USAID Project Management Specialist (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning [MEL]) (m/f)

Description

• The USAID Project Management Specialist (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning [MEL]) is located in the Integrated Health Office, Strategic Information Team, and plays a lead role in the development of effective strategic information and monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems in support of the full range of Contracting/Agreement Officer’s Representative (C/AOR) managing Mission Health programs/projects/activities
• The Specialist applies evaluation research to the monitoring of program/project/activity implementation in order to document results, and to translate MEL and other data into meaningful policy and program improvements. The Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and key contributor to strengthening the capacity of information systems, providing senior-level technical guidance to Integrated Health Office leaders, the broader USAID Mission, implementing partners (IPs) involved in program monitoring and evaluation, and within the cooperating country government. The Specialist serves as a C/AOR or Activity Manager, responsible for providing technical and programmatic guidance to assigned activities
• The Specialist is a key member of the Integrated Health Office, Strategic Information Team. The jobholder reports to the Strategic Information Team Leader and has no formal supervisory responsibility
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) –USAID Project Management Specialist (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning [MEL]), FSN-11 Equivalent
• Dear Prospective Offerors:
• The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mozambique is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation
• 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
• Solicitation No. 72065622R10008 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Market Value: USD59,111 - USD82,761 per annum, equivalent to FSN-11 (Step1-11). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value
• Period of Performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about August 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: August 2022 - August 2023
• Option Period 1: August 2023 - November 15, 2026
• 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.acquisition.gov/aidar/aidar-appendix-j-direct-usaid-contracts-cooperating-country-national-and-third-country-national-personal-services-abroad and revised AIDAR Appendix J, General Provision contract clauses (GPs) titled “Leave and Holidays” (AAPD 20-08)
• 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
• PSC Ombudsman:
• The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the Agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman
• The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov

Duties

Program/Project/Activity Performance Management and Reporting

• Provides senior/high level technical guidance to Integrated Health Office, Mission staff, IPs, and other USG agencies on MEL concepts, processes, design, training, and best practices
• Provides expert direction and technical guidance in the implementation of the Integrated Health Office portions of the Mission Performance Management Plan (PMP), and Health Office responsibilities from Mission PMP; and, MEL services and support to IPs in the development and implementation of program/project/activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plans
• Provides guidance to IPs in understanding of the Performance Monitoring Plan systems, and their role in the process, and advises on specific measurement techniques appropriate for their programs/projects/activities
• Provides technical monitoring and evaluation (M&E) expertise to the Program Office, USAID/Washington, and other USG agencies in order to plan and manage Health Office responsibilities related to the PMP, including collection, assessment of validity, and improving data quality
• Develops innovative and cross-cutting monitoring tools, including Data Quality Assessment and Improvement (DQA/I) tools in coordination with the Program Office and MEL contractors; tracks and maintains multiple sets of key indicators, common indicators related to standard components in all USAID programs/projects/activities, indicators at the strategic objective level, and detailed indicators at the activity level; and, ensures proper collection of data, and that indicators serve is an appropriate measure of their corresponding result
• Provides technical leadership to C/AORs and IPs to ensure activity work plans and monitoring plans include relevant and effective performance measures, which together provide greater results and more accurate measurements
• Leads, designs and performs assessments/studies/research requiring independent analysis and interpretation, on a regular and recurring basis; studies and research are cross-cutting, and include substantive and often sensitive Mission and Health Office topics. Briefs Integrated Health Office and Mission leaders on findings and makes recommendations to impact strategic, operational and programmatic direction
• Provides expert guidance to Health Office technical staff on defining measurable indicators and targets for desired results addressed by their program/project/activity, and edits quarterly, semi-annual, and annual performance Reports
• In collaboration with the Mission Program Office, leads the Integrated Health Office compilation and reporting on the annual Performance Plan and Report (PPR) to Congress and ensures all required indicators have appropriate targets and data are collected and reported on by IPs
• Leads USAID’s support to the cooperating country government for the development and management of a national information system, and a central repository (data warehouse) for Health data; and, serves as USAID point of contact for health data and information systems

Evaluation and Organizational Learning

• Provides technical guidance and leadership to ensure evaluations are properly planned and carried out in a high quality and professional manner, by aiding Integrated Health Office C/AORs to draft appropriate Scopes of Work (SOWs) for evaluation Teams, by actual participation in and/or leading evaluation Teams, and by ensuring that Team comments on draft evaluation reports are reflected in final reports
• Leads a team in the development and execution of an evaluation plan that ensures compliance with USAID Evaluation Policy. Advises thematic teams/working groups and technical specialists on planning, designing, and implementing appropriate Evaluation Plans
• Provides technical guidance and leadership to other USG agencies in the development, preparation, and dissemination of results of Public Health evaluations, Demographic Health Surveys, etc.
• Leads cross-cutting evaluations, and supports prioritization and implementation of recommendations, as required
• Manages the Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) component of Integrated Health Office activities Organizes and leads roundtables and consultations with Health Office staff, IPs, and other stakeholders to develop a Learning Agenda for Health interventions; identifies mechanisms for implementing research; and, manages implementation of research and evaluation activities and dissemination of results
• Provides technical leadership and oversight to the Ministry of Health and other cooperating country government staff to ensure that national-level data is available and reliable, and works with inter-agency Heads of Departments and senior technical staff to ensure that USG data contributes to an accurate picture of the situation on the ground, that double-counting is avoided, and that results are attributable to USAID (and USG) interventions

