USAID Project Management Specialist (Health)

Description

• The Project Management Specialist (Health) position supports the Integrated Health Office, Controlling the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Division’s efforts to promote and support USAID’s objectives of efficient management of the Division’s activities. The Specialist works closely with technical advisors, including backstopping other IHO Divisions, and contributes to working groups across the Mission. As backstop, the specialist fulfills Project Development Officer Responsibilities on design, implementation, budget, and procurement
• Under the supervision of Project Management Team Leader and authority of the Controlling the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Division Chief, the incumbent serves as C/AOR directly managing awards and also as an Activity Manager providing field support on day-to-day activities. The incumbent engages with the Project Management Team, Division technical advisors, and support offices at all levels, and establishes strong relationships with stakeholders to ensure effective project planning, design and management
• The Specialist provides advanced project and budget analysis across the Controlling the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Division portfolio. The Specialist oversees intense activity performance monitoring and directs administrative support for activities he/she manages. The Specialist conducts a variety of reporting, communication, coordination, monitoring and analytical duties. The required degree of coordination needed between IHO divisions, the interagency, other Mission Technical Officers, and host-country and Non-Governmental (NGO) counterparts is substantial
• The job holder will be expected to perform work-related travel
• Supervisory Relationship: Direct supervision will be exercised by the Project Management Team Leader or his/her designee. Assignments are made orally and in writing. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work, but the Specialist is required to determine those that must be coordinated with the supervisor. The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected. The Specialist will seek advice and assistance as required. Work is reviewed in terms of results achieved
• Supervisory exercised: None
• Available Guidelines: Available administrative guidelines establish a broad pattern of operation that required a frequent need to exercise judgement and interpretation and provides an opportunity for initiative and innovation. Relevant guidelines include USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Automated Directives System (ADS), Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs), Foreign Affairs Manuals (FAM), Mission Orders, Management Notices, Foreign Assistance Act and other relevant guidance
• Exercise of Judgment: The Specialist exercises substantial independent judgement in planning, managing, monitoring and evaluating program activities, in reporting results, and in other important aspects of the position. The Specialist must exhibit an ability to prioritize various overlapping tasks and activities assigned, within the PEPFAR environment, that frequently require drastic and last-minute changes in priorities, processes, and data requests. The political environment requires a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy in establishing dialogue and developing interventions to encourage improved programs
• Authority to Make Commitments: The job holder exercises the authority given to activity managers and C/AORs and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy
• He/she takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment
• Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the incumbent may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity issue or problem. The incumbent may negotiate ad referendum for the immediate supervisor
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The Specialist has a full range of contacts within the Mission, at all levels, and maintains contact with contractors and grantees implementing USAID-funded activities in the sector. Within the Embassy, contacts are with counterpart staffs, and with senior staff as needed. Host-government, local and other contacts vary widely with the type of activity being implemented and may be at any level. Contacts required for fulfilment of Project Management Specialist role and for participant training
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Subject: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – USAID
• Project Management Specialist (Health), 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
• Solicitation No. 72065620R100013 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 June 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:
• 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:
• (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

Project Management (50%)

• The HIV/AIDS-PEPFAR program is the largest single component of the USAID/Mozambique portfolio and is a critical component of the overall USAID Mission Country Strategy. The Specialist is instrumental in the achievement of overall objectives. The work requires the Specialist to work hand in hand with IHO’s Technical Advisors to ensure that ongoing activities are responsive to the country context and aligned to Government of Mozambique priorities and PEPFAR program guidance and strategies. The Specialist must:
• Establish and maintain regular communication and working relationships with Mission offices and teams in order to stay current with their programs with respect to HIV prevention, treatment, care, treatment adherence and retention, viral load suppression, and local capacity development, to ensure quality control and application of Agency and PEPFAR best practices
• Serve as C/AOR and/or Activity Manager, and is responsible for management, implementation, evaluation, and monitoring of assigned aspects of the IHO program/project portfolio. Assess progress in achieving outputs and results for IHO activities and evaluates and assesses activities as needed. Continually strives to enhance the achievement of results by periodically reviewing the development context, results indicators, and activity implementation progress, identifying problem areas and suggesting solutions. Coordinate and manage award(s), including, but not limited to, the following tasks: input into relevant design processes; prepare procurement packages (e.g. modifications; new SOWs; incremental funding actions) and budgets in collaboration with technical teams; monitor implementation of activities; ensure adequate performance and recommend improvements in services; provide day-to-day oversight; review vouchers and financial reports; process accruals; and review quarterly and annual reports. Coordinate with technical advisors to ensure that activities are aligned with national and PEPFAR technical priorities with HIV prevention, retention and treatment
• Lead and support activity monitoring, reviews, and other analysis to strengthen capabilities, accountability, and performance of implementing partners (IPs). Participate and organize technical teams to conduct routine site visits to monitor the performance of recipients and assure that work plans and overarching national guidelines and procedures are being applied. Ensure that appropriate corrective measures are recommended in a timely manner if activities are not achieving intended results. Prepare and elicit input across IHO to draft field trip reports to detail findings and recommendations. Share findings across offices to maximize program sharing, learning, and corrective action
• Support in the organization of periodic trainings of IPs by the HIV/AIDS Division, if/when necessary to ensure implementation of efficiencies and best practices of financial and programmatic aspects in the field. Ensure that activity results are shared with inter-agency, government, and external counterparts to foster greater country alignment, and to share key lessons learned for future implementation efforts
• Work with technical teams to ensure proper and timely assistance to IPs and GoRM counterparts at all levels, in support of their work plans, national action plans, policies, and priorities, or otherwise based on USAID/Washington or PEPFAR evidence-based guidance
• Prepare oral and written briefings for the Mission Director, Embassy staff, and other and external partners, on request. Remain current on economic, political, and social trends in the Host Government to analyze the trends in relation to their impact on the PEPFAR program

