USAID Development Program Specialist (Budget and Tax), FSN 11

Description

• The Development Program Specialist (Budget and Tax) is based in the Program Office, reports to the Budget Team Leader and serves as a key member of the Mission Budget Team responsible for providing advice and guidance to USAID/Mozambique’s Senior Leadership Team on matters related to program budget management and tax reimbursement mechanisms, established with the Government of Mozambique (GRM). He/she is responsible for co-managing the Mission’s program budget process of broad scope and complexity, which includes formulation, execution, justifications to Congress, budget requests, allowances, pre-obligation requirements, obligation mechanisms, tracking and reporting. In coordination with the Budget Team Leader, the incumbent liaises with USAID/Washington regarding all program budget processes, actions, and analyses the Mission’s core funding of over $380 million annually, plus $200 million in Washington managed resources such as the Humanitarian Assistance. The incumbent works with other technical office budget specialists throughout the Mission regarding all program budget processes and actions
• The incumbent manages the Mission tax reimbursement mechanisms and liaises with key GRM’s Officials, particularly within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MINEC), the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária - AT) and sector ministries, such as Health, Education and Human Development, and Agriculture and Rural Development, for successful implementation of the tax reimbursement mechanisms. This will enable that the GRM reimburses USAID for the taxes paid during the implementation of development projects, in accordance with existing bilateral development objective agreements. In this capacity, the Development Program Specialist (Budget and Tax) manages the Mission’s three separate tax reimbursement mechanisms, namely, the VAT Regularization (VATR), the Annex Z process, and the Income Tax Exemption for USAID implementing partners’ (IP) expats
• Closing Date and Time: September 25, 2023, 5:30 p.m. Maputo Time, Mozambique
• Subject: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – USAID Development Program Specialist (Budget and Tax), FSN 11
• Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mozambique is seeking offers from qualified persons (one or more candidates may be selected under this solicitation) to provide personal services under contract as described in this 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 offers
• Solicitation No.: 72065623R10017 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Point Of Contact: Human Resources Section, email at Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• Market Value: USD 59,111 – USD 82,761 per annum, equivalent to FSN-11 (Step1-12). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value
• Period Of Performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about December 2023. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: December 2023 – December 2024
• Option Period 1: December 2024 – December 2028
• Eligible Offerors: To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must be a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country
• Security Level Required: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• The Development Program Specialist (Budget and Tax) is based in the Program Office, reports to the Budget Team Leader and serves as a key member of the Mission Budget Team responsible for providing advice and guidance to USAID/Mozambique’s Senior Leadership Team on matters related to program budget management and tax reimbursement mechanisms, established with the Government of Mozambique (GRM). He/she is responsible for co-managing the Mission’s program budget process of broad scope and complexity, which includes formulation, execution, justifications to Congress, budget requests, allowances, pre-obligation requirements, obligation mechanisms, tracking and reporting. In coordination with the Budget Team Leader, the incumbent liaises with USAID/Washington regarding all program budget processes, actions, and analyses the Mission’s core funding of over $380 million annually, plus $200 million in Washington managed resources such as the Humanitarian Assistance. The incumbent works with other technical office budget specialists throughout the Mission regarding all program budget processes and actions
• The incumbent manages the Mission tax reimbursement mechanisms and liaises with key GRM’s Officials, particularly within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MINEC), the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), the Tax Authority (Autoridade Tributária - AT) and sector ministries, such as Health, Education and Human Development, and Agriculture and Rural Development, for successful implementation of the tax reimbursement mechanisms. This will enable that the GRM reimburses USAID for the taxes paid during the implementation of development projects, in accordance with existing bilateral development objective agreements. In this capacity, the Development Program Specialist (Budget and Tax) manages the Mission’s three separate tax reimbursement mechanisms, namely, the VAT Regularization (VATR), the Annex Z process, and the Income Tax Exemption for USAID implementing partners’ (IP) expats
• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview and reference checks. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the required forms
• Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - Please be advised that, upon award, the contractor will be required to follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan. USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources: 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/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf https://www.acquisition.gov/aidar/aidar-appendix-j-direct-usaid-contracts-cooperating-country-national-and-third-country-national-personal-services-abroad and revised AIDAR Appendix J, General Provision contract clauses (GPs) titled “Leave and Holidays” (AAPD 20-08)
• 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) SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)
• (B) QUANTITY
• (C) UNIT
• (D) UNIT PRICE
• (E) AMOUNT
• (F) 0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ 1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: 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
• 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

