AEFM Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (Open to USEFMs AND EFMs Only) - USD $64,803 - USD $95,164 /Per Year

Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency:

AEFMs of DOS and USAID USDHs Foreign Service Officer’s only. FP-05 is the Actual FS salary determined by Washington D.C. Also refer to the section: “THIS HIRING PREFERENCE ORDER APPLIES ONLY TO THIS PILOT- DEPENDENTS OF DOS AND USAID USDHs only.”

Security Clearance Required:

Public Trust - Background Investigation

Appointment Type

Permanent

Appointment Type Details:

The length of employment definite, not to exceed 5 years and is subject to successful completion of required position training.

Marketing Statement:

USAID is an independent Federal Government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., USAID fosters transformational development around the world. Our work supports economic growth and trade; agriculture and the environment; education and training; democracy and governance; global health; global partnerships and humanitarian assistance. We operate in the following regions of the world: Afghanistan and Pakistan, Africa (all of Africa), Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East.

For more information about USAID, visit http://www.usaid.gov

Summary:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.
Work schedule is 40 hours per week.

Supervisory Position:

No

Relocation Expenses Reimbursed:

No

Travel Required:

Not Required

Duties

The Acquisition and Assistance Specialist (Entry Level/EL) is located in the Regional/Mission Office of Acquisition and Assistance. The function of the Office is to provide Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) support to Technical Offices and Development Objective (DO) Teams in the Mission, and in any Offices that may be supported by the Mission. The primary purpose of this position is to support the cognizant Mission Contracting/Agreement Officer, by performing a variety of A&A duties including, writing grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other procurement instruments, and preparing amendments/modifications to such instruments in support of the Mission. The Specialist reviews and recommends approval or revision of requisitions in the Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS); reviews and recommends approval or revision of statements of work (SOW); drafts A&A solicitation documents; performs cost and price analysis; analyzes A&A offers or applications received; drafts A&A award instruments and modifications; analyzes budgets; recommends special A&A award requirements; writes memoranda of negotiation; and, prepares other required documentation. The Specialist maintains up-to-date A&A files and records, manages Contractor Performance Assessment Reports (CPARs), and supports award closeout. The Specialist provides guidance to supported Teams related to A&A award modifications. The Specialist is responsible for carrying out day-to-day activities under the mentorship of more senior Office employees. This is a Standard Position Description covering A&A EFM Specialist positions worldwide. Family Member Appointment (FMA) hiring authority positions are typically made at a level below the full performance level, where the selected Appointment Eligible Family Member (AEFM) AEFM demonstrates high potential to achieve the full performance grade level but cannot meet the full training and/or experience requirements of the full-performance position description at the time of award. The following Major Duties and Responsibilities are representative of the occupation and not a specific description of any one job.

Qualifications and Evaluations

Requirements:

Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

Post Entry Training: 

There are no specific pre-entry training requirements for this entry level position. The Specialist will be provided formal and/or on-the-job training in the ADS, FAR, AIDAR, other CFR, and Mission and Office operating and administrative procedures. Training covering Assistance, Simplified Acquisition, and other formal and/or on-the-job training, as considered appropriate, will be provided based on availability of course offerings, and availability of funds. The Specialist will have a formal Individual Learning and Training Plan (ILTP) of courses leading to successful completion of Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) Level I. At a minimum, the ILTP must include all of the online courses required for FAC-C level I certification, USAID Essential Elements in Assistance, and CON 237 Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) or the equivalent. It is not expected that FAC-C Level I certification will be obtained at the FP-05 level, only that the required training has been completed in accordance with the ILTP.

Education Requirements:

Education: 

Possession of a Baccalaureate Degree or the equivalent of a four-year US college/university (or equivalency accreditation if a non-US institution) degree is required. Note: Additional education will NOT be substituted for Experience. The USAID HCTM’s Substitution of Experience for Education policy flexibilities can be considered.

Evaluations:

Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. Candidates meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed candidates. If the interview is conducted, the interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection. 

The evaluation and selection criteria of the selected candidate will be based on a review of his/her qualifications, work experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, and level of language required. The applicants who obtain the highest score based on the criteria defined will be interviewed and may also be required to pass a written test (depending on the TEC Chairperson’s decision). The security clearance and medical clearance is required for the top-ranking candidate, after conducting and receiving the positive reference checks. The evaluation & selection criteria of the selected candidate will be based on the following:

Prior Work Experience: (40 points: 

Skills and Abilities required (30 points)

Knowledge Required: (30 points): 

Total Possible Points : 100 Points

USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All qualified candidates 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. Management may consider the following when determining successful candidacy: nepotism, conflicts of interest, budget, and residency status.

Qualifications:

Prior Work Experience: 

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a position that requires closely related skills, such as program management, law, or financial management, is required. One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to responsibilities in this job description or an occupation that requires similar skills. Specific minimum requirements include: Additional minimum prior work experience requirements include: (a) General knowledge of office management procedures and specialized knowledge of administrative work is required. (b) Demonstrated ability to organize and manage A&A actions and filing systems effectively; ability to deal effectively with mid and high-level officials of agency/host government/private sector. (c) Must have analytical skills in order to determine applicability of USAID regulations pertaining to filing and closeout of A&A actions. (d) Must have the ability to learn federal acquisition regulation and code of federal regulation with respect to procurement rules and regulations. (e) Working knowledge of standard software packages utilized by USAID, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and the ability to do research on the internet.

Knowledge Required: 

Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes, or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge, is required. An understanding of USG A&A regulations and policies, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio, and/or the ability to quickly gain such understanding, is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, simplified acquisition procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types. General knowledge of office management procedures and specialized knowledge of administrative work is required. Exposure to some of the basic FAI CSOD course work: https://www.fai.gov/certification/fac-c is preferred.

