GENERAL INFORMATION

SOLICITATION NO.: 72066324R00004

ISSUANCED ATE: 01/04/2024

CLOSINGDATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: 02/03/2024, no later than 5:00 p.m (EAT) (close of business).

POINT OF CONTACT: James Cerwinski, Supervisory EXO and Fekadu Tamirate, HR Specialist, e-mail at addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov.

POSITION TITLE: Mission Security Advisor

MARKET VALUE: $88,520 to $115,079, equivalent to GS-13. 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.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Work.

USPSCs may be authorized to telework or remote work only from a location within the country of performance, in accordance with Mission policy. Telework or remote work from outside the country of performance may only be authorized in certain situations in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: For two years with one-three-year options to extend. Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services and availability of funds. No PSC contract may exceed a five-year period of performance. Estimated to start on 08/02/2024.

The base period will be 08/02/2024– 08/01/2026. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional one-year option period for a maximum of three years, as noted below:

Base Period: 08/02/2024– 08/01/2026

Option Period 1: 08/02/2026– 08/01/2027

Option Period 2: 08/02/2027– 08/01/2028

Option Period 3: 08/02/2028– 05/01/2029

ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: U.S. Resident-Hire. Resident Hire U.S. Personal Services Contractor 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 U.S. government or non-U.S. government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement, that provides repatriation to the U.S.; or (ii) is a spouse or dependent of a U.S. citizen or resident alien who resides, or will reside, in the cooperating country for the purpose of U.S. government or non U.S. government employment, or under any contract or other arrangement that provides repatriation to the U.S. A U.S. citizen for purposes of this definition also includes a person who at the time of contracting is a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States and have a valid work authorization for Ethiopia.

Applicant must:

• Submit a complete application as outlined in the solicitation titled SUBMITTING AN OFFER

• Be able to obtain facility access security clearance.

• Be able to obtain a medical clearance.

• Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices or locations as/when requested.

CLEARANCES:  The final selected candidates must obtain both the secret level access and medical clearances within a reasonable period. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES

General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

The job holder is a recognized professional in the field of safety and security and serves as the security representative for the USAID Executive Office.  The Mission Security Advisor develops and maintains professional relationships with the Embassy Regional Security Office (RSO) and the USAID Office of Security. S/he provides updates to the USAID Mission Director on security related matters. S/he is responsible for advising on and supporting USAID field trips throughout the country to inform staff to better their safety. The job holder is responsible for carrying out day-to-day Mission-related security activities in an efficient and independent manner with minimal supervision. The job holder works under the direct supervision of the Executive Officer.

The job holder will also be responsible for managing the Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) contract. PLSO aims to improve communication and support between USAID and its Implementing Partners (IPs). The PLSO provides a high level of oversight and advice on safety, security, and operational support to all USAID IPs. The PLSO also ensures that the USAID Mission and the broader COM community benefit from the increased visibility of the operational environment. In this role, the job holder will work closely with the Office of Acquisition and Assistance in ensuring close coordination in information sharing and messaging to IPs.

Statement of Duties to be Performed:

Management of Safety and Security (50%)

• Serve as the Mission Unit Security Officer.

• Monitor security operations and physical/technical security systems within their respective Mission.

• Serve at the Mission primary point of contact to the RSO.

• Serve as the Mission POC for all badging-related matters.

• Provide assistance and support to staff to ensure that SBU and PII documents are handled appropriately on AIDNET

• Serve as the Mission subject matter expert (SME) on and primary POC for US Embassy security policies and procedures.

• Assist the RSO with physical security of USAID buildings or residences for Mission personnel.

• Develop, maintain, and execute security and evacuation plans for Mission personnel.

• Develop, maintain, and exercise evacuation plans for USAID personnel.

• Maintain and revise the Mission Continuity Plan (MCP).

• Serve as the Senior floor warden for the Mission and maintain oversight of Mission participation in the Floor Warden Systems.

• Oversee the proper execution of notification and accountability procedures for Mission personnel.

• Oversee and maintain the mission’s SAFE roster.

• Oversee the Mission security communications program, including issuance of emergency call signs and ensure weekly radio checks are performed.

• Disseminate critical security and threat information to Mission staff, as needed.

 Managing the Partner Liaison Security Operations (PLSO) contract (50%)

• Serve as the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) for the Partner Liaison Security Office (PLSO) activity.

• Provide logistical support for USAID staff field trips and manage the Mission submission of RSO restricted travel packages and movement requests.

• Manage the Mission Armored Vehicle Program.

• Serve as the authorized requestor for investigations.

• Provide technical security support to the Contracting Officer for security-related contract issues.

• Oversee the disposition of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Administer the Mission Personnel Recovery (PR) Program.

• Serve as the Personnel Recovery Officer (PRO) and update Mission PR policies.

• Serve as SEC’s main POC for security incident reporting.

• Working closely with PLSO, oversee and manage security incident reporting from Implementing Partners (IP) to ensure dissemination to appropriate stakeholders.

• Develop and maintain processes and protocols for IP incident reporting.

 Supervisory Relationship

The job holder works under the direct supervision of the Executive Officer. Job holders are expected to work with minimal supervision and oversight. 

