USPSC U.S. Mission to United Nations in Geneva (USUN) Senior Advisor/Team Lead

USPSC U.S. Mission to United Nations in Geneva (USUN) Senior Advisor/Team Lead

USPSC U.S. Mission to United Nations in Geneva (USUN) Senior Advisor/Team Lead

USPSC U.S. Mission to United Nations in Geneva (USUN) Senior Advisor/Team Lead

Published
January 30, 2023
Location
Geneva
Position type
Experience (minimum)
5-10 Years
Education (minimum)
High School
Travel required?
Not specified
Base salary (minimum)
Not specified

Description

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720BHA22R00053
ISSUANCE DATE: January 30, 2023
CLOSING DATE AND TIME: March 17, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC)

Dear Prospective Offerors:
The United States Government (USG), 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.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned
offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their
records.
USAID will evaluate all offerors based on stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all
individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to
the 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 offer.
Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in Attachment 1.

Sincerely,

Joy Burriss
Contracting Officer

I. GENERAL INFORMATION
1. SOLICITATION NO.: 720BHA22R00053
2. ISSUANCE DATE: January 30, 2023
3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: March 17, 2023, 12:00 P.M. Eastern Time
4. POINT OF CONTACT: G3PC Recruitment Team, BHA.G3PCRecruitment@usaid.gov
5. POSITION TITLE: U.S. Mission to United Nations in Geneva (USUN) Senior Advisor/Team Lead
6. MARKET VALUE: $117,518 - $152,771 equivalent to GS-15 (not eligible for Locality Pay)
Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value and will include Locality
Pay for domestic USPSCs based on the location of the Official USAID Worksite, or the
approved alternative worksite if approved for remote work. USPSCs performing overseas are
not entitled to Locality Pay.
Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Geneva
Relocation expenses will not be reimbursed for U.S.-based positions.
8. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Five (5) years, tentatively 145 day estimated start date from
closing
9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Citizens Only
10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret
(If there is a change in circumstances requiring access to National Security information classified
at the Top-Secret level, the offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top
Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.)
11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

GENERAL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE OF THE CONTRACT
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Bureau for Humanitarian
Assistance’s (BHA) Office of Global Policy, Partnerships, Programs, and Communications (G3PC)
operates a small office in Geneva, Switzerland embedded in the U.S. Mission to the United
Nations (USUN) which is responsible for working closely with United Nations (UN) agencies,
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies (IFRC), non-governmental organization (NGO) fora, and donors on a range of
humanitarian issues. As one of the critical “humanitarian capitals of the world,” Geneva is the
venue for key discussions on policy issues directly related to BHA’s activities, such as reform of
the international humanitarian system, best practices in financing humanitarian programs and
disaster management as well as for donor initiatives on improving the effectiveness of
humanitarian aid. USAID/BHA is seen within the Geneva-based international community as a
leader in the field of humanitarian response and policy affairs based on its expertise in
operational policy and delivery of assistance, an extensive field network, large humanitarian
budget, and its engagement with a wide variety of international and local partners.

The Senior Advisor/Team Leader (SA/TL) for USUN in Geneva will focus on leading the team of
humanitarian advisors based in Geneva and cultivating relationships with the UN, public
international organizations, NGOs, and donor stakeholders within the Geneva community.
He/she serves as an authoritative source of information on humanitarian issues and
humanitarian policy for the USUN Ambassador and staff. The SA/TL is expected to represent
USAID/BHA at the most senior levels within the UN and USG and will also raise critical issues
with the UN on behalf of USAID and other USG agencies. He/she will help plan USUN strategies
and responses to humanitarian crises, actively work with UN agencies on U.S. positions on
humanitarian issues, and anticipate and prepare documents, briefing memos and statements
for the USUN Ambassador for important meetings and events. This position is critical to
ensuring that BHA and humanitarian priorities are represented and effectively communicated
within the international Geneva community.

G3PC requires the services of a SA/TL based at USUN in Geneva, Switzerland to lead the
USAID/BHA USUN Geneva team and provide support to USUN, ensuring that USAID objectives
for disaster assistance, strategic reporting on humanitarian issues, and situational analysis on
humanitarian policy issues are met and coordinated closely.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES TO BE PERFORMED
The SA/TL serves as the principal authority on humanitarian response issues and key voice on
humanitarian policy for USUN Geneva. As part of the USUN Geneva Team, he/she will help plan
USUN strategies and responses to humanitarian crises, actively lobby members of UN
delegations on U.S. positions on humanitarian issues, provide effective liaison with the UN
offices in Geneva, and anticipate and prepare documents and briefing memos on humanitarian
issues for important meetings and events. The SA/TL will also raise critical issues with the UN
on behalf of USAID/BHA and other USG agencies and must have the ability to multitask. The
SA/TL provides skilled analytical and advisory support on humanitarian issues for the planning,
development, and execution of U.S. foreign policy within a broad and complex geographic or
functional specialty area. The work requires applying a rigorous analytical approach to data and
the SA/TL will be expected to execute independent judgment and analysis, particularly around
needs arising from new and ongoing crises and intractable humanitarian policy and program
issues.

