USAID Development Assistance Specialist (m/f)

Description

• The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Sofala Provincial Advisor) serves as one of two advisors assigned to the Government of Mozambique, through its Provincial Health authorities, to provide technical and coordination assistance to the Servicos Provinciais de Saúde (SPS) and Direcção Provincial de Saúde (DPS) and oversee implementation of USAID support agreements with the province, including implementing partner sub-grants at provincial and district levels. This will involve provision of support to implement innovative solutions to address problems of program and human resource management, public financial management and coordination at provincial and district level to advance achievement of HIV and other key health program goals. The Advisor will assist the SPS and DPS to coordinate President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) - and USAID-funded partners to ensure that programs are implemented with fidelity at the required scale to achieve PEPFAR goals (95/95/95). 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 to provinces and districts, coordinating USAID implementing partners, as well as building local capacity for financial, program and human resource management
• The job holder may be expected to perform work-related travel
• Subject: Re-Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – USAID
• Development Assistance Specialist (Provincial Advisor - Sofala), 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
• Re-Solicitation No. 72065620R100020 (0001) opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Market Value: USD56,795– USD79,521 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 2021
• Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: July 2021 – July 2022
• Option Period 1: +July 2022-November 15, 2022
• Place of performance: Sofala, Mozambique (This position will be based in Sofala, Mozambique. Please note that USAID/Mozambique does not pay for housing expenses in Sofala for the duration of the contract for the selected candidate)
• 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 reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Only interviewed candidates will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• 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 support to provincial and selected district health departments (40%)

• The Advisor, working collaboratively with other health office staff provides oversight and technical assistance to the implementation of strategies and interventions aimed to strengthen the management and coordination capacity of provincial and district health authorities in Sofala. The Advisor supports the development of strategic planning skills, implementation of, and adherence to national public financial management norms, development of financial management capacity (USAID grant management) and strengthening of human resources management systems and protocols
• The Advisor will build the financial and contract management capacity of SPS and DPS Sofala to effectively manage SPS implemented activities as well as those implemented by sub-awardees. This will require assessing the SPSP and DPS’s capacity and designing tailored approaches for improving SPS and DPS performance in those areas. This will need to be done in full coordination with SPS and DPS leadership and USAID. The Advisor will both assess SPS and DPS 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 SPS and DPS Sofala management and USAID and will identify and communicate issues preventing the successful and timely completion of Government to Government (G2G) activities (specific activities will be detailed in the Provincial Advisor workplan that will be updated annually)

Management and oversight of IHO provincial activities (30%)

• The Specialist, as an on-site representative of IHO, provides technical assistance and oversight to programs/projects/activities designed to develop the management and coordination capacity of the SPS and DPS. S/he will identify technical assistance needs, develop specific scopes of work, and oversee short term technical support missions. The Specialist will also play a key role on oversight of USG direct financing agreements, ensuring adequate use of funds, capacity building on USG policies and regulations, and ensuring adequate accountability for USAID resources

Coordination (15%)

• The Advisor will contribute to strengthening coordination of health and HIV interventions in the province. This will be achieved through strengthening the linkages between IHO/USAID and the SPS/DPS, informing the SPS/DPS of USAID/USG priorities related to health and HIV, and reporting SPS/DPS priorities back to USAID. The Advisor will also serve as the primary provincial health sector level liaison for USAID’s counterparts in Sofala – provincial government, district authorities, other donors, civil society, the private sector, etc. The incumbent will support participation of USAID implementing partners in district and provincial sector planning processes (PES Planning) and engage in coordination and facilitate collaboration between USAID implementing partners, other donors, and other stakeholders

Monitoring of IHO provincial activities (15%)

• The Advisor, as an on-site representative of the USAID Integrated Health Office (IHO), monitors PEPFAR-funded programs/projects/activities and provides technical feedback to the relevant A/COR. S/he will identify gaps, communicate effectively with technical experts and project managers within the Controlling the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Division, and oversee implementation of recommendations for remediation. The Advisor will also play a key role monitoring USG direct financing agreements and sub-grants by implementing partners, ensuring adequate use of funds, capacity building on USG policies and regulations, and ensuring adequate accountability for USAID resources
• Supervisory Relationship: Direct supervision will be exercised by the Project Management Team Leader or his/her designee. 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. The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected. The Advisor will seek advice and assistance as required. Work is reviewed in terms of results achieved

