SOLICITATION NUMBER: 720-121-23-R-10044
ISSUANCE DATE: October 12, 2023
CLOSING DATE/TIME: October 26, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Kyiv Time
Dear Prospective Offerors:
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.
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 the 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 Personal Service Contract (PSC), nor
does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers.
Any questions must be directed in writing to [email protected].
Sincerely,
David Smale
Contracting Officer
David Smale
Digitally signed by David Smale
Date: 2023.10.12 10:12:58
+03'00'
ATTACHMENT 1 720-121-23-R-10044
Solicitations open to: Ukrainian Nationals (Residency/Ukrainian Work Permit)
Solicitation No.: 720-121-23-R-10044
Position Title: Development Assistance Specialist (Knowledge Management)
Issuance date: October 12, 2023
Closing date and time: October 26, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Kyiv Time
Work hours: 40 hours (Full time)
Position Grade: FSN-11
Market Value: Basic Annual Rate (in U.S. Dollars): $42,286 - $54,969 In
accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation
Plan of USAID/Ukraine. Final compensation will be negotiated
within the listed market value.
Place of Performance: Kyiv, Ukraine
Period of Performance: Five-Year Period of Performance with possibility extension
Security Level Required: Facility Access
STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
The Development Assistance Specialist - Knowledge Management is a member of the Program
Office (PRO) and plays a critical role in providing support to PRO, with a focus on coordination
of reporting requirements and public outreach, including interagency coordination and clearances
at Post; information requests and inquiries from the State Department, USAID/Washington, the
U.S. Congress, and other stakeholders; and activity data management, tracking and support for
regular and ad hoc reporting. This function has gained new importance with Russia’s brutal
full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and the immense information requests that have resulted from
USAID’s nearly $24 billion role in the Administration’s top foreign policy priority. The incumbent
will also play a special coordination role with the DOC team, USAID senior leadership, technical
offices, and the Embassy-Ukraine Interagency to advance public outreach and diplomacy efforts
by supporting public events, official meetings, and VIP visits to run smoothly and efficiently. This
position may support the DOC team in handling logistics, clearances, and interagency
coordination associated with USAID public events, trips, and visits. The Knowledge Management
Specialist is detail-oriented and customer service focused, ensuring that team members are aware
of upcoming events, tasks and deadlines and their corresponding responsibilities. The incumbent
is also a natural convener and negotiator capable of bringing diverse stakeholders together in order
to drive consensus and ensure consistency in USAID’s data collection, taskings, and public facing
information dissemination. The incumbent possesses strong administrative and planning skills, is
expert in understanding and managing the various needs of complex, high-profile requests from
Washington and the Embassy, as well as high-level events and visits, and is able to quickly adapt
to changing circumstances. She/he will have excellent writing and verbal communication skills,
and excellent organizational skills, diplomacy and tact.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Information Management and Maintenance - 40%
PRO is the hub for centralized data collection and information management for the USAID
mission, including but not limited to activity databases, performance results reporting, responses
to external information requests, three weekly programming reports to the Administrator and
U.S. Embassy Kyiv 4 A.I. Sikorsky St.04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
ATTACHMENT 1 720-121-23-R-10044
Ambassador, annual reports to Washington decision makers and stakeholders, external
communications and public relations, among others. The Knowledge Management Specialist will
be responsible to track a range of incoming information requests and “taskers” -- whether annual,
scheduled, regular or ad hoc -- and ensure that accurate, timely responses are submitted to the
requestor(s). This may include drafting original responses, in consultation with and overseen by
appropriate USAID staff, or working with USAID personnel to obtain information that the
Knowledge Management Specialist then compiles and edits. The incumbent will maintain and
update several program reporting data sources, such as activity trackers, databases, information
dashboards, fact sheets, etc. and support information coordination among various teams. The
Coordinator will also coordinate daily with PRO colleagues in every sub-team to assist with data
calls from Washington, contribute to assembling regular reports or ad hoc inquiries, and other
information management support.
B. Information Officer & Program Coordination Support - 30%
The Knowledge Management Specialist will play a critical role as a liaison between the
Communications team, other PRO teams, Mission Leadership, and technical offices to ensure
smooth sharing of information missionwide, with the Interagency at Post, and with the
Administrator's senior leadership group. At present PRO oversees three weekly communications
reports, two of which are sent directly to the USAID Administrator and one of which is sent
directly to the Ambassador. The Knowledge Management Specialist will help develop and
disseminate these critical external communications products, as well as internal products. The
incumbent will also be responsible for limited administrative support to the PPS Management
Team (Office Director and Deputy), and will back-up administrative staff for the broader Program
Office when the administrative assistant is out of the office. These duties include translation
support, time and attendance tracking, internal travel approvals, and support to the Front Office
(executive leadership office).
