Background:

Creative Associates International is a dynamic, fast-growing global development firm that specializes in education, economic growth, governance, and post-crisis stabilization. Based in Chevy Chase, MD (metro DC area) Creative has a field presence in more than 25 countries with a strong client portfolio that includes the U.S. Agency for International Development and the State Department, among others. Since its founding in 1977, Creative has earned a solid reputation among its clients and is well-regarded by competitors and partners alike.

Creative is soliciting offers for technical expertise in accordance with the Scope of Work below and Creative’s Renewable Consultant Agreement Terms and Conditions available here. Creative intends to award one or more Work Orders with accompanying Renewable Consultant Agreement(s) (RCA(s)) under which work may be negotiated and awarded as ad hoc level of effort (LOE) or one-time LOE or fixed-price performance-based activities. Creative reserves the right to make multiple awards or no award as a result of this solicitation.

Summary:

Creative is seeking Consultants who will support our fast-growing portfolio. Administrative and Operations Consultant (Fixer).

Responsibilities 

Tasks to be performed will be determined in each work order. The illustrative list below reflects a likely but not comprehensive list of anticipated tasks to be requested:  

Country Context   

• Provide information on the country context via desk research, personal knowledge, interviews, or outreach, including subjects such as: technical sector-specific priorities and realities in the country/region; USAID and other international donor programming; national, subnational, and municipal government priorities; private sector and civil society priorities; barriers and opportunities to working with the government, private sector, or civil society; and operational and logistical risks and opportunities; 
• Conduct logistical and budgetary research to support proposal budget and operational design; 
• Provide inputs and/or review and feedback to technical design and proposal sections upon request; and 
• Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed upon between Creative and the Consultant. 

 Stakeholder Identification   

• Provide recommendations and contact information for potential partners and key stakeholders working in relevant technical areas; 
• Conduct outreach to potential local partners and key personnel and facilitate introductions with Creative team; 
• Arrange and facilitate meetings with potential partners and key stakeholders, both virtually and in-person for capture trips by HQ staff; and 
• Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed upon between Creative and the Consultant. 

Coordination & Logistics  

• Coordinate with Creative's proposal team(s), through regular correspondence and participation in calls as requested; 
• Provide a written agenda of meetings with key stakeholders for capture trip field visits;  
• Arrange appropriate venue for meetings or focus groups upon request by Creative HQ team; 
• Accompany Creative team(s) during field visits to make contacts and establish strong relationships with key national and local actors if requested;  
• Assist with other related administrative support related to capture trips (e.g., arranging or facilitating contact with interpreters and local transport and other services as needed); and  
• Other similar tasks to be mutually agreed upon between Creative and the Consultant. 

Qualifications 

An overarching Renewable Consultant Agreement will be issued based on the capabilities and qualifications listed below as well as those listed in the individual’s submitted CV. 

Required Qualifications  

This agreement may be awarded at a mid-level or senior level depending on experience and qualifications. The desired mid-level qualifications for this agreement are:  

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, in Project Management, International Relations, Business Administration, or a field related to one or more of Creative’s priority sectors of Education, Economic Growth, and Communities in Transition; 
• Demonstrated experience providing operational and/or technical support for USAID and/or other international donor programs in relevant geographic locations; 
• At least five years of professional experience in relevant geographic locations in a relevant technical field; and 
• Written and spoken proficiency in English and relevant local languages.  

Desired Qualifications at a Senior-Level:  

• BA/BS in Project Management, International Relations, Business Administration, or a field related to one or more of Creative’s priority sectors of Education, Economic Growth and Communities in Transition, and seven years of relevant professional experience, or MA/MS/MBA and five years of relevant professional experience; 
• Demonstrated existing network of local and national level contacts within civil society, the private sector, and/or government; 
• Demonstrated experience in senior level roles working with USAID or other international donor-funded programs;  
• Strong research and communication skills; and 
• Ability to build productive institutional relationships. 

Work Assignment: 

Consultants with the requisite qualifications will be given a work order with accompanying renewable consulting agreement (RCA) which contains Creative’s general terms and conditions and which establishes a consultant’s rate for a one-year period, after which rate increases may be negotiated when this agreement renews. Subsequent work orders may be issued under the RCA with consultants being required to compete against other similarly qualified consultants in order to receive additional work orders. One-off work orders constitute one-time assignments with a finite beginning and end. Ad hoc work orders constitute an arrangement in which work may be on-going and authorized as needed by Creative. 

Additional Information: 

Please click on the links to download the Terms and Conditions, Annex A (Reps, Certs and Consents form) and W-8; W-9; and Vendor Information form, as applicable. The forms are provided for your information at this stage in the solicitation process. Completed forms will be required only if you have been selected for the consulting opportunity. However, you may complete, sign, and submit the forms as part of your response to this request. 

Application Requirements: 

Consultant should submit their daily rate and, a budget inclusive of estimated LOE and all required Other Direct Costs, such as travel, materials, etc. A budget template can be downloaded here. 

Consultants must also submit an up-to-date CV for all applications. 

Selection will be made on the basis of technical capability and overall best value. Modifications to this solicitation, including closing date extensions, will be posted on the Creative website. Please check the website for updates. Please note that RCAs lock in a consultant’s rate for one full year and this rate may not be re-negotiated again until the point of renewal.  

NOTE:  

*LOE-based Work Orders utilize a ceiling price which may not be exceeded without negotiation.  

*Fixed-price based Work Orders lock in a total price to be paid in portions upon completion of deliverables which may not be altered without negotiation.