Skills and Abilities:  

The ability to plan and administer simple A&A activities and provide A&A support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required. The ability to apply contracting and assistance regulations, procedures, and policies to acquisition and assistance programs involving few complexities, is required. Skill in solving practical problems relating to A&A is required. An ability to deal effectively with mid- to high-level representatives of the US, local, and regional business community, and with colleagues in USAID Missions and/or host governments throughout the region, is required. Demonstrated ability to organize and manage A&A actions and filing systems effectively; ability to deal effectively with mid and high-level officials of agency/host government/private sector. Must have analytical skills in order to determine applicability of USAID regulations pertaining to filing and closeout of A&A actions. Must have the ability to learn federal acquisition regulation and code of federal regulation with respect to procurement rules and regulations. Working knowledge of standard software packages utilized by USAID, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and the ability to do research on the internet. Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Office suite is required. Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, along with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail, are required. The ability to work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure is essential, as well as the ability to maintain strict CONFIDENTIALITY, and meet all STANDARDS OF CONDUCT/ETHICS STANDARDS in accordance with US law throughout all phases of the A&A process, is required.

Language Proficiency: ADS 438 and Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Level 4 (advanced professional proficiency, speaking and reading; see https://www.govtilr.org/) English and local language proficiency (if appropriate), both oral and written, is required.

Benefits and Other Info

Benefits:

Other Information:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf

1. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

1. 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

How to Apply

How to Apply:

Eligible applicants are required to complete this on-line application process and submit any applicable required documents by 11:59 p.m. Local Time (LT) on the closing date of this announcement. If applying on-line poses an extreme hardship, contact the human resources office no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this vacancy announcement. An alternative application method will be provided upon approval of the hardship notification. After this time, requests to apply via alternative methods will not be granted.

The evaluation & selection criteria of the selected candidate will be based on the following:

1. Work Experience: (40 points): A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a position that requires closely related skills, such as program
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in acquisition and assistance, development assistance, or a position that requires closely related skills, such as program management, law, or financial management, is required. One year of this experience must have been gained working in a position equivalent to responsibilities in this job description or an occupation that requires similar skills. Specific minimum requirements include Additional minimum prior work experience requirements include: (a) General knowledge of office management procedures and specialized knowledge of administrative work is required. (b) Demonstrated ability to organize and manage A&A actions and filing systems effectively; ability to deal effectively with mid and high-level officials of agency/host government/private sector. (c) Must have analytical skills in order to determine applicability of USAID regulations pertaining to filing and closeout of A&A actions. (d) Must have the ability to learn federal acquisition regulation and code of federal regulation with respect to procurement rules and regulations. (e) Working knowledge of standard software packages utilized by USAID, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and the ability to do research on the internet.

2. Skills and Abilities required (30 points): The ability to plan and administer simple A&A activities and provide A&A support for Agency programs and projects in a timely manner, is required. The ability to apply contracting and assistance regulations, procedures, and policies to acquisition and assistance programs involving few complexities, is required. Skill in solving practical problems relating to A&A is required. An ability to deal effectively with mid- to high-level representatives of the US, local, and regional business community, and with colleagues in USAID Missions and/or host governments throughout the region, is required. Demonstrated ability to organize and manage A&A actions and filing systems effectively; ability to deal effectively with mid and high-level officials of agency/host government/private sector. Must have analytical skills in order to determine applicability of USAID regulations pertaining to filing and closeout of A&A actions. Must have the ability to learn federal acquisition regulation and code of federal regulation with respect to procurement rules and regulations. Working knowledge of standard software packages utilized by USAID, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and the ability to do research on the internet. Skill in the use of most elements of the Microsoft Office suite is required. Good analytical, negotiating, and time management skills, along with strong proofreading skills and attention to detail, are required. 

3. Knowledge Required: (30 points): 

Knowledge of public and/or private-sector business processes, or the ability to quickly gain such knowledge, is required. An understanding of USG A&A regulations and policies, and/or knowledge and understanding of how to execute and administer a complex acquisition and assistance portfolio, and/or the ability to quickly gain such understanding, is required, particularly as it relates to acquisition through methods of negotiation, sealed bidding, simplified acquisition procedures, and that result in standard and established contract types. General knowledge of office management procedures and specialized knowledge of administrative work is required. 

Please note that all required documents must be received by the closing date, via online or alternative methods, and that we will determine your eligibility and qualifications based solely on the material received by the closing date. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must create an account in ERA in order to apply for this position. 

Applicants must attach (1) signed cover letter (2) current resume with at least three references (3) relevant educational certificates, (4) a supplementary document addressing the evaluation factors and (5) a signed Form AID 309-2 Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracting (PSC) available on the internet.

Required Documents:

• Signed Cover Letter

• Current resume with at least three references

• Relevant educational certificates

• A supplementary document addressing the evaluation factors

• A signed Form AID 309-2 Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracting (PSC) available on the internet.

Next Steps:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, all applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a shortlist of applicants developed. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored.

A committee will be convened to review the shortlisted applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.
USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.
The Agency retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.
Reference checks will be conducted by Human Resources only for the successful candidate. If a candidate does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the application Letter.
Applicants who are invited to take a language or skills test, or who are selected for an interview will be contacted via email. 

 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD
The Contracting Officer (CO) will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:
1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)
2. Security Clearance
3. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

For further information - the complete position description listing all of the duties, responsibilities, required qualifications, etc. may be obtained by contacting the Human Resources Office.

Thank you for your application and your interest in working at the U.S. Mission Accra, Ghana.