C. Interagency Coordination - 20%
USAID is one of many U.S. government agencies within the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine. The
Knowledge Management Specialist will liaise with the Front Office Special Assistant to work
with other USG agencies to manage all document flow related to clearances and briefing
materials related to events, meetings and visits. The incumbent will also assist with the clearance,
reviewing and routing of other documents incoming to USAID and outgoing to the interagency. In
particular, when relevant technical offices submit briefing documents or an event approval
request, the incumbent will route these documents to the appropriate Embassy staff, secure their
concurrence, and ensure that documents continue to move through the clearance process, so that
they reach the Front Office Special Assistant in a timely manner. When Washington or Embassy
staff seek input from USAID/Ukraine, the Knowledge Management Specialist will also route
documents to appropriate USAID staff for their input, concurrence and/or clearance, as
appropriate. The incumbent is expected to know where documents are at all times and be able to
advise USAID/Ukraine staff of their status.
D. Event/Visit Logistics - 10%
For certain events and visits, particularly those involving high-level visitors or large delegations
from Washington, or travel outside of the Green Zone, the incumbent may provide support for
trip/event logistics. This frequently involves supporting the designated Control Officer to craft or
assist with trip agendas and developing briefing materials for the principals involved. The
incumbent will also coordinate with the relevant USAID offices to ensure that Embassy support
offices (including the Regional Security Office, Motorpool, Public Affairs, Protocol, and others)
are aware of travel plans and able to support event implementation as needed. Coordination
responsibilities may include organizing interagency meetings to discuss trip agendas, logistics
including hotel and transportation, communications, and other considerations. Duties may also
include working with hotel and travel arrangements for visitors and staff, advance work to assess
U.S. Embassy Kyiv 4 A.I. Sikorsky St.04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
ATTACHMENT 1 720-121-23-R-10044
and prepare field logistics prior to an event, developing seating charts, coordinating room layout,
directing partners and vendors on-site, and coordinating with the Ambassador’s Residence staff,
among other duties as assigned
The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the U.S., or to other Missions
abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with
USAID policy.
Supervisory Relationship: The Knowledge Management Specialist reports to Deputy Program
Office Director, or his/her designee. S/he operates independently but consults closely as necessary
with the supervisor. The incumbent must be able to take initiative and be skilled at influencing
others without formal authority
Supervisory Controls: No supervision of other staff is anticipated.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demand.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR EFFECTIVE PERFORMANCE:
Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree, (or host country equivalent) in International
Development, Public/Business Administration, Statistics, Economics, Social Science, or similar
field, is required.
Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible professional
experience in a programming role with an international organization is required.
Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English ability for reading, speaking, and writing is
required; native facility in Ukrainian (Level IV).
EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:
The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR
52.215-1. The Contracting Officer 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 Contracting Officer 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 Contracting Officer 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. The FAR provisions referenced above 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 Process and Basis of Evaluation: Offerors who meet the minimum education and
work experience qualification requirements will be further evaluated through review of the
offeror’s submitted required documents (see points below) and ranked based on the evaluation
and selection factors. A competitive range may be established of the highest-ranked offerors, who
may be further evaluated through technical/language tests, interviews, and reference checks to
determine the most qualified/highest-ranked offeror. Reference checks may be conducted with
individuals not provided by the offeror, and without prior notification to the offeror. Any offeror
not receiving satisfactory reference checks will no longer be considered for the position.
U.S. Embassy Kyiv 4 A.I. Sikorsky St.04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
ATTACHMENT 1 720-121-23-R-10044
Negotiations may be conducted with the most qualified/ highest-ranked offeror at the conclusion
of evaluations.
40 points – Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of international development strategies, the
development landscape in Ukraine, and American foreign policy objectives in Ukraine is
required. The Specialist must have expert knowledge of international donor programming, and
ability to generate and interpret spreadsheets and tables to analyze data to report performance
trends to USAID management and USAID/W is essential. Must be able to absorb, analyze,
understand and apply to complex tasks/situations. S/he must perform detailed specialist functions
for reporting of projects within the legal, financial, and political environment and context of the
country. Knowledge and use of state-of-the-art data collection and management tools, evaluation
methodologies, analytical tools, graphic presentations, data visualization, word processing and
spreadsheets etc. and their role in disseminating performance results is required. Knowledge of
Google applications and online cloud platforms is required. Knowledge of current social,
political, economic and development issues in the host-country is required.