Requisites

• Minimum Qualifications Required for this Position:
• Education: A University Degree in science, social science, governance, economics, business management, public administration, international development, or related area is required.
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project design, program planning, implementation, and/or performance monitoring and data analysis as well as in Public Financial Management, donor reporting, government and/or private sector procurement and compliance. At least three years of this experience in development work, or related fields, for U.S. Government, other donor agencies, host-country organizations, or private sector institutions which included contract management, financial management, and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data is required.
• Language Proficiency: Level IV English and Portuguese language proficiency, speaking and writing, is required. (Language proficiency will be tested).
• Job Knowledge: In-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts and practices, including issues related to GRM Public Financial Management, the Provincial Planning cycle, GRM political dynamics at the national and provincial level is required. The job holder must have knowledge about Mozambique's socio-economic development including policy, development priorities, regulatory and institutional environment in which the Mission operates as well as knowledge and understanding of the organization and roles of the different levels of GRM provincial governments and service delivery systems in order to enhance effective communication, and to develop consensus on plans for governance, finance, and human resources management systems improvement. Potential to acquire such knowledge, of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to development assistance; USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation; and, of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities is required.
• Skills and Abilities: Must be able to develop and maintain a range of working-level and management-level contacts on HIV/AIDS – related topics, in government, non-governmental, and private-sector circles. The Advisor must be aware of protocol requirements for engaging with all levels of GRM Provincial and District governments. Must be able to work effectively in a team environment and coordinate well with others. 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 are required. Ability to evaluate, and interpret policy directives and regulations, produce technical documents and to effectively communicate to internal and external stakeholders and produce technical documents is required. Ability to work effectively in a team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy, project, and administrative matters is a must. Good office management skills and experience are required in order to support the Division in developing and implementing effective HIV/AIDS programs/projects, including financial and administrative skills sufficient to track the performance of IPs and program/project activities. 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
• Available Guidelines: Available administrative guidelines establish a broad pattern of operation that requires frequent need to exercise judgment and interpretation and provides an opportunity for initiative and innovation
• Relevant guidelines include the USAID Automated Directives System (ADS), PEPFAR, and PMI guidelines, Country Operational Plans, Malaria Operational Plans, Health Investment Plan, Country Development Cooperation Strategy, National Health Strategic Plan, Mission Orders and other directives. The Specialist must understand planning and budgeting processes at the GRM Provincial and District levels. Available administrative guidelines establish a broad pattern of operation that required a frequent need to exercise judgement and interpretation and provides an opportunity for initiative and innovation. Relevant guidelines include USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Foreign Affairs Manuals (FAM), Mission Orders, Management Notices, Foreign Assistance Act and other relevant guidance. The Specialist must be aware of protocol requirements for engaging with all levels of GRM Provincial and District governments
• Exercise of Judgment: The Advisor exercises substantial independent judgement in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating program activities, in reporting results, and in other important aspects of the position. The Advisor must exhibit an ability to prioritize various overlapping tasks and activities assigned, within the PEPFAR environment, that frequently require drastic and last-minute changes in priorities, processes, and data requests. 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 job holder has limited authority within the limits of training and experience. It exercises such authority and discretion delegated by the Team Leader and may make non-technical and nonbinding administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. He/she acts 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 IP 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 Advisor has a full range of contacts within the Mission, at all levels, and maintains contact with contractors and grantees implementing USAID-funded activities in the sector. Within the Embassy, contacts are with counterpart staffs, and with senior staff as needed. Host-government, local and other contacts vary widely with the type of activity being implemented and may be at any level
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Post Entry Training: Trainings of one to two weeks on USAID operational policies and procedures, Collaborating, Learning and Adapting, Programming Foreign Assistance, Project Design, and Contracting/Agreement Officer's Representative certification will be provided in the first yearn-the-job training as well as Introduction to Program Cycle and other courses as necessary. The incumbent will be expected to travel to Maputo for an initial training period of approximately 3 months to become familiar with the policies, systems, and office structure of USAID. Thereafter, the incumbent will be expected to travel frequently (up to 20% of time) to Maputo, other in-country or international sites for training, meetings, continuous learning, including consultations with USAID/Maputo-based staff as necessary
• The incumbent may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship described in AIDS 495maa

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

Notes

• Submit 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
• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Any application received in Portuguese will not be considered. Only English applications will be considered
• 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
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov