Senior Global Climate Change (GCC) Advisor

Duties: The Project Officer will report to the GAP Manager who is responsible for the project

1. SOLICITATION  NUMBER:                          388-S-00-11-00014-00
2. ISSUE DATE:                                                May 19, 2011
3. CLOSING DATE:                                           June 19, 2011

1. 4.      POSITION TITLE:                                         Senior Global Climate Change Advisor

5. NUMBER OF POSITION:                             One
6. MARKETING VALUE:                                   GS-15. $99,628 -$129,517 annum

Final compensation will be negotiated

within the listed market value based

upon the candidate’s past salary, work

history and educational background.

       7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE                       Dhaka,Bangladesh

       8.  DIRECT SUPERVISOR:                               Deputy Officer Director, EG

      

       9. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:                     Two (2) years

 

      10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION:                       U.S. Citizens or Third Country Nationals (TCNs)      

      11. SECURITY CLEARANCE:                            Employment Authorization

 

 

STATEMENT OF WORK (SOW) FOR GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE (GCC) ADVISOR

 

I. Background

 

Bangladesh is situated at the unique juxtaposition of the composite, sprawling interlinked Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GMB) systems, the second largest river system in the world, which drains an area of 1,086,000 square kilometers from China, Nepal, India and Bangladesh.  Because of this unique geophysical location, the country has been endowed with rich biological diversity, hosting a rich variety of species superbly evolved to populate the ecosystems of the country.  However, due to the various pressures of a growing population (with an already existing base of 152 million people), development interventions, gaps in policy and legislation, and conflicting institutional mandates, 90% ofBangladesh’s natural forests and 50% of its freshwater wetlands are lost or degraded.  Many terrestrial wildlife species have been lost during the last 100 years.  In addition, 40% ofBangladesh’s freshwater fish species are threatened with national extinction.  

The probable impacts of global climate change (GCC), particularly sea-level rise and the associated impact on ecosystems and economic loss, adds to the already daunting array of environmental issues.  It has been projected that about 20% of Bangladesh will be permanently submerged if sea level rises by 1 meter, which would affect 20-25 million people living in the affected area.  In addition to direct inundation of a large population, the sea level rise will certainly result in increased frequency and severity of flooding along the major estuarine rivers.  Saltwater intrusion problems will also be exacerbated in coastal aquifers.  Some impacts manifesting in erratic weather patterns and unexpected extreme climatic events have already been evident.   

InBangladesh, poverty and natural resource dependence is strongly linked as natural capital plays a critical role in the economy; poverty is mainly rural (53% rural headcount poverty, 37% urban).  Seventy-seven percent of rural households say they are at break-even or deficit status. Within this bracket, 18% comprise the hardcore poor who are always in deficit.  The rural poor are traditionally the most natural resource dependent and landless communities whose lives are totally dependent on natural capital. 

Degradation of natural capital and biodiversity has a serious and direct impact on the food security, nutrition and income of the poor.  The people ofBangladeshhave a historical dependency on the floodplain system for their livelihood security.  An estimated 70 million rural households rely on food and income from the wetlands to survive in one of the world’s poorest countries.  Around one million people are estimated to fish full time, and 11 million are involved part time – and four out of every five rural dwellers are dependent to some extent on aquatic resources.  These resources are estimated to supply between 60% and 80% of the animal protein needs of the country, as well as being a key source of essential minerals, vitamins and fatty acids which are vital factors in child development and adult health.  Between 1995 and 2000, freshwater fish consumption fell by 38% among poor wetlands inhabitants.  Open water fish that used to supply 80% of the animal protein consumed, in particular by the rural poor, now supply less than 60%.  Sustainable management of the bio-diverse natural capital is, therefore, central to poverty reduction in theBangladeshcontext.

Relating to climate change, the mission will embark on addressing: (1) sustainable landscapes, (2) adaptation and (3) clean energy activities.  Focus will be on a Low Emission Development Strategy (LEDS), and will support climate change mitigation and will helpBangladeshembark on a low emissions development trajectory. It will build and strengthen the capacity of GOB and other stakeholder institutions to promote, develop and sustain forest and waterways and clean energy development.  Attention will be placed on forestry management and biodiversity, community based adaptation, and creating an enabling environment for low emission growth, scaling up the use of renewable energy sources, and pursuing energy efficiency and conservation in different production and consumption facilities for lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

