Computer Management Specialist (m/f)

Description

• The Computer Management Specialist (CMS), hereafter referred to as System Manager, is the Mission’s senior leading expert in information systems, responsible for supervising a team of three in the Information Technology section, within the Executive Office of USAID/Mozambique. The System Manager is delegated responsibility to provide direction, guidance, and management oversight to the Information Technology team and has full management responsibility for providing a technological vision through Information Systems Administration, Technology and Information Services Support for a Mission of approximately with 190 staff
• Reporting to the Deputy Executive Officer, the CMS is directly responsible and accountable for the management and administration of the computer facility and related human and financial resources, systems analysis, programming, installation, testing, evaluation, monitoring capacity and performance on all platforms, maintaining security, operating systems and application programs
• He/she oversees all day-to-day operations and maintenance of the computer and telecommunication facility at post, including the management of IT staff who provide support services, software development, and web design to effectively install, operate, troubleshoot and safeguard Local Area Network (LAN) components, which include, but are not limited to, Microsoft Windows network operating systems, various in-house and web-based applications, software and hardware components, telephone systems, and mobile devices. The System Manager is also the primary implementer of computer systems policies regarding information systems security and computer systems usage and recommends procurement of equipment and software
• The Job Holder may be expected to perform work-related travel
• Subject: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – Computer Management Specialist, FSN-12 Equivalent
• Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mozambique is seeking applications from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation
• Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records
• This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the offers
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information
• Solicitation No. 72065620R10008 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• Market Value: USD71,700 – USD100,366 per annum, equivalent to FSN-12 (Step1-12)
• In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique). Final compensation will be negotiated within the market value
• Period of Performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about May 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: May 2020
• Option Period 1:May 2021-January 2023
• Eligible Offerors: To meet basic eligibility requirements, the applicant must be a cooperating country citizen or a non-cooperating country citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the cooperating country
• Applicants must submit a complete application as outlined in Section IV
• Security Level Required: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan.
• VII. USAID Regulations, Policies and Contract Clauses pertaining to PSCs:
• USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:
• USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf
• Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:
• Item No (A) Services (Description)
• (B) QUANTITY
• (C) UNIT
• (D) UNIT PRICE
• (E) AMOUNT
• (F) 0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info:656-MOD-656-19-0002 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)
• Award Type: PSC
• Product Service Code: R497
• Accounting Info: 656-MOD-656-19-0002 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
• Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635 See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Duties

Information Systems Administration and Management (50%)

• USAID Mission operations are supported by an IT infrastructure of systems whose integrity, confidentiality, and availability is dependent upon routine support functions by Mission IT, M/CIO and other service providers. The System Manager maintains the backend process engines, plans future technology projects, and in coordination with M/CIO, maintains a seamless infrastructure that supports the attainment of Mission strategic objectives. Specific functions and tasks performed under system administration are, but not limited to: server support, desktop support, mobile device support, virtual desktop interface support, and troubleshooting and service desk application support
• The Systems Manager provides technical guidance and mentoring to the IT team to ensure successful troubleshooting when providing end user support on all hardware and software platforms; network connectivity problems; performing systems administration functions on all platforms supported (Cisco, Windows 2012, Windows 2016, Google Cloud). These functions include adding, deleting, and modifying user profiles, managing passwords and controlling access rights to directories and files; monitoring network capacity and performance; managing system configuration; installing and upgrading hardware/software; performing/ensuring information system backups to Amazon Web Services (amazon cloud storage) and file restoration procedures; inventorying all software and hardware equipment; prepares reports to AID/W (IRM) and Mission Management as requested/required. Provides first-hand hardware maintenance support for all IT equipment and peripherals by performing diagnostics to determine faulty components, replaces defective components and has the components repaired by a third party if they cannot be repaired by the IT staff
• Facilitates the above tasks where possible by designing and implementing scripts to automate systems administrative functions across all platforms. Another systems support emphasis area is the support for USAID Developed Applications and Financial Management Systems where he works closely with the designated Application Coordinators or other staff within the respective user offices to assist in the implementation and operation of the various USAID-developed IT applications (WebTA, Phoenix, E2, WINTA, GLAAS, GHSMA, AIDConnect, etc.)
• Provides technical support/supervision and management of all aspects of the USAID/Mozambique Agency Secure Image and Storage Tracking (ASIST) and systems, which involves creating new users, disabling users, granting user access to ASIST folders and Cabinets performs any ASIST administration tasks as requested by the Controller/Contracting Office
• Maintains constant liaison with the Office of Information Management (IRM) in AID/W and Dept. of State relative to developments in Agency automation strategy and their potential impact on the Mission's automation program. Coordinates Mission information resources management requirements and initiatives with IRM, FM, EXO and other pertinent offices
• Supervises the Information Technology team and provide appropriate orientation to USAID-structured on-the-job training, familiarity with system configuration practices and policies and establishing work procedures and processes that support the Agency and Mission standards, procedures and strategic directives. Actively participates in the monitoring of work performance of employees to ensure employees have the appropriate training on current CIO IT policies and industry-best practices and other resources to perform their jobs and to both respond to and resolve employee relations issues expressed by team members. Mentors and develops staff in their work providing appropriate coaching, counseling, direction and resolution, writing and administering performance reviews for skill improvement and recommending relevant training to correct or enhance performance of individual team members. Promptly addresses disciplinary and/or performance problems according to organizational policy. Develop a monitoring system for IT work, and oversee the time and equitable distribution of responsibilities to IT professionals. Ensure sufficient coverage of IT staff during leave or out for training opportunities

Information System Security (25%)

• Manages and ensures adequate network security by coordinating with the Agency ISSO, Mission ISSO and IRM LAN Security Operations Team. This involves resolving system vulnerabilities which are scanned and reported weekly or on-demand by the Agency ISSO Scanning portal (Nessus). Implementing password change procedures, tracking and managing user accounts, researching virus issues, and more. Provides technical guidance and mentoring to the mission users to ensure users adhere to mission Information Systems Security Awareness and Code of Conduct

Information and Communication Systems Strategic and Change Management (15%)

• Provides technical guidance to the IT team to successful developing new configurations to accommodate changes in the network due to Mission staff sizing changes, physical office moves, or other changes in the environment. This work is done in conjunction with IRM/CIS and IRM/TCO staff, using standard AID-wide hardware/software/network configurations and involves designing the layout of networking equipment and wiring to support LAN connections. The Systems Administrator may be required to interface with vendors when the mission procures new hardware/software, and to deal with shipping, warranty, and maintenance issues
• Responsible for the Change Management process to plan for, implement and document major changes on the network. A Change Management process should be in place to cover technical work that could have a serious impact on the network (i.e., addition of new servers, upgrades to the operating systems, etc) in terms of availability of services or performance. This process ensures that the end users and Mission management are aware of technical work to be done ahead of time and that adequate resources to perform the work are available. A change management plan should also outline the expected results, and include a detailed "back out plan" in the event the work fails
• Maintains system documentation defining overall network structure and connectivity; Prepare special reports documenting the process for resolving specific problems. Prepare reports to client management, as requested, on the status of the computer network weekly, monthly, or quarterly as required; Prepares Information Systems budget in conjunction with the Executive Officer and the Controller. Formulates and establishing policies for computer use and maintenance in respect of agency guidelines

Research and Development (10%)

• Plans the requirements for feasibility studies of potential applications and major systems modifications; collaborates with AID professionals regarding information technology related project activities to assess needs, recommend new applications , and directs the preparation of developing reports detailing costs, benefits and alternatives; devises and/or installs major open systems compliant application systems; and evaluates system performance through production statistics, analysis of problems, and user feedback
• Seeks new ways of managing diverse and complex open systems environment platforms and network computing by following well-defined, focused plan for developing an integrated computing environment with concentration on compatible operating systems to bridge platforms, investment protection provided by the ability to adapt and evolve systems and solutions as needs and technologies change and standardizing interfaces to link existing systems, applications and users
• Supervisory Relationship: Work is performed under the administrative direction of the Deputy Executive Officer and M/CIO who outlines objectives and shares management responsibility with the incumbent to carry out the function in furtherance of Mission goals. When specific assignments are made, these are evaluated for soundness, completeness and conformity with the objectives of the Mission's automation program
• Supervisory Exercised: The incumbent directly supervises three staff; two CCNPSC Computer Management Specialists, FSN10, and one CCNPSC Computer Machine Technician Repair, FSN-7, providing guidance and assistance in resolving problems, and achieving objectives
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

Requisites

• Minimum of master’s degree in Computer and Electronic Engineering, Network\Information Systems Management, Computer Science or related field
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible work experience in computer operations, development and programming, utilization of systems, and management of a technical or administrative nature is required
• Prior work experience requiring the extensive use of analytical, judgmental and communication skills are also required as well demonstrated successful experience in the supervision of staff
• Level IV (fluent) oral and writing ability in English and Portuguese is required. (This will be tested)
• Must have the knowledge of professional computer and automation conceptualization and planning concepts through implementation, operational and continuing management stages: knowledge of systems analysis and design techniques; computer and telecommunications equipment operations management; hardware and software technology
• Specific systems comprehensive knowledge and experience should include: LAN administration, as well as experience with wide area network (WAN) connectivity; with servers running Windows 2012 and CISCO systems; setting up and configuring hybrid networks, running the above mentioned network operating systems, implementing TCP/IP, DNS, NIS, NFS, NTFS; installing and configuring LAN server hardware and software; establishing security measures and protection; familiarity with a variety of network hardware, including switches, routers, riverbeds; comprehensive knowledge of client/server environments
• A sound knowledge of financial and equipment resource management is also required as well as thorough knowledge of local IT vendors and telecom Mozambique service technical & standard specification, regulations and practices, internet service providers, and the IT market in Mozambique. Good understanding of computer services that can be provided locally to provide advice on procurement needs
• This position requires a unique blend of qualities to include: exceptional leadership, communications and interpersonal skills to handle requests with patience, tact, and diplomacy to effectively lead, train, and supervise staff; and, to work under pressure while navigating managerial, administrative, and sensitive issues, and possess the ability to deal with emergency situations; ability and willingness to function in a collaborative and collegial environment; sensitivity to others; uncompromising integrity; intellectual curiosity; balanced judgment; and the ability to conceptualize — both strategically and programmatically; and an ability to generate trust and build alliances with co-workers
• The position requires technical skills in telecommunication systems, client/server methodology and analysis; ability to trouble-shoot, diagnose, and resolve hardware and software problems to maximize the Mission's computer resource capabilities and priorities to meet support requirements
• Must have expertise to use technical and administrative reference materials in support of management responsibilities including system design, equipment procurement, personnel, financial management, etc.
• As supervisor/instructor/trainer/support expert, must have strong oral and written communication and management skills and strong customer service orientation standards, and ability to operate in a high functioning team
• The position also requires constant innovation to solve both technical and policy problems and to adapt new innovations for Mission implementation as needed and ways to expand Mission’s network and all technology resources to accommodate new positions, teams and new ways of doing business

Evaluation and Selection Factors

• The Government may award a contract without discussions with offerors in accordance with FAR 52.215-1. The CO reserves the right at any point in the evaluation process to establish a competitive range of offerors with whom negotiations will be conducted pursuant to FAR 15.306(c). In accordance with FAR 52.215-1, if the CO determines that the number of offers that would otherwise be in the competitive range exceeds the number at which an efficient competition can be conducted, the CO may limit the number of offerors in the competitive range to the greatest number that will permit an efficient competition among the most highly rated offers. The FAR provisions referenced above are available at https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far

The following evaluation factors are established

• Education - 10 points
• Prior Work Experience - 20 points
• Job Knowledge - 30 points
• Language Proficiency - 10 points
• Skills and Abilities - 30 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Per this scoring, Job Knowledge and Skills and Abilities are the most important factors, followed by Prior Work Experience; Education and Language Proficiency. Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements. Only applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements for the position will be considered. Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant education, prior work experience, knowledge, language proficiency, skills and abilities demonstrated in their application packages
• A Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates who do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited for a language test. Candidates successfully passing the language exam will be invited for an oral interview and may also be required to pass a written test. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants
• Professional references will be conducted for the top ranked candidate and will be utilized to supplement the TEC’s recommendation to the Contracting Officer to offer the position to the top ranked candidate
• Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, oral interview and reference checks. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan.
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• A cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English
• Names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives. Reference checks will be conducted for the final selected candidate for the Contracting Officer to make a responsibility determination. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Only interviewed candidates will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• Once the Contracting Officer (CO) informs the successful Offeror about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful Offeror instructions about how to complete and submit the required forms