The role requires significant interaction with foreign delegates, demanding strong diplomatic
and communication skills to accurately represent U.S. positions in a complex multilateral
setting, based on guidance from Washington.
The SA/TL will serve as USAID’s principal in-country point of contact for humanitarian issues in
Geneva. The SA/TL’s duties and responsibilities will include the following:

● Provide leadership for the identification, research, analysis, and development of
recommendations on all issues and matters relating to humanitarian affairs and anticipate
the need for such policy analysis.
● Independently lead, direct, and create the strategic work plan of the USAID/BHA USUN
Geneva team under the general administrative direction of G3PC Office leadership, in close
coordination with USG interagency colleagues. Supervise USAID/BHA USUN Geneva staff on
issues related to humanitarian events and daily tasks.
● Serve as the lead USAID contributor to an interagency team working on humanitarian issues
co-located in the Office of Humanitarian Affairs Section at USUN Geneva, regularly interact
with State Department senior leadership on developing strategies and policies toward UN
agencies and issues.
● Define and anticipate the needs at USUN Geneva regarding developments in the areas of
humanitarian affairs and prepare analyses, briefings, documents, and meetings as required
to address or resolve any needs.
● Represent USAID at various UN, USUN, UN Office of Coordination of Humanitarian
Assistance (OCHA) Donor Support Group, Humanitarian Liaison Working Group (HLWG) and
other meetings with high-level officials and provide authoritative information and views to
formulate humanitarian policies and coordinate strategies on policy issues.
● Initiate and maintain strong working relationships with other diplomatic missions in order to
promote humanitarian principles and coordinate disaster response activities.
● Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with other high-ranking officials
from USUN and relevant USG offices. Serve as a skilled point of contact for these groups in
the area of humanitarian affairs. Typical high-ranking contacts are the Chief of Mission,
senior level officials of the UN agencies and leading representatives of foreign governments.
Contacts may have diverse viewpoints, goals, or objectives and the incumbent will be
responsible for achieving a common understanding among the various parties to create a
satisfactory solution that addresses their various objectives and concerns.
● Represent USAID at meetings with the UN, international organizations, and other donors
and at other high-level conferences sponsored by members of the international community.
● Justify, defend, and negotiate significant or controversial USAID/BHA policy positions to the
international community, provide skilled guidance and advice on USG positions,
negotiate strategies, and in consultation with USAID/Washington, conduct negotiations with
the donor community and make recommendations to the appropriate officials at USAID and
convey demarche messages as needed.
● Establish humanitarian policy concepts, theories or programs related to ongoing
humanitarian response challenges based on information and analysis of current
humanitarian crises.
● Work with counterparts in other donor organizations in Geneva at the most senior levels,
particularly those represented in the HLWG of contact for international donor appeals and
other documentation from the ICRC and IFRC and other agencies based in Geneva. Respond
to inquiries and be familiar with their operational procedures.
● Advise USAID/BHA staff on issues regarding donations and requests for USG support and
information sharing from private and public interest groups, including those formed on an
ad hoc basis during disaster assistance operations.
● Engage at senior levels with the World Health Organization (WHO) on reform and other
humanitarian related issues.
● Act as the lead between the USUN Geneva and all offices within USAID/BHA, interact with
Geneva-based organizations such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the WHO on
food security and maternal child health nutrition issues for emergency, non-emergency, and
developmental relief activities.
● Provide high-level informational updates and analysis as necessary on activities undertaken
by WHO, OCHA, International Organization of Migration, UN High Commissioner for
Refugees, and ICRC on issues which have a humanitarian focus that will drive policy debates
in the USG interagency arena in close coordination with USG colleagues on issues
USAID/BHA is tracking.
● May serve on temporary details within the Bureau to meet operational needs during staff
shortages. Duties performed while on detail will be aligned with the Team’s existing duties
and responsibilities as well as directly related to the scope of work provided.
● Sign up for and serve on Washington-based Response Management Teams (RMTs), which
provide services and support to Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DARTs) deployed in
response to disasters. The duties on RMTs may vary.
● Create, contribute to, and maintain a collaborative and effective team environment while
setting the tone and example for open communication and regular coordination; a work
environment conducive to mutual respect; clear expectations for performance; and clear
delegations of roles, responsibilities, and authority.
● Mentor team members to build technical and other professional skills which meet the
professional goals of staff and the needs of USAID/BHA.
● Create a culture of civility and respect whereby both managers and employees are expected
to behave professionally and cultivate a harassment free work environment at all times.
● Work with USAID/BHA and G3PC leadership to identify and address structural barriers to
diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in and across teams. Practice equitable
supervision, task/project assignment, and leadership growth potential to all staff.
● Consistently model behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to fostering a non-hostile
work environment free of discrimination, bias, unfairness, exclusion, offensive behaviors,
and harassment of any kind.
● May serve on DARTs which may require immediate (within 24 hours) deployment overseas
for an extended period of time. During deployment on DARTs (if required), and during site
visits, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing,
walking over rough terrain, or carrying of moderately heavy items (less than 50 pounds).
Work is primarily performed in an office setting. During deployment on DARTs (if required),
and during site visits, the work may additionally involve special safety and/or security
precautions, wearing of protective equipment, and exposure to severe weather conditions.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:
The USPSC will take direction from and will report to the BHA/G3PC Deputy Office Director
or their designee. The SA/TL will work closely with the G3PC office in Washington as well as the
Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) and other key senior staff in Geneva. As part of the USUN
Mission, within the Office of Humanitarian Affairs, the Geneva-based SA/TL also falls under the
authority of the Ambassador and the DCM at USUN. For many activities, the SA/TL will also
coordinate closely with USG personnel in Geneva. The SA/TL does not have the authority to
commit USAID/BHA resources without approval from USAID/BHA/Washington.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:
The USPSC Supervisor provides administrative directions in terms of broadly defined missions or
functions. The USPSC independently plans, designs and carries out programs, projects, studies
or other work within scope. Results are considered authoritative and are normally accepted
without significant change.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the education and
experience factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
High School Diploma. Must have nine (9) years of experience working on international
emergency response, humanitarian assistance or on humanitarian policy issues. Experience
working for the U.S. Government or with an international organization required.
OR
Bachelor’s degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field or in any
discipline, and at least seven (7) years of relevant experience working on international
emergency response, humanitarian assistance and/or on humanitarian policy issues. Experience
working for the U.S. Government or with an international organization required.