A. Basic function of positions:

The Senior Global Climate Change Advisor for USAID/Bangladesh Environment Team serves as a manager for theMission’s growing climate change related activities.  This position is located at the Office of Economic Growth (EG), USAID/Bangladesh.  S/he has project development, implementation, and monitoring responsibilities for USAID/Bangladesh’s global climate change (GCC) and natural resource conservation activities.  Global Climate Change related activities are aUSGpriority.  The incumbent is a principal designer and manager of GCC, natural resources, livelihood and enterprise development activities related to environmental conservation and clean energy that are supportive of the Mission's overall strategy objectives in the area of pro-poor, equitable economic growth,  sustainable natural resource management, and low emissions. This involves oversight of implementing agencies, including the Government of Bangladesh (GOB) line ministries and technical agencies, contractor or grantee; coordination with other development partners, and the private sector institutions involved with global climate change and environmental conservation. Since Global Climate Change (GCC) is a national issue and as a senior key member of the Environment team, s/he deals with problems that are rapidly evolving and have impact on Environment team as well as overall Economic Growth Office.  The incumbent works with the environment and clean energy team members, to ensure the development and successful implementation of bilateral activities in the natural resources conservation and livelihood programs.  S/he also works closely with other members and team leaders of theMission’s EG Office as well as other offices.  The incumbent’s primary contacts would be the highest level of officials, senior management officials etc.  In addition, the incumbent works with USAID/Washington (Asia Bureau and Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade Bureau) technical and program offices.  The Climate Change Programs Advisor develops and maintains professional contacts with representatives in both the public and private sectors, including Government of Bangladesh (GoB) officials, trade and business leaders, consultants, NGOs, and donor agencies inBangladesh.

The incumbent has to possess significant expertise in climate change adaptation and mitigation issues, including clean energy and natural resource management -- preferably community-based natural resource management in a developing economic setting with substantial management experience in environmental/climate change policy formulation.  S/he also has to possess visible expertise in global climate change mitigation and adaptation, community-based eco-tourism and nature products value chains development.  The incumbent should be able to represent theMissionat highest-level inter-agency setting.  S/he has to demonstrate leadership and exceptional attainments to overcome outstanding work-related difficulties and challenges.

The incumbent will be able to speak on the subject matters in various public fora. The incumbent participates in the conception, design, development, and implementation of projects that help expand natural resources (forests, water) management, community empowerment, and alternative income generation. S/he also works with other USAID/Bangladesh team members as well as members of other Strategic Objective teams in identifying and operationalizing way to maximize the impact of interventions across theMission’s other portfolios, that is, identifying opportunities for complementarities in, disaster management, nutrition, economic growth and governance programs. S/he performs management, supervisory, and representational responsibilities while providing a leadership role within the Office of Economic Growth. 

B. Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The incumbent will be responsible for:

a)      Technical leadership in Strategic Planning, Program Development, and Activity Design

1. The Advisor provides post-wide strategic, technical, and organizational leadership in climate change program management.   As a key advisor, the incumbent collaborates with the inter-agency team in managing components of the strategy and meeting measurable objectives.  The incumbent’s recognized expertise in GCC and natural resources management, including host-country programs and policies, is a powerful influence on program policy and design.  The incumbent generates and develops new hypotheses and theories for the environment and energy team.

1. Serves as a key advisor in developing new mission environmental and energy interventions.  In this s/he is closely involved with the inter-agency team, host country officials and consultants in the development of new projects, writing Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Assistance (RFA), and other procurement mechanisms.  S/he is also one of the chief architects of the environment and energy team’s plans.  This entails leading the design and implementation of major components of the plan.  S/he requires originating new techniques, establishing criteria and developing new information systems for the environment and energy teams.

1. Prepares project papers and design documents for environmental programs and leads research on social, political, cultural, and economic factors pertaining to the development inBangladesh.  Contributes to the development of the mission’s overall conceptual framework and formulates plans for implementation.

1. Develops and sustains close collaborative, professional relationships with highest-level officials of otherUSGagencies, development partners, host government, key business leaders, other major donors and international organizations.

1. Represents the environment and energy team to USAID stakeholders and external development partners in a wide variety of events sponsored by USAID development partners, including conferences, workshops, donor subgroup meetings, and other relevant forums on economic development.  S/he negotiates with host country government on project design and implementation, ensuring that host country officials at the highest level are apprised of program progress.  These responsibilities require the incumbent to demonstrate highly developed professional judgment and to provide technical direction and management oversight.

1. Ensures effective coordination of USAID-funded activities with those of other donors working with climate change and natural resources management inBangladesh. Promotes expansion of effective strategies and approaches that can expand coverage and quality of environmental protection. 

b. Program/Project Management and Administration

The incumbent will perform the function of Contractor Officers Technical Representative (COTR) as designated by the Mission Contracting Officer for the management of contracts and grants and reports to the Director, Office of Economic Growth. 

