USAID/Jordan is currently seeking a qualified candidate

U.S. Agency for International
Development
Embassy of the United States of America
P.O. Box 354
Amman 11118, Jordan
Tel: +962 (6) 5906000
Fax +962 (6) 5920143
https://www.usaid.gov/jordan
USAID, Unit 70206
APO AE 09892-0206
SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72027823R10007
ISSUANCE DATE: April 04, 2023

CLOSING DATE/TIME: April 17, 2023
11:59 p.m. Amman local time
SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCN
PSC – Local Compensation Plan)
Dear Prospective Applicants:
The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development
(USAID) in Amman Jordan, is seeking applications from qualified individuals to provide personal
services under contract as described in this solicitation.
Applications must be in accordance with Sections I through VIII of this solicitation. Incomplete
or unsigned applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain copies of all application
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/Jordan to award a Personal Services Contact (PSC)
nor does it commit USAID/Jordan to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of
the applications.
Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in point 10 Section
I. General Information.
Sincerely,
Cynthia B. Rogers
Contracting Officer
Cynthia
Rogers
Digitally signed by Cynthia
Rogers
Date: 2023.04.03 12:13:13
+03’00’
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I. GENERAL INFORMATION

  1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72027823R10007
  2. OPEN TO: All Interested Jordanian Citizens
  3. ISSUANCE DATE: April 04, 2023
  4. CLOSING DATE/TIME: April 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m. Amman Local Time
  5. POSITION TITLE: Administrative Assistant
    Education and Youth Office
  6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The contract will be for a base period (between one to three years)
    and based on the Agency needs, the Contracting Officer may
    exercise (an) additional option period(s). If the U.S. Government
    exercises this option, the total duration of this contract, including
    the exercise of any options, shall not exceed five (5) years.
    Employment under this contract is of a continuing nature. The
    duration of the contract is expected to be part of a series of
    sequential contracts; all contract clauses, provisions, and
    regulatory requirements concerning availability of funds and the
    specific duration of this contract shall apply.
  7. MARKET VALUE
    (SALARY PER ANNUM): JOD 12,244 – JOD 20,213 Equivalent to Grade FSN-07
    In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local
    Compensation Plan of USAID/Jordan. Final compensation will
    be negotiated within the listed market value (Salary).
  8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Amman, Jordan
  9. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facilities Access/Employment Authorization
  10. POINT OF CONTACT: All questions should be directed to:
    ammanresumesusaid@usaid.gov
  11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
    USAID/Jordan has an immediate vacancy for an Administrative Assistant position at the Education and
    Youth Office (EDY). The work schedule is 40 hours per week and the workweek is Sunday-Thursday.
    The Education & Youth Office (EDY) Administrative Assistant is responsible for performing
    administrative and clerical support activities for EDY in USAID/Jordan. The Job Holder reports to the
    Office Director and or to his or her their designee, manages all of the administrative processes of the EDY
    office, provides administrative services, including but is not limited to; arranging meetings, trips, engaging
    with implementing partners and providing a full range of administrative support to the whole EDY team,
    including preparation of routine correspondence, presentations, reports, schedules, briefing materials, and
    public information. The Job Holder also provides administrative coverage to the Director’s Office on
    emergency basis and provide assistance to other offices with administrative requirements.
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    Major Duties and Responsibilities:
    Administrative Management
    Keeps current on EDY staff calendars, schedules meetings for the office director and the EDY staff; liaises
    with other offices in obtaining necessary information for meetings; coordinates closely with Mission’s front
    office on correspondence and meetings.
    Receives and screens visitors for the EDY office, submits necessary access forms in advance, escorts
    visitors, and alerts meeting participants upon visitor’s arrival. Screens and directs telephone calls as
    appropriate, provides caller and visitors with information of a general nature, and disseminates routine
    information. Maintains and updates an action list for EDY staff to assist them in their ability to accomplish
    office objectives.
    Makes calls and sends e-mails to Government of Jordan (GOJ) officials, private sector and nongovernmental (NGO) contacts, and others to obtain information needed by EDY staff. Locates information
    on the internet. Distributes technical publications to concerned/interested parties or personnel in the (GOJ).
    Composes complex but non-technical correspondence such as correspondence with the Ministry of
    Planning on sales and tax exemptions. Drafts and formats routine responses to inquiries and proposals in
    accordance with established precedents or instructions. Types important and extensive documents such as
    Development Objective (DO) Agreements, results frameworks, implementation letters, cables, memos,
    minutes of meetings, as well as tabular and statistical material from rough drafts and other sources.
    Reviews correspondence and reports for format, spelling, grammar and punctuation accuracy, corrects
    errors and deficiencies, and ensures timely tracking and response for correspondence, reports, presentations,
    spreadsheets, and other documents.
