Independent Contractor: Visiting Student(s) (Tunisia)-United States Institute of Peace عودة إلى الفرص

Open Call for Independent Contractor(s)

United States Institute of Peace

Independent Contractor: Visiting Student

 (Tunis, Tunisia)

Release Date: October 28, 2022

 Due Date: November 15, 2022

Submission Requirements:

Any response that does not contain all items listed in the Submission Requirements section below may be considered nonresponsive.

1. Resume/CV
2. Motivation letter (maximum one page)
3. Two letters of recommendation (at least one academic) sent via email by the referee directly to USIP.

 Introduction and Background

USIP is a national, nonpartisan, independent institute, founded by Congress and dedicated to the proposition that a world without violent conflict is possible, practical, and essential for U.S. and global security. In conflict zones abroad, the Institute works with local partners to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict. For more information, please visit http://www.usip.org.

The Middle East North Africa Regional Office is based in Tunis, Tunisia and carries out work across North Africa and regionally in MENA.

Purpose of the OPEN CALL

USIP is seeking independent contractors to serve as Visiting Students within the North Africa Program. They will support the programmatic efforts of the Tunisia, Libya and/or regional team, depending on their areas of interest, background and based on the needs of the team at the time of recruitment. The Visiting Student will conduct desk research, contribute to internal and external reports, support in event planning and field visits, attend team meetings, and perform other duties as needed.

Eligibility requirements: Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student, preferably with an academic background in political sciences and/or international relations. Students should demonstrate the following skills:

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Flexibility and ability to adjust to international and multicultural environments
• Proficient written and verbal language skills in English. Knowledge of French and/or Arabic is considered an asset
• Basic computer skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Currently residing in Tunisia or willing to travel on their own expense

Scope of Work

The Visiting Student will spend their first week with the program team they are assigned to, setting the priorities for the duration of their visit with USIP. The Visiting Student will contribute either to the Tunisia program, Libya program or the Regional Training & Partnerships Initiative program through research, analysis, report writing, data collection, event preparation, logistical support and other duties as needed by the program teams at the time of onboarding.

Level of Effort

 Visiting Students must commit to between 3 weeks minimum and 6 months maximum. They have the flexibility to arrange their working hours with their teams.

 Expected Type of Contract: Firm fixed price

Submission Requirements

In addition to completing the online application form, please submit the following:

• Resume/CV
• Motivation letter (maximum one page). Summarize your interest in this independent contractor position, including your interest in peace and conflict resolution. Also, include whether you have received funding from USIP in the past and if so, include a short description of the project, the name of the USIP main point of contact, and the grant or contract number, as applicable.
• Two letters of recommendation (at least one academic) sent via email to Molly Gallagher at mgallagher@usip.org by the referee directly

Selection Process

 Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted students will be contacted 4 weeks after the release of this open call and may be selected for an interview. If students who interviewed with USIP are ultimately not selected, they will be notified after all the positions are filled.

Proposed Schedule

The USIP Selection Committee will review all submissions received on time using the selection criteria established in this Open Call based on the best value and return offered to USIP. The Selection Committee reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, in whole or in part, to award multiple contracts, and/or to enter into negotiations with any party, in the best interests of the Institute. The Institute may cancel this open call at any time prior to contract award

General Instructions and Terms

1. The Institute is not liable for any costs incurred by offerors prior to issuance of an executed contract with the Institute.
2. Submissions must be typed and submitted electronically and must include all submission requirements outlined in the Submission of Requirements section of this OPEN CALL. No changes or corrections to a response will be allowed after the deadline.
3. All submissions should be in English and US dollars.
4. Any proposal not addressing all RPF requirements may be considered non-responsive. Late proposals may be rejected as non-responsive.
5. This OPEN CALL is not an offer to enter into an agreement with any party, but rather a request to receive proposals from offerors (organizations or persons) interested in providing the services outlined herein. Such proposals shall be considered and treated by USIP as offers to enter into a contract.
6. USIP shall not be obligated for the payment of any sums whatsoever to any recipient of this OPEN CALL until and unless a written contract between the parties is executed.
7. Unless stated otherwise within this OPEN CALL, the selected Contractor shall be responsible for providing all equipment and/or supplies required to perform the services.
8. The selected Contractor shall not discriminate against any person in accordance with Federal, state, or local law.
9. The submission of any materials to USIP in response to this OPEN CALL will constitute (i) a representation that the Offeror owns or has unrestricted license to use and license such materials and all intellectual property expressed therein; and (ii) the grant of a non-exclusive license to USIP to use such materials and intellectual property for any purpose, including specifically the evaluation, negotiation, and documentation of a contract with any party.
10. Offeror will commit to adhering to the attached USIP Terms & Conditions, else risk removal from consideration. Exceptions to these terms must be clearly outlined in an annex to the Technical Proposal. Please reach out to [Molly Gallagher @ mgallagher@usip.org ] to request a copy of USIP Terms and Conditions if they are not attached to the solicitation.