SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062419R100011

ISSUANCE DATE: July 18, 2019CLOSING DATE/TIME: August 1, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. Accra local Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country/Third Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCN/TCN/PSC) – Financial Analyst

(Local Compensation Plan)

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, Sections I through IV of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information.

U.S. Agency for International DevelopmentNo. 24 Fourth Circular Rd.P. O. Box 1630, Accra-Ghana

Tel: 233-302-741-200Fax: 233-302-741-365www.usaid.gov/west-africa-regional

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72062419R1000111

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2. ISSUANCE DATE: July 18, 2019

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: August 1, 2019, at 5:00 pm Accra local time.

4. POSITION TITLE: Financial Analyst

5. MARKET VALUE: GH¢109,044 – GH¢163,582 p.a., equivalent to FSN-11 in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of US Embassy, Ghana.

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Permanent position. However, position will be reviewed annually contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services, and availability of funds.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Accra, Ghana.

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Employment Authorization

9. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

The Financial Analyst (FA) – Financial Analysis Support Team will fully support USAID/Ghana and USAID/West Africa. This is one of six virtually identical positions located in the Financial Analysis Support Team (FAST), Regional Financial Management Office (RFMO) USAID/West Africa. The primary purpose of this position is to perform financial analysis and provide financial support advice to one or more of the Mission's Technical Offices and Development Objective (DO) Teams and their Activity Managers. Functions as the Regional Controller's representative assigned to the DO Teams’ activities and is empowered to conduct Controller functions in accordance with an approved RFMO delegation of authority.

As a USAID employee, the incumbent carries responsibility to understand and incorporate the Agency's five core values in all aspects of his/her work. These core values are; 1. Customer focus, 2. Results orientation, 3. Empowerment and accountability, 4. Teamwork and participation, and 5. Valuing Diversity.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Leads and coordinates the financial management function in the DO team to which assigned and in non- DO targets of opportunity activities. 20%

1. Provides technical guidance on USAID procedures and accounting control requirements to the DO Team, project, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and host government officials. Develops or reviews and critiques DO Team Activities including related budgets for both project and non-project assistance. Prepares the financial aspects of project design

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and implementation documents, such as budgets and financial plans for Project Implementing Letters (PILs), Grant Agreements, etc. Assists activity managers in the development of appropriate payment procedures in accordance with project implementation requirements. Performs project financial analyses. Prepares financial accounting, reporting and budget control policies. Takes the lead in the DO Team's review of implementing agencies' work plans and procedure manuals.

2. Ensures the accuracy of the computerized accounting database through periodic review and update of data elements. Performs reviews of funds control and availability functions. Verifies accuracy of financial data and appropriateness of documentation present to support accounting entries and to support fulfillment of conditions precedent to disbursement. Reviews and takes appropriate action regarding accounts receivable. Maintains asset records.

3. Assists and serves as backup to the other Financial Analysts and performs their DO Team support duties when they are absent. For this purpose maintains a continuing awareness of the status of all projects and activities of all DOs.

B. Participates as a Senior CORE Team Member in all DO Activities. Acts as the DO Team Business and Financial Management Advisor. 20%

1. Leads or participates in Mission's project implementation review (PIR) and Semi-Annual Portfolio Review (SAPR) sessions, Activity Committee (AC) meetings and other DO Team activities as appropriate.

2. Advises and assists the DO Team with Strategy and Program Development Functions. Identifies and conducts feasibility studies in order to leverage monetary and human resources within DO Team portfolio. Provides counsel and advice to the Mission Director, Regional Controller, and DO Team Leader in regards to targets of opportunity for DO Team cross-fertilization between Mission Program sectors, Implementers and Host Government Counterparts, and the Donor Community at large.