Supervisory Controls:

The job holder has no supervisory duties.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

Once the CO informs the successful candidate about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful candidate instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)

2. Fingerprint Card (FD-258), and either       

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

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85), whichever is applicable.

 BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

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

BENEFITS:

• Employer's FICA Contribution

• Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

• Pay Comparability Adjustment

• Annual Increase (depending on satisfactory performance evaluation)

• Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

• Annual and Sick Leave

TAXES

USPSCs are required to pay federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable state income taxes.

USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

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

 USAID Acquisition Regulation(AIDAR),Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” includingcontractclause“GeneralProvisions,”available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf.

Contract Cover Page form AID309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms.

LINE ITEMSITEM NO(A)SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)(B)QUANTITY(C)UNIT(D)UNIT PRICE(E)AMOUNT(F)0001Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)- Award Type: Cost- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]- Accounting Info: [insert one or more citation(s) from Phoenix/GLAAS]1LOT$ _TBD__at Award after negotiations with Contractor_1001Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)- Award Type: Cost- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]-Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]1LOT$ _TBD__at Award after negotiations with Contractor_2001Option Period 2 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)- Award Type: Cost- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]-Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]1LOT$ _TBD__at Award after negotiations with Contractor_3001Option Period 3 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)- Award Type: Cost- Product Service Code: [e.g. R497]-Accounting Info: [insert from Phoenix/GLAAS]1LOT$ _TBD__at Award after negotiations with Contractor_

• Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs.

• 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 5CFR2635. 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.

•  The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov.

 Equal Employment Opportunity: The U.S. Mission in Ethiopia 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/Ethiopia also strives to achieve equal employment opportunity in all personnel operations. The EEO complaint procedure is 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.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

• Applications will be initially screened by the Mission Human Resources Office to determine whether they have met the minimum qualifications listed below. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications requirements will be referred to the Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) for further consideration and screening.

• EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university in law enforcement; security operations and management; crisis management; law enforcement; and counterintelligence.

• WORK EXPERIENCE:  The Job holder should have a minimum of two years' of progressively responsible work in security operations, crisis management, law enforcement, or counter-intelligence.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

• The Government may award a contract without discussions with candidates 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 candidates 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 candidates 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.

 EVALUATION FACTORS

EDUCATION (5 points):  Points will be given for (1) education above the minimum level and/or (2) specialized education pertinent to the position. and/or (3) specialized training pertinent to the position.

WORK EXPERIENCE (35 points): Points will be given for (1) experience above the minimum levels required, (2) specialized experience pertinent to the position, (3) experience in pertinent development assistance activities, and (4) experience in development organizations that are large and/or international.

KNOWLEDGE (30 points): Demonstrated knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures within the specializations of physical, information, and/or operational security, thus allowing the job holder to complete complex work assignments with little guidance. Demonstrated knowledge of generic security protocols in high-risk environments. Demonstrated knowledge at every opportunity and proactively adapts to new practices and procedures. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Government resources and Diplomatic Security (DS) manuals which relate to the principles and techniques of security.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES (30 points): Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to effectively liaise with individuals operating at all levels of an organization to build consensus and cooperation. Demonstrated ability to build professional networks and work effectively with external entities, including RSO, SEC, and other U.S. Government agencies. Demonstrated ability to identify possible security concerns, develop new techniques and strategies, make sound decisions, and apply solutions to complex operating issues in high-stress and crisis situations. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, quickly, clearly, and concisely (orally and in writing) in a cross-cultural setting, including the ability to effectively collect, synthesize, and present technical information from diverse sources. Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and complex matters in a highly professional manner, and the ability to routinely identify, analyze and solve problems effectively. Demonstrated ability on computer and IT skills, including familiarity with the full range of MS Office software, including spreadsheets, database, PowerPoint, and graphics.

INTERVIEW PERFORMANCE (100 points)

BASIS OF RATING: Candidates who meet the Minimum Qualifications will be evaluated in accordance with the Evaluation and Selection Factors.

Candidates should address these factors in the offer package, describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education and/or awards they have received as it pertains to the factors. Failure to address the Evaluation and Selection Factors may result in not receiving credit for all pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards.

The highest-ranking applicants may be selected for an interview and writing test. Interviews may be conducted either in person or by telephone/video call at USAID’s discretion.

Final TEC recommendations for the candidates will be based on the initial evaluation of the applications and interview performance. USAID/Ethiopia will not pay for any expenses associated with interviews.

Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned). Reference checks will be conducted only for the first-ranked candidate.  Please be advised that references may be obtained independently from other sources in addition to the ones provided by an offeror. If a candidate does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the candidate’s cover letter, and USAID will not contact those references without contacting the candidate.

How to Apply

SUBMITTING AN OFFER

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals, available at THIS LINK

2. Letter of Application

3. Current curriculum vitae (CV).

Further Guidance:

To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation Number in the offer submission.

Application must be submitted ONLY via addisusaidjobs@usaid.gov and the email subject must say – 72066324R00004 – Mission Security Advisor. Be sure to include your name and the solicitation number at the top of each page.

Please do not submit more than one application; and

The application must be submitted before or on the closing date at local Ethiopia time    5 p.m. (Local Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Time, or EAT). Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.