1. Supports the Environment and Energy Teams, Office of Economic Growth in managing a growing portfolio of ongoing and future activities that seek to sustainably manage forests and inland water bodies, focusing on biodiversity and global climate change.

1. Ensures that activities achieve their intended results.  S/he provides technical and organizational leadership on the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of activities.  S/he ensures that partners meet their benchmark requirements in accordance with USAID regulations. 

1. Conducts assessments and site visits to monitor the program and implementing partner, stakeholder, and counterpart progress in the implementation of activities at the local and district level. 

1. Provide technical advice to institutional contractors, grantees, Government officials, and other stakeholders as warranted.

1. Collaborates with other donors and organizations in natural resources management to ensure synergy of program activities with those of other organizations.

1. Manages financial matters related to program activities, such as providing administration approval of vouchers, planning and preparing for annual incremental funding amendments, and other financial administrative activities as needed to ensure that fiscal needs of the recipient, U.S. and local contractors are met in a timely matter.

1. Prepares all necessary internal USAID project obligation and implementation documentation for smooth program implementation, including to Modified Acquisition and Assistance Documents (MAARDs) and other required reporting.

1. Prepares and submits the annual evaluation of contractors’ performance for inclusion in their central database on contractors.

1. c.      Program/Policy Analysis and Reporting
   

1. S/he ensures that all activities are appropriately documented in required reports and through regular updates given to USAID stakeholders and external development partners, including the Annual Report, Portfolio Reviews, annual budget and pipeline analyses, briefs and talking points.

1. Ensures indicators to measure program impact are tracked accurately and used to revise strategy as necessary.  Coordinates with other members of Office of Program to ensure data submitted on activities are complete and consistent for reporting in the annual report, portfolio reviews, annual budget, pipeline analyses and other required reporting.

1. Keeps the team abreast of current events inBangladeshthat impact on its mission or cooperation.  AdvisesMissionsenior management and other office staff of development relevant to the program’s implementation.  Conducts consultations with stakeholders and tracks legislative developments.  Being expert in Environment field, the incumbent guides directly and indirectly substantial number of professionals and technical staffs.  Collects, analyzes, and synthesizes information to inform and strategically guide program planning.

1. Prepares concept papers and other relevant documents and initiates and describes project ideas and initiatives in accordance with the sector strategy, the current environment in Bangladesh, the institutional capabilities and purposes of potential; USAID recipients, resource availability, and funding sources.

C. EVAULATION/SELECTION CRITERIA:

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

1. Education:  A minimum of a Masters degree (PhD preferred) in the fields of Natural Resources Management, forestry, global climate change, Environmental Economics, or related subject is required with strong technical emphasis or specialization in the areas of community-based natural resources management, environmental policy, natural resources value chain development and clean energy. (15 points)

 

1. Work Experience: The incumbent is required to have a minimum of fifteen years of environmental development experience- including at least eight years of employment as a program manager with large international organizations—with significant project management, project design, and project development experience.  Prior supervisory and management experience in a position of similar complexity is required.  Recent experience in the area of natural resource management, global climate change, environmental sciences, as applied developing countries is required.  The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional and interagency bureaucratic challenges while maintaining collaborative relations. Experience in initiating and brokering policy dialogue and work plan development and bring such dialogue with senior government officials, policy makers, NGOs and private sector representatives to closure is required. (40 points)

 

1. Knowledge:  Knowledge of project development, management, performance monitoring and reporting, and policy analysis as related to natural resource management and climate change is required.  Prior experience and/or technical knowledge in evaluating donor economic development or environmental management activities is required.  A thorough understanding of major problems frequently faced by climate change and natural resource threatened and poverty stricken environments experience is preferred.   The incumbent must also have a high degree of technical, analytical, and quantitative skills in the analysis of statistical data, public policy and market-related data for decision making.  The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional and interagency bureaucratic challenges while maintaining collaborative relations. (15 points)

 

1. Skills and Abilities: Proven, demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed upon parameters with minimal supervision or guidance and while exercising sound judgment is required.  The following skills and abilities are also sought: interpersonal skills, operational and management skills; computer skills including ease and skill in using word processing and power point programs, email, databases and spreadsheets; and the ability to conceptualize both strategically and programmatically. Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage more than one activity at a time in the performance of project management. Demonstrated communications skills are critical.  Candidate must be fluent in English and have a proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including in preparation of technical reports and presentations and briefings. The applicant should have demonstrated ability to produce professional quality analytical pieces and deliver authoritative, persuasive oral presentations to seniorUSGofficials from multiple agencies, other donors, foreign government, and local governments. The applicant must also have the ability to explain USAID natural resources management and climate change program polices, objectives and procedures as well asU.S.government legislation relating to natural resources management to technical and non-technical colleagues. (30 points)

 

D.  REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

The incumbent will be supervised by Deputy Office Director, Economic Growth Office.