3. Provides quality assurance control in developing realistic and measurable benchmarks and indicators at the DO Team level. Leads the DO Team in conducting joint reviews of interim implementer performance and measurement of results. Under the Regional Controller’s direction conducts a Mission Annual evaluation of the validity of DO Team Benchmarks and achievements against performance indicators. Assists DO Team management with reviewing results of the annual assessment and initiating corrective actions to ensure verification of data quality for the three year Mission program review assessment conducted by the Inspector General’s Office.

C. Performs financial reviews and analyses. 20%

1. Assesses prospective grantee's/contractor's and Host Government administrative and institutional capabilities to implement programs. Determines appropriateness and effectiveness of recipient’s operations, procedures and cash management practices. Provides an opinion on the confidence to be placed on the recipient’s internal controls and offers advice to management on weaknesses and possible solutions to identified problems.

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2. Provides input to project work plans, expenditure plans and budgets. Monitors the financial and accounting performance of grantees, contractors and the Host Government ensuring that implementation plans and procedure manuals are being complied with and that appropriate corrective measures are taken in a timely manner. Provides assistance and advice to contractors, grantees and Host Government Counterparts in the maintenance of records and general financial discipline requirements of USG and International Standards.

3. Reviews the performance of implementing agencies and prepares site visit reports to detail findings and recommendations. Tracks and follows up on implementation of recommendations. Serves as liaison between assigned DO and the assigned voucher examiner. Conducts specific field visits to resolve any discrepancies or other problems and advises voucher examiner on correct course of action.

D. Serves as audit control liaison for designated DOs. Implements and maintains the Audit Management Program for the DO Teams. Identifies and controls the DO Team related audit inventory. Coordinates the audit contracting process for the AO Team to include reviewing and clearing of audit scopes of work. Serves as DO Team audit liaison for ongoing audits. Monitors reports on and closes AO Team related audit recommendations. Reviews audit report findings and coordinates with other offices to ensure adequacy and appropriateness of follow-up regarding the Mission actions on audit reports. Assists other Financial Analysts in carrying out their audit responsibilities. 10%

E. Performs continuous and specific quarterly 1311 reviews for DO Team activities to fully support outstanding Commitments, Obligations, Sub-Commitments and Sub-Obligations to provide support for the Financial Management Advisor’s (Regional Controller’s or Deputy Controller’s) 1311 Certification. Presents completed package to the Financial Management Advisor for approval and filing. Performs the quarterly project accounting analyses and participates with the DO Team and Activities Teams in development of accrual estimates. Identifies and recommends adjusting entries to the accounts to bring the project/program pipelines into accurate levels. Reviews liquidation vouchers. Investigates any variances between projections and actual disbursements and provides the results to Activity Managers. 10%

F. Leads all DO Team program efforts and provides guidance in the areas of transparency, accountability and anti-corruption efforts with Host Government Programs. Conducts DO Team performance reviews and evaluations of Host Government programs in all Ministries. Provides advice and counsel to strengthen Supreme Audit Institution effectiveness. 10 %

G. Coordinates implementation of the Management Control Program to conduct the DO Team's annual Internal Control Assessment. Identifies the appropriate accountability units and operating environment with the DO Team. Conducts or leads in the assessment of risks, development of control techniques, and review of management controls and ensures compliance with reporting requirements. Participates in Management Control Review Committee meetings to provide updates on outstanding recommendations and on the status of audits. 5%

H. Serves as backup for the other Financial Analysts and in their absence performs duties and responsibilities of that position. 5%

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Incorporates the Five Core Values into His/her Work

1. Customer Focus: Identifies and communicates with USAID customers regularly; surveys their interests, needs and recommendations; follows up on communications and information received from and about the customers. Ensures that customers' needs and thinking are included in all activities undertaken and that, where possible, customers are involved in key decisions. Surveys customer satisfaction periodically and serves as a knowledgeable advocate for customer service with other USAID employees and partners.

