USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Provincial Advisor – Niassa)

Description

• The USAID Development assistance specialist (provincial advisor) serves as one of two (potentially 4) advisors assigned to the GOM, through its Provincial Health Directorates, to provide assistance and oversee implementation of USAID direct support agreements with the province. 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 support sustainable health systems strengthening and advancing the implementation of the self-reliance agenda
• The advisor will support the implementation of financing, program and human resource management systems to ensure that priority health programs are implemented with fidelity at the required scale to achieve public health goals (95/95/95). This will require building strong and collaborative relationships with stakeholders, designing, implementing and monitoring appropriate activities and interventions, ensuring robust management and oversight of USAID direct funding to provinces and districts, overseeing 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: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Provincial Advisor - Niassa), 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. 72065620R100015 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 July 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: July 2020 – July 2021
• Option Period 1: +July 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)
• 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:656-MOD-656-20- 0002-09 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: 656-MOD-656-20-0002-09 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 (HIV division, OPS, health systems) and other mission offices (OFM, OAA, PRO) provides oversight and technical direction to the implementation of strategies and interventions aimed to strengthen the management and coordination capacity of the GOM provincial and district health directorates. The Specialist 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 HRH management systems and protocols

Management and oversight of IHO provincial activities (30%)

• The specialist, as an on-site representative of IHO, provides technical direction to programs/projects/activities designed to develop the management and coordination capacity of the Provincial Health Directorate (DPS). The specialist will identify technical assistance needs, develops specific scopes of work, and oversees 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 specialist will contribute to strengthening coordination of health interventions in the province. This will be achieved through strengthening the linkages between IHO/USAID and the Provincial Directorate. This will include informing the GRM of USAID/USG priorities related to the health and HIV, and reporting Government of Mozambique (GRM) priorities back to USAID. The provincial advisor will also serve as the primary provincial health sector level liaison for USAID’s counterparts in the relevant province – provincial government, district authorities, other donors, civil society, the private sectors, 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 (IPs), other donors, and other stakeholders

Monitoring and evaluation activities (15%)

• The specialist will oversee/participate in the design, development and implementation of monitoring and evaluation strategies and systems to document and communicate program/project/activity results in strengthening the capacity of DPS/SDSMAS. Reports will document evidence of success and/or lack thereof; share lessons learned and be used for internal/external presentations and reporting

Supervisory Relationship

• The USAID Development Assistance Specialist (Provincial Advisor) works under the Health Systems Team Leader in the Systems and Commodities Security Division of IHO. The Specialist receives additional direction from Systems and Commodities Security Division Chief, IHO Office Chief and USAID Contract/Agreement Officer Representatives (CORs/AORs) responsible for programs/projects/activities being implemented in the assigned Province(s). The supervisor makes assignments in terms of overall objectives and resources available. The Specialist is expected to exercise considerable autonomy and judgment in discharging the duties of the assignment
• Supervisory Exercised: None
• 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. The Specialist must be aware of protocol requirements for engaging with all levels of GRM Provincial and District governments. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation
• Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent exercises substantial independent judgment in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating program activities, in reporting results, and in other important aspects of the position. The work involves many different, complex, and interrelated processes. The political environment requires a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy in establishing dialogue and developing interventions to encourage improved Health programs in a sustainable manner
• The position requires managing for results in collaboration with a wide range of Mozambican government organizations, training institutions, NGOs, FBOs, CBOs, international PVOs, and other international organizations. Within the scope of authority delegated, the Specialist will manage a work plan and set deadlines with various collaborating partners/grantees and contractors implementing USAID-funded activities or projects, as well as host-government officials and keep superiors informed of activity status. The Specialist acts and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Supervisory guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor is informed of activity and project status. The Specialist has considerable latitude to carry out work and is expected to exercise judgement to carry out his/her duties
• Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent exercises substantial independent judgment in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating program activities, in reporting results, and in other important aspects of the position. The work involves many different, complex, and interrelated processes. The political environment requires a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy in establishing dialogue and developing interventions to encourage improved Health programs in a sustainable manner
• The position requires managing for results in collaboration with a wide range of Mozambican government organizations, training institutions, NGOs, FBOs, CBOs, international PVOs, and other international organizations. Within the scope of authority delegated, the Specialist will manage a work plan and set deadlines with various collaborating partners/grantees and contractors implementing USAID-funded activities or projects, as well as host-government officials and keep superiors informed of activity status. The Specialist acts and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Supervisory guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor is informed of activity and project status. The Specialist has considerable latitude to carry out work and is expected to exercise judgement to carry out his/her duties
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts:  Contacts are maintained in person, by phone, or by written communication with USAID staff, and a wide variety of stakeholders at the Provincial and District levels. Frequent and substantive contacts are with high-level officials including the Provincial Governor and Permanent Secretary. Frequent and substantive contacts with senior and mid-level GRM Provincial Government officials, USAID implementing partners, NGO representatives, private sector representatives and other donor organizations. Contacts will include routine administrative functions, as well as important issues regarding coordination activities, such as collecting, obtaining, and verifying information relative to program/project/activity planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Frequent contact with mid and high-level officials to explain and negotiate USAID's programmatic plans and objectives, secure GRM cooperation, resolve problems, obtain or furnish information, facilitate collaboration, learning and adaptation among USAID partners, and/or to persuade USAID Maputo-based staff and counterparts to take recommended actions and to accept recommendations
• Post Entry Training: Training on USAID operational policies and procedures, Collaborating, Learning and Adapting, Programming Foreign Assistance, Project Design, and Contracting/Agreement Officer's Representative certification training will be provided. 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 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
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

Requisites

• Education: Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or the local equivalent, in international development, governance, economics, business management, public administration, or a related field, is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project design, program planning, implementation, and/or performance monitoring and data analysis is required. Public Financial Management, donor reporting, government and/or private sector procurement and compliance. At least two years of this experience must relate to coordination between donor agencies and/or implementing partners with host-country Government and organizations
• 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. Knowledge, or the 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: 1) Demonstrated ability and experience in the conceptualization, design, management, and performance monitoring of complex development programs is required. 2) Must have excellent interpersonal skills, required to establish and maintain a wide range of working-level contacts with Health programs in government, non-governmental, and private-sector circles. 3) Demonstrated ability to work effectively within team and interagency environments is required. 4) Strong management and analytical skills to strategize, develop and implement effective USAID-supported Health programs are required. 5) Must have strong financial management and administrative skills used to track the performance of implementing partners. 6) Demonstrated ability to interpret, apply, and explain program policy, guidelines, regulatory directives and related guidance, is required. 7) Must be able to organize and present information and to draft clear, concise documents. 8) Excellent computer skills, including ease in using database, word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications and email, are required

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 - 20 points
• Prior Work Experience - 25 points
• Job Knowledge - 25 points
• Language Proficiency - 10 points
• Skills and Abilities - 20 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Per this scoring, Prior Work Experience and Job Knowledge are the most important factors, followed by Education, Skills and Abilities 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
• 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
• 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.
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application