Project Development (20%)

• Develop and implement timelines and master planning schedules for new designs, assessments and planning processes, in order to assure that there are no gaps in services. Support USAID/Mozambique’s technical teams with advice and guidance on design, development, procurements and implementation
• Support the process of preparing Annual Performance Plans and Reports for USAID/Mozambique. Work closely with technical teams to ensure that information is in accordance with guidance received from USAID/Washington. Help draft report narratives for Congressional Budget Justifications and performance analyses
• Advocate for inclusion of gender analysis and for gender integration in designs, implementation, and reporting in activities across the Mission’s portfolio. Participate actively in gender-specific training, reporting, and communication as Program Office point-person for gender

Project Monitoring and Evaluation (20%)

• Ensure the development of strong performance management plans, with input from Division technical advisors and the Strategic Information team to ensure that relevant PEPFAR and Global Health indicators are incorporated into performance management plans
• Monitor progress towards achieving key targets and benchmarks and provide timely technical and/or programmatic guidance on project technical and programmatic progress
• Support the design of assessments, mid-term and final evaluations, and learning activities to inform current activity implementation and potentially inform future activity designs. Share findings with relevant national and external counterparts
• Work with IPs to report accurate data for national, USAID and PEPFAR semi-annual and annual progress reporting
• Guide projects to support national-level data collection efforts to ensure USG contributions are being captured by the national health information systems

Administrative Management and Support (10%)

• Provide administrative and logistical support to the HIV Team and its Program Quality Sub-Team including the set up and management of meetings, note-taking, site visits, support for VIP visits, and other TDYers

Requisites

• Education: A US-equivalent University Degree in public health, health policy, public administration, or a related social science is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five to seven years of relevant progressively responsible, professional–level experience in international development assistance which provided the opportunity for project design, program planning, and/or implementation and management, in areas related to work that involved public health programming and/or management of development programs
• At least three years of this experience in development work, or related fields, for US Government, other donor agencies, host-country organizations, or private-sector institutions which included project design, performance monitoring, and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data is required
• Language Proficiency: Level IV English and Portuguese (fluency proficiency), both oral and written is required (this will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: Must have in-depth understanding of program design, implementation, financial management, monitoring and evaluation, public health and gender issues in the international assistance arena. Good knowledge of general development principles and approaches, the Mozambican development environment, and Government of the Republic of Mozambique development priorities as well as good knowledge of the programmatic technical issues related to HIV/AIDS (prevention, care and treatment activities both at the community and clinical levels). Potential to quickly acquire knowledge of USG and USAID operations, regulations and procedures
• Skills and Abilities: Must be able to develop and maintain a range of working-level and management-level contacts on HIV/AIDS – related topics, in government, non-governmental, and private-sector circles. Must be able to work and to coordinate effectively in a team environment with diverse skills sets and experience and to achieve consensus on policy, projects, administrative matters and to coordinate well with others. Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills and ability to recommend solutions in complicated situations, taking into consideration different factors and variables such as organizational capacity gaps
• Ability to evaluate, and interpret policy directives and regulations, produce technical documents and to effectively communicate to internal and external stakeholders and produce technical documents is also required as well as ability to effectively communicate with team members. Good office management skills and experience are required in order to support the Controlling HIV/AIDS Epidemic Division in developing and implementing effective USAID – support HIV/AIDS programs/projects, including financial and administrative skills sufficient to track the performance of IPs and program/project activities
• The work requires skills in the following areas: office management, administration, financial tracking; budgeting and planning; computer skills, including Word, Excel, database software, and PowerPoint software. It also requires the ability to present information and analysis in writing and orally; and, the ability to translate relevant Portuguese documents into English and vice-versa. Tact and diplomacy are also required in order to establish and maintain effective working relationships within USAID and with the public and private sectors as well as potential to quickly acquire knowledge of USG and USAID operations, rules, regulations, policies, procedures. Advanced judgment, a mature and professional demeanour, and an ability to operate under stressful psychologically demanding environments to meet deadlines are all 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 - 20 points
• Job Knowledge - 30 points
• Language Proficiency - 10 points
• Skills and Abilities - 30 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Per this scoring, Job Knowledge and Skills and Abilities are the most important factors, followed by Prior Work Experience, Education, 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
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information
• 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
• 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