2. Results Orientation: Reviews baseline information against which to plan actions and identify targets and milestones. Defines specific operational and program results needed for his/her area of responsibility. Puts strategic plan in place and uses it as a framework for decisions. Reviews progress against targets and milestones regularly; takes needed action to modify plans when necessary and to maintain actions to accomplish the desired results within the time frame planned when possible. Serves as a knowledgeable advocate for the results orientation with other USAID employees and partners

3. Empowerment and Accountability: Emphasizes results rather than oversight, and service outreach rather than internal control, in carrying out his/her responsibilities. Is clear about his/her own performance standards. Participates in defining objectives, reviewing performance, and upholding accountability for the accomplishment of the objectives.

4. Teamwork and Participation: Contributes to strategic planning, performance monitoring, and major program decisions of the Teams and Clients to which assigned. Demonstrates ownership of the Client’s plans, performance, and decisions. Proactively participates in the client processes and activities. Includes other client members, customers and partners and assists in their understanding and participation in teamwork and the client’s goals, performance, and decisions. Assumes responsibility for specific results assigned by the client.

5. Valuing Diversity: Understands and respects the various work groups and team members without stereotyping. Understands and respects the role of customers and partners. Realizes the synergy and benefits of differing backgrounds and skills to accomplish our strategic goals. Uses the synergy of core and extended teams to plan and works together to achieve results while accepting accountability for his/her own actions.

10. POSITION ELEMENTS

a. Supervision Received: Very general guidance is provided directly from the Supervisory Financial Analyst for the day to day activities. Incumbent is expected to present only significant policy level issues to the Controller for action. The Supervisory Financial Analyst will write his/her PER in consultation with appropriate DO Team Leader.

b. Supervision Exercised: This is a non-supervisory position.

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c. Available Guidelines: OMB, GAO, internal audit and USAID handbooks (particularly financial management and host country contracting) guidelines which must be complied with. General and international accounting and auditing principles must be interpreted and applied to programs and projects.

d. Exercise of Judgment: Requires a high level of independent judgment, particularly when work is performed during project site visits and/or committee meetings when he/she is the sole financial management representative. The incumbent is expected to draw on education and experience to make interpretations of general accounting and business principles and guidelines.

e. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent is empowered to commit the FMA to significant courses of action, for example, in committee meetings or in discussions with partners and/or clients. The extent to which authorized is reflected in specific delegations of authority from the FMA.

f. Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Incumbent has frequent direct contact with mid-to-high

Ministry Officials, Central Bank Officials, Mission Partners/Clients, AO Teams and Senior Financial Officials.

g. Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year.

11. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: The position is opened to all Cooperating Country Nationals (Ghanaians) and Third Country National (Neither a U.S. Citizen, nor a Permanent Legal Resident Alien of the United States, nor a Ghanaian Citizen). Third Country National applicants must attach copies of the required Ghanaian residency and work permits to their application to be eligible for consideration. No relocation expenses are provided to the job location, Accra-Ghana. If transportation to Accra is required, it will be the employee’s responsibility.

12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

13. POINT OF CONTACT: acpersonnel@usaid.gov

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications. Applications will be pre-screened and only those that meet the Minimum Qualifications will be considered. These are the minimum qualifications necessary to be considered for the position:

a. Education: A University degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration is required.

b. Prior Work Experience:

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting, auditing, or financially oriented business management.

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d. Language Proficiency: Level 4 English ability (fluent) is required. This will be tested

e. Job Knowledge: A thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices, and terminology as well as practices of US and host country business accounting, budgeting and reporting; a thorough knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies and procedures associated with US Government financial management and a comprehensive knowledge of US Government planning and implementation procedures. Job holder must be willing to travel occasionally outside the country

f. Skills and Abilities:

The incumbent must have ability to detect the financial strength and vulnerabilities of activity design and implementation actions; ability to analyze data and assess its reliability and value, detect the financial strengths and weaknesses of programs, and to make independent judgments regarding the institutional capabilities and the adequacy of accounting systems and internal controls. Must be able to compile and present detailed financial and related information in a concise and fully professional manner. Must have the ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of USAID staff and high level officials of implementing partners and support organizations. Possess excellent interpersonal skills in working with FAs and have the ability to present facts and recommendations clearly and concisely. Must be skilled in the use of computer based analytical programs and US Government data management systems. Computer proficiency will be tested.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

The Evaluation Factors listed below will be the basis for evaluating and ranking applicants for the position. Applicants will be scored based on the documentation submitted within the application. Only the highest-ranked applicants will be interviewed.

