Local Liaison and Advisory Services (LLAS) in the English-Speaking Caribbean At Inter-American Foundation

The IAF is soliciting for a Local Liaison and Advisory Services (LLAS) in the English-Speaking Caribbean to work with an IAF Foundation Representative (FR) to inform the grantees about IAF procedures related to disbursements, and reporting requirements; provide the grantees with appropriate monitoring on an as-needed basis to enable them to effectively carry out their grassroots development programs; ensure that the FR is informed and engaged regarding current development issues and strategies within the English-speaking Caribbean region, and as appropriate, within the region; ensure that communities and community-based organizations have access to information about the IAF, its funding priorities, guidelines for proposal preparation, and process for grant approval; maintain adequate records and appropriate office space and infrastructure; and other related duties in support of the IAF mission. The English-speaking Caribbean region includes: Eastern and Southern Caribbean (Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago); Belize; and Jamaica.

The IAF will evaluate applications in the following phases:

PHASE I – Initial Review The IAF will initially filter applicants to ensure they meet a minimum level of requirements (“go/no go factors”), below. Go/No-Go Factors Applicants will only be considered for the position if they:

1. A CV/resume, written in English, with the applicant’s signature on the last page
2. A one- to two-page cover letter demonstrating the ability to perform the required services as described in the PWS.
3. Reside in the Eastern or Southern Caribbean (Includes Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago) and are able to legally work in the country at the time of award.
4. Possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in community development, economics, sociology or a related field.
5. Have a minimum of ten years of professional field-based experience working in community-based development or in a combination of field-based community-based development (at least 5 years) and a combination of business development, economic development, monitoring and evaluation, and/or management of international development programs (additional 5 years). At least half of this experience (5 years or more) must be in the Eastern and Southern Caribbean (as defined below).
6. Demonstrate fluency in spoken and written English.

PHASE II – Required Qualifications Applicants who meet these basic requirements will then be assessed according to the technical factors deemed essential for this position.

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in community development, economics, sociology or a related field.
2. Native English speaker.
3. Ability to travel throughout the English-speaking Caribbean region, and other countries as required.
4. Demonstrated experience in coordinating and facilitating travel logistics and field-based events.
5. Competence with standard Microsoft Office Suite of computer programs – word, excel, etc.
6. Experience working directly with marginalized groups and/or community-based organizations in more than one country in the English-speaking Caribbean region.
7. Experience working with community-based agricultural cooperatives, producer organizations, farmer organizations, small businesses, and/or NGOs that offer credit.
8. Experience managing stakeholder relationships, especially in a grants management or international development context.
9. Experience with financial management/accounting and preparation of programmatic and financial reports.
10. Experience in small-business development, monitoring and evaluation, and/or management of international development programs in the English-speaking Caribbean region.
11. Experience with participatory development methods.
12. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.
13. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in writing.
14. High level of motivation, personal commitment, and ethical standards . Preferred skills and knowledge include:
15. Knowledge of IAF mission, goals and priorities.
16. Experience working with grant management.
17. Experience working with international donor agencies.

4. Valid driver’s license (submit with package if you have one). 5. Experience managing technical consultants. All applicants determined to be Outstanding, Good or Acceptable in PHASE II will be moved to PHASE III.

PHASE III – Interview The Evaluation Panel reserves the right to only interview the most highly qualified candidates from Phase II. The IAF will interview the remaining applicants through videoconference and a standard set of questions to further assess the candidate’s capabilities to effectively serve as a LLAS. Questions will assess the candidates’ understanding of grassroots development, how their skills and experience apply to the needs of the IAF, and how effective they communicate orally. Interview Questions asked during the interview will be consistent among applicants and relevant to the requirements as described in the solicitation and listed below.

1. Understanding of grassroots development: Demonstrates a sound understanding of grassroots development in theory (the advantages of locally led and collective action to addressing development challenges) and in practice (reflecting familiarity with grassroots efforts).
2. Relevance of skills and experience: Provides well-supported description of how their skills and experience would contribute to their effectiveness as a LLAS, including in working with marginalized groups and with country teams.
3. Oral Communication Skills: Is clear, articulate, and congenial in how they express themselves throughout the interview. All applicants with favorable interviews will continue to Phase IV.

PHASE IV – Past Performance The references questions will be consistent for all past performance references and will be relevant to similar work performed in comparison to this requirement. A record of references contacted, questions asked, and responses received will be included with this worksheet as documentation supporting the chosen rating. IAF will practice diligence to contact all references provided for applicants being considered for Award. However, time will dictate the number of contacts made. If possible, at least 1 direct reference contact should be made for all applicants considered for award. IAF may also contact additional references not provided by the applicant such as grantees and other persons in the IAF network regarding the applicant. An applicant must not receive any negative reference responses to receive further consideration for contract award. Applicants who do not provide relevant references for past performance will receive a neutral rating. All applicants with favorable past performances will continue to Phase V.

PHASE V – Pricing The IAF will assess the candidates’ pricing proposals relative to guidance for local compensation based on U.S. Embassy rates.