Announcement Number: Bogota-2021-023 Hiring Agency: Embassy Bogota Position Title: 72051421R10013 - Development Program Specialist - Open to: All Interested Applicants (GIS-Geospatial Information System) Open Period: 04/16/2021 - 05/07/2021 Format MM/DD/YYYY Vacancy Time Zone: GMT-5 Series/Grade: LE - 4005 10 Salary: COP $96.567.574 - COP $159.336.490/Per Year Work Schedule: Full-time - 40 hours per week Promotion Potential: LE-10 Duty Location(s): 1 Vacancy in Bogota, CO Telework Eligible: No For More Info: USAID HR Section 571-275-4116 [email protected] Overview Hiring Path: • Open to the public Who May Apply/Clarification From the Agency: For definitions use URL www.usaid.gov/ads/policy/glossary * All interested candidates Security Clearance Required: Public Trust - Background Investigation Appointment Type: Permanent Appointment Type Details: The base period will be 1 year, estimated to start in October 2021. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional 1-year option period(s) for 4 years. Marketing Statement: USAID is an independent Federal Government agency that receives overall foreign policy guidance from the Secretary of State. With headquarters in Washington, D.C., USAID fosters transformational development around the world. Our work supports economic growth and trade; agriculture and the environment; education and training; democracy and governance; global health; global partnerships and humanitarian assistance. We operate in the following regions of the world: Afghanistan and Pakistan, Africa (all of Africa), Asia, Europe and Eurasia, Latin America and the Caribbean and the Middle East. For more information about USAID, visit http://www.usaid.gov Summary: The USAID Development Program Specialist (Geospatial Information System [GIS]) is located in the Program Office (PRO) of USAID/Colombia. S/he reports to the FSO in charge of MEL and no supervision of other staff is contemplated. Supervisory Position: No Relocation Expenses Reimbursed: No Travel Required: 25% or less CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa. Strategic Planning and Technical Assistance 60% Facilitate discussion and advise key offices within the Colombia Mission to articulate a vision and plan for integrating geospatial information and analyses into strategic planning, program design, monitoring, evaluation and learning. Prepare briefing materials to build support for the use of data visualization and data analysis throughout the Mission. Using both publicly available data and data from USG and GOC contacts, develop analytical dashboards and data-driven, web-based, interactive maps to readily visualize programming results and facilitate analyses for senior decision-makers to prioritize development needs. Provide on-demand geographic analysis and visualization products related to issues such as vulnerability, conflict, poverty, health, education, natural resources, etc., to inform USAID programming decisions. Assist with preparation of strategic plans (CDCS), project and activity designs, program descriptions (PD) and Scopes of Work (SOWs) by incorporating data analysis to help set goals, objectives, targets and anticipated results. Present this information in compelling visuals. Acquire, validate, and manage a database of geospatial data, including retrieval of historic geospatial data previously funded via USAID projects. In consultation with the USAID GeoCenter, actively participate in USAID's global network of GeoSpecialists and Data Analysts. Liaise with networks across Latin America to strengthen the Agency's community of practice in GIS and data analytics. Serve as Agreement/Contracting Officer's Representative (AOR/COR) for procurement mechanisms related to geospatial analysis, data analytics, and monitoring and evaluation. Capacity Building 30% Conduct training on best-practice data collection, management, analysis and visualization for Mission staff and USAID partners; communicate the value of data visualization. Serve leading and convening roles with partners that report GIS Information. In response to demand, facilitate discussions among key partners to articulate a vision and plan for integrating data analyses into strategic planning. Provide a technical perspective to partners, introducing and supporting practices and processes that enable incorporation of data-informed decision making and analytical capacity in their programming. Provide technical guidance relating to GIS implementation and mapping activities by USAID consultants and implementing partners, including technical recommendations/specifications on the use or purchase of GIS and data visualization software. Reporting and Communication 10% Communicate analytical findings to internal USAID decision-makers and external audiences in usable formats. Provide professional advice on how to display, either hard copy or electronic format, geospatial products in order to facilitate delivering the message and/or inform decisions. Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. Post Entry Training: Within the first two years, the Specialist should complete: all required coursework to become COR/AOR. The Specialist should also attend any Washington-organized GIS Specialist training and/or conferences. Extensive on-the-job training and Agency-specific courses required to fulfill certain responsibilities will also be provided as long as the resources and opportunities are available. Education Requirements: Education: Bachelor’s degree in geography, engineering, architecture, topography, cartography, or equivalent field is required. Professional certification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is required. Evaluations: Applications that do not meet the required minimum qualifications will not be scored. Candidates meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application. USAID reserves the right to conduct interviews with the top ranked short-listed candidates. If the interview is conducted, the interview will be one of the determining factors in the final selection. USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: All qualified candidates will be considered regardless of age, race, color, sex, creed, national origin, lawful political affiliation, non-disqualifying handicap, marital status, sexual orientation, affiliation with an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. Offerors who meet the minimum qualifications and basic eligibility requirements will be further evaluated based on their responses to the minimum requirements in the Supplemental document. Those offerors determined to be competitively ranked will also be evaluated on their interview performance and on their professional reference checks. Evaluation Factors: Job Knowledge: 25 points Skills and Abilities/Testing: 20 points Work Experience: 20 points Written Communication/Testing: 10 points Interview and Oral Communication: 25 points Satisfactory Professional Reference Checks – Pass/Fail (no points assigned) Total Possible Points: 100 “USAID policy specifies that a cooperating country national (CCN) is preferred over a third country national (TCN.) Therefore, CCN and TCN offers will not be evaluated together. USAID will evaluate CCN offers first and if the CO determines that there are no qualified CCNs, only then will USAID evaluate TCN offers.” Qualifications: Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional-level experience in geospatial data management, analysis, and cartographic production; performance monitoring and evaluation; and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data is required. The Specialist must have demonstrated experience in using tools to process, analyze and display data (e.g. Python, ArcGIS, Web AppBuilder software, data mining tools) and in building analytical dashboards. Experience implementing one or more of the following: geospatial meta-data standards, workflows, data-sharing protocols, GIS best practices is required. Job Knowledge: The Geospatial Information Specialist must have strong knowledge of GIS and mapping technology, data analysis and visualization practices. Skills and Abilities: The Specialist must have the following abilities: Ability to apply geospatial technology for analyses related to such diverse sectors as agriculture, democracy and governance, economic growth, education, environment, and health. Ability to apply geographic and data analysis to international development challenges, to inform solutions related to topics such as climate change, food security, human health, wildlife, migration, economic development, human rights, peacebuilding, and urban planning. Ability to collect, manage, and analyze remotely sensed data sets from disparate sources and in different formats. Ability to obtain, clean, visualize, evaluate and interpret factual data, and prepare concise, accurate and complete reports is required. Ability to communicate and work with a diverse set of individuals who have varying degrees of familiarity with geospatial analysis. Technical knowledge of industry-standard GIS software (e.g. ESRI ArcGIS, QGIS, MapBox, Leaflet.js, CartoDB, etc.), and creation of geospatial data products in developing country environments. Ability to develop workflows and automate processes using different tools (e.g. Python, Web AppBuilder, etc.) to increase efficiencies and assist with the automation of tasks. Quantitative skills in data collection, cleaning, processing, and reproducible analysis. Exceptional computer skills and knowledge of software program applications authorized for USAID use, such as MS Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. Effective communication skills to present and advocate for data, analysis, and visualization concepts relevant to USAID policies and data quality practices. Primary audiences include USAID staff and implementing partners who may have limited experience with geospatial analysis and data visualization tools. Excellent interpersonal communication, writing, and presentation skills by using highly developed (high frequency and of a critical nature) oral communications in both English and Spanish, including: Presentations/public speaking, Counseling or negotiating, Tact and diplomacy, Influencing/persuading, Complex explanations, as well as routine transmission of information. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships across government entities, donor organizations, bilateral and multilateral agencies and private-sector organizations. Ability to collaborate in a team environment and work independently to achieve Mission objectives. Ability to conduct introductory training in the use of geographic information and data for development programming. Language Proficiency: Level IV English and Spanish (reading, writing, speaking) is required. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: Salary: Will be determined by the USAID Contracting Officer within the equivalent to FSN–10 salary range based on experience, qualifications, and salary history. This position is taxable; incumbent will be required to pay Colombian taxes. BENEFITS and ALLOWANCES: Christmas Bonus: 1-month basic salary per year Vacation Bonus: 1-month basic salary per year Service Bonus: 1-month basic salary per year Education Allowance (if applicable) Benefit Allowance: Cps $1,072,273 per year Meal Allowance: Cps $751,955 per year Life/Accident/Disability Insurance (voluntary participation) Supplemental Medical Insurance (voluntary participation) FICA/Medicare deductions applied (for US citizens only) Please be advised that all bonuses and allowances are paid proportionately; actual payments are pro-rated according to the number of months worked during the pay year. Also, the selected candidate will receive health and pension benefits according to Colombian labor law. TAXES Local Employee Staff (CCN) is responsible for paying local income taxes. The U.S Mission does not withhold year end local income tax payments. FICA/Medicare deductions applied (for US citizens only). 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 How to Apply: Visit the U.S. Mission in Bogota website: https://co.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/ Click on “ Electronic Recruitment Application (ERA) ”. Select the position of your interest by doing click on the vacancy title. Read the document titled “ Solicitation ” carefully and pay special attention to the “ Language Testing Procedures ”. Eligible applicants are required to complete this on-line application process and submit any applicable required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. If applying on-line poses an extreme hardship, you must contact the human resources office no later than three business days prior to the closing date of this vacancy announcement . An alternative application method will be provided upon approval of the hardship notification. After this time, requests to apply via alternative methods will not be granted. Please note that all required documents must be received by the closing date, via online or alternative methods, and that we will determine your eligibility and qualifications based solely on the material received by the closing date. Qualified Offerors must upload the following (6) documents in ERA (Do not upload more documents) or their offers will not be considered for this position: Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume containing sufficient relevant information that respond to the requirements of the position (maximum 3 pages) – PDF format . List (not a written letter of reference) of a minimum of three (3) professional references with complete name, title, organization where he/she works, description of relationship, and with working/accurate telephone and e-mail information. These professional references must not be family members or relatives. The offeror's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference must be from a current or former supervisor (Three contacts in one page) – PDF format . Cover Letter (in English) with written responses to the evaluation criteria – education, prior work experience, job knowledge, skills and abilities stated in “Section II - Minimum Qualifications Required for this Position”, (Times New Roman 12 and maximum 2 pages) – PDF format . Copy of valid language test results administered by AVANTI Language School SAS . Failure to include the required language testing scores will result in the offeror being deemed ineligible for the position. Copy of education degrees (bachelor, master’s degree, etc.). Transcripts are not needed, neither are translations – PDF format. Copy of Colombian work permit and/or residence visa (if applicable) – PDF format . Next Steps: LANGUAGE TESTING PROCEDURES Most of the positions at the U.S. Embassy require specific levels of both Spanish and or English . All offerors seeking a Mission Colombia local position must submit a valid language test result in the non-primary language (English and/or Spanish) . The test result(s) must be submitted along with the offer; otherwise the offer will not be considered. DO NOT WAIT until the day before or the last day of the vacancy to schedule your English test. For recruitment purposes the United States Mission Colombia will only accept the language tests as follows: English and/or Spanish: Test administered by AVANTI Language School SAS . Language test results are valid for one year. If offerors do not have a valid language score from one of the above mentioned Language Institutes, they may contact the following Institute to be tested in English and/or Spanish as required: Avanti Language School: Carrera 21 # 87 – 24 Polo Club, Bogota, Colombia. Offerors must request a language test by writing to [email protected] - For further information please contact PBX: 634-6637 or mobile 321-463-6470. Cost of language test is the offeror’s responsibility. **Failure to include the required language testing scores will result in the offeror being deemed ineligible for the position. IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS At the time of the offer, candidates must fully meet the education requirement (graduated and degree and/or diploma already received) as specified and must also meet in full the work experience requirement. There is no exception for these requirements. Short-listed candidates will be requested to provide proof of education such as valid copies of degrees, diplomas, certificates and other pertinent documents as needed. Failure to provide the required documentation will eliminate the candidate from further consideration. Offer letters and forms must be signed. Incomplete and unsigned offers/forms will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted and may be interviewed. USAID retains the right to cancel or amend the solicitation and associated actions at any stage of the recruitment process. USAID reserves the right to obtain information on finalists from any and all sources inside or outside the US Government. #J-18808-Ljbffr