Portuguese language required
Solicitation
Capacity Development Advisor for the SO9 HIV/AIDS Position
USAID/MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
1. SOLICITATION No: 656-08-018
2. ISSUANCE DATE: April 25, 2008
3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:
5 p.m. Maputo, Mozambique Time; May 24, 2008
4. POSITION TITLE: Capacity Development Advisor for the SO9 HIV/AIDS Position
5. MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($81,093.00-$105,420.00).
6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: two years (with possibility of renewal)
7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Maputo, Mozambique
8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals.
9. SECURITY CLEARANCE: USG Secret Level for US Citizens, clearance for facility access for Third Country Nationals
10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens and Third Country Nationals (“TCNs”) (non-US and non-Mozambican citizens). NOTE: Recent changes in Mozambican Labor Law potentially make TCN employment in Mozambique more difficult generally and the TCN employment process relatively more complex and time-consuming. USAID will attempt to secure a Permit for Employment for a successful TCN candidate within thirty (30) days of acceptance of the offer of employment. If unable to do so, USAID, given its urgent staffing requirements in Mozambique, will have the unilateral option to either extend the period of time for securing said Permit or immediately end the contract [or contract negotiations] with the successful candidate without further cause and consider another candidate for the position
11. REASON FOR RE 11. RE-ANNOUNCEMENT: This solicitation is being re-announced to expand the applicant pool. Previous Applicants will be automatically considered and need nor reapply
12. POSITION DESCRIPTION: See below
I. BACKGROUND
USAID/Mozambique manages one of USAID’S largest country programs in sub-Saharan Africa, with a total FY 2007 operating year budget of more than $130 million. Its 150 employees are organized into five strategic objective teams and four support offices implementing programs in HIV/AIDS, democracy and governance, trade, agriculture, and health. Mozambique is considered important to US foreign policy interests on the continent. It is the only country eligible for both the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR, or the Emergency Plan) and the Millennium Challenge Account, and attracts numerous VIP visits. Therefore, USAID programs are subject to intense scrutiny by various elements of the US government, by Mozambican government ministries, and by diverse civil society constituencies.
The PEPFAR is the largest international health initiative ever undertaken by any country to combat a single disease. The first strategic principle of the five-year Global HIV/AIDS Strategy is: We will respond with urgency to the global HIV/AIDS crisis. In addition to providing an unprecedented commitment of resources, PEPFAR has demanded a new, results-oriented way of doing business, with high levels of accountability, establishment of measurable goals against which progress will be tracked and evaluated, and funding decisions based on performance toward these goals.
PEPFAR is a unified USG effort that operates under the guidance of the State Department Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), based in Washington, DC. In Mozambique, PEPFAR is led by the Ambassador and programmed by an Inter-agency Working Group chaired by the USAID Mission Director. PEPFAR funding for Mozambique is more than $130 million in FY 2007, with more than half managed directly by USAID. Under the PEPFAR, funding for HIV/AIDS has increased each year and is expected to continue to increase again in FY 2008.
B. Basic Function of the Position:
The Development Assistance Specialist (Capacity Development Advisor) (Advisor) oversees a very important component of the PEPFAR Program, including management of USAID-supported institutional strengthening activities, including the $7 million agreement with the Academy for Educational Development to build the capacity of local organizations to respond to donor requirements. The incumbent will also focus on system strengthening at the Government of Mozambique level to ensure sustainability of PEPFAR and post-PEPFAR activities. This work is performed in coordination with other SO-9 HIV/AIDS Team, and in particular, other SO-9 Program Unit staff and included the full range of responsibility for planning, implementing, monitoring, and overseeing HIV/AIDS activities related to the PEPFAR, and other Presidential Initiatives, and to USG activities that contribute to wrap-around activities in furtherance of PEPFAR objectives. These responsibilities include regular contact and collaboration, at technical and policy levels, in a complex and rapidly evolving country context, with counterparts in the Mozambique Ministry of Health, the National AIDS Council, and other government ministries and agencies; with civil society organizations and private companies; with other donor and international organizations; and, with other USG entities working in furtherance of HIV/AIDS prevention, care, treatment, and mitigation goals in Mozambique.
The Advisor will take the lead in planning and carrying out tasks, in resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. The Advisor will serve as CTO, or will provide all CTO-like management of the agreement with the Academy for Educational Development (AED) and related institutional/systems strengthening projects and/or activities that are expected to expand significantly each under PEPFAR. The Advisor will be responsible for building administrative, managerial, and programmatic and technical capacity within the Ministry of Health (MOH) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs), and faith-based organizations (FBOs), particularly those in resource poor settings in the cultural and economic context of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in southern Africa and in Mozambique.
C. Major Duties and Responsibilities:
The Development Assistance Specialist (Capacity Development Advisor) will work in close coordination with all SO-9 HIV/AIDS Team CTOs and other team members and be responsible for or provide support for a variety of institutional and organizational capacity building components included in their HIV/AIDS related programs and projects.
D. Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Management and Technical Oversight of HIV/AIDS Partner Organizations
Provides technical and programmatic leadership on organizational capacity building to the SO-9 HIV/AIDS Team, USAID/Mozambique, and HIV/AIDS partner organizations.
Provides technical and programmatic leadership in strengthening administrative, managerial, and programmatic and technical capacity of local organizations to effectively administer HIV/AIDS activities in resource poor settings.
Works with designated members of Strategic Objective Teams, supports multi-sectoral programming and technical accuracy, in particular as it relates to organizational capacity building projects developed to achieve PEPFAR and other Presidential Initiative goals and objectives.
Coordinates and adapts lessons learned for organizational capacity development programs/projects/activities to further strengthen and expand interventions to achieve PEPFAR and GRM goals.
Prepares technical and program assistance documentation, such as Modified Acquisition and Assistance Request Documents (MAARDs) and Program Statements for acquisition and assistance actions, including new agreements, amendments, and incremental funding; drafts statements of work and illustrative budgets; and, prepares quarterly accrual estimates and tracks funds for activities implemented by partner organizations related to assigned area of responsibility.
Maintains responsibility for financial management of assigned activities, which includes ensuring that obligations, expenditures, and budget pipelines conform to action plans; ensures appropriate and timely incremental funding of activities.
Provide technical and programmatic guidance to implementing partners on linking HIV/AIDS activities with maternal and child health, family planning and reproductive health, and other Mission activities such as agriculture, rural development, economic growth, and Food for Peace activities.
Program Management Responsibilities
The Advisor is the designated CTO/project manager for organizational capacity development projects and activities. Conducts day-to-day management of a portfolio of organizational capacity development projects. Provides technical input to annual work plans for HIV/AIDS IPs.
Reviews performance reports to ensure that Implementing Partners (IPs) are in compliance with host-government agreements, and with the performance expectations outlined in their work plan and in their contract/agreement with the USAID SO-9 HIV/AIDS Team.
Ensures that IPs are in compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures. Applies a specific and in-depth knowledge of applicable USG laws, legislative directives, and regulations, particularly regarding to the allowable use of PEPFAR funds in the spectrum of prevention programming. Based on personal observations, assessment reports, performance statistics, and other available data, makes programmatic recommendations to the entire SO-9 HIV/AIDS Team.
Strategic Planning and Budgeting for Emergency Plan Activities
Provides strategic technical advice for, and prepares portions of, key PEPFAR planning and budget documents, such as the Country Operational Plan (COP), semi-annual and annual progress reports, and Congressional Notifications; and, participates in the Inter-agency Working Group for the PEPFAR Plan in Mozambique.
Assists in the development of new , or the application of lessons learned, for capacity building that will enable more Mozambican non-governmental, faith-based, and community-based organizations to participate in the PEPFAR program and to strengthen their institutional administrative, managerial, and programmatic capacity.
Conducts field visits in order to identify and assess the range of potential partner organizations active in Mozambique. Communicates findings and recommendations SO-9 HIV/AIDS Team, based on information collected during field visits and, as appropriate, to IPs and GRM counterparts.
Represents USAID in selected working groups (primarily focused on organizational capacity development) convened by the GRM and other donor partners, and provides input to ensure coordination between USAID-supported activities, those supported by the Health Sector Wide Approach (SWAP), and those by the HIV/AIDS Partners Forum through their respective Common Fund mechanisms.
Coordinates with GRM officials and other donor agencies (DFID, DANIDA, CIDA, the World Bank, UNICEF, WHO, UNAIDS, etc.) on special projects in the area of capacity development, and their implementation issues as related to HIV/AIDS and other Presidential Initiatives.
Monitoring and Evaluation of HIV/AIDS Activities
Maintains a regular schedule of project site visits at headquarters and in the field. Makes recommendations for adjustments of organizational capacity development program/project activities, as appropriate.
Assists the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist in evaluating selected HIV/AIDS prevention activities, by ensuring that performance monitoring systems are in place, and that periodic, reliable measures of impact indicators are established. Reviews and approves annual work plans and quarterly reports of implementing partners. Ensure all routine and ad hoc reporting requirements reflect the full Mission HIV/AIDS prevention indicators, and reporting against targets.
Prepares selected sections of the USAID/Mozambique Annual Report of program performance and the Semi-Annual OGAC requirement.
Works closely with IPs to ensure program achievements and lessons learned are disseminated to sector representatives. Maintains an up-to-date summary of all program technical and geographic areas.
Documents activities of USAID-supported IPs by establishing routine communications, conducting site visits and inspections, and maintaining up-to-date information and files on the status of partner activities, resources and work plans.
Monitors activities undertaken by IPs implementing capacity development programs/projects/activities, tracks progress against program descriptions, implementation plans, and work plans, assesses progress and barriers to achievement, recommends action for improvement or modifications to address problems, and documents and highlights results.
Other Duties
Establishes and maintains contact with counterparts in the National AIDS Council, the Ministry of Health, and its various HIV/AIDS related programs, UN Agencies, other bilateral donor partners and IPs working in HIV/AIDS.
Seeks opportunities to explore new Mission-supported options such as the development of public/private partnerships.
Prepares correspondence and cables related to implementation, management, and evaluation of HIV/AIDS activities.
Performs other duties as assigned or required.
E. POSITION INFORMATION
1. Organization Location of Position: USAID/Mozambique, SO-9 HIV/AIDS Team, Team Program Unit, Maputo, Mozambique.
2. Position Title/Grade of Direct Supervisor: Program Officer, GS-14 equivalent, SO-9 Program Unit.
3. Supervisory Controls: The Team Program Officer will provide general supervision, will make assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions, and provide primarily administrative and policy direction. The Capacity Development Advisor will draft a work plan within the first 15 days and the supervisor and the contractor will finalize a work plan for the coming rating period.
F. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND SELECTION CRITERIA
To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications. For those who do, further consideration and selection will be based on panel assessment of the Selection Criteria also listed below. Applicants are required to address each of the Selection Criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards or recognition they have received relevant to each criteria described below, and any related considerations. Be sure to include your name and the announcement number at the top of each additional page.
Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria (maximum of 100 points):
1. Minimum Qualifications
a. A graduate degree in health, social sciences, business administration, education or related area is required. A master’s degree in public health (MPH or equivalent), social sciences or other health care development related field is desirable.
b. Minimum 5 years experience in developing country contexts that provided experience in organizational capacity development, especially experience working with HIV/AIDS issues and programs. Work experience in program design, strategic planning, program management and implementation, especially within a developing country text, is also highly desirable. Experience working with USAID or USAID-funded health programs is highly desirable.
c. Minimum 5 years experience in project management and oversight including financial management.
d. Excellent written and oral English and Portuguese language communications skills (candidates without strong Portuguese written and oral capability may be considered if they have exceptional skills in Spanish or Italian [or other appropriate romance language], and when the selection committee is convinced that Portuguese capability can be obtained with a minimum of language training – such additional training would be at post and at USAID expense).
e. Capability in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and related logistics software for management, forecasting, etc.
f. Ability to receive US Government security (or meet facility access requirements) and medical clearances, in accordance with USAID hiring policy.
2. Education, Experience, Knowledge, Abilities and Skills, and Language Required
a. EDUCATION (15 points): A graduate degree in health, social sciences, business administration, education or related area is required. A master’s degree in public health (MPH or equivalent), social sciences or other health care development related field is desirable.
b. WORK EXPERIENCE (25 Points): At least five (5) or more years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in organizational capacity development, especially experience working with HIV/AIDS issues and programs is required. Program design, strategic planning, and program management and implementation experience in a developing country text is highly desirable. Experience working with USAID or USAID-funded health programs is highly desirable.
c. KNOWLEDGE (25 Points): Must have a sound knowledge of the main technical and substantive issues related to organizational development, program/project development and public health, especially HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa and a good understanding of African social, cultural and political contexts. Familiarity with USAID programs, policies and regulations is highly desirable.
d. ABILITIES AND SKILLS (25 Points): Excellent interpersonal skills, tact and diplomacy, required to establish and maintain a wide range of senior-level and working-level contacts with HIV/AIDS programs in government, non-governmental, and private-sector circles. (2) Ability to work effectively within team and interagency environments, and to supervise and mentor others. (3) Strong management and analytical skills are required to strategize, develop and implement effective USAID-supported HIV/AIDS programs; and strong financial management and administrative skills used to track the performance of implementing partners. (4) The ability to interpret regulatory directives and related guidance. (5) The ability to organize and present information and to draft clear, concise documents. (6) Computer literacy, including ease and skill in using word processing programs, email, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software; and familiarity with the world wide web.
e. LANGUAGE (10 Points): Excellent written and oral English and Portuguese language communications skills.
f. Maximum Points Available: 100.
G. TERM OF PERFORMANCE:
The term of the contract will be for two years from on/about June 01, 2008 to on/about May 31, 2010. Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received, unless another date is specified by the Contracting Officer in writing, the incumbent shall proceed to Maputo, Mozambique, to perform the above services which may be extended upon mutual agreement and subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. This position has been classified as equivalent to a GS-14 position in the USG Civil Service. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated depending on qualifications and previous salary history.
H. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES:
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the benefits and allowances listed in this section. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC shall be subject to US Federal Income Tax (including differentials and allowances), but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance].
I. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT
As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:
1. BENEFITS
Employer’s FICA and Medicare Contribution*
Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance
Pay Comparability Adjustment
Annual Salary Increase
Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation
Annual & Sick Leave
Shipment and Storage of Household Effects
Shipment of POV (Privately Own Vehicle)
Access to Embassy Medical Facilities, and Pouch Mail Service (in accordance with
post policy)
* Note: If a US citizen or US resident (Green Card holder), the Contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.
2. ALLOWANCES [if applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below]
(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)
(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)
(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)
(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)
(5) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)
(6) Educational Allowance (Section 270)
(7) Educational Travel (Section 280)
(8) Post Differential (Chapter 500)
(9) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)
(10) Danger Pay (Section 650)
(11) Consumables Allowance
3. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE
The Contractor will be required to complete a full physical examination (including relevant immunizations) from her/his own physician and then obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to service overseas. Also, USAID/Maputo must initiate a temporary security clearance prior to the Contractor’s travel to post of duty. Until a final adjudication of a security clearance is received, the contractor shall:
• have no access to classified or administratively controlled materials,
• travel to post by himself/herself only, and
• be authorized no entitlements other than those normally authorized for short-term (less than a year) employees at post.
If USAID/Maputo fails to obtain a security clearance, the contract will be immediately terminated.
4. FEDERAL TAXES
USPSCs are not exempt from payment of any Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.
5. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR USPSCs
1. Application for Federal Employment (SF-171) or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612). Applicants shall sign the application form. Unsigned SF-171 or OF-612 forms shall not be accepted and therefore applicants shall not be considered for the advertised position.
2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)**
3. Contractor Physical Examination (DS-1843 and DS-1622) **
4. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) **, or
5. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) **
6. Finger Print Card (FD-258) (available from the requirement office) **
Note:
** Forms 3 through 6 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. Forms 1 through 5 can found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/forms.html
6. ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) AND. CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs/AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs
AAPD 06-11 Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays
AAPD 06-10 PSC Medical expense payment responsibility
AAPD 06-07 AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase
AAPD 06-01 Medical evacuation insurance
CIB 01-10 Revision of medical clearance process – PSC with U.S. Citizens
CIB 01-07 Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs
CIB 01-05 Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs)
CIB 00-08 Revision of Competitive Process – PSCs with U.S. Citizens
CIB 00-03 FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts
CIB 99-22 PSC Policy
CIB 98-23 Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements
CIB 98-16 Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs
CIB 98-14 Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs
CIB 98-11 Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D.
CIB 97-17 PSC’s with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens
CIB 97-16 Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less
CIB 96-23 Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts
CIB 94-09 Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors
CIB 93-17 Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract
CIB 89-29 Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles
Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:
http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc
Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf
IV. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Qualified applicants are requested to submit an application for Federal Employment (SF-171) available at the USAID website, http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp or Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) and a Resume containing the following information:
1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);
2) Education: high school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours);
3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties, and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor;
4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title & year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).
5) Applicants are required to provide three references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers.
Interested candidates should send the above via the fax, email, international mail, international courier or Department of State official mail to the attention of the Executive Officer, Susan Thomas, at the addresses indicated below. Please note that attachments to e-mail applications in zip format can not be received to this mailbox. Please make sure that you do not send any attachments in zip format. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and in the subject line of any cover letter. If the application is submitted by email or fax, hard copy must submitted by mail.
Applications must be received by fax, E-mail or separate post by closing date and time specified in the cover letter of this solicitation and should be submitted to Ms. Susan Thomas on E-mail: mz_recruiter908@usaid.gov , via fax at 00258-21-352130 or at the following addresses:
If sent by international mail: If sent via courier to: If sent from the U.S.*:
USAID/Maputo USAID/Maputo USAID/Maputo
P.O. Box 783 JAT Complex, 3rd Floor Department of State
Maputo, Mozambique Rua 1231, No. 41 2330 Maputo Place
Attention: Susan Thomas, Bairro Central “C” U.S. Department of State
Executive Officer Attention: Susan Thomas, Washington, D.C 20521
Executive Officer Attention: Susan Thomas,
Executive Officer
*Please note that delivery times for the Department of State official pouch can vary, allow at least two weeks. USAID/Mozambique can not be responsible for any delays in delivery though the official pouch.
USAID IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: In selecting personnel there will be no discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, HIV/AIDS status, age, or membership or non- membership in an employee organization.