    Distributes incoming correspondence (mail and documents for clearances) to EDY staff, attaching pertinent
    background materials. Manages the flow of incoming correspondence, official mail, and disseminates it
    properly to EDY and other Mission staff. Reviews and tracks outgoing correspondence.
    Organizes and maintains EDY files in accordance with the Automated Directive System (ADS), prepares
    file plans and Vital Records for EDY. Supports EDY staff in maintaining working files and contacts. Tracks
    and orders EDY office supplies and submits My Service requests when assistance is needed in EDY staff’s
    office space.
    Maintains and updates necessary tracking databases (including a regularly updated NGO database),
    systems, and electronic records of EDY projects and contacts; maintains and updates the EDY library list
    with new books and catalogues. Identifies the need for other electronic or paper-based tracking systems and
    develops such records.
    Maintains professional working relations with other Mission and Embassy offices and technical teams.
    Serves as timekeeper for the EDY Office; collects, reviews, and enters timesheets into the Time &
    Attendance system. Maintains adequate stocks of office supplies; requisitions supplies and/or any services
    for the Office staff.
    Supports EDY staff in utilizing USAID electronic systems such as electronic country clearances and elearning, liaises with Mission Executive Office and Financial Management staff to troubleshoot these
    systems, and ensures EDY compliance with Mission administrative and financial management procedures.
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    Uses Global Acquisition and Assistance System (GLAAS) for non-technical purchase orders in support of
    the EDY Team needs.
    Serves as alternate budget and financial manager for the EDY Team. Also, s/he provides support for
    program-related financial management (i.e. accruals) and processing of vouchers and tax exemption
    requests.
    Coordinates travel arrangements for EDY staff, as needed, in coordination with the USAID travel assistant,
    motor pool, and other relevant offices. Supports preparation of travel vouchers for EDY staff and other
    documents related to their travel.
    Maintains schedules and makes arrangements for conferences, meetings and visitors’ schedules as
    requested. For high-level visits, supports the Control Officer on all aspects of scheduling, briefing materials,
    tracking production, and managing visit logistics, in coordination with Mission front office and other staff.
    Follow up with EDY staff to ensure that follow-up actions as agreed at conferences and meetings are met.
    The Job Holder provides full support as needed for the mobilization of new activities, maintaining a
    correspondent relationship with partners and/or the Government of Jordan (GOJ), including establishing
    hard and soft files for all new activities.
    Provides translation and interpretation services of non-technical and short technical material into English
    or from English into Arabic. Serves as note-taker at selected meetings, formats notes appropriately to share
    with Mission staff, and provides records for the files.
    Oversees and supports the work of EDY summer interns. Provides administrative assistant duties to the
    Director’s office on an emergency basis and assists other offices with administrative requirements including
    conference organization.
    Supervisory Relationship
    The Job Holder reports to the EDY Office Director or his/her designee and works directly with all the EDY
    Office team members.
    Supervisory Controls
    This is a non-supervisory position; direct supervision of other staff is not contemplated.
    Other significant Factors
    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.
  12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS
    The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.
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  13. AREA OF CONSIDERATION
    To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must be a Jordanian citizen and must submit a complete
    application as outlined in the section titled APPLYING. The selected applicant is required to undergo and
    successfully pass a medical and security clearances.
    II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
    Applications will be initially screened for eligibility in accordance with the qualification criteria below.
    Applicants must address each criterion in their application to meet the below minimum qualifications for
    this position.
    a. Education: Completion of Secondary Schooling, and two or more years of post-secondary
    schooling, or community college diploma, is required. Note: Additional experience may NOT be
    substituted for Education Supporting documentation (i.e. copy of High School Certificate and
    College/University degree or a certified document from the college/university that candidate
    has completed two years of study) must be included in the application for eligibility purposes.
    b. Prior Work Experience: Three years of related experience in administrative assistant duties.
    Experience working in multicultural organizations is also required.
    c. Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English and Arabic proficiency for both oral and written
    communication is required. At Level IV, an employee is required to possess a high degree of
    proficiency in both written and spoken English, including the ability to translate the host country
    language into precise and correct English, and English into the applicable foreign language. On
    occasion, an employee at this level might be expected to act as an interpreter in situations where
    considerable importance attaches to proper word meaning. English proficiency will be tested. A
    minimum score of 785 on the TOEIC exam (Listening & Reading components only) is required.
