I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72012125R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 07, 2025

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: February 05, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST)

4. POSITION TITLE: Infrastructure Advisor (Recovery & Reconstruction)

5. MARKET VALUE: $124,331-$182,584 per annum, equivalent to FS-02. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: one (1) year, with four (4) option years. Options may be exercised based upon satisfactory contractor performance, mutual agreement between the Contractor and USG, continued Mission requirements and the continued availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kyiv, Ukraine

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BASIC FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

While Ukraine’s number one, immediate priority is – and must be – to win the war with Russia, Ukraine must also focus on building a plan for recovery and the means to reconstruct after the hostilities end. Since Ukraine’s independence, USAID has been one of its closest and most trusted development partners and has remained steadfast in its support for Ukraine when Russia launched its full-scale invasion. USAID’s influence has increased as programs and budget have grown exponentially. Ukraine faces many significant challenges in re-establishing the infrastructure that has been destroyed by the war with Russia, and in developing infrastructure for economic growth and recovery. With this consideration, USAID/Ukraine is seeking a Reconstruction and Recovery Advisor to join the Office of Critical Infrastructure (OCI).

OCI has a dynamic portfolio including reconstruction and recovery policy and programming. OCI’s engineering and construction expertise has allowed it to play a prominent role within the US Government interagency as it considers the appropriate strategic policy and technical approach to advance and support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. Individuals seeking to serve as an advisor must be subject matter on infrastructure development and public financing. The position requires an individual who demonstrates initiative and the ability to manage competing work priorities and the demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of diverse teams. The position requires a professional with demonstrated leadership, team building and interpersonal skills. Ideally, the individual will have a broad knowledge of the U.S. Government experience at the technical and management level and excellent understanding of construction, quality control, and project management, as well as a strong familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulations and respective assistance policies.

The individual must have the ability to provide formal and informal leadership within a team, working effectively within and across agencies and stakeholders, to build consensus; judgment in planning and carrying out key functions as well as ability to adapt to uncertainty; ability to work within short timeframes; and adapt approaches as necessary; superior written and verbal communication skills; and ability to work effectively and constructively in a multicultural team under significant performance pressures. The individual should have a balanced knowledge of infrastructure management and program financing. They should have high energy and feel comfortable coordinating projects with government and private sector partners. Political acumen and knowledge of construction and contracting methodology will be a plus. Though neither advisor will immediately assume supervisory responsibilities upon assuming the position, both may assume supervisory responsibilities depending on funding recovery needs.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The recovery and reconstruction advisor is a planning visionary. They understand Ukraine’s recovery challenges (estimated at $419 Billion USD) and can understand how USAID can leverage infrastructure engineering expertise to fast track economic and social recovery. This position will likely work across multiple sectors including – but not limited to – energy, transportation, health, education, housing, and municipal or other government infrastructure. A heavy emphasis will be placed on (1) strategic planning related to infrastructure priorities and barriers to infrastructure reconstruction, (2) attracting private investment and financing for infrastructure, (3) leveraging public investment from Ukrainian sources and international donors, and (4) coordinating planning and program implementation within the U.S. interagency, across Ukrainian government institutions, and with the international community. This will require the ability to work expertly across disciplines such planning, financing and investment, public and corporate governance, engineering and construction, and project management to advance infrastructure reconstruction from the project level up to the policy and enabling environments levels.

The advisor performs the below duties and responsibilities with limited guidance from the Engineering and Infrastructure Team Lead and/or the Office of Critical Infrastructure Director, or his/her designee for the assigned area of responsibility (described below). Additionally, as the individual will take on an high level of responsibility for management and coordination of infrastructure activities, planning, and representation in his/her area of responsibility, the incumbent will:

Portfolio Management and Coordination: 25%

• With diverse teams, engage in the design of new activities, particularly for reconstruction programming; and participate in workshops, activity refinement, and technical evaluations; all which may require travel to the field or outside the country.
• Lead the monitoring of the effectiveness and appropriateness of recovery in changing economic and political contexts, including conducting in-person or virtual site visits to assess infrastructure quality, impact, and evidence of sustainability.
• Contribute to or oversee (and remain informed about) the development of new literature and ongoing research related to infrastructure and economic recovery.
• Provide administrative direction in terms of broadly defined missions or functions. Independently plans, designs and carries out projects, studies, and programs. Results of the work are considered technically authoritative. Reports effectively to the office director or other mission leadership.