Duties

Program Budget and Financial Management - 55%

• As part of the Program Budget Team, the incumbent is responsible for managing USAID/Mozambique program budgets, and advises the Mission management, technical offices and support offices on USAID program budget policies and regulations and performs program budget management duties. Specifically, the duties include:
• Supports all program budget formulations, notifications, and requests, ensuring allowances, pre-obligation requirements and expenditures are correctly tracked; prepares key Budget annual submissions to Washington such as the Operational Plan (OP), the Congressional Budget Justification (CBJ); and the Mission Resource Request (MRR); engaging with USAID and Embassy Maputo leadership from Office Directors and Section Heads to the Deputy Chief of Mission and the Ambassador
• Works with the operating year budgets based on the approved funding levels and available funds in Phoenix; reviews and tracks obligation status and prepares an annual budget performance report
• Prepares the budget allocations and spend plans in line with the Washington controls, earmarks, initiatives, and directives. Assists with the drafting of country and program notifications and reports requested by Congress, USAID/Washington, Department of State, the Ambassador, and the Mission Director. Ensures all budget processes and actions are appropriately accounted for, from appropriation to obligation
• Bilateral and Development Objective Agreements – provides advice to the Office Director, Legal Officer, and Mission Director on financial plans and budgets, and on matters relating to fulfilling the requirements for formulating and signing Development Objective and Assistance Agreements (DOAGs) and their amendments, as well as Implementation Letters for all government-to-government assistance. Assist with tracking the agreement(s) and regularly engages with host country counterparts and with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation on DOAG matters
• Works with other Budget Specialists in the technical offices to ensure that the sub-obligation plans are updated regularly and reflect the current technical offices procurement plans
• Works with the Financial Analysts in OFM as well as the Budget Specialists in the technical offices to prepare quarterly financial reviews on a timely basis, with the objective of increasing efficiency, coordination, accountability and ensuring compliance with relevant guidance, such as the Agency’s forward funding policy.
• Tracks the 3.5% PD&L contributions by Technical Offices into the Mission-wide Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Activity (MEL) and ensures that each funding stream is appropriately charged for the office-specific MEL interventions
• Maintains and regularly updates a tracker with all funds outside the Mission core funding that are allocated directly to Programs in Mozambique from USAID/Washington, such as Humanitarian Assistance, Global Health, and others
• Advises on pertinent regulations that apply to the use of USAID funds by source, type, and duration. Manages and uses the web-based program budget management and procurement process systems, such as GLAAS and FACTS Info NextGen. Advises Mission technical staff on forward funding guidelines, funding source policy, and other financial management responsibilities that may be required
• Manages requests for buying into Washington-based awards through the Field Support Database System and addresses all pre-obligation requirements
• Financial Management -- Provides guidance to the Contracting/Agreement Officer Representatives (C/AORs) on the Automated Directives Systems (ADS) in the areas of budget and obligation management, pipeline, forward funding, and pre-obligations requirements. Reviews and analyzes final summary tables prepared by OFM for portfolio and financial reviews, including financial information on all activities in the portfolio, such as funding breakdown, earmarks, life of project, mortgage, pipeline, expenditure rates, and accruals
• Earmark Monitoring and Reporting -- Assists with the reporting on Congressional earmarks and directives, Presidential Initiatives, and USAID initiatives to make sure they are reflected in the Operating Year Budget (OYB) and procurement plan and implemented
• Portfolio and Activity implementation - The incumbent assists the Budget Team Leader in ensuring portfolio and activity Compliance with the documentation requirements needed to authorize a funding obligation; ADS requirements; and legislative and legal considerations, including compliance to earmarks and directives. The incumbent supports the Budget Team Leader by ensuring that all mandatory requirements have been met for activity approval, working with the Resident Legal Officer (RLO), OAA, and OFM on compliance requirements, and guiding C/AORs on meeting these requirements prior to Mission activity approval