1. SELECTION PROCESSAfter the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will convene to review applications that meet the minimum requirements and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates will be interviewed. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter; USAID will delay such reference checks pending the applicant’s concurrence.

2. EVALUATION FACTORS

A. Education: A University degree in Accounting, Finance or Business Administration is required.

B. Work Experience (50%): A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in professional accounting, auditing, or financially oriented business management.

C. Language Proficiency (10%): Must have excellent written and oral English skills (Level IV). This will be tested.

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D. Job Knowledge (20%): A thorough knowledge and understanding of professional accounting principles, theories, practices, and terminology as well as practices of US and host country business accounting, budgeting and reporting; a thorough knowledge of the laws, regulations, policies and procedures associated with US Government financial management and a comprehensive knowledge of US Government planning and implementation procedures. Job holder must be willing to travel occasionally outside the country.

E. Skills and Abilities (20%): The incumbent must have ability to detect the financial strength and vulnerabilities of activity design and implementation actions; ability to analyze data and assess its reliability and value, detect the financial strengths and weaknesses of programs, and to make independent judgments regarding the institutional capabilities and the adequacy of accounting systems and internal controls. Must be able to compile and present detailed financial and related information in a concise and fully professional manner. Must have the ability to maintain effective working relationships with all levels of USAID staff and high level officials of implementing partners and support organizations. Possess excellent interpersonal skills in working with FAs and have the ability to present facts and recommendations clearly and concisely. Must be skilled in the use of computer based analytical programs and US Government data management systems. Computer proficiency will be tested. 

IV. PRESENTING AN OFFER

Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and supplemental materials as described in this section. Candidates who fail to provide the required documentation will result in rejection of their applications from further consideration.

Qualified applicants must submit the following documents or their applications will not be considered for this position:

1. Signed U.S. government AID 309-2 form (OFFEROR INFORMATION FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS WITH INDIVIDUALS) which is available at the following link: https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2

All applicants must submit complete dates (months/years) and hours per week for all positions listed on the form AID 309-2 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experiences. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the AID 309-2 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, etc.

2. Signed cover letter and current resume or curriculum vitae (CV). The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

3. Minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) professional references with telephone and e-mail contacts, who are not family members or relatives. The applicant's references must be able to

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provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference provided should be a current or former supervisor.

4. A supplemental document with written responses to the Evaluation Factors listed under Section III.

5. Relevant educational certificate (s), and resident permit and/or work permit.

6. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11.

7. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

Interested Applicants must cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of the email. Any attachments provided via email must be compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or PDF and not zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3 MB. Application letters and forms must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned applications/forms will not be considered. Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified.

Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

The Agency retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

The Contracting Officer will notify the selected applicant and provide instructions regarding how to complete and submit the following forms:

1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)2. Background Investigation Form3. Finger Print Card (FD-258)

VI. BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a CCNPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

1. BENEFITS:

Medical InsuranceSocial Security Contribution Local and American HolidaysSalary Advance (0% interest)Annual Bonus

2. ALLOWANCES (as applicable):

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Miscellaneous Benefits Allowance Meals Allowance

VII. TAXES

LE Staff are responsible for calculating and paying local income taxes. The U.S. Mission does not withhold or make local income tax payments.

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:

1. 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

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

3. 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

4. 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

END OF SOLICITATION