Serving as an AOR/COR and Activity Manager 25%

• Become certified and serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) as outlined in ADS Reference 302mar. AOR/CORs are responsible for all related requirements in the COR designation letter and the AOR designation letter.
• Confirm that all delivered works are up on agency and mission quality standards as well as engineering best industry practices. Provide expertise on delivering high standard products that reflect USAID’s reputation as a good faith partner who makes high level impacts.
• Conduct site visits to confirm the potential of existing project deliverables or validate potential construction or infrastructure projects.

Policy and Guidance: 20%

• Help oversee and strategically plan U.S. foreign policy and development assistance in Ukraine’s infrastructure sector and sub-sectors, especially in relation to Ukraine’s economic and social recovery.
• Lead coordination with other USAID bureaus/offices, the U.S. Government (USG) interagency, Ukrainian counterparts and government officials, and other international donors, particularly in relation to Agency Construction Policies and Construction Risk Management. Using strong oral and written communication skills, help develop and implement policy and programmatic solutions related to recovery and reconstruction.
• Understand Ukrainian infrastructure policy and regulation. Remain informed about literature and ongoing research and standards related to infrastructure with particular emphasis on changes from Soviet to European Union standards and best practices.

USAID/Ukraine Technical Expert: 20%

• Guide interventions within USAID/Ukraine activities and provide technical assistance and support to USAID and USG colleagues, and cooperating agencies on issues related to transportation, construction, and reconstruction policies. Understand the nexus of construction to Ukraine’s economic and social recovery, as well as U.S. foreign policy interests.
• Develop and deliver infrastructure development guidance materials such as training, reports, case studies, or other media as requested or identified.
• Maintain up-to-date, expert-level knowledge of the organizations engaged in recovery and reconstruction activities.

General: 10%

• Consistently model behaviors with a commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive work environment free of discrimination, bias, unfairness, exclusion, offensive behaviors, and harassment of any kind.
• Contribute to a collaborative, respectful, and professional work environment by demonstrating partnership and teamwork to accomplish team, division, office, and Bureau objectives.
• Participate in workplace efforts to advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, including those related to mission programs, partners, staffing, professional development, and other key areas.
• Work in rapidly changing, high-pressure situations that often exceed normal business hours.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Director of the Office of Critical Infrastructure for USAID/Ukraine, or her/his designee.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

This individual will be responsible for supervising work of four local team members.

10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens only

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested may involve physical demands such as accessing and movement in an active construction site.

12. POINT OF CONTACT: All questions and offers must be submitted by email to KyivVacancies@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education/Prior Work Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from a U.S. or internationally recognized institution in urban planning and development, business, finance, engineering (preference to civil, environmental, or mechanical), law and policy, management, or other related fields plus at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience related to infrastructure development, operations and management, engineering, and/or construction.

INCLUDING, a minimum of three (3) years of international experience.

OR

Master’s degree from a U.S. or internationally recognized institution in urban planning and development, business, finance, engineering (preference to civil, environmental, or mechanical), law and policy, management, or other related fields plus at least six (6) years of progressively responsible experience related to infrastructure development, operations and management, engineering, and/or construction.

INCLUDING, a minimum of three (3) years of international experience.

Only offerors clearly meeting the above minimum qualifications will be considered for further evaluation.

Security and Medical clearances: The ability to obtain the required security and medical clearances in a reasonable timeframe is considered a minimum qualification. See Section V.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Selection Process and Basis of Evaluation: Offerors who clearly meet the aforementioned minimum education and work experience qualification requirements may be further evaluated through review of the offeror’s submitted required documents (see section IV below) and ranked based on the below evaluation and selection factors. A competitive range may be established of the highest-ranked offerors, who may be further evaluated through technical tests, interviews, and reference checks to determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offerors. Reference checks may be conducted with the highest-ranked offerors. Reference checks may be conducted with individuals not provided by the offeror. Any offeror not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position. Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/ highest-ranked offerors at the conclusion of evaluations.

Education/Prior Work Experience (40 points): Combination of education and professional experience must demonstrate how the candidate can thrive in a fast-paced, complex work environment. An engineering degree is preferred. Past experiences should demonstrate that the candidate can understand technical components of engineering and infrastructure projects while being able to incorporate understanding of policy and changing development contexts in Ukraine and the Eurasia region.

