. The Private SectorSpecialist serves as the USAID/Ghana){kind=link}
February 4th, 2021 at 07:08 pm
DUTIES
1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract
The position is in the USAID/Ghana Economic Growth Office (EGO). The Private Sector
Specialist serves as the USAID/Ghana Mission’s recognized professional responsible for
advising key decision-makers on important trends in the private sector affecting
economic growth. The position plans, coordinates, monitors and evaluates the diverse
activities spread among several Mission programs that promote the development of
Ghana’s private sector. The position provides critical analysis of the evolution of the
private sector (economic trends, emerging domestic and international markets, etc.) for
senior Mission management. With the scope and impact of Ghana’s private sector broadening, the Mission now relies on its Foreign Service National Specialists to monitor key areas, some of which have become highly sensitive in terms of U.S. foreign policy interests (e.g., the strength of Ghana’s financial institutions, tracking currency flows and remittances, U.S. foreign direct investment, trade,etc.).
Major responsibilities require a high degree of situational assessment, interpretation, judgment and timely decision-making as well as in-depth research and analysis of information. Quality and concise report writing by the Specialist ensures that priority trends and issues affecting Ghana’s private sector are highlighted and synthesized for the Team Leader and Mission senior management so that programs adjust to the local, regional and global context.
2. Statement of Duties to be Performed
a) Activity Development and Design (20%)
The Private Sector Specialist will be integral towards designing and developing activities
to promote the private sector. S/he will take on the role of team lead for developing future
projects that promote the development of the private sector. S/he will also provide insight
technical expertise for all projects to be developed in the economic growth office. Carry
out and participate in studies related to trade and investment, financial markets, credit and
banking. Prepare Terms of Reference, work plans, reports, budgets as needed for internal
management. Liaise with other Mission Development and Special Objective Teams; for
example, regarding private-sector activities in health and education.
b) Management of Activity Implementation (40%)
The Private Sector Specialist will manage a myriad of activities within the economic
growth office portfolio. As Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Agreement
Officer’s Representative (AOR) and Activity Manager, Specialist is responsible for
managing bilateral and centrally funded activities. The Private Sector Specialist will be
responsible for providing substantive management oversight and advisory services for the
following programs and technical areas:
- Development Credit Authority (DCA)
- Access to finance activities
- Trade and investment promotion activities
- Feed the Future and activities within the USAID/Ghana Global Food Security Program
- Clear Choice Initiative
- Prosper Africa Initiative
- He/she will also provide technical advice and counsel on private sector development
across the whole $120 million project portfolio within the Economic Growth
c) Partner Relationships 20%)
Coordinate Mission activities with regional programs, in particular with those in the
USAID/West Africa Regional Economic Growth Office, and provide technical advice
with colleagues (activity design, proposal review, evaluation, etc.) to ensure coherence
and relevance to the Ghanaian private sector context and the USAID/Ghana portfolio.
The Private Sector Specialist will maintain key relationships with host government
counterparts, donor partners, civil society organizations, NGOs, business associations, and project beneficiaries. S/he will coordinate across government ministries including but not limited to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. S/he will be responsible for, attending and representing USAID at sector level working groups and in public fora. S/he will also maintain close contact with all of the Economic Growth Office’s implementing partners.
d) Monitoring and Evaluation (20%)
The Private Sector Specialist shall work with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the
Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and other partners to develop and execute a monitoring
and evaluation plan to be implemented through existing USG supported mechanisms and
ensure that implementing partners develop project monitoring plans and reports in a
timely manner on their activities. The Private Sector Specialist will assist in monitoring
and reporting the results of activities under our Presidential Initiatives. The Specialist
shall carry out monitoring and evaluation visits to implementation sites to ascertain all
quantitative and qualitative data is collected properly and ensure programmatic quality
and value for money are maintained. Keep abreast of technical issues affecting private
sector development and donor programs in order to review reports, summarize media
articles, analyze international publications, synthesize results from meetings and
conferences, and design future Mission programs. Information and communications
technology, including both regulation and applications:
- Access to finance, both domestic and foreign (foreign direct investment, banks, capital
markets, private remittances) - Public Private Partnerships
- Market Information Systems
- Smallholder linkages to agri-processors
- Business associations & labor groups
- Uses of energy (particularly renewable) for agriculture
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
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
a. Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance or Economics is required.
b. Prior Work Experience: Five years of professional experience in work related to
private-sector promotion or in for-profit enterprises.
c. Language Proficiency: Fluency in English (reading, writing, and speaking) is
required. (Language proficiency may be tested)
REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD
The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an
offeror is selected for the contract award:
1. Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)
2. Security Clearance
3. Finger Print Card (FD-258)
BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
1. BENEFITS:
a. Health Insurance
b. Annual Salary Increase (if applicable)
c. Annual and Sick leave
d. Annual Bonus
e. Salary Advance (0% interest)
f. Social Security Contributions
g. Local and American Holidays
In accordance with Mission policy and local labor laws.
1. ALLOWANCES (as applicable):
a. Meal Allowance
b. Miscellaneous Allowance
HOW TO APPLY:
- Interested candidates are required to complete and submit the offer from AID 309-2 which is available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms/aid-309-2
- Candidates must also submit a signed cover letter and a resume.
- 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 provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. At least one reference provided should be a current or former supervisor.
- A supplemental document with written responses to the Evaluation Factors listed under
Section III. - Relevant educational certificate (s) and work permit or residency permit
- Offers must be received by the closing date and time on the first page of this solicitation.
and submitted via email to GhanaApplications@usaid.gov
To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the position title and solicitation number in the subject line of their email.
- Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents in order to be considered for the position
CLOSING DATE: February 17, 2021, 11:59 pm