Management of Tax Reimbursement Mechanisms  - 45%

• The incumbent assists Senior USAID leadership in managing the relationship with GRM officials to ensure adherence to Bilateral and Development Objective Agreements. He/she liaises and negotiates with key GRM officials, particularly with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MINEC) and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) and other relevant line ministries as they pertain to the U.S. Government’s Bilateral and Development Objective Agreements with the GRM. The incumbent serves as one of the Mission’s key points of contact with the GRM on the execution of Assistance Agreements, Implementation Letters, and all other budget and assistance related issues for the USAID/Mozambique portfolio that is worth upwards of $380 million annually. The Specialist navigates the complex VATR process with MEF, AT, sector ministries to ensure compliance with host government procedures to maximize tax exemptions
• Specifically, the incumbent is responsible for:
• Providing guidance to all USAID IPs on matters related to exemption of income tax for IP’s expat community, import duties and value added tax reimbursement mechanisms
• Reviewing all supporting documentation received from USAID implementing partners regarding their eligibility for the VATR Mechanism
• Preparing and submission of requests for confirmation of project eligibility with the National Directorate of Treasury within MEF, ensuring necessary follow-ups until eligibility is granted
• Training Implementing Partners (IPs) on the requirements and procedures related to the implementation of VATR
• Liaising with IPs, MEF and GRM’s beneficiary sector to obtain the authorization for importation of goods duty free through the “notas de contabilização” process
• Dealing with the General Directorate of Taxes (DGI) and Imprensa Nacional to issue credentials for Project Managers and purchase VAT certificate checkbooks, respectively
• Mapping and systematizing all projects at central and provincial level to expand the usage of VATR mechanism by all USAID IPs
• Regularly updating a database dashboard for the management of VATR processes, including the preparation of presentations to USAID and Interagency leadership
• Supporting the preparation and/or updating of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for adoption by sector ministries, USG IPs and possibly by DGI
• Interact with IPs to resolve non-conformities arising from the assessment of VATR processes by the DGI and ensures IPs follow all the requirements established under GRM’s decree law 66/2017
• In coordination with OFM, ensures the Mission continues to track and advocates for the reimbursement of outstanding taxes under the annex z process
• Supervision Received: The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Budget Team Leader and follows directions of the Mission Program Office Director
• Supervision Exercised: No supervision is envisioned for this position
• Available Guidelines: Guidance for USAID policies and procedures can be found in the Automated Directive System (ADS) Series 200, ADS 600, CDCS, Mission Orders, and Mission Notices. USAID Mandatory and Standard Provisions, the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulations, and other published and unpublished guidelines. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, thus, requiring considerable interpretation
• Exercise of Judgment: Substantial independent judgment is required in determining budgets for the various activities, their impact on Mission Technical Teams and activities, and in recommending choices among conflicting demands for resources. Within the scope of authority delegated, the incumbent will manage a work plan and set deadlines with various counterparts, communicate results achieved, and keep Mission leadership informed of activity status. The incumbent acts and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Supervisory guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor is informed of activity and project status. The incumbent has considerable latitude to carry out work and is expected to exercise judgment to carry out his/her duties
• Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent has no authority to independently commit USG/USAID funds but is expected to exercise informed judgment in recommending actions related to the technical area of expertise within scope of work
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent has personal and frequent contact with a full range of contacts within the Mission and Embassy at all levels, USAID/Washington staff, USAID implementing partners, and GRM counterparts, up to and including Ministerial level contacts
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level:12 months
• Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies
• Post Entry Training: Introduction to Program Cycle; USG budget-related courses, Activity Design, and Implementation; and others on a to-be-determined (TBD) basis to strengthen other special areas related to duties