Skills and Abilities (60 points): Demonstrated Skills and Abilities in the below areas are essential:

• Sound management judgment as related to the assigned area of responsibility and advanced knowledge of evolving USG policies and procedures.
• Unusual ability to balance various components of construction management.
• Ability to understand and assess project feasibility, partner reliability, and institutional capabilities.
• Ability to develop and maintain contacts with high level officials of host country institutions selected to implement projects.
• Ability to collect and present facts and recommendations in a clear, concise manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to conduct sound analytical, evaluative, and complex reviews and evaluations of: (1) financial and project risk related to construction projects and related policy, and (2) financial and management operations including market surveys, procurement practices, etc.
• Superior analytical, planning and writing ability.
• Ability to work in a team environment within the USAID Mission and U.S. Embassy and to collaborate effectively with partner institutions.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to transfer knowledge to other staff including external and internal audit entities.
• Familiarity with development approaches and best practices in a wide variety of construction and project management techniques.
• Firm understanding of the USG program cycle, including project design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Computer skills and knowledge of basic software packages (Microsoft Office Suite and Google Platform).
• Level V (fluent) in Speaking and Reading English language ability. English writing skills are particularly important. Ukrainian language skills are a plus.

Total Points: 100 pts

IV. APPLYING

1. Eligible Offerors are required to complete and submit all the following documents and information in English in order to be considered for the position. Submit your complete application package to kyivvacancies@usaid.gov:

a. Completed and signed form Form AID 309-2,“Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available also at Forms | U.S. Agency for International Development. Only include base salary information in box 4 of sections B and C. Do not include bonuses, differentials, cost of living allowances, or other types of compensation. During negotiations, salary history may be verified through pay slips, earnings and leave statements, or other appropriate documentation.

b. A cover letter of no more than 2 pages that demonstrates how the Offeror’s qualifications meet the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation.

c. A resume or curriculum vitae (CV) of not more than 3 pages which, at a minimum, describes education, experience and career achievements relevant to the evaluation and selection factors in section III of this solicitation.

d. Names of three professional references, including at least one current/former supervisor, that have knowledge of the offeror’s ability to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation. This information may be included in the cover letter or resume/CV.

Late, incomplete, and/or un-signed offers will not be considered.

2. Offers containing all required documents must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted electronically to the email Point of Contact in Section I, item 12.

3. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors should prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

V. PRE-AWARD DOCUMENTATION / LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms, needed to obtain medical and security clearances.

1. Medical History and Examination Form/ Medical Clearance Update (DS-1843; DS-1622 /DS-3057)

2. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions for National Security (SF-86), or

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)

4. Fingerprint Card (SF-87)

Timely completion and submission of the required documents are needed to obtain the necessary Security and Medical Clearances. Failure of the selected offeror to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre- contract offer letter and begin negotiations with the next most qualified/highest ranked offeror. Selected offerors who are unable to obtain required Security and Medical Clearances in a reasonable timeframe are considered un-qualified for this position.

Within 2 weeks after written notice from the CO that all required clearances have been received, or unless another date is specified by the CO in writing, the selected offeror shall proceed to Kyiv, Ukraine to perform the services specified in section I, item 9.

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an Off-shore hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

• Employer’s FICA Contribution
• Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
• Pay Comparability Adjustment
• Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)
• Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation
• Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (If Applicable) *:

• Temporary Quarters Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)
• Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
• Cost of Living Allowance (Chapter 210) (d)
• Post Allowance (Section 220)
• Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
• Education Allowance (Section 270)
• Educational Travel (Section 280)
• Post Differential (Section 500)
• Payments During Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)
• Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)
• Special COLA
• Hardship Differential (Section 500)

*Dept. of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas

There are additional incentives for service in Ukraine as a critical priority country. EFMs are eligible for Involuntary SMA. When in Kyiv, contractors currently receive a 20% hardship differential, 35% danger pay, a special COLA of $45 per day, UAB 250 lbs., 3 R&Rs, and 20 workdays of administrative leave for R&Rs.

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a Resident Hire USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits:

BENEFITS:

• Employer’s FICA Contribution
• Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
• Pay Comparability Adjustment
• Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)
• Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation
• Annual and Sick Leave

In accordance with AIDAR, Appendix D, 1 (Class Deviation M/OAA-DEV-AIDAR-21-02c):

(b) Definitions:

(5) Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor (PSC) means a U.S. citizen or resident alien who, at the time of contract award.

(i) resides in the cooperating country for reasons other than the U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, under any contract or employment arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S.; or

(ii) is a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident alien with U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, under any contract or employment arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S,

VII. TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad, ” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at AIDAR, Appendix D

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at Forms | U.S. Agency for International Development

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