DEMOCRACY RIGHTS AND GOVERNANCE
CROSS-SECTOR SPECIALIST
Job Announcement No. AID-001-16

OPEN TO:

All Americans who currently reside in Zambia and
Eligible Family Members

SOLICITATION NUMBER:
ISSUANCE DATE:
CLOSING DATE:
POSITION TITLE:

AID-001-16
February 16, 2016
February 26, 2016
Democracy Rights Governance Cross-Sector
Specialist

GRADE:

GS-13 ($ 73,846 – 96,004)

MARKET VALUE:

The final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience, and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: One year from date of appointment with one option to extend for up to four additional years.
PLACE OF PERFORMACE: United States Embassy, Lusaka, Zambia
SECURITY ACCESS:

FSN/LES basic security clearance

A. BASIC FUNCTIONS
The Democracy Rights and Governance (DRG) Cross-Sector Specialist provides programmatic support and advice to the DRG team in areas that intersect with other technical sectors and manages USAID/Zambia’s suite of cross-sector DRG activities.
S/he reports to the DRG Team leader and serves as the working-level liaison between the DRG technical team and other USAID technical offices including the Education,
Economic Development, Health, and Interagency PEPFAR teams. S/he identifies and advances opportunities for cross-sector DRG integration and funding and serves as activity manager or A/COR of specific cross-sector activities. S/he also contributes to other areas of DRG activity management and reporting as in support of the
USAID/Zambia’s DRG strategy more broadly. Responsibilities include:
B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.

Coordinate the design and procurement of cross-sector DRG activities including, but not limited to, Accountable Governance for Improved Service Delivery
(AGIS) and Community Monitoring for Improved Health Services.

2.

Serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (C/AOR) for cross-sector
DRG activities, ensuring that activities achieve the shared development goals of various sectors.

3.

Work across technical sectors and with the Program Office to develop mutually beneficial performance monitoring and evaluation plans for cross-sector activities, including ambitious, realistic indicators and measures of success.

4.

Maintain budget and expenditure analyses for USAID/Zambia’s cross-sector
DRG activities to satisfy the diverse budgetary and reporting needs of various technical teams and funding sources.

5.

Serve as a technical DRG resource to the health, education, and economic development teams to help these teams identify how DRG issues influence activities across sectors and advise the teams as to programmatic needs to support mutual development objectives.

6.

Coordinate with the Civil Society Specialist in the area of democratic governance.
Ensure coordination and complementarity between USAID/Zambia’s civil society and governance programs.

7.

Work with the Department of State’s Political Economic Section and the
Millennium Challenge Corporation on policy issues related to fiscal transparency, corruption, and good governance.

8.

Participate in the design and management of other activities intended to achieve
USAID objectives in DRG including human rights and political process activities.

9.

Undertake technical review of project and/or grant proposals (solicited or unsolicited) submitted to USAID in the area of DRG, including development of evaluation criteria and the review process in coordination with OAA and members of the DRG technical team.

10.

Coordinate assistance with other bilateral and multilateral organizations in
Zambia, including but not limited to, the United Nations, the World Bank, and other public and private donors to ensure USAID/Zambia programs are complementary and consistent. Participate as required in donor working groups.

11.

Provide support to USAID/Zambia’s DRG team in other areas as necessary.

C. Supervision and Management Responsibilities
Supervision Received: The DRG Cross-Sector Specialist will be supervised directly by
USAID/Zambia’s Democracy Office Director. S/he will be provided with information regarding the objectives to be achieved and any priorities/deadlines that must be met in carrying out the work tasks. The incumbent will handle the assignments independently with minimum supervision, according to established policies, previous training, and accepted practices.
Exercise of Judgment: Providing confidential advice based on expert analysis and gathering of information is a prime role. Incumbent will be required to show good judgment in a variety of complex fora including: Knowledge of relevant political priorities, social context, key personalities, and history will help identify risks and opportunities for DG programming.
Authority to make commitments: The incumbent is not authorized to make financial commitments on behalf of the United States Government. However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and standing as a highly qualified professional in his/her field, his/her conclusions and recommendations will be taken into account by USAID Direct
Hire colleagues who have such decision-making authority regarding funding commitments and obligations.
D. TERM OF PERFORMANCE/COMPENSATION
The term of the contract will be for one (1) year with one option to extend for up to four (4) additional years after successful performance of the initial year, subject to availability of funds, HR/Washington’s approval, and validity of security/medical clearances. Renewal of the contract is also based on the need for continued services and satisfactory job performance.