OR

Master's degree with significant study in or pertinent to the specialized field or in any discipline,
and at least five (5) years of relevant experience working on international emergency response,
humanitarian assistance and/or on humanitarian policy issues. Experience working for the U.S.
Government or with an international organization required.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with
FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a
competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR
15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that
would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient
competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive
range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly
rated offers. FAR provisions of this solicitation are available at
https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.

The technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from
individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or
after a candidate is interviewed.

SELECTION FACTORS
(Determines basic eligibility for the position. Offerors who do not meet all of the selection
factors are considered NOT qualified for the position.)
● Offeror is a U.S. Citizen.
● Complete resume submitted. See Section IV for resume requirements. Experience that
cannot be quantified will not be counted towards meeting the solicitation requirements.
● USPSC Offeror form AID 309-2. Offerors are required to complete sections A through I.
This form must be physically signed. Electronic signatures may be accepted.
● Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. If there is a change in circumstances
requiring access to National Security information classified at the Top-Secret level, the
offeror may be asked to obtain and maintain a Secret up to Top Secret/Sensitive
Compartmented Information level clearance as provided by USAID.
● Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of State medical clearance throughout the
contract.
● Must not appear as an excluded party in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov).
● Satisfactory verification of academic credentials.

OFFEROR RATING SYSTEM
The offeror rating system factors are used to determine the competitive ranking of qualified
offerors in comparison to other offerors. Offerors must demonstrate the rating factors outlined
below within their resume, as they are evaluated strictly by the information provided. The
evaluation of writing tests will also take into consideration the quality of written responses.
Aspects of written responses including, but not limited to typos, grammatical errors, spelling
errors, and incomplete sentences will be factored into the evaluation process. The rating factors
are as follows:

Professional Experience (30 points):
● Experience with direct donor-based:
o USG international humanitarian agencies (3 points)
o Other international disaster response organizations (3 points)
● Experience managing humanitarian interventions in an international disaster context
across the entire disaster management cycle to include:
o Emergency response (2 points)
o Early recovery (2 points)
o Disaster risk reduction (2 points)
Experience managing humanitarian policy interventions including:
o Coordination efforts (1 point)
o Strategy development (1 point)
o Analysis of humanitarian policy response efforts (1 point)
o Resource prioritization (1 point)
o Program development (1 point)
o Program management (1 point)
o Specific experience working on or negotiating humanitarian resolutions (4
points)
Experience in:
o Representing a country or organization in public settings (2 points)
o Briefing senior officials or government officials (2 points)
o Making decisions or recommendations on policy or programming issues (2
points)
o Working with counterparts at other international organizations. (2 points)
Interview Performance (40 points)
Timed Writing Test (20 points)
Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks (10 points)
Total Possible Points: 100
BASIS OF RATING: Offerors who meet the Education/Experience requirements and Selection
Factors will be further evaluated in accordance with the Offeror Rating System. Those offerors
determined to be competitively ranked may also be evaluated on interview performance and
satisfactory professional reference checks.

Offerors are required to address each factor of the Offeror Rating System in their resume,
describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they
have received as it pertains to each factor. Be sure to include your name and the announcement
number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the selection factors and/or
Offeror Rating System factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience,
education, training and/or awards.

The most qualified offerors may be interviewed and required to provide a writing sample. BHA
will not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews. Professional references and
academic credentials will be evaluated for offerors being considered for selection.

Note: Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in
addition to the ones provided by an offeror. BHA reserves the right to select additional offerors
if vacancies become available during the future phase of the selection process.

Related Jobs

 

NGO Job Board

Pin It on Pinterest

Social Share This Post