60 points – Skills and Abilities: Excellent analytical and conceptual skills to interpret data from
various sources; to prepare reports and analyses; and to assess the impact of USAID
programs/projects on socioeconomic development in the country are required. Excellent
presentation and report writing skills are required and the Specialist must be able to synthesize
complex program data and Mission priorities to translate it into simple, succinct information
which can be used to track performance, make decisions, execute programs and ensure
compliance to USAID performance reporting requirements. Communicating to the USG at the
most senior levels, the Specialist must use tact and diplomacy in sensitive matters and political
astuteness in determining which messages are appropriate for different high-level external
audiences. Excellent teamwork skills,
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS: 100 points
HOW TO APPLY:
Eligible Offerors are requested to submit a complete application package which must include all
the required documents in English electronically to [email protected] with Subject line:
Development Assistance Specialist (Knowledge Management) (720-121-23-R-10044).
ANY/ALL application submissions received after the closing date will not be considered.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
1. Cover Letter: A memo or email that outlines how your qualifications and experience meet
the selection criteria.
2. Application for Employment (DS-174): The form can be downloaded from this link
https://eforms.state.gov/Forms/ds174.pdf.
Offerors must thoroughly complete the DS-174 form in English and are advised to include
all of their current and previous work experience related to this position. Offerors may use
continuation pages to further explain their relevant work experience, if needed. AND;
3. Current Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV): The CV/resume must contain sufficient
relevant information to evaluate the applications in accordance with the stated technical
evaluation criteria, listed above.
IMPORTANT:
U.S. Embassy Kyiv 4 A.I. Sikorsky St.04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
ATTACHMENT 1 720-121-23-R-10044
IN ORDER TO HAVE YOUR APPLICATION CONSIDERED, YOU MUST SUBMIT ALL
THREE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. IF YOU OMIT ANY OF THE REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS, COVER PAGE, CV or DS-174 FORM, YOUR APPLICATION WILL
NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Note:
● This vacancy is open to Ukrainian Nationals (Residency/Ukrainian Work Permit
Required).
● Applications with insufficient, incomplete and inconsistent information to make a
determination will not be considered.
● No in-person appointments or telephone calls will be entertained.
● Offerers who are applying for this position must fully meet the education requirement
(graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified. At the time of
applications, candidates must also meet in full the experience requirement.
● Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide educational documents such as
degrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents (passport, proof of residency
or work permit) as needed. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in the
rejection of their application from further consideration.
● The Agency retains the full right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions
at any time.
BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a CCN PSC is normally authorized the following
benefits and allowances in accordance to the Mission Policy:
BENEFITS
● Health and Life Insurance coverage: Provided under the Compensation Plan.
● Defined Contribution Plan: Upon separation, a lump sum benefit equal to 12% of the basic
salary earned for the duration worked under the appointment.
ALLOWANCES (as applicable)
Meal Allowances: The annual amount is $853 for employees working on a full-time basis.
● Family Allowances: The mission provides a child allowance. Grants amounts are subject
to change as determined by the Ukrainian State Budget Law.
● Unique Conditions of Work Allowances/ Benefits: 10% of Basic Rate Additional
information may be provided to the selected offeror at the time of the salary offer.
TAXES:
Taxes apply and are deductible as per the Ukrainian government regulations.
USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO
PSCs:
USAID regulations and policies governing CCN and TCN PSC awards are available at these
sources:
U.S. Embassy Kyiv 4 A.I. Sikorsky St.04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
ATTACHMENT 1 720-121-23-R-10044
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/ads/policy/300/aidar
Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.
Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:
LINE ITEMS
ITEM
NO
(A)
SUPPLIES/SERVICES
(DESCRIPTION)
(B)
QUANTIT
Y
(C)
UNI
T
(D)
UNIT
PRICE
(E)
AMOUNT
(F)
0001
Base Period - Compensation,
Fringe Benefits and Other
Direct Costs (ODCs)
- Award Type: Cost
- Product Service Code: R497
- Accounting Info: Agency/B
Code: 797
1
LOT
$ TBD
$ TBD at Award
after negotiations
with Contractor
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
USAID Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPD-20-08): Leave and Holidays for
CCNs and TCNs, available at
https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs/aapd-20-08
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
PSC Ombudsman:
The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered
into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to
provide clarity on their specific contract with the agency. Please visit our page for additional
information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman.
FAR Provisions Incorporated by Reference
PROHIBITION ON A BYTEDANCE COVERED APPLICATION
JUN,2023
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO):
The U.S. Mission in Ukraine provides equal opportunity and fair and equitable treatment in
employment to all people without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual
orientation, gender identity, or transgender status), national origin, age, physical or mental
disability, genetic information, religion, marital or parental status, veteran status, membership in
an employee organization, political affiliation, or involvement in protected equal employment
U.S. Embassy Kyiv 4 A.I. Sikorsky St.04112 Kyiv, Ukraine
ATTACHMENT 1 720-121-23-R-10044
opportunity (EEO) activity. USAID/Ukraine also strives to achieve equal employment
opportunities 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.
END OF SOLICITATION
U.S. Embassy Kyiv 4 A.I. Sikorsky St.04112 Kyiv, Ukraine