USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Disability Advisor) / FSN-10 Equivalent

USAID is recruiting a USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Disability Advisor) / FSN-10 Equivalent, to be based in Maputo, Mozambique.

Description

• The incumbent serves as the Disability Advisor across USAID/Mozambique’s portfolio and provides leadership for Mission efforts to improve disability inclusion. The incumbent serves as the Disability Advisor for the Mission Director, in addition to the rest of USAID and the Embassy, on all issues related to disability inclusion to inform policy and strategy direction
• S/he is a core member of USAID/Mozambique’s Program Office team and will collaborate with the USAID Gender Adviser and Youth Adviser to support integration of inclusion of disability within broader efforts to promote gender equality, youth empowerment, and social inclusion, recognizing the intersectionality of these efforts. S/he will also support management of USAID development activities with a core focus on inclusion of people with disabilities, such as those currently under the Education, Democracy and Governance (EDG) Office
• S/he ensures USAID staff across the Mission understand and comply with USAID disability inclusion policies, issues, requirements, and best practices. The Development Assistance Specialist (Disability Advisor) also undertakes substantial research and analysis to inform policy and strategic decision-making
• The Development Assistance Specialist (Disability Advisor) represents the Mission in Mozambique and serves as the key interlocutor to internal and external audiences, including USG officials, the media, Government of Mozambique, international community, implementing partners, the private sector, and civil society in areas related to disability inclusion and social inclusion more broadly
• The Development Assistance Specialist (Disability Advisor) will also be responsible for managing programming that receives disability funding, including developing the funding program guidelines, solicitation process, and administration of grants; as well as serving as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) for activities fully or partially focused on promoting disability inclusion. The incumbent will also be responsible for producing reports that respond to Congressional or other USG interests regarding disability inclusion and other social inclusion related topics
• Travel: The job holder will be expected to perform work-related travel
• 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
• USAID strongly encourages individuals with knowledge of Mozambican Sign Language and Braille to apply
• 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
• SOLICITATION NO.: 72065624R10016 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 49,082 – USD 68,717 per annum, equivalent to FSN-10 (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 February 2025.
• Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: February 2025 – February 2026
• Option Period 1: February 2026 – February 2030
• PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Maputo, Mozambique, with possible travel
• 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
• 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
• 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: 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/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 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

Policy Advisor and Mission Representation - 50%

• As the Disability Advisor for the Mission, the incumbent will provide highly qualified policy and technical advice on USG and USAID inclusive development policies. The incumbent will also serve as the primary representative and liaison for the Mission with international and local stakeholders, from host government representatives to other donors and civil society organizations, to foster improved coordination on all efforts to improve disability inclusion and rights in Mozambique
• Provides direct advice and analysis to the USAID Mission Director, interagency colleagues, and USAID staff on a range of issues, including advice and analysis of international disability best practices, key strategic interlocutors, outreach opportunities, and policy initiatives
• Assists in defining a clear vision for the Mission to assess progress and accelerate change on disability inclusion within the Mission work environment and in Mozambique more broadly. Plays a key role in formulating and articulating corresponding policies and strategies, proposing approaches and actions
• Provides input, analysis, and key advice to Mission leadership on disability inclusion, rights, and accessibility and how to integrate disability inclusion within related efforts to improve gender equality, youth empowerment, and social inclusion
• Investigates, monitors, and regularly reports on disability inclusion issues and trends that have implications for USG foreign assistance activities in Mozambique
• Takes a leadership role in the Embassy’s interagency Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Council to ensure the achievement of USAID and USG objectives and their alignment with the local context and opportunities
• Represents the Mission to external audiences, including the media, Government of Mozambique, and international community on USG’s disability inclusion policies, priorities, and programs
• Maintains productive and professional relationships and networks among key Government of Mozambique ministries, Mozambican and international research and academic institutions, civil society organizations and business organizations, donor organizations, USAID/Mozambique's implementing partners, and other institutions relevant to promoting disability inclusion in Mozambique
• Leads national awareness raising campaigns to create a national dialogue on disability rights, access, and inclusion, and other relevant topics. This includes working to decrease discrimination against people with disabilities and to overcome systematic disadvantages that hold back this untapped segment of Mozambique's population

USAID Portfolio Integration and Activity Management - 50%

• As part of the USAID Program Office, the Development Assistance Specialist (Disability Advisor) will support integration of disability inclusion across the Program Cycle and development objectives. The incumbent will also be responsible for managing activities focused primarily or partially on disability inclusion
• Provides general guidance, technical oversight, and mentorship to USAID staff on disability inclusion best practices in development programming. This includes advising Mission-wide staff on incorporating appropriate requirements in solicitations and awards regarding ensuring accessibility and disability inclusive programming and results. Also work with them to ensure compliance of implementing partners with contractual obligations and requirements related to disability inclusion programming and reporting
• Provides highly specialized technical advice to the Mission’s full portfolio of implementing partners regarding integrating disability inclusion into programming and required monitoring and reporting
• Plays a key role in formulating USAID/Mozambique’s activities, proposing approaches and actions that consider the challenges facing people with disabilities, especially women and youth, and the realities of the cultural context in Mozambique
• Serves as the COR, AOR, and/or alternate for contracts, cooperative agreements, and grants related to disability inclusion in the Education, Democracy and Governance (EDG) Office and in other technical offices, that are awarded to USAID implementing organizations
• Leads the drafting and review of disability inclusion content in Mission submission for annual Operational Plans and Performance Plans and Reports and other required reporting, such as responding to Congressional inquiries
• Travel: The job holder will be expected to perform work-related travel

Position Elements

• Supervision Received: This position will be supervised by the Deputy Program Officer, or designee
• Supervision Exercised: No supervisory role assigned
• 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
• Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent needs to exercise considerable judgment in providing advice compliant with Agency policies and procedures, and during interactions with host government officials, embassy counterparts, other international donors, implementing partners, consultants, TDYers, and other USAID offices
• Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent does not make monetary or contractual commitments. The incumbent is authorized to make commitments necessary with respect to scheduling and organizing activities within the statement of assigned responsibilities. S/He may serve as Contracts Officer’s Representative (COR) for disability inclusion-related activities, for which S/he will have the authority to guide the implementer, under the oversight of the contracting office
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent deals with the working level and senior staff of implementing partners, as well as other international donors, local government, and embassy counterparts in order to plan and fulfill liaison, advising, and reporting duties. S/he must be able to obtain and assess a variety of information from such officials to review and analyze compliance status and recommend ways to improve. S/He works with all USAID/Mozambique offices, including technical teams, and support offices
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: 12 months
• 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

• Minimum qualifications required for this position:
• Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in international relations, economics, gender studies, public administration, public policy, or social sciences is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in international development. The experience must engage substantially with disability inclusion and/or inclusive development. Relevant experience is defined as work related to program coordination, strategic planning, project design, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, and public outreach in the field of international development and/or disability inclusion. A minimum of one year of experience undertaking and leading substantive programing and research on disability inclusion and/or inclusive development is required
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) English and Level IV (fluent) Portuguese skills are required, speaking, reading, and writing
• Job Knowledge: A knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques and practices of inclusive development and development program management, is required. Broad knowledge of economic, political, and social characteristics in Mozambique. A thorough understanding of the challenges and opportunities for people living with disabilities in Mozambique. Computer literacy in word processing, spreadsheet preparation and analysis, and PowerPoint presentations
• Skills and Abilities:
• The incumbent is required to be able to:1) demonstrate sound analytical reasoning skills; 2) obtain, analyze, and evaluate a variety of data; 3) organize and present technical information in concise written and oral form; 4) furnish information and advice in assigned areas objectively; 5) follow oral instructions, and organize, prioritize and follow through on all assignments with minimal oversight; 6) work effectively as a team member in an established culturally diverse Mission Team; and 7) demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, and other computer applications. (i.e. Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• The incumbent must also have the ability to establish and maintain contacts at all levels of the host government(s) and with stakeholders in the donor, non-governmental and private sector arena. The incumbent must be able to communicate USAID/Mozambique programs and policies to the abovementioned, as well as transmit and interpret host country government and non-governmental sector program-related concerns to senior USAID officials
• The incumbent must also have demonstrated potential to acquire knowledge of USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, and a thorough understanding of the objectives, methodology, and status of the Mission's overall Development Objectives and Program Office goals
• The incumbent must be flexible and resourceful and have excellent interpersonal skills in order to: 1) facilitate productive professional relationships; 2) work calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure; 3) effectively manage more than one activity at a time; and 4) work effectively as a team member in an established culturally diverse team environment

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

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