 

E.   POSITION ELEMENTS:

 

Available Guidelines:   Automated Directives System (ADS),Mission Orders and

MissionNotices.

 

Exercise of Judgment: Projects assigned to incumbent include a variety of duties and processes requiring extensive exercise of judgment, decision-making, and communications management.

 

Authority to Make Commitments:  The incumbent does not have formal authority to financial commitment unless authorized by his/her American Supervisor.

 

Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts:  Personal contacts are according to the regulations and procedures of USAID/Bangladesh, U.S. Embassy personnel, USAID/Washington, partners, implementers and institutional contractors.

 

Time Required to Perform Full Range of Duties:   The first six months will be considered a probationary period.  The incumbent is expected to perform the fullrange of duties within this period.

 

F.  TERM OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS:

The term of the contract will be for two years on/about September 2011 to September 2013.  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 Dhaka to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds.  This position bas been classified at a U.S. Government GS 15 level.  The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history.  If the successful candidate meets all the requirements of the position, the offered salary will be within the GS-15 band.  It is unlikely that an individual will be selected who does not already have the prior training and experience to fully perform the GS-15 equivalent, or who in some other way does not fully meet all requirements for the position.  However, should such an individual be offered a position, the offered salary may be below the GS-15 pay band.  In addition, theMissionhas a 25% Post Differential allowance, FICA and Sunday pay differential (for USPSC only) and federal income tax will be withheld by USAID.  Bangladesh is a family post with good education facilities. 

 

   Medical and Security Clearances:    The selected candidate must be able to obtain Employment Authorization clearance and medical clearance.

 

Benefits and Allowances:  As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire USPSC/TCN is normally authorized the following benefits.   

 

1. Benefits:

(i) Employee's FICA Contribution 

(ii) Health & Life Insurance:  Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for contractor with family; and $7,266 for contractor only.  The Contractor shall be provided a maximum contribution of up to 72% against the actual costs of the Contractor's annual health insurance costs, provided that such costs may not exceed the maximum U.S. Government contribution as announced periodically by USAID’s Office of Acquisition and Assistance.  The Contractor shall be provided a contribution of up to 50% against the actual costs of annual life insurance not to exceed $500.00 per year. 

(iii) Medical Evacuation (Medevac) Insurance:  100% Medical Evacuation Insurance annual premium for contractor with family will be reimbursed to the contractor, if not covered by Health Insurance.

(iv) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for US Government employees and US Personal Services Contractors.  Currently this Pay Comparability Adjustment is frozen until further notice. 

(v) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(vi) Vacation & Sick Leave

 

2. Allowances* (If Applicable):  As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances: 

(1) Post Differential (Section 500)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(4) Post Allowance (COLA) (Section 220)

(5) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(6) Payments During Evacuation (Section 600)

(7) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(8) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(9) Educational Travel (Section 280)

 

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

 

3. Other Benefits:  Additional benefits are available for individuals hired from outside Bangladesh in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations, e.g., international airfare from place of residence, R&R, international shipment of personal effects, unaccompanied baggage allowance, POV Shipment, Repatriation Travel, furnished housing and educational allowances for dependent children.

 

Federal Taxes:  USPSCs are not exempted from payment of Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

 

G.  INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

 

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTORS:

 

For initial consideration:

 

1. Application Form OF-612

    

Upon advice by the Contracting Officer, the finalist candidate will complete and submit the following forms:

 

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

3. Medical Clearance Form (DS 6561)
4. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86)
5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington).

 

APPLICATION PROCESS:

 

Application stating their interest along with updated OF-612 (Application for Federal Employment), a current resume, and a cover letter.  Please send your application package to this e-mail account:   Dhaka-Jobs@usaid.gov.  The candidate must sign the completed OF-612, the resume, and the cover letter, and scan and send them to the above-mentioned e-mail account. Incomplete, unsigned applications and late submissions will not be considered.  

 

ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE  POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC):

 

AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance.  A number of AAPDs pertaining to Personal Service Contracts.  Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/  to locate relevant AAPDs.  Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

 

       Points of Contact

 

1. Marty D. George, Supervisory Executive Officer, USAID/Dhaka
2. Shefali Saha, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Dhaka
3. Nafeesa M. Hussain, Human Resources Assistant, USAID/Dhaka