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. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

The following evaluation factors are established

• Education: 10 points
• Prior Work Experience: 30 points
• Job Knowledge 25 points
• Skills and Abilities: 30 points
• Language Proficiency: 5 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Requisites

• Minimum Qualifications Required for This Position:
• Education: Completion of a bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or International Development
• Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in programmatic budgeting, professional accounting, financial management and/or auditing, and two years of progressively responsible experience in dealing with government officials
• Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency (speaking/reading/writing) in English and Portuguese are required
• Job Knowledge: In-depth professional-level knowledge and understanding of accounting principles, theories, practices, and terminology, as well as principles and accepted practices of governmental and business financial accounting, budgeting, and reporting. A sound knowledge of good program management practices is also required. A thorough knowledge and understanding of GRM policies, practices, and internal politics. Good understanding of the GRM's budget cycle is required. The Development Program Specialist (Budget and Tax) must demonstrate familiarity with budget, program management, and GRM policy development, regulations, and procedures. Knowledge of host-government development perspectives, objectives and priorities is also required, as are solid computer skills in basic office software applications
• Skills and Abilities: The Specialist must have the ability to plan and analyze program budgets, and have excellent written and oral communication skills; must be able to collect and analyze complex data and prepare precise, accurate, and complete reports; must be able to analyze accounting records and determine the need for various types of entries and adjustments to record, reconcile, and balance accounts; and, to relate the purpose and objectives of programs/projects to their costs and fiscal requirements
• Ability to understand changes in strategic program priorities and deadlines, their implications for budget management, and to recommend appropriate adjustments to Mission financial plans. Must have problem-solving skills and the ability to recommend solutions in complicated situations, taking into consideration myriad factors and variables, such as late budget appropriations and delayed availability of funds, uncertain funding levels, and unexpected budget reductions
• The incumbent must have excellent analytical and negotiation skills and the ability to present rational and persuasive arguments. Mutt be able to communicate complex technical issues to diverse audiences. Must have exceptional computer skills and have advanced knowledge of sophisticated cloud platforms e.g., Google, Microsoft 360; skills in multiple budgeting software programs; Word, PowerPoint, Excel (particularly pivot tables, vertical lookups, and other advanced Excel functions), as well as other database software. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships across government entities, donor organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, and private sector organizations
• Ability to work independently, to manage several activities at once, and work under pressure to meet deadlines is required. Management and organizational skills to work with numerous teams, identifying priority actions and taking initiative for follow through is needed. Work requires good organizational skills and the ability to multitask. Must have the ability to work as a team member

Notes

• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview and reference checks. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Eligible Offerors are required to submit electronically to the following email address a cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English as well as academic transcripts/diplomas: mzrecruiter1@usaid.gov
• Offers must be received by the closing date specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the following email address mzrecruiter1@usaid.gov
• Offeror submissions must clearly prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Reference checks will be conducted for the final selected candidate for the Contracting Officer to make a responsibility determination. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Only interviewed candidates will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• A cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Reference checks will be conducted for the final selected candidate for the Contracting Officer to make a responsibility determination. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• Any application received in Portuguese will not be considered. Only English applications will be considered
• 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
• Per this scoring Skills and Abilities and Job Knowledge are the most important factors, followed by Prior Work Experience, Language Proficiency and Education. Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements. Only applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position will be considered. Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant education, prior work experience, knowledge, language proficiency, skills and abilities demonstrated in their application packages. A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited for a language test. Candidates successfully passing the language exam will be invited for an oral interview and may also be required to pass a written test. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants
• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview and reference checks. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov