USAID Project Management Specialist (Infectious Disease)

Description

• The USAID Project Management Specialist (Infectious Disease) will serve in the AIDS Free Generation (AFG) Division within the Integrated Health Office of USAID/Mozambique, providing technical and programmatic leadership for activities related to the implementation of USAID/Mozambique’s TB, Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), and Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) activities. While much of the work with MISAU counterparts is of a collaborative nature, the incumbent must also be able to make convincing arguments to senior representatives of the host country government, as well as among other donors and USG agencies, to build consensus around key policies and programmatic approaches. S/he works with USAID and USG colleagues to guide USG implementing partners supporting quality TB service delivery and liaises with community-based services and health systems activities to ensure a sustained continuum of care. The Specialist will serve as the USAID mission’s primary link to the NTP, developing and supporting implementation of the annual TB Roadmap in collaboration with the NTP and implementing partners. S/he will provide technical support to the AORs of USAID/Mozambique’s awards with TB-related activities, monitor implementation of annual work plans and lead ongoing analysis of the TB activities to identify lessons learned from partners, what is working well and where adjustments may be needed
• The Specialist will be supervised by and receive technical guidance from the Infectious Disease Team Lead as his/her USAID point of contact. As a member of the AFG Division, s/he will work closely with a Senior TB Technical Advisor; other staff in the AFG Division; interagency colleagues, particularly with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and other stakeholders at all levels as appropriate. S/he will also work closely with the USAID/Washington TB Team to ensure alignment of USAID/Mozambique activities with the Global TB Accelerator, the USG TB strategy, the national MDR action plan, and other global efforts related to TB that are supported by USAID
• The job holder will be expected to perform work-related travel
• Subject: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – USAID Project Management Specialist (Infectious Disease), 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. 72065620R100030 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 September 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: September 2020 – September 2021
• Option Period 1: +September 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)
• Statement of Duties:
• Background: USAID is a global leader in supporting countries with a high burden of TB, TB/HIV co-infection and drug-resistant TB. USAID works with the World Health Organization (WHO), Stop TB Partnership and other international TB and TB/HIV partners to support policy development and implementation at the global, regional and country levels. USAID is working with 23 countries with bilateral funds to improve TB services and supporting almost 30 more through targeted technical assistance to support Global Fund grants. These efforts improve access to patient centered TB diagnosis and treatment services, prevent the further transmission of TB, and reduce the impact of drug resistant TB on individuals, households, and communities. In September 2018, former USAID Administrator Mark Green launched the Global Accelerator to End TB at the UN High Level Meeting on TB, initiating an innovative business model aimed at strengthening the local response to TB at all levels in alignment with the Journey to Self-Reliance
• According to the WHO Stop TB Global Report 2019, Mozambique is one of the world’s 30 countries with high burden of TB, TB/HIV co-infection and drug resistant TB. The estimated TB incidence rate in Mozambique is 551 per 100,000 people. In 2018, 92,381 out of an estimate 162,000 incident cases were notified to the National TB Program (NTP); which means that around 57% of incident TB cases were “missed,” either not diagnosed or not reported to the NTP. Additionally, an estimated 21,000 Mozambicans died of TB in 2018, not including those who died with TB/HIV co-infection. Treatment outcomes for drug sensitive TB patients have remained steady since 2014; 90% of new and relapse cases are successfully treated. The overall burden of multi-drug resistant (MDR)-TB is estimated to be 8,300 cases, and in 2018, about 1,200 individuals were diagnosed with drug resistant (DR)-TB and started second line treatment. While treatment outcomes for DR-TB have improved greatly over the last five years, only 50% of those who began treatment in 2017 successfully completed a second line regimen. Mozambique has the second highest estimated burden among Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. An estimated 35% of incident TB cases are co-infected with HIV in Mozambique, where general HIV prevalence was estimated at 12.6% among 15 to 49-year olds in 2018%. While the indicators for knowledge of HIV status among confirmed TB cases (99%) and enrollment on ART of those found to be HIV positive (96%) are impressively high, management of TB among people living with HIV (PLHIV) enrolled in care and treatment needs to be strengthened, with suboptimal uptake of TB preventive therapy (TPT) among all those eligible
• 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

Technical and managerial support to the USAID/Mozambique health portfolio (40%)

• Provides technical and supervisory support on TB and TB/HIV issues within AFG and in the interagency space
• Coordinates the annual TB Roadmap development process with support from the senior TB technical adviser and USAID/Washington TB team
• Develops and maintains effective communication channels with the NTP, particularly the NTP manager and USAID supported technical advisers seconded to the NTP
• Ensures TB interventions supported by USAID/Mozambique are aligned with the Global Accelerator to End TB and USAID/TB team technical approach
• Actively participates in inter-agency meetings and assignments
• Coordinates USAID headquarters country visits related to TB and short-term targeted technical support visits to support implementation of the TB portfolio, as well as interagency visits to address TB/HIV issues
• Monitors and tracks performance of USAID TB implementing partners, providing in-depth analysis of monthly and quarterly data
• Participates in national TB-related technical working groups and other fora that bring together key actors in the national TB response
• Works across health areas to develop and ensure implementation of smart integration approaches with PEPFAR,TB, emerging pandemic threats and NTDs to provide greater program efficiencies and improved health outcomes from a clinical perspective

Providing programmatic guidance to USAID/Mozambique health activities (40%)

• Participates in the development of the PEPFAR Country Operational Plan and the Country Development Corporation Strategy (CDCS), as well as activities related to GHSA and NTD initiatives
• Supports development of annual work plans, reviewing quarterly and annual reports, and analyzing routine data of partners implementing the TB, GHSA, and NTD portfolios
• Provides feedback on performance based on in depth analysis of data reported by partners and through other means, such as surveys and surveillance activities
• Ensures USAID TB activities are responsive to local TB epidemiology and the National TB Strategic Plan
• Supports development of TB service delivery models, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Global Fund and other stakeholders, minimizing overlap and duplication of efforts with other donors and implementing partners
• Participates in national TB stakeholder meetings and consultations to share and disseminate USAID experience and models of TB service delivery and TB/HIV integration
• Keeps abreast of literature and the latest developments in the field of TB programming

External Representation (20%)

• Represents USAID/Mozambique and/or USG/Mozambique at meetings with implementing partners, bilateral and multilateral development partners, host country government, USG agencies, and international and local partners
• Communicates the impact of U.S. Government programs during visits from congressional delegations, high-level U.S. government officials, and other dignitaries
• Serves on relevant national technical working groups to represent USAID
• Represents USAID during field visits of external delegations, including Congressional and other visitors
• Supervisory Relationship: The IDA reports directly to the Infectious Disease Team Lead
• Supervisory Exercised: None
• Available Guidelines: Available guidelines include USG program/project/activity guidance, rules, and requirements; USAID Mission Orders, Mission strategy, and other relevant reports; the Automated Directives System (ADS); USAID Mandatory and Standard Provisions, and the FAR and AIDAR; and, USAID Global Accelerator to End TB guidelines, Country Operational Plans, host-government Five-Year Strategic Plans (or equivalent), and other published and unpublished guidelines. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation
• Exercise of Judgment: Once general responsibilities and assignments are mutually agreed upon with the Health Team Leader, the IDA is required to exercise extensive technical and professional judgment in planning, organizing and supervising implementation activities in accordance with his/her major duties and responsibilities. This includes identifying the approaches to be taken, resolving problems and conflicts, and meeting deadlines
• Authority to Make Commitments: The USAID Project Management Specialist (Infectious Disease) is not authorized to make commitments or approve the use of United States Government (USG) resources but may provide local management expertise and recommendations to the Health Team and Mission management
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The IDA communicates regularly with Mission offices, other USG agencies, Ministry of Health officials, international donors, and contractors and implementing partners regarding infectious diseases, especially for malaria and tuberculosis
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Post Entry Training: To the extent required, the USAID Project Management Specialist (Infectious Disease) will need to gain a clear understanding of USAlD policies, -regulations, and procedures, as well as further training in computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Project software). 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

Requisites

• Minimum Qualifications Required for this Position:
• Education: The work requires a Medical degree; or a degree as a Public Health Physician in a field related to clinical and/or field work in education, prevention, and treatment of infectious diseases
• Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five years of professional experience in supporting public health programs in Mozambique. Demonstrated technical leadership in both clinical and public health components of TB programs. Experience supporting Mozambican Ministry of Health programs at provincial or district level
• Language Proficiency: Level IV in both English and Portuguese (fluent speaking/reading/writing) required. (This will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: Scientific and programmatic knowledge of current developments and standards in TB treatment and prevention including care, and treatment of infectious diseases is required
• Knowledge in clinical medicine, quality improvement and diagnostic services
• Knowledge and skills in program management
• Knowledge of Government of Mozambique rules, practices, and procedures related to TB service delivery
• Strong understanding of the Mozambican national health system with demonstrated ability to influence program policy and operational decisions
• Knowledge of the voluntary sector, including private sector and civil society and faith-based organizations, and their role in the provision of TB services
• Knowledge of and familiarity with TB epidemiology in Mozambique and throughout the Southern and Eastern Africa region
• Knowledge of key international TB initiatives, guidelines, and standards
• Skills and Abilities: Ability to represent the USG by establishing and maintaining relationships with Ministry of Health officials at the highest levels, as well as relevant donors and NGO stakeholders is required
• Strong computer skills, including the ability to produce concise, clear reports, and utilize word processing, spreadsheet and database programs
• Ability to develop consensus and conduct effective meetings
• Demonstrated ability to be proactive and work independently with minimum supervision
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to be a team player
• Ability to manage a large and complex portfolio to achieve the ambitious scale up of activities required
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally when required and must be able to work under pressure
• Strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
• The incumbent must possess excellent English writing and editing skills, as well as an excellent ability to process information from a wide variety of sources into a cohesive, polished document
• Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relationships
• Verbal communication skills are also needed to negotiate activity plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members
• Excellent written communication skills in English are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation, and briefing papers. Note: A writing sample may be requested

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 - 05 points
• Prior Work Experience - 30 points
• Language Proficiency - 05 points
• Job Knowledge - 30 points
• Skills and Abilities - 30 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• 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
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
• Per this scoring, Prior Work Experience, Job Knowledge and Skills and Abilities are the most important factors, followed by Language Proficiency and Education. 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 an oral interview. Candidates successfully passing the oral interview, will be invited for a language exam 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, reference checks and written test. 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