USAID Development Program Specialist (Youth and Internship) (m/f)

Description

• USAID/Mozambique’s new strategy places youth at the center of its development approach. USAID’s goal for the 2020-2025 strategy is for a resilient Mozambique that is prepared for the future. USAID will promote a peaceful, prosperous, and healthy Mozambique where citizens benefit from expanded investments. This new strategy will work in three focus areas: Healthier and Better Educated Mozambicans, Especially the Young and Vulnerable; Diversified and Inclusive Economic Growth; and The Resilience of Vulnerable Populations to Key Shocks Increased
• The Senior Youth Advisor is a member of the Communications, Outreach, and Youth team within the Program Office (PRO). The position’s primary responsibility is to strengthen youth programming and mainstream and integrate youth issues and engage young people across Agency operations while also managing a paid internship program. The growing youth population in Mozambique presents both challenges and opportunities for the country and for USAID programming. This position will develop more effective cross-cutting programming to be designed and implemented at the mission. They will do this in part by leading youth-focused research, engaging with young people in different parts of the country, and collaborating with our implementing partners and technical teams to learn from existing programming. In addition, the paid internship program will provide USAID and the interagency valuable insights into the issues impacting youth in different parts of the country, giving us the ability to apply these considerations to our current and future programming. USAID plans to employ 5 to 8 interns per year for a 6-month to one year. This position will also assist the communications team with youth-focused messaging to increase youth awareness of USAID programming
• This position will be the primary focal point for implementing the USAID Youth in Development policy that mandates that all USAID operating units: 1) strengthen youth programming, participation, and partnership in support of Agency development objectives and 2) mainstream and integrate youth issues and engage young people across Agency initiatives and operations
• Subject: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – USAID Development Program Specialist (Youth and Internship), 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. 72065622R10003 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 (Step1-12). 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 2022
• Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: February 2022 – February 2023
• Option Period 1:+February 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: 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: 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

Project Design and Implementation (30%)

• USAID/Mozambique, in collaboration with other USG agencies and donors, provides significant contributions to support development in Mozambique. The incumbent will provide programmatic and technical leadership and support to the Mozambique Mission and its projects, specifically related to positive youth development. S/he will advise the design and implementation of USAID/Mozambique programs across all technical portfolios
• For project design, the incumbent will apply her/his knowledge of the country context and technical area of expertise to advise and develop technically sound and politically savvy designs. S/he will consult with a range of local stakeholders, analyze the local context, advise on sound theories of change, and contribute to procurement documents in English
• The incumbent will collect program data and contribute quantitative and qualitative input into the Mission’s Operational Plan and other required program impact reports. The incumbent will provide strategic technical guidance for projects, coordinate across USAID and other donor activities, and represent USAID to external counterparts

Staff Management and Coordination (30%)

• The incumbent will manage the paid internship program at USAID/Mozambique. S/he will lead the program by managing the hiring, placement, professional development, and performance of the interns. S/he will coordinate with technical office leadership to manage the program and to conduct mid-year and end of contract performance evaluations with the interns. The incumbent will facilitate learning among technical teams by consolidating best practices and lessons learned not only with the interns but on youth-focused programming. S/he will create and conduct a professional development program for the interns while also providing capacity-building support and learning opportunities for staff and Implementing Partners to achieve the mission’s youth objectives

Representation and Collaborative Partnerships (15%)

• The incumbent will represent youth issues in internal and external engagements, including donor, interagency, and government working groups on youth. S/he will serve as a senior adviser across a wide range of stakeholders who have equities in youth-focused programming. S/he will promote tenants of USAID values of, inclusion, accountability, and effectiveness and develop strong, lasting relationships necessary for sustained development progress. The incumbent will serve as the Mission’s designated contact for youth and contribute to other key Agency initiatives such as gender, private sector engagement, development finance, and new partners initiative. S/he will maintain relationships with appropriate USAID/Washington stakeholders (e.g., youth, gender). The incumbent will coordinate and respond to requests and inquiries from the USAID/Mozambique Mission Director, the Embassy Front Office, USAID/Washington, and Congress related to the Mission’s youth work
• In her/his given area of expertise, the incumbent will lead mission efforts to build, expand and maintain partnerships with the private sector, civil society, foundations, academic institutions, GRM entities, other donors, etc. S/he will maintain an active dialogue with key counterparts to advance programming objectives and results, including bringing in youth voices and decision-making with external partners. Through these efforts, the incumbent will advance USAID priorities, further shared objectives, and promote collaboration and leveraging of resources. S/he will brief PRO, Mission, and Embassy leadership in her/his area of expertise and programming, as well as represent USAID within the Mission and Embassy and to technical and high-level external counterparts. The incumbent will make connections with youth organizations and individual influencers in particular priority geographic areas

Communications and Messaging (15%)

• The incumbent will develop youth-focused messaging and events as part of USAID/Mozambique’s online, print, and in-person communications efforts, working with the communications team. The incumbent must be able to prepare briefing documents in a professional manner requiring little or no editorial changes in both English and Portuguese. The incumbent will support PRO in a wide variety of assigned tasks, including contributing to annual performance reviews of programs and developing Mission Operating Plans; organizing donor coordination events in support of project activities; arranging site visits for high-level U.S. government visitors to learn about programming, and facilitating meetings between partners, GRM officials, and Mission staff. S/he will coordinate with PRO to ensure programs and achievements are properly integrated and represented in planning and reporting documents

Analytical Research (10%)