The position has been classified at a GS-13 level. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
a. Education:
A minimum of a Master’s degree in Development Studies, International Development,
Political Science and/or Public Administration.
b. Prior Work Experience
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in a related field of work.
Hands-on experience doing project oversight, planning, design, development, implementation, and management of development-related work, for either USAID, other donor agencies, implementing organizations or private-sector institutions.
c. Language Proficiency
Fluency in spoken and written English (Level IV - fluent), with demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.
d. Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of USAID procedures essential, in depth knowledge of local context essential and understanding of DG Development programming tools and methods essential. For example using personal contacts to gather political analysis as it affects Program Decisions, Donor
Dialogue, NGO and Government relations analysis, linking strategic results to activities.
e. Skills and Abilities
The ability to judiciously invest small resources to achieve maximum programmatic impact is required. In addition, sophisticated professional-level skills to communicate in written and spoken English are essential. Examples of documents expected to be drafted will include reports, plans, status documents and memos.

SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA
Applicants must submit the forms listed in the section below, including a one-page summary statement that highlights how their education and experience have prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities outlined above and an OF-612. The application should explicitly address the selection criteria listed below. Applicants who meet the required qualifications for the DRG Cross-Sector Specialist position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct telephonic interviews with the most qualified and ranks candidates and make the interview a key deciding factor in selection. Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID does not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre-authorized.
Applicants must list at least three references and provide current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The Selection Committee will conduct reference checks on all applicants who meet the required minimum qualifications. References will be asked to comment specifically on the selection criteria below. Selection Criteria
Education (20%):
A minimum of a Master’s degree in Development Studies, International Development,
Political Science and/or Public Administration.
Prior Work Experience (40%):
A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in a related field of work.
Hands-on experience doing project oversight, planning, design, development, implementation, and management of development-related work, for either USAID, other donor agencies, implementing organizations or private-sector institutions.

Evidence of English writing and oral skills proficiency (10%):
Fluency in spoken and written English (Level IV - fluent), with demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (20%):
A good understanding of democracy and governance in Zambia and/or the region.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including a demonstrated ability to perform in complex institutional and multicultural environments. Ability to analyze and evaluate complex information from a variety of sources and support innovative solutions to complex problems. Summary Statement (10%):
One-page summary statement that highlights how applicant’s education and experience have prepared them to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities outlined. Total: 100 percent
I. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Interested individuals must submit:
(i) His/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;
(ii) Signed SF 171 or OF 612;
(iii) Three (3) references who are not family members or relatives, with a working telephone and email contacts,
(iv) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position; and
(v) A cover letter of application highlighting your reason for applying for the position.

The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. A written statement that responds to the requirements of the position may also be included as an attachment. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.
The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Zambia reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. (The SF 171 or OF 612 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.) Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers, and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.
Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter and should be sent to the following email address: exozambiahr@usaid.gov Attn.: Sean Mendoza & Christine Muyawala
Executive Officer and Human Resources Specialist
To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.
II. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS:
Forms outlined below can found at https://www.usaid.gov/forms 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612.
2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). **
3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security)
(SF-86), or **
4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85). **
5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **

**Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

III. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS)/ACQUISITION AND
ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVE (AAPDS) PERTAINING TO PSCS:
CIBs/AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which CIBs/AAPDs apply to this contract.
IV. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.)
A. BENEFITS:
Employee's FICA Contribution
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Eligibility for Worker's Compensation
Annual & Sick Leave
Security & Medical Clearances
The Contractor will be required to obtain a medical clearance prior to appointment.
Also, a temporary employment authorization security clearance must be initiated prior to appointment. FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO): The United States Mission in Zambia provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political

affiliation, marital status, or sexual orientation. USAID/Zambia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations through continuing diversity enhancement programs.
The EEO complaint procedure is not available to individuals who believe they have been denied equal opportunity based upon marital status or political affiliation. Individuals with such complaints should avail themselves of the appropriate Grievance procedures, remedies for prohibited personnel practices, and/or courts for relief.
POINT OF CONTACT:
Telephone: 357-000 extension numbers 7161, 7258, or 7128.
CLOSING DATE FOR THIS POSITION: Friday, February 26, 2016
NOTE: Only short listed candidates will be contacted.