Please provide your current full mailing address with telephone and email address in the application. USAID anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Services Contract as a result of this solicitation. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the application. Sincerely,

Karla Camp Contracting Officer
Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Senior Devolution Advisor
1. SOLICITATION NO.: SOL-615-15-000032
2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 17, 2015
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: July 17, 2015, 5:00PM Local Time, Nairobi, Kenya
4. POSITION TITLE: Senior Devolution Advisor
5. MARKET VALUE: This position is the equivalent of a GS-14 ranging from $86,399 to $112,319 per annum. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within the pay range of the GS-14 level depending on qualifications, previous relevant experience and work history, salary and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years base period with one option year
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Nairobi, Kenya
8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCN)
9. CLEARANCES: The final selected candidate must obtain a security clearance and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.
10. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION: The devolution of power and authority down to 47 newly established County Governments is arguably the most important reform enshrined in Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. Devolution embodies the spirit of the Constitution and the promise to establish a Kenya that is more equitable, just, transparent, and accountable. Devolution will help build a Kenya where enhanced social and economic opportunities are available for all Kenyans and where government is closer to the people that it represents. If successfully implemented, devolution will create an environment where people can more proactively and productively engage with their government either through the County Assemblies or through the Governor’s Office.

However, devolution is new and it will take time and commitment from national government, county governments, civil society and citizens to succeed. This commitment must come in the form of ideas, energy, political will, financial resources, and patience. At the same time, expectations for what devolution can achieve appear to be very high on the part of Kenyan citizens. Yet, it still appears that there is limited understanding of what devolution entails on the part of those citizens. Continued civic education is, therefore, necessary. Government and civil society must work in concert to achieve civic education effectively. The capacity of county governments, both the legislative branch and the executive branch, must be enhanced. This involves training and technical assistance in strategic planning, in crafting legislation, in budgeting and accounting, in managing people and assets, in delivering services and in engaging with and communicating with constituencies. Training should be harmonized and of an acceptable standard. To achieve this, training should be coordinated through reputable institutions and build on both international and Kenyan best practices.
Devolution has been called Kenya’s greatest opportunity and Kenya’s greatest threat. As the boundaries of counties are new, the dynamics within county populations are also new and evolving. The rights of minority populations must be protected and their needs effectively met by County Governments. Without this, the potential for conflict within the counties grows. Further, women continue to be marginalized and excluded from social influence and decision making processes despite the constitutional requirements of equality and gender quotas. In addition, safeguards must be put in place so that problems that have manifested at the national level such as corruption do not devolve down to the local level. Finally, legislation and regulation at the county-level must be harmonized with national-level legislation and regulation. Links should be forged between the Parliament and County Assemblies to ensure that experience from the National Assembly and the Senate is passed to the County Assemblies. With careful stewardship and a bit of luck, devolution will result in 47 efficiently functioning county governments that collectively work together in partnership with the national government to forge a stronger Kenya.
It is against this backdrop that USAID Kenya has developed a new Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) that covers the 2014 to 2017 period. The first Development Objective of the CDCS is “Devolution effectively implemented”. USAID/KEA has formed Development Objective Teams to help guide the CDCS progress.
To help implement the CDCS, USAID/KEA is seeking an exceptional candidate to serve as a Senior Devolution Advisor (SDA). The SDA will provide leadership within the Devolution Development Objective Team (DO1) with reporting functions within the Office of Democracy, Governance and Conflict (DGC). This position requires programmatic and technical expertise in the design and management of local government programs with experience working with systems that are in the process of devolving.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Senior Devolution Advisor (SDA) will provide expert advice on all programmatic issues related to devolution including local government planning and management; development of local government systems and operations; human resource and public financial management; public-private-partnerships, governance, cross sectoral integration; and civil society engagement. The SDA reports to the USAID/KEA DGC Office Director and coordinates closely with the Deputy Office Director. The incumbent coordinates USAID strategy, assistance, and policy in support of devolution and associated DGC and USAID/KEA and East Africa initiatives.
The SDA will provide leadership and management – both technical and financial – of a complex, $125-million five-year devolution portfolio with national impact. The incumbent ensures that USAID assistance for devolution is conceptualized soundly, analyzed rationally, coordinated well, monitored regularly to ensure that it is responsive to the changing environment, and managed effectively across five USAID technical offices, in collaboration with Department of State colleagues, and aligned with the support of international donor partners. Much of the work will be in Nairobi with frequent travel to counties to provide technical assistance, assess needs, and ensure effective monitoring and oversight of activities. Field work will include periodic assignments to support specific County Governments with discrete tasks that could last one to two weeks out of the month.
Duties will include managing USAID activities that contribute to successful devolution. As part of the USAID/KEA DGC Team, the incumbent will, as required, initiate broader team administrative and programmatic functions. The SDA may serve as the Activity Manager or Agreement/Contracting Officer’s Representative for a variety of contracts and agreements to support the portfolio. The SDA will also be responsible for representing USAID in donor meetings, technical working groups and in meetings with the host government, civil society, the media, and the private sector.
The SDA must have proven interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a highly political, cross-cultural environment. As a highly qualified professional, the SDA is expected to independently plan and carry out the activities required to fulfill their duties with minimal oversight.
As part of the USAID/KEA DGC and DO1 teams, the incumbent will be responsible for providing input to the annual Operational Plan and annual Performance Report, as well as quarterly portfolio reviews—both programmatic and financial aspects. The incumbent will also provide talking points, briefing notes, and analysis in response to requests from the Ambassador, USAID Mission Director, DGC Office Director, USAID/Washington, Congress, and the Department of State and will be called upon to deliver these remarks periodically in formal verbal briefings. Strong English language presentation and writing skills are, therefore, required.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
a) Technical Advice: Serve as a devolution expert and advisor to the DGC Office, the USAID Mission Director, the Ambassador, and the DO1 Team. Briefings for the Ambassador and other senior USG officials posted in Nairobi or visiting from the United States, such as members of Congress, USAID Assistant Administrators, and Assistant Secretaries of State will be required. The SDA will possess technical expertise in the following areas: decentralization expertise with a particular focus on governments in transition, legislative and regulatory frameworks pertinent to devolved sectors and activities, strategic planning, public financial management, management of human resources, cross sectoral integration, public-private-partnerships, civil society-government platforms and, outreach and communication. (40% of time)
b) Activity Coordination: Ensure devolution-related activities within USAID and among USG agencies are coordinated, duplication of effort is minimized, and the institutional strengths of partners are fully engaged. Provide leadership and/or strategic guidance within various working groups including, but not limited to, the Reform Task Force (Devolution), Development Objective Team 1, the Resilience Joint Planning Cell, the Devolution Donor Working Group and the Devolution Sector Working Group. The incumbent will develop innovative approaches in working with other USAID programs, the private sector, civil society, and host-country institutions in the area of integrated, cross-sectoral work. Duties will also involve developing program strategies that articulate the role that financing, management and local economic development plays in meeting the aspirations of Kenya’s Vision 2030. Activities will involve the development of multi-dimensional local government strategies in partnership with host-country institutions, private firms, NGOs and negotiating agreements on the same; services to promote information dissemination and communication on devolution-related issues; workshops and conferences to share best practices and promote collaboration and coordination of programs; and joint activities with other USAID programs, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and the private sector. The incumbent must navigate within a complex and dynamic political environment, gathering information, conducting needed analysis, facilitating an open exchange of ideas, formulating and implementing an organizational vision, building alliances, solving problems, and ensuring that recommendations are followed-up on and completed. This will require the ability to make formal decisions, exceptional leadership, organizational, team building and interpersonal skills and the ability to achieve consensus and drive results working under limited technical guidance from supervisors. (30% of time)
c) Representation: Represent the USG in various settings, including meetings hosted by donors, the Kenyan government, private sector and civil society. The SDA will represent U.S. policy interests in senior-level and technical/working-level environments and establish and maintain strong working relations and formal and informal linkages with mid- to high-level representatives of the Government of Kenya – both National and County Governments, the private sector, civil society and the international donor community to promote and advance USAID’s programs related to devolution. (10% of time)
d) Project Management: Provide direct management support to one or more existing activities. This includes a formal decision making role, direct liaison with project partners, compiling reporting documents, including, but not limited to, financial and programmatic reports, and reviewing and providing guidance for activity results including monitoring and evaluation in order to make recommendations on activity resource allocations, assess the quality of work, and ensure tasks are completed in a timely manner. Lead the design of one or more new projects that work to support DO1. This will include making recommendations on the strategic use of USAID/KEA funding, writing background documents such as concept notes, scopes of work, justifications, and authorizations and working with other offices to get these documents cleared. (10% of time)
e) Reporting: Prepare DGC reports, analysis, and briefings as required. The SDA will frequently be required to provide talking points, briefing notes, and speeches in response to specific events or requests, often with minimal lead-time. The SDA will be required to perform other duties, as assigned by the DGC Office Director or USAID Mission Director to further the objectives of DO1. (10% of time)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• An advanced degree in government, public administration, political science, law, economics or a closely related field.

SELECTION FACTORS
• U.S. citizens and Third Country Nationals.
• At least ten years of advanced experience working on issues of decentralization and local government is required. The candidate must have solid experience working on local government capacity development in the following areas: human resources and financial management, strategic planning, implementation of service delivery projects and citizen-government engagement. Prior experience working in Africa is desired.
• English language proficiency, speaking and writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work on international development activities as related to devolution/decentralization is required. Demonstrated knowledge of international best practices in devolution, local government, public financial management, and governance. Prior experience working collaboratively with civil society, private sector and with other donors on devolution is preferred.
• Demonstrated Ability to work well as part of a cross-cultural team is essential. Ability to develop and maintain a range of mid- to high-level working relationships within the US Government and the Kenyan Government, among international donor partners, and with the private sector and civil society is required. Ability to quickly understand the basics of development activity management including the requirements for financial and programmatic reporting is required.
• Proficient use of word processing, spreadsheet, and PowerPoint software programs and willingness to use these programs to organize information, conduct analysis, prepare reports, draft correspondence, and prepare presentations is required. Candidate must be able to communicate exceptionally well in writing and verbally to a diversity of audiences.

EVALUATION CRITERIA
• Education (10%): An advanced degree in government, public administration, political science, law, economics or a closely related field.
• Prior Work Experience (40%): A minimum of ten years of advanced experience working on issues of decentralization and local government is required. The candidate must have solid experience working on local government capacity development in the following areas: human resources and financial management, strategic planning, implementation of service delivery projects and citizen-government engagement. Prior experience working in Africa is desired.
• Language Proficiency (5%): Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing, is required.
• Knowledge (25%): Demonstrated ability to work on international development activities as related to devolution/decentralization is required. Demonstrated knowledge of international best practices in devolution, local government, public financial management, and governance. Prior experience working collaboratively with civil society, private sector and with other donors on devolution is preferred.
• Competencies (15%): Ability to work well as part of a cross-cultural team within the DRG Office, with the DO1 Team, and across the broader Mission is essential. Ability to develop and maintain a range of mid-to high-level working relationships within the US Government and the Kenyan Government, among international donor partners, and with the private sector and civil society is required. In-depth knowledge and first-hand experience of project management cycle. Ability to work in a multi-cultural set up and a demonstrated team player who is self-motivated, creative, resourceful, flexible, and able to multi-task in a complex environment. Demonstrates creativity, openness to change and ability to manage complexities.
• Skills (5%): Proficient use of word processing, spreadsheet, and PowerPoint software programs and willingness to use these programs to organize information, conduct analysis, prepare reports, draft correspondence, and prepare presentations is required. Candidate must be able to communicate exceptionally well in writing and verbally to a diversity of audiences. Please note in your document submittal where you heard about this position.

NOTE REGARDING GOVERNMENT OBLIGATIONS FOR THIS SOLICITATION
This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.
NOTE REGARDING DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS
All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number.
USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR.
For general information about DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https:/acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html
• LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
All logistical support required to mobilize, establish and maintain the contractor in Nairobi, Kenya and to support travel to the field will be provided by USAID/KEA in accordance with applicable USAID regulations and US Mission policy
• PERIOD OF SERVICE
The contractor will report to USAID/KEA DGC as soon as practicable after receiving the necessary security and medical clearances where they will promptly commence performance of the duties specified above. The contractor’s period of service shall be a two-year base period subject to possible extension of one year based on the need for continued services, satisfactory performance, administrative approval, and the availability of funds for a maximum of three years.
• BENEFITS
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC 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 • Employer’s FICA Contribution • Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance • Pay Comparability Adjustment • Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation • Annual and Sick Leave • Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail services
B. ALLOWANCES (if applicable) • 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) and Danger Pay (Section 650)
C. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.
• APPLYING
Please submit your application by e-mail (required) to the Contracting Officer, Karla Camp at kcamp@usaid.govand Regional Acquisition & Assistance Specialist Justine Kibabu at jkibabu@usaid.gov by the closing date and time. Ensure that you indicate the solicitation number and position title (USAID/KEA SOL-615-15-000032 – USPSC Conflict Senior Devolution Advisor in the subject line.
Form OF 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, or SF 171, Application for Federal Employment and Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17) must be signed and if submitted unsigned it will be rejected. Scanned copies are accepted by e-mail. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.
Please provide your current full mailing address with telephone numbers and email address in the application.
• List of Required Forms for PSCs
• Optional form 612 • Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62)• AID 6-1 (Request for Security Action) • SF-86 (Questionnaire for National Security Positions)• FD-258 (Fingerprint Cards) 2 each • AID 610-14 (Authority for Release of Information)• AID 6-85 (Foreign Residence Data) • Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended• Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974
These forms shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. Note: The selected individual shall be required to obtain a security clearance.
• Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) Pertaining to Personal Service Contracts (PSC)