USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention)

Description

• Solicitation No.  121/18 opened to all Mission employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Closing Date for Receipt of Offers: October 10, 2018
• Position Title: USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention)
• Market Value: FSN 12 (in accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique). Final compensation will be negotiated within the market value. Salary range is US$ US$65,020-US$91,024
• Period of Performance: One year. The contract will be renewed as long as there is a need for this position, funds are available, and subject to satisfactory performance
• Place of performance: Maputo, Mozambique
• Security Level Required: Security Certification
• The USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Team Lead) serves as Team Leader to the Prevention Team, Controlling the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Division, Integrated Health Office (IHO). The Specialist provides professional and technical leadership to the planning, designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating of the Mission’s US$45M in programmatic investments in the service delivery of HIV prevention activities for PEPFAR-funded programs in Mozambique as well as technical and programmatic guidance, mentoring, and leadership to a Team of four very technically diverse professional-level Specialists
• The HIV prevention portfolio encompasses the following sub-areas: voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC), pre-exposure prophylaxis, HIV testing services, DREAMS and gender programming, key populations, orphans and vulnerable children, and gender-based violence and post-violence care
• The Specialist is heavily involved in HIV testing and prevention service delivery quality improvement efforts, evaluation and research activities, technical policy development, HIV stigma reduction, and behavior change activities, as they relate to HIV testing and prevention services. The Specialist acts as a key member of the IHO Senior Management Team and is involved in key strategic decisions utilizing his/her highly detailed and advanced knowledge of local and global USAID and PEPFAR strategic plans and principles
• The Specialist ensures all activities managed by their Team are aligned with the Government of the Republic of Mozambique (GoRM) policies and guidelines, USAID/Washington Global Health Bureau guidance, and the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEFAR), to reflect the latest evidence-based technical and programmatic best practices to ensure USG investments in Mozambique are effective, high-impact approaches that address Mozambique’s HIV/AIDS response

Duties

Technical Leadership and Direction: (30%)

• The Specialist provides expert technical guidance and high-level strategic leadership to Mission Senior Management, CORs/AORs, Interagency PEPFAR colleagues, and PEPFAR IPs involved in implementing HIV Prevention programs/ projects/ activities, including:
• Leadership in the development of the year-to-year in-country HIV Prevention guidance (informed by latest PEPFAR global guidance) for the preparation of the Country Operational Plan (COP), and providing a significant contribution to the development of semi-annual and annual reporting guidance for HIV prevention activities for all subpopulations
• Review, analysis, and synthetization of planning and budget documents submitted by IPs partners for technical quality, and preparation of HIV Prevention narratives and summaries; and,
• Provides recommendations to IPs and others to strengthen performance using evidence-based practices, as well as to enhance linkages between HIV prevention and HIV clinical services and non-HIV facility-based service delivery activities, based on COPs and IP reporting data
• The Specialist provides advanced technical leadership to the Integrated Health Office, particularly the HIV/AIDS Division, on HIV prevention programs/projects/activities, and effective portfolio investments across Divisions and activities
• Provides leadership to the HIV Prevention Interagency Technical Working Groups (both in-country and US-based), to aid in guaranteeing USAID/USG PEPFAR resources are effectively coordinated, and optimally used to achieve strategic PEPFAR Mozambique goals and objectives, through evidence-based and cost-effective HIV prevention investments
• Provides strategic technical direction and leadership to the preparation of strategy updates, program area analysis, presentations, and briefing materials focused on HIV prevention activities in Mozambique that will be presented to high-level stakeholders within the GoRM, the Donor Community, and within the USG
• The Specialist remains well-informed on the latest technical updates, research, and global guidelines related to HIV prevention and high-impact interventions, in order to inform and develop implementation plans for PEPFAR Project Management Specialists and to guide in-country investments
• The Specialist provides technical guidance to members of the IHO technical Divisions (Controlling the HIV/AIDS Epidemic Division, and Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths Division) to strengthen HIV prevention efforts, and to identify synergies to integrate HIV prevention activities across IHO when appropriate, including with demand creation and behavioral change communication activities
• The Specialist initiates and leads engagement across IHO Divisions, in order to ensure that HIV prevention programming is covered and addressed appropriately. Focus areas include, but not limited to quality of care (quality assurance/quality improvement); integration of other health services to enhance prevention outcomes; inclusion of diverse service delivery channels, including TB and MCH services across multiple settings; synergy with broader USAID/USG health sector investments; and ensuring the quality of community and facility-based prevention services
• Serve as alternative COR/AOR and Activity Manager in strategic projects within the HIV/AIDS Division

Technical Liaison with Government, Donors, and HIV/AIDS IPs (25%)

• The Specialist serves as the most senior and lead CCN liaison and thought leader on HIV prevention programming with very high-level GoRM and external counterparts. The Specialist leads enhanced and frequent coordination and alignment of USAID/USG HIV prevention community and facility HIV testing activities with the GoRM, through active engagement and advocacy with key MOH leaders and decision makers; and, leads coordination of USAID/USG participation in technical working groups, establishing strong working partnerships at the national level, and with technical cooperating partners, IPs, and donors investing in HIV prevention and testing in Mozambique
• The Specialist participates in the development of national and sub-national HIV prevention strategies, guidelines, plans, and technical priorities with GoRM and other external partners, including donors, foundations, universities, and IPs, in order to scale up treatment access and retention and to bolster treatment outcomes
• The Specialist provides technical and policy-level guidance to the USG PEPFAR interagency team, based on a high level of engagement with the GoRM, in-depth technical and clinical expertise, and a detailed and broad knowledge of the country context, in order to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of USAID/USG programming for HIV prevention activities
• The Specialist exercises a good command of HIV/AIDS Division and USG PEPFAR interagency investments, in order to employ evidence-based HIV prevention approaches to inform service delivery approaches, and sub-national plans, to quality of care in facility and community based settings, clinical and community training guidelines, and testing and prevention modalities for adults and adolescents for various USAID-supported Cooperative Agreements and contracts that implement such activities across the IHO portfolio
• The Specialist serves as the senior liaison for portfolio management of USAID/USG HIV/AIDS service delivery activities between IHO, the Program Office, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the State Department. The coordination of the large and complex PEPFAR portfolio in Mozambique requires the Specialist to exhibit strong leadership, diplomacy, judgment, and problem-solving skills
• The Specialist maintains regular contact with counterparts and high-level officials of the Ministry of Health (National AIDS Program and National VMMC Program), the National HIV/AIDS Council (CNCS), the national medical stores (CMAM), and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Action (MGCAS), in order to enhance program/project/activity design, and alignment with GoRM priorities. The Job Holder actively supports coordination among USAID and other USG implementers, and with key stakeholders to ensure that USAID programs/projects/activities are aligned with national priorities, and are well-coordinated with other national efforts
• The Specialist facilitates coordination and collaboration between USAID-funded and other donor-funded programs, and represents the interests of USAID and USG program objectives, using both diplomacy and technical expertise in discussions related to programming concerns and issues; and, arranges