USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Organizational Capacity)

Description

• Basic Function: The USAID/Mozambique Integrated Health Office (IHO) provides leadership and technical assistance to the Government of the Republic of Mozambique’s Ministry of Health (MoH) in the areas of HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Maternal and Child Health MCH), Family Planning, Tuberculosis (TB), and other Neglected Tropical Diseases, as well as significant support to strengthening host-country health systems and enhancing private sector engagement
• The Conselho Nacional de Combate ao SIDA (CNCS) has the mandate to coordinate both public and private sector platforms and civil society (including those for civil society, community-based and faith-based organizations) for monitoring/evaluation, communications, and community programming to help the country achieve its ’95-95-95’ goals for epidemic control
• CNCS is currently operationalizing a strategy to galvanize community systems to support better monitoring/evaluation, supervision, quality improvement/assurance and linkage to facilities. CNCS, through its decentralized structure as well as through community-based organizations, is putting in place a standardized package of community services including proven activities for prevention, adherence and retention that can improve viral suppression over time. USAID support to CNCS aims at enhancing CNCS capacity to coordinate the HIV national response, with special focus on an improved community programming coordination and implementation. Through its sub granting program, CNCS will strengthen the community response system to support HIV Prevention, Adherence and Retention efforts and support the creation of a facility-community coordination and accountability platform. USAID agreement will also include improving CNCS institutional capacity to manage and monitor subgrants to civil society organizations
• USAID/Mozambique seeks an Organizational Capacity Development Advisor embedded within CNCS to support the implementation of USAID's Government to Government (G2G) award, with particular focus on the management of sub agreements to local organizations, and to serve as a technical resource to CNCS on issues related to program and human resource management, public financial management, and coordination to advance achievement of HIV program goals. This will require building strong and collaborative relationships with stakeholders, implementing and monitoring appropriate activities and interventions, ensuring robust management and oversight of USAID funding, coordinating USAID implementing partners, as well as building capacity for financial, program and human resource management
• Reporting to the Project Management Team Lead at USAID, the Advisor will be a member of USAID/Mozambique’s AIDS Free Generation Division while also taking guidance from CNCS management
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Organizational Capacity), FSN-11 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. 72065620R100023 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• Market Value: USD54,568– USD76,403 per annum, equivalent to FSN-11(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 July 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: July 2020 – July 2021
• Option Period 1: +July 2021-November 15, 2022
• 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
• Security Level Required: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• List of Required Forms Prior to Award:
• 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
• Benefits and Allowances:
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• 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: 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: 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

G2G Implementation Support (70%)

• The Organizational Capacity Development Advisor will build the financial and contract management capacity of CNCS to effectively manage CNCS-implemented activities as well as those implemented by sub-awardees. This will require assessing CNCS’s capacity and designing tailored approaches for improving CNCS performance in those areas. This will need to be done in full coordination with CNCS leadership and USAID. The Advisor will both assess CNCS capacity as well as have the necessary expertise to identify and provide technical assistance to improve performance in areas identified as gaps, including financial management and reporting, adherence to internationally recognized procurement guidelines, and verification of results reported by sub-awardees
• The Advisor will provide frequent reports and updates to CNCS management and USAID and will identify and communicate issues preventing the successful and timely completion of G2G activities (specific activities will be detailed in the Organizational Capacity Development Advisor workplan that will be updated annually)

Technical Support (30%)

• The Organizational Capacity Development Advisor will assist CNCS to fulfill its mandate to coordinate the overall country response to HIV/AIDS, specifically on subjects related to communications and community led monitoring activities to help the country achieve its ’95-95-95’ goals for epidemic control. In this role, the Advisor will support HIV/AIDS data gathering and analysis to assess the effectiveness of CNCS activities, provide technical contributions to the development of communication and community-based activity plans, and will build the capacity of the CNCS team in mutually identified areas of need

Supervisory Relationship

• Works under the general supervision of the Project Management Team Lead, but also takes direction from CNCS leadership. Assignments are made orally and in writing. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work, but the Advisor is required to determine those that must be coordinated with the supervisor, especially as the Advisor position is likely subject to many demands that may exceed the program description. The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected in coordination with CNCS leadership. The incumbent will seek advice and assistance as required. Work is reviewed in terms of results achieved and in coordination with CNCS management
• Supervisory Exercised: None
• Available Guidelines: Available guidelines include USAID and PEPFAR guidance, rules, and requirements; USAID Mission Orders, Mission strategy, and other relevant reports; the Automated Directives System (ADS);and USAID Mandatory and Standard Provisions, the FAR and AIDAR, and other published and other unpublished guidelines. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation
• Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent exercises substantial independent judgment in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluation program activities, in reporting results, and in other important aspects of the position, developing, implementing, and managing work, for reporting, Judgment is required to make decisions, based on careful analysis of facts and variables, possible alternatives, and potential political and development implications and impact. The political environment requires a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy in establishing dialogue and developing interventions to encourage improved programs
• Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The incumbent takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the incumbent may indicate to ranking counterpart and partner officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity issue or problem. The incumbent may negotiate ad referendum for the immediate supervisor  Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent has a full range of contacts within CNCS and the Mission, at all levels, and maintains contact with contractors and grantees implementing USAID-funded activities or projects in the sector, as appropriate and relevant. Within the Embassy, contacts are with counterpart staffs, and with senior staff as needed. Frequent and substantive personal contacts with senior-level officials of the Host Government are for the purpose of explaining and defending PEPFAR and USAID policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret Host-Government and private-sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials
• Post Entry Training: Familiarization training in USAID and PEPFAR-specific procedures, regulations, and methods. Orientation to working from a donor-agency perspective will be provided. Training to maintain professional capability in the field and other courses offered for professional USAID staff, as appropriate, and courses, seminars, conferences, and other activities in fields related to the function and needed to maintain and update professional qualifications as they become available, subject to availability of funds CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

Requisites

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in public health, public administration, management, or related discipline is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional–level experience in international development assistance, which provided the opportunity for strategic planning, project design, and contract and financial management - preferably in areas related to capacity-building or management of development programs. At least 3 years’ experience required in coordination with the MoH and/or CNCS. Experience in capacity building highly desired
• Language Proficiency: Level IV Portuguese (fluent proficiency), and Level IV English, both oral and written required (this will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: Must have a good understanding of program design, implementation, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation. Potential to quickly acquire knowledge of USG and USAID operations, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, as set forth in the FAR, AIDAR, USAID/Forward and ADS is required. Must have good knowledge of general development principles and approaches, the Mozambican development environment, and Government of the Republic of Mozambique development priorities. Additionally, knowledge of the programmatic technical issues related to communication and community-based service delivery, is required
• Skills and Abilities: Ability to coordinate and effectively communicate with a team with diverse skills sets and experience to achieve results is required. Must have strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and ability to recommend solutions in complicated situations, taking into consideration different factors and variables such as organizational capacity gaps. Ability to evaluate and interpret policy directives and regulations and to effectively communicate to internal and external stakeholders is required. Ability to work effectively to achieve consensus on policy, project, and administrative matters is a must. Good office management skills and experience are required in order to support IHO and CNCS in developing and implementing effective community level activities, including financial and administrative skills sufficient to track the performance of CNCS and sub-awardees
• The work requires skills in the following areas: office management, administration, and financial tracking; budgeting and planning; computer skills, including Word, Excel, database software, and PowerPoint software; the ability to present information and analysis in writing and orally; and, the ability to translate relevant Portuguese documents into English and vice-versa. Tact and diplomacy are also required in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships within USAID and with the public and private sectors

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

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Per this scoring, Prior Work Experience and Job Knowledge are the most important factors, followed by Skills and Abilities, 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. USAID/Mozambique reserves the right to solicit references from other sources as deemed appropriate
• 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
• 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
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application