USAID Development Program Specialist (Conflict MEL), FSN-11 Equivalent

Description

• Under the direction of USAID/Mozambique’s Mission Director, the Program Office is responsible for the overall management of USAID’s development assistance portfolio in Mozambique. The Program Office’s core responsibilities are: Mission strategy development; program and activity design; budget formulation and execution; monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL); collaboration, learning, and adapting (CLA); development outreach and communications; donor coordination; and reporting. The Program Office also coordinates development and timely submissions of key Mission deliverables and inputs to Congressional inquiries; and other routine and special requests from USAID/Washington (AID/W), the U.S State Department or U.S. Embassy Maputo. The Program Office’s work is dynamic and fast
• The Development Program Specialist (Conflict MEL) will be the USAID lead supporting all aspects of MEL, CLA and reporting with regards to the U.S. Strategy to Prevent Conflict and Promote Stability (SPCPS) in Northern Mozambique, in line with the Global Fragility Act (GFA) passed by Congress and signed into law in December 2019. The ten-year SPCPS Strategy for Mozambique was developed by the interagency SPCPS working group at U.S. Embassy Maputo in coordination with stakeholders across the U.S. government and based on numerous consultations with host nation interlocutors and likeminded stakeholders. The Development Program Specialist (Conflict MEL) will collaborate with the USAID MEL platform activity (MozMEL), USAID implementing partner MEL specialists and interagency points of contact to coordinate, implement, and adapt the SPCPS MEL Plan that will assess efforts to promote stabilization and prevention of conflict in northern Mozambique. S/he will also lead continued engagement with diverse external stakeholders, especially at local levels in northern Mozambique, throughout implementation of the MEL plan to ensure local participation and ownership
• S/he will also support the Lead Program Office MEL specialist by supporting coordination and management of the MEL platform activity (MozMEL) and helping to ensure the Mission operates in full compliance with prevailing USAID policies and procedures that include data collection, analysis, and reporting. This includes responsibilities as Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)/Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) for activities supporting USAID MEL efforts
• The incumbent will be required to travel extensively throughout Mozambique as/when necessary or requested in direct support of Mission Development Objectives and Goals, including the northern provinces of Cabo Delgado, Niassa, Nampula, as the context allows. The incumbent may be asked to perform as an acting supervisor at times
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – USAID Development Program Specialist (Conflict 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.: 72065623R10027 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 59,111 – USD 82,761 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 May 2024
• Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: May 2024 – May 2025
• Option Period 1: May 2025 – May 2029
• 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
• Ensuring Adequate COVID-19 Safety Protocols for Federal Contractors - Please be advised that, upon award, the contractor will be required to follow the Mission policies and/or directives from the U.S. Department of State regarding COVID-19 requirements
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• 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 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:
• 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
• 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
• 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

Duties

SPCPS Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) 60%

• Serve as the USAID focal point of the Interagency SPCPS MEL Working Group at Post, calling meetings and delegating tasks as needed
• Serve as the main point of contact to coordinate with MEL staff in the Global Fragility Act (GFA) Secretariat in Washington, DC
• Coordinate with the Donors Coordination Platform (DCP), International Community Crisis Taskforce (ICCT), and the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) to help the U.S. coordinate and deconflict SPCPS activities with the government, donors, and private sector, and help institutionalize information sharing and developing the foundation for mutual accountability approaches. This will include coordinating data entry into the UNOPS designed and host government implemented Management Information System (MIS), a new mechanism to enhance sharing of donor-funded activity data aligned with efforts to address the conflict in Northern Mozambique
• Collaborate with the USAID MozMEL Activity to develop, manage and implement USAID data collection processes, ensuring the quality and timeliness of data, to include baseline, midline and endline surveys
• Ensure that local partner participation and consultation is included throughout formulating the country/regional MEL plan; defining indicators; leading data collection, aggregation, and interpretation; participating in decision-making about adaptations; and reporting
• Facilitate regular communication with partners and key stakeholders, including local government representatives, NGOs, civil society, and others, in Northern Mozambique to assess evolving contextual changes, challenges, and opportunities to achieve SPCPS objectives
• Develop processes and guidelines to disseminate conflict sensitivity principles and best practices to technical teams to ensure activities are sensitive to conflict dynamics and minimize risks to individuals and communities
• Review key deliverables and ensure steps to strengthen integration of conflict sensitivity into SPCPS activity designs, implementation, and MEL (i.e., review draft Work Plans and other design documents, MEL Plans and accompanying data collection instruments and other related deliverables)
• Integrate gender sensitivity and inclusive development principles throughout the design and implementation of the SPCPS MEL Plan (i.e. not only assess gender-specific SPCPS objectives but also build awareness about the ways gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, race and ethnicity, religion and other diverse identities intersect with underlying prevention and stabilization dynamics underpinning the SPCPS objectives)
• Consider how to assess the nexus between climate-related risks and the success of peacebuilding and stabilization activities within the MEL plan implementation
• Consider how to assess the nexus between peacebuilding, stabilization and humanitarian activities, and recommend ways to bolster coordination across activity planning and implementation
• Draft and respond to feedback on required reporting
• Develop learning products for internal and external audiences to facilitate evidence-based decision-making, adaptations and improved collaboration. To include coordinating formal biennial stakeholder roundtables in northern Mozambique and Maputo to review progress and anticipate obstacles
• Support semi-annual SPCPS “pause-and-reflect” sessions led by the Chief of Mission or his/her designate
• Support integration of the implementation of the SPCPS MEL Plan into regular USAID MEL and CLA processes and practices, such as USAID Annual Portfolio Reviews

Mission-wide MEL and Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) 40%

• Support management of the USAID/Mozambique Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MozMEL) Activity as an alternate Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) as well as providing management support for any other USAID MEL related activities or procurements
• Supports Mission staff to develop Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Plans and other management processes to assess program impacts and results
• Assists with organizing, coordinating, documenting, and reporting the Mission’s portfolio reviews, and other key mission-level M&E deliverables and processes
• Assists technical offices to conduct Data Quality Assessments (DQA), as per USAID policy
• Tracks Program Office MEL actions and ensures that they are completed on time, comprehensive, and of high quality
• Serves as a resource and provides support to technical teams on required evaluations, assists on data collection management and evaluation data use, and reviews all final reports with conclusions and recommendations
• Supports reporting requirements and helps to verify and enter data into Agency’s programs/systems (such as FACTS Info NextGen, the Development Information Solution (DIS)) and other solutions (such as Tableau) and others USAID/Mozambique proprietary databases and systems, as applicable
• Supports high level visits, reporting, USAID Washington taskers and administrative management tasks, such as organizing relevant internal and external meetings and preparing talking points and presentations related to USAID’s work

Position Elements

• Supervision Received: The Development Program Specialist works under the supervision of the Deputy Program Office Director or Designee
• Supervision Exercised: The supervision of other USAID staff is not contemplated at this time but does include coordinating the activities of and supervising interns and fellows. Further, the incumbent may be asked to perform as an acting supervisor at times
• Available Guidelines: USAID ADS and Handbooks, Standardized Regulations, USAID policy and procedures papers, budget and reporting guidelines, mission orders and mission notices. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand. In this case, the Development Program Specialist is expected to consult with his/her supervisor for guidance
• Exercise of Judgment: Heavy reliance is placed on the sound judgment of the incumbent. The Development Program Specialist exercises sound and independent professional judgment and expertise in analyzing and interpreting program data
• Authority to Make Commitments: The Development Program Specialist will have no independent authority to commit USAID funds on behalf of the U.S. Government
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The Development Program Specialist will have contacts with U.S. Embassy officials, FSN employees, Government of Mozambique representatives, other donor representatives, and other key stakeholders who seek guidance and assistance related to U.S. SPCPS MEL implementation in northern Mozambique. The purpose of contacts is to provide leadership, guidance, and improve coordination on assuring mutual accountability, learning and adaptation to further U.S. SPCPS objectives in northern Mozambique as well as support MEL for USAID CDCS objectives
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: 12 months
• Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies
• Post Entry Training: Relevant USAID training regarding U.S. Government and USAID policies and strategies, including but not limited to Introduction to MEL Fundamentals, Development Information System (DIS), Introduction to the Program Cycle, and other USAID training will be provided

Requisites

• Education: A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree or local equivalent in Social Science, Management, Statistics, Economics or other related discipline is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible work in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning with a U.S. government agency, other international or local organization or donor, or government institution is required. A minimum of one year of experience leading multi-stakeholder coordination or conducting conflict and gender-sensitive assessments of development programs is a strong asset
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (Fluent proficiency), in reading, speaking and writing in English and Portuguese is required.
• Job Knowledge: A knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques and practices of development program management, conflict prevention, and monitoring, evaluation and learning is required. Computer literacy in word processing, spreadsheet preparation and analysis, project scheduling and database management. Broad knowledge of economic, political, and social characteristics in Mozambique. A thorough understanding of the conflict dynamics, peacebuilding efforts, and development prospects, potential, priorities, and resources in northern Mozambique.
• 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) assist to plan, develop, manage and evaluate important and complex programs; 5) furnish information and advice in assigned areas objectively; 6) organize, prioritize and follow through on all assignments with minimal oversight; 7) work effectively as a team member in an established culturally diverse Mission Team; and 8) demonstrate proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets, databases and other computer applications (i.e., Google Docs, Sheets and Slides)
• 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

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: 5 points
• Prior Work Experience: 25 points
• Job Knowledge 30 points
• Skills and Abilities: 30 points
• Language Proficiency: 10 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• 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
• Eligible Offerors are required to submit electronically to the following email address a cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• Offeror submissions must clearly prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• 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
• A cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• 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