Project Management Specialist (Local Partner/Organizational Development)

Description

• As countries progress towards HIV/AIDS epidemic control, the point at which new HIV infections have decreased and fall below the total number of deaths among HIV-infected individuals, care and treatment for people living with HIV (PLHIV) is critically important, both to keep PLHIV alive and healthy, but also for treatment as prevention – reducing the amount of virus in a person’s blood to undetectable levels so that there is effectively no risk of transmission. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has set an ambitious goal of transitioning 70% of programming to local partners by 2021. Local partners have been closely involved in the HIV response and throughout the PEPFAR program, and this effort will help advance countries along their journey to self-reliance
• The Project Management Specialist - Local Partner/Organizational Development (the “Specialist”) is an expert specialized in working with local organizations to strengthen their organizational capacity to deliver HIV/AIDS and other social services and fulfill their respective mission. S/he serves as an expert to help build the capacity of local partners in development and improvement organizational systems and policies that meet rigorous standards, including U.S. government requirements through hands on mentorship and coaching with an emphasis on community level interaction and feedback systems. The incumbent oversees the USAID Health Office’s efforts to transition awards to local partners and represents the agency’s efforts to the Ministry of Health (MOH), USG interagency, international and bilateral organizations and other development partners in-country. In this capacity, the incumbent spends a significant amount of time engaging directly with local partners both locally and in the field
• Subject: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – USAID Project Management Specialist (Local Partner/Organizational Development), FSN-11 Equivalent
• Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation
• Offers must be in accordance with this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records
• USAID will evaluate all offerors based on the stated evaluation criteria. USAID encourages all individuals, including those from disadvantaged and under-represented groups, to respond to the 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
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in solicitation (Sincerely, David Hallengren Acting Executive Officer/Contracting Officer)
• Solicitation No.: 72065624R10010 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Point of Contact: Human Resources Section, email at Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• Market Value: USD 60,316 – USD 84,450 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 listed market value.
• Period of Performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about December 2024. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: December 2024 – December 2025
• Option Period 1: December 2025 – December 2029
• Place of Performance: Maputo, Mozambique, with possible travel as stated in the Statement of Duties.
• 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)

Duties

Technical and Strategic Leadership

• Serve as USAID’s technical expert on the organizational development of local partner organizations and provide senior/high level technical guidance to the Mission, the PEPFAR interagency team, the host country government, notably the MOH, and to other development partners on issues pertaining to organizational development
• Provide overall guidance and direction to the capacity strengthening of local partner organizations, and oversee the implementation of organizational development plans, ensuring requisite technical support is available to partners to support these efforts
• Provide expert technical assistance and support to local partner organizations in the following organizational development areas: governance; administration; human resources; financial management; organizational management; and project management
• Work closely with Technical Advisors to ensure the quality of programs implemented by local partner organizations are simultaneously being addressed
• Provide expert advice and guidance to other HIV/AIDS Team colleagues on matters related to organizational development and capacity building of local partner organizations
• Provide oversight to annual HIV funding directed to local partner organizations and ensure costs related to organizational development are allocated appropriately and utilized effectively
• Through literature review, research and regular communication with local and international stakeholders, keep abreast of emerging developments in organizational development approaches, especially as they pertain to local organizations and the national and global HIV care and treatment landscape, and advise accordingly on how these policies and strategies can most effectively be incorporated to enhance USAID’s approaches
• In collaboration with the Strategic Information Team, advise on the development of tools (such as dash boards) that support monitoring organizational development and continuous learning and adapting
• Provide strategic and technical leadership in the preparation of key annual and mid-term planning and reporting documents including the Country Operational Plan, Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justifications, Technical Notifications, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Progress Reports
• Support PEPFAR’s annual budget preparation process, providing technical assistance to USG financial teams and technical working groups in completing the PEPFAR Funding Allocation to Strategy Tool (FAST) and any other new tools that may be provided for use in the planning processes
• Participate in and ensure the effectiveness of Site Improvement Monitoring System (SIMS) and other field visits
• Identify and arrange for procurement of short-term technical assistance (STTA) and ensure that objectives and outcomes of the STTA are consistent with and support the furtherance of the Mission HIV/AIDS portfolio
• Organize site visits and prepare orientation materials for delegations from OGAC, USAID Headquarters, State Department, and other agencies

Program/Project/Activity Management

• Serve as Contracting or Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) or Activity Manager (AM) for the Mission’s HIV activities awarded to local partners, with responsibility for providing financial and programmatic oversight to ensure contracts and grants achieve anticipated results and are linked to and enhance attainment of the Health Office, Mission and USG objectives
• Conduct site visits 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 and Reporting

• Represent USAID and PEPFAR at designated national, regional and international meetings that relate to organizational development and local partners, including regular participation in national level technical working groups and related committees
• Represent USAID on the inter-agency USG PEPFAR on issues pertaining to organizational development and local partners
• As requested by the Mission Director, Health and HIV Office Director or HIV/AIDS and TB Unit Leader, represent USAID at meetings outside of the HIV/AIDS field when needed
• As a member of the PEPFAR Team, respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements including responding to requests for information from HQ, Congress and OGAC
• Using diplomacy and technical acumen, establish and maintain strategic working relationships with senior MOH and other relevant Ministry officials at the national and district level, development partners, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, private sector health counterparts, and professional associations to enhance regular and timely sharing of information on issues related to local partners and organizational development, including changes in key policies, and legal and regulatory environments that could affect the implementation of USAID programs
• The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to the United States, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the "Foreign Service National" Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy

Position Elements

• Supervision Received: The Specialist will report to the HIV/AIDS Team Lead in the Health Office in USAID. S/he is expected to work independently in carrying out responsibilities. S/he is expected to develop annual work objectives in consultation with his/her supervisor. 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 host-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
• Supervision Exercised: 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 COR/AORs, Assistant-level staff, and to provide other work guidance as assigned. The Specialist will supervise/oversee short and medium- term technical contractors and TDYers. S/he will write interim reviews for long term TDYers and contractors. S/he will provide mentoring and coaching to USAID's HIV/AIDS Team in key areas of organizational development and capacity building of local partner institutions
• Available Guidelines: PEPFAR Guidance and Directives, 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. The incumbent 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. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect PEPFAR programming
• Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent will exercise a high degree of independent judgment in representing USAID and in providing guidance to Mission staff, government officials and implementing partners. Substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent, a recognized expert and well-qualified professional, to independently plan, prioritize and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. The incumbent will be expected to analyze and address problems by applying relevant guidance (for management/administrative issues) and evidence-based strategies (for technical issues) to advance the Mission’s objectives. The use of initiative, discretion, cultural sensitivity, collaboration and teamwork is expected of the incumbent to resolve challenges for which there are no clear or immediate solutions. In the event that no formal guidance exists, the incumbent will use her/his own personal, well-informed judgment, making independent decisions that can be defended as necessary and seeking input when appropriate
• Authority to Make Commitments: When fully designated as COR/AOR s/he will have full authority and responsibility as delegated by ADS, Mission, and USAID guidelines. However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and professional standing in his/her field, substantial weight will be given to his/her recommendations while commitments are made by those with the authority to do so
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent occupies a high profile and important position in the Mission. S/he represents USAID in engagements with high levels of a variety of Ministry of Health officials at the district, provincial and national levels, donors, private and non-governmental organizations, and provides policy recommendations as well as strategic and programmatic advice to senior USAID and US Government officials, other donors, and implementing partners. S/he establishes and maintains senior level contacts with IPs for the purposes of developing and changing organizational policies and procedures. S/he is required to establish and maintain professional contacts/relationships with senior officials and leaders of private and nongovernmental sector institutions that partner on HIV/AIDS activities and to seek to leverage funding. Internally, the incumbent has routine and frequent contact with senior officials of the other members of the USAID Mission, personnel at the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington and other USG agencies such as the CDC, partnering organizations, institutional contractors and consultants
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

Requisites

• Master’s degree in a relevant profession: public health, public administration, international development, accounting, law, business, finance, contracting, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, and/or organization or management
• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in organizational development, development program management, and/or health systems development in a developing country context. At least two years’ experience in a development-oriented workplace such as: USAID, donor agencies, host country government, private-sector institutions or other related organization
• Level 4 (advanced professional proficiency) English and local language proficiency (if appropriate), both oral and written, is required. Language proficiency may be tested
• The Specialist must have in-depth professional-level knowledge in one or more of the following areas: governance; administration; human resources; financial management; organizational management; and project management. Superior knowledge and understanding of organizational development and capacity strengthening of local organizations. Extensive and detailed knowledge of USAID rules and regulations and compliance issues as they pertain to acquisition and assistance awards to implementing partners. Demonstrated knowledge of the overall health sector context, of PEPFAR and its current priorities, as well as the key aspects of US Government foreign assistance to the host country

Skills

• The incumbent must possess strong skills in communication (verbal and written), advocacy and networking
• S/he must have strong conceptual and analytical skills to be able to quickly grasp and translate new concepts into operational plans and results
• This position requires an outstanding ability to exercise flexibility to be able to accept and react to evolving planning and implementation contexts
• The incumbent must demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing
• S/he takes initiative and offers leadership in reviewing the progress of programs and projects under his/her responsibility, including performance reports, pipeline management, program implementation reviews, as well as fulfilling other USAID and USG reporting requirements
• S/he demonstrates timely decision-making ability and extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, using diplomacy and tact
• Ability to travel regularly to the offices of local partners, both locally and in the field

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 technical evaluation committee may conduct reference checks, including references from individuals who have not been specifically identified by the offeror, and may do so before or after a candidate is interviewed
• The following evaluation factors are established:
• Education: 10 points
• Prior Work Experience: 25 points
• Job Knowledge 30 points
• Skills and Abilities: 30 points
• Language Proficiency: 5 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points
• Per this scoring Job Knowledge and Skills and Abilities are the most important factors, followed by Prior Work Experience, Education and Language Proficiency

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and will be invited for a language test
• Eligible Offerors are required to submit a cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• Offerors are required to provide names, contact numbers, and e-mail addresses of three professional references from individuals who are not family members or relatives
• Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements
• 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
• 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
• 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/ads/policy/300/aidar
• 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:
• Line Items: 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: 1LOT $ _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/resources_standards-of-conduct
• 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
• 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
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• Eeo/aa: the u.S. Mission is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of hiv/aids status