• The incumbent will provide policy/technical analysis in youth and develop and support programs to achieve results. S/he will conduct primary research and analyze existing youth-related research and share findings on how best practices and state-of-the-art interventions can improve USAID programming. In addition, the incumbent will analyze current and proposed government policies and assess how they impact and can be leveraged to achieve USAID and U.S. government goals. S/he will recommend appropriate USAID and Embassy policies/approaches/programming to advance those USAID and U.S. government goals. S/he also will engage Mission/Agency/Embassy leaders and technical/high-level external counterparts related to her/his analysis, recommendations, and programming
• Successful fulfillment of ALL of the responsibilities listed above will entail travel throughout Mozambique, possible travel to other parts of Africa and the United States, and participation in USAID workshops, conferences, training, and seminars relevant to meet the responsibilities described above. Travel is estimated at 20% per year
• Supervisory Relationship: The position will be supervised by, and will report to, USAID/Mozambique’s Supervisory Development Outreach, Communications, and Youth Team Leader, or his/her designee. The Senior Youth Advisor performs his/her duties under the general guidance of the supervisor who assigns projects, sets priorities and deadlines. The incumbent and the supervisor develop the scope and boundaries of individual projects and discuss how to approach problems and how to treat subjects on which experts have conflicting interpretations
• Supervisory Exercised: The job holder will supervise 6-8 paid interns throughout the year (and changing on 6-month and one-year rotations). S/he will manage the performance, placement, and professional development of a pool of interns that will receive technical direction from the technical office in which they serve. This position also maintains general responsibility for liaising with the youth practitioners for USAID/Mozambique implementing partners. The Communications, Outreach, and Youth Team leader provides guidance and advice and reviews key products for overall effectiveness in meeting the objectives of the assignment as well as for consistency with the agency's policies
• Available Guidelines: The Senior Youth Advisor will work under USAID Agency guidelines found in the Automated Directive System (ADS), relevant Agency policies, U.S. legislation/regulations, USAID/Mozambique Mission Orders, FAM Manuals, Administrative Notices, Grants, Contracts, and other agreements
• Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent must consistently exercise high-quality judgment and advise the mission, including senior leaders, on technical and programmatic issues. S/he must be able to judge the quality of the information provided by implementing partners and the Government of Mozambique and non-state counterparts and make decisions accordingly. S/he must be able to listen to contradictory points of view and demonstrate sound judgment, particularly in support of USAID and its policies and procedures. S/he must exercise sound judgment in establishing priorities for numerous tasks and requests, interacting with high-level counterparts on sensitive issues, and selecting the appropriate action. The Senior Youth Advisor has the autonomy to make strategic decisions on youth engagement. Decisions should be made through a consultative process with technical teams and shared with the DOC/Youth Team Leader
• Authority to Make Commitments: The Senior Youth Advisor will not have the authority to make commitments on behalf of the United States Government
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are with individuals and groups within the mission, the interagency, the Government of Mozambique, implementing partners, and other relevant stakeholders. Contacts can be both routine and unstructured depending on the issue. The Youth Advisor will meet directly with implementing partner staff to collect data, best practices, and share relevant information. S/he may also meet with beneficiaries for interviews and during site visits in order to produce written materials, inform mission designs, and contribute to youth-focused research
• Post Entry Training: The job holder will receive training in programming USAID foreign assistance, such as Program Cycle related trainings, Assistance and Acquisition for Contracting Officer’s Representatives, Financial Management Overview, USAID operating systems, appropriate leadership, and other key skill training, and on the job training and orientation on USAID programs, procedures and documentation

Requisites

• Education: A bachelor’s degree (or local equivalent) in International Development, Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, Economics, or related field is required
• Prior Work Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in project management and development in the technical area of youth engagement, or a related field in Mozambique is required
• Language Proficiency: Proficiency Level IV (fluent), both oral and written English and Portuguese is required. (Language proficiency will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of youth inclusive development. Knowledge of the Positive Youth Development Framework and how it applies to Mozambique. General knowledge of youth-related issues in international, African, and Mozambican contexts. Thorough understanding of the history of Mozambique, previous and current conflicts, especially as it affects youth. Thorough knowledge and understanding of Mozambique’s economy, politics, society, culture, and development prospects and priorities. Specific and thorough knowledge of youth, positive youth development, and violence prevention concepts, principles, and practices. General knowledge of U.S./foreign and national security policy implications for development assistance. Ability to learn and implement USAID programming policies, regulations, reporting, procedures, and documentation
• Skills and Abilities: The incumbent must have strong communication (written and oral), interpersonal, leadership, and teamwork skills, as well as the ability to work independently, with minimal guidance/supervision, outstanding organizational and analytical skills. Excellent leadership, critical and strategic thinking, as well as organizational skills within a multicultural work environment, are required. Must have demonstrated experience working successfully and collaboratively with youth populations. Must be able to learn and analyze USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation, as well as the objectives, methodology, and status of specific projects
• Must be able to obtain, analyze, organize, and interpret data – from a variety of sources – and present findings in oral and written form. Must be able to prepare complete, accurate, and well-presented reports, as well as develop and present ad-hoc briefings. Must have a demonstrated ability to develop and maintain working-level and, as appropriate, high-level contacts with external actors, e.g., within civil society, the private sector, the government, and other donors. Must be diplomatic and able to work effectively with other USAID and Embassy staff, implementing partners, government officials, and civil society, and private sector leaders. Must be able to work independently and manage various projects on a daily basis with minimal supervision. Must be able to handle stress and competing demands in order to complete work in a timely manner. Must be able to think critically and to interpret and distill information for diverse audiences. The incumbent must be able to effectively manage complex projects and the performance of interns. Good working knowledge of Google Suite software and Microsoft Office software (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) is 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 - 10 points
• Prior Work Experience - 15 points
• Language Proficiency - 15 points
• Job Knowledge - 25 points
• Skills and Abilities - 35 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
• 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
• The contractor is eligible for temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington, or to other Missions abroad, to participate in the “Foreign Service National” Fellowship Program, in accordance with USAID policy
• 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