Project Management

• Serves as a C/AOR and/or Activity Manager for MEL programs/projects/activities awarded through the Integrated Health Office, providing financial and programmatic oversight to ensure contracts and grants achieve anticipated results, and are linked to and enhance attainment of the Integrated Health Office, Mission, and USG objectives
• Conducts site visits and data quality audits, as required, in order to monitor progress, and to provide technical and programmatic recommendations to ensure effectiveness, efficiency and judicious use of USG funding

Representation

• Represents the Integrated Health Office, Mission, and USG at national and/or international technical and programmatic meetings, and in consultations with other social sector donors, government officials, and IPs
• Provides technical and strategic leadership in the preparation of key annual and mid-term planning reporting documents including Congressional Budget Justifications, Technical Notifications, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Progress Reports
• Drafts talking points and/or speeches for the Office Chief, Mission Director, Ambassador and others, as required, and prepares briefing papers, presentations, and coordinates site preparations for VIP site visits
• Supervisory Relationship: The Specialist works under the very general supervision of the Integrated Health Office Chief, and the closer but general supervision of the Strategic Information Team Leader. The supervisor makes assignments in terms of overall objectives and resources available. Completed work is reviewed in terms of achievement of program/project/activity goals, effectiveness in meeting cooperating country and USAID objectives, and integration with other initiatives in the Office and Mission portfolio. Some technical direction may come from other professionals in the Office; in general, however, the Specialist will be expected to exercise considerable autonomy and best judgment in discharging the duties of the assignment
• Supervisory Controls: Continuing supervision of other Division and Office staff is not anticipated. The Specialist may be assigned as a group/Team Leader but will not serve as a full supervisor. The Specialist is expected to serve as mentor to C/AORs, Assistant-level staff, and others in SI and MEL systems and processes, and to provide other work guidance
• Available Guidelines: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); AID Acquisitions Regulations (AIDAR); AID Automated Directives System (ADS Series); Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs); Office of Procurement Acquisition Memorandum (OPAMS); U.S. Department of State Standardized Regulations; Federal Travel Regulations; Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Circulars and Controller General Decisions, USAID Mission Orders, Project Papers, Mission Strategy, and other documents available, USAID policies and procedures, Technical Documents and Policy Papers, cooperating country 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
• The jobholder is required to understand Mission and Agency-specific policies and procedures that govern project activity management in addition to administrative operating procedures, policies and formats established by the Department of State
• Exercise of Judgment: The Specialist applies independent judgment in working with health-systems professionals throughout the Mission, the cooperating country government, IPs, and stakeholders; in providing on-site SI and MEL studies of USAID program/project/activity implementation: and, in devising approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial, and/or policy deficiencies and problems. Judgment must be exercised in setting priorities, in determining when intervention in programs/projects/activities is necessary, and in reaching consensus on conclusions and recommendations
• Authority to Make Commitments: The Specialist exercises the authority given to activity managers and C/AORs and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission and Office policy. The Specialist takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and superiors informed of activity and project status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the Specialist may indicate to ranking counterparts and IPs that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity, issue, or problem. The Specialist has no independent authority to commit the USG to the expenditure of funds but may negotiate ad referendum for the supervisor

Requisites

• Education: Master’s degree or local equivalent from an accredited program in social science, statistics, mathematics, mathematics, economics, computer science, epidemiology, health informatics, public health, infectious disease, zoonotic disease, biology or other quantitative discipline, or the local equivalent, is required
• Prior Work Experience: Five years of progressively responsible job-related professional-level experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) and other surveillance systems, evaluation of program/project/activity implementation, in direct program/project/activity management, or in a closely related activity is required. At least two years of this experience in a development-oriented workplace, or a related field, for other donor agencies, cooperating country organizations, or private-sector institutions, and which included project design, performance monitoring, and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data, is required
• Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency in both oral and written English and Portuguese is required. (Language proficiency will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: The Specialist must have in depth, professional-level knowledge of development approaches and methods for performance analysis, data visualization, and program design, monitoring and evaluation. The Specialist must have excellent knowledge of MEL systems, public health programming, and international donor operations in the sector. The Specialist must have knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Mozambique (the cooperating country); development problems in the health sector in the cooperating country and the region; an understanding of the resources, resource constraints, and overall development prospects and priorities of the cooperating country and the region. The Specialist must have working knowledge of USG legislation, policy, and practice relating to monitoring, evaluation, and learning, and of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and of the objectives, methodology, and status of assigned activities
• Skills and Abilities: The Specialist must have the ability to plan, organize and execute complex MEL activities, including the ability to provide technical leadership and apply this ability to programming in the cooperating country and the region. The Specialist must have the ability to issue precise and accurate factual reports using rigorous analytical and interpretive skills. Excellent communication skills both writing and speaking, especially in being able to communicate technical subjects to individuals with nontechnical background. This role requires the ability to respond professionally and adjust in fluid situations in order to meet deadlines in the face of competing priorities and time pressures. Excellent computer and software skills including ability in Excel, SPSS, STATA, R and/or other analytical databases

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

Notes

• A cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• 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
• Any application received in Portuguese will not be considered. Only English applications will be considered
• 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
• Per this scoring Skills and Abilities and Job Knowledge are the most important factors, followed by Prior Work Experience, 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 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