    Examination scores must have been recorded within the last five years; or else, candidates will be
    tested again.
    d. Skills and abilities: The Job Holder must be able to continuously monitor his/her own work to
    ensure quality. The Job Holder must have demonstrated experience in preparing correspondence,
    spreadsheets, reports, presentations, and effective public information materials. The Job Holder
    must be able to operate in a fast-paced diversified team, maintain excellent interpersonal skills, and
    be able to provide excellent customer service in a manner that maintains smooth and effective
    working relationships with all Mission staff. Must have demonstrated ability to work well under
    pressure, multi-task, organize, proofread, translate and prioritize and organize multiple competing
    tasks. The Job Holder must have demonstrated excellent computer skills in specialized software,
    including Windows and Microsoft Office suite, data analysis tools, and ability to navigate the
    Internet. Must demonstrate a high level of professionalism in attitude and ability. The Job Holder
    must have demonstrated ability in managing time and competing demands, dealing with frequent
    changes, delays or unexpected events, prioritizing and juggling tasks to meet critical deadlines,
    follow instructions and respond to management directions. The Job Holder must have demonstrated
    experience in document quality control and written communication skills. The Job Holder must
    demonstrate a high level of attention to details, accurate data compiling and analysis.
    III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS
    The Government may award a contract without discussions with applicants in accordance with FAR
    52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive
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    range of applicants 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 applications 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 applicants in the competitive range to the greatest number
    that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated applications. The FAR provisions
    referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far.
    Applicants who do not meet the minimum education and experience requirement will not be contacted.
    Applicants who meet the minimum education and experience requirement will be further evaluated
    based on the evaluation criteria mentioned below:
    a. Prior work experience 40 %
    b. Language Proficiency 10 %
    c. Skills and abilities 50 %
    At each step of the process, the Contracting Officer may establish a competitive range. Only top-ranked
    applicants will be given an English test (TOEIC). Applicants with passing TOEIC scores may be
    further assessed and only top-ranked applicants may be given a written skills technical test, to further
    assess the candidates’ qualifications of any of the evaluation criteria listed above as well as written
    English skills. Testing will be conducted in Amman, Jordan. Only the top-ranked applicants from the
    written skills test will be invited for an interview. USAID/Jordan Human Resources Office will conduct
    reference checks on top-ranked applicants. USAID/Jordan may use reference information obtained
    from other than the sources identified by the applicant and solicit additional information from
    references provided if the Contracting Officer finds the existing information to be insufficient for
    evaluating an applicant’s performance.
    USAID will screen for nepotism/conflict of interest in determining successful candidacy. Internal
    employees must have completed 52 weeks of employment in their current position before being eligible
    to apply. If an internal employee’s Human Resources Officer approved a waiver, the waiver must be
    included in the application package for eligibility purposes.
    IV. SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION (APPLYING)
    To ensure consideration of application for the intended position, applicants must prominently reference the
    solicitation number in the application submission. Eligible applicants are required to complete and submit
    the following as a complete application package:
    a. A current curriculum vitae. *
    b. Copy of the Jordanian National ID and/or Jordanian Passport. *
    c. Copies of educational certification for eligibility purposes (English or Arabic). *
    d. Per Government of Jordan – Defense Order number 35, COVID-19 Vaccination Proof. *
    e. Filled and signed Universal Application for Employment (DS-0174).
    *Failure to submit items a through d will mark your package incomplete and will eliminate your
    application from the recruitment process even if you were qualified.
    Applications must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 4, and submitted to
    the ammanresumesusaid@usaid.gov. Application forms can be accessed from the Embassy website:
    https://jo.usembassy.gov/embassy/jobs/
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    V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD
    Once the Contracting Officer (CO) or his/her designee informs the successful applicant about being selected
    for a contract award, the CO or his/her designee will provide the successful applicant with instructions on
    how to complete and submit the required documents related to mandatory medical and security clearances.
    Failure of the selected applicant to accurately complete and submit required documents in a timely manner
    may be grounds for the CO to rescind any conditional pre-contract salary offer letter and begin negotiations
    with the next most qualified/highest ranked applicant.
    VI.BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

  • Basic Salary within the advertised market value.
  • Transportation & Miscellaneous Allowances.
  • 13th & 14th Month Bonuses.
  • Subscription to the Jordanian Social Security.
  • Subscription to the Mission’s Provident Fund Program.
  • Medical Insurance (Employee & Family).
  • Life Insurance (Employee only).
    Funds for Social Security, retirement, pension, vacation, or other cooperating country programs as required
    by local law shall be deducted and withheld in accordance with laws and regulations and rulings of the
    cooperating country or any agreement concerning such withholding entered between the cooperating
    government and the United States Government.
    VII. TAXES
    Based on Department of State policies and regulations, the U.S. Mission cannot withhold income tax
    deductions for Jordanian Locally Employed Staff. LE Staff employees are obliged to observe the laws and
    regulations of the Jordanian Government. Employees must file their income tax in a timely manner.
    VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs
    USAID regulations and policies governing CCN and 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/ads/policy/300/aidar
  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
    Cooperating Country National Personal Services Contracts (CCNPSC) 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
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    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.
  5. PSC Ombudsman
    The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered 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