SOLICITATION NUMBER SOL-306-13-000009-OFM ISSUING DATE November 18,2012 CLOSING DATE December 02, 2012 POSITION TITLE Financial Management Specialist NUMBER OF POSITION(S) One MARKETING VALUE GS-13 ($71,674 - $93,175) In addition, this post has 35% Post Differential and 35% Danger Pay ORGANIZATIONAL LOCATION OF POSITION KABUL, AFGHANISTAN
DIRECT SUPERVISOR USAID/AFGHANISTAN Deputy Controller SUPERVISORY CONTROL The incumbent serves as a Team Leader and provides supervisory oversight for 3 USG FSN-11 Professional Financial Analysts. In addition, the incumbent co-leds teams of up to five (5) Host Government Internal Audit professional local staff at the equivalent US FSN grades of FSN 9 -11.
DIRECT SUPERVISOR USAID/AFGHANISTAN Deputy Controller SUPERVISORY CONTROL The incumbent serves as a Team Leader and provides supervisory oversight for 3 USG FSN-11 Professional Financial Analysts. In addition, the incumbent co-leds teams of up to five (5) Host Government Internal Audit professional local staff at the equivalent US FSN grades of FSN 9 -11.
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE ONE YEAR (12 MONTHS) WITH AN OPTION FOR RENEWAL SECURITY ACCESS THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS (TCN) (EMPLOYMENT) AREA OF CONSIDERATION THIRD COUNTRY NATIONALS.
POSITION DESCRIPTION: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Specialist
A. Background:
The Financial Management Specialist (FMS) will be based at the USAID Headquarters at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and will be assigned to the Office of the USAID Controller. The USAID Controller’s Office supports a wide-range of USG stability and development programs and activities throughout Afghanistan. USAID in Afghanistan is the principal U.S. Agency managing development assistance in leading President Obama’s Afghanistan strategy and the “Afghan First” initiative to empower Afghans to lead their country’s development and reconstruction. USAID/Afghanistan manages an operating budget which averages $2 billion a year and in 2010 reached $3.5 billion. The portfolio totals over $11.4 billion. This is not only the largest USAID program in the world, but it also represents the single largest bilateral assistance program in the 50-year history of the Agency. The scope, complexity, sensitivity and visibility of this program is of historic proportion.
USAID/Afghanistan operates in a complex interagency structure working closely with Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA), NATO, and international partners in a civilian-military effort to combat terrorism and re-establish security and stability in a country devastated by decades of war and misrule.
B. Basic Function of the Position:
The FMS, as a representative of the USAID Controller, will work directly with a broad range of other USG officials in developing strategies, designing projects and activities, conducting monitoring and evaluation of programs, and providing assistance and advice to both coalition partners and Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) counterparts. The FMS will collaborate with various United States Government (USG) officials and support direct assistance programs within GIRoA, as well as direct assistance to Afghan civil society organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other multi-national partners. A key component of the duties and responsibilities will include providing direct capacity building support to (GIRoA) line Ministries, parastatal organizations, and USG implementing partners while conducting reviews and assessments of GIRoA activities and audits of all locally-incurred costs by USG implementing partners. The FMS will be expected to act as Assessment/Audit Team Leader providing mentoring, hands-on training, and direction to USAID Foreign Service National (FSN) and GIRoA Civil Service employees. The FMS Team Leader duties will require the incumbent to work closely with a broad range of GIRoA counterparts from senior Ministry Officials in the capital city Kabul to lower-level provincial civil servants throughout the country. The FMS will frequently travel to duty locations throughout Afghanistan including Regional Platforms (RP)/Regional Commands (RC), Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT), District Support Teams (DST), and Special Operations Task Forces (SOTF), with coalition military or civilian entities, often in rustic and challenging conditions using a combination of USG civilian and military air and ground transportation.
C. Duties and Responsibilities
- Serves as a principal financial management advisor and supervisory team leader supporting Host Government on-budget assistance programs. Determines appropriate methods of financing for Mission programs and operations. Provides uniform guidance and procedures for financial management of all appropriated and non-appropriated funds available to the Mission, including implementation of internal accounting controls to safeguard those funds and other USAID assets.
- Serves as an advisor to senior USG officials and their staffs regarding the financial implications of existing or contemplated agreements. Assures that financing and reporting procedures, which conform with USAID's financial and program reporting systems and with the requirements and limitations of U.S. Government and cooperating country laws and regulations, are fully considered and set forth in Implementation Letters, grant projects, and contract agreements. Evaluates the effectiveness of implementation of Host Government programs, based upon internal control reviews, analyses of accounting reports on the use of manpower, supplies, equipment, and facilities and alerts the Controller to problem areas.
- Acts as the senior USAID technical expert involving the performance of comprehensive audits and examinations of all types of Mission and Host Government programs, to determine compliance with applicable legislation, regulations, policies and procedures to determine and evaluate the extent and quality of program and project implementation. Participates in the scheduling and establishing the scope of comprehensive audits of Mission, contractor, cooperating country, and grantee financial transactions, and utilization of U.S., cooperating country, and third country funds, goods, and services.
- Manages administrative, operational, and program activities involved in advising on the accounting and internal control operations of the Host Government and implementing partner organizations. Reviews, critiques, and revises audit reports and prepares transmittal letters for dissemination of audit reports within the Mission, Host Government, Contractors, and others as required by the assessment engagements. Designs all Mission Asssessment, Review and Risk Mitigation audit programs. Overseas the technical audit and assessment work conducted by the Controller Office and Host Government partner teams. Ensures that all workpapers and assessment test documentation supports the summary audit report recommendations issued. Develops internal policies and procedures governing the status, execution, and conduct of audit and assessment programs. Accomplishes work related to the conceptualization, design, documentation, and/or management of centrally administered financial and program audit/assessment projects. Programs/projects may be targeted toward a specific entity/situation, or they may be targeted to a specific development problem. Develops concept papers, project authorizations, and project amendments, in line with Agency regulations and guidance.
D. EVALUATION CRITERIA/SELECTION CRITERIA:
Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:
- Education: (20 Points) A Bachelor's degree in accounting or other relevant major, if six years of work experience. A Master's degree in accounting or other relevant major if only five years of experience as described below. Relevant degrees may include: business administration, management, finance, economics, or public administration and policy. Academic degrees must have been completed at the time of application to be considered.
- Work Experience: (20 Points) Five (5) or Six (6) years of progressively responsible work experience depending on education as noted above. The prior work experience should include knowledge in the audit arena at the equivalent organizational level of a “Senior Auditor” or higher management position within a certified public accounting firm. Experience working in an overseas environment in developing countries is desirable. Applicants should posses a CPA license or have met the core University accounting course requirements to qualify for a CPA license in their State of Residence.
- Communications: (20 Points) A demonstrated ability to effectively interact with a wide variety of stakeholders, including community members, government officials, donor representatives and local and international NGOs. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate both orally and in a written fashion with a diverse audience.
- Knowledge: (20 Points) Knowledge of U.S. or international “Generally Accepted Audit Standards”. Knowledge of program/project management (design, implementation, monitoring and/or evaluation) principles, theories, concepts, methods and techniques.
- Skills and Abilities: (20 Points) Superior writing and verbal communication skills. Ability to work in a developing country with limited modern conveniences. Ability to manage international development projects in a multi-cultural team environment.
Maximum Points Available: 100.
E. Term of Performance
The term of the contract will be for 12 months. 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 to Washington, DC to take the four mandatory pre-deployment training courses and then 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. This position has been classified at a U.S. Government GS-13. 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 and 35% Danger Pay. FICA and Federal income tax will be withheld by USAID. During this one year period you will be entitled to two Rest and Recuperation trips (R&R) and three Regional Rest Breaks (or, alternatively three Rest and Recuperation trips). While you will have to use your Annual Leave or Compensatory time for R&R, you will be entitled to 5 days Administrative Leave plus two days of travel time for each Regional Rest Break. There are 2 destinations for Regional Rest Break – they are: Dubai and New Delhi.
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.
F. General information regarding living and working conditions in Afghanistan
Life in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, has somewhat improved 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 is an historical opportunity to work closely with a dedicated team to assist the Afghans to bring about peace and stability to their war-torn country. Afghanistan is an unaccompanied post. All staff will be housed on the heavily-guarded and fortified Embassy compound, at a military compound, or at a PRT.
G. Medical and Security Clearance The selected applicant must have Employment Certification by the RSO, and a Department of State Class I Medical Clearance.
H. Benefits: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section.
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: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes
under the foreign earned income exclusion.
under the foreign earned income exclusion.
I.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
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
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:
J.APPLYING
All applications should be submitted electronically to e-mail address
Attention: Sameer Lodeen Human Resources Specialist USAID/Afghanistan
To ensure that your application is received for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number in the subject line of your e-mail as (FM1309) or your application may not be considered.
Applicants may submit an application against this solicitation at any time but prior to December 02, 2012 16:30 local (Kabul) time. The highest ranking applications may be selected for an interview. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.
K. REQUIRED FORM AND DOCUMENTS FOR INITIAL CONSIDERATION:
Interested applicants must submit the following documents or their applications may not be considered for this position:
- His/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;
- 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.
- 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.
Point of Contact: Sameer Lodeen Human Resources Specialist USAID/Afghanistan Email: slodeen@state.govPhone (in Afghanistan) – (202) 216-6288 Ext. 4344 or +93 797 777 301; 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/Afghanistan U.S. Embassy Great Massoud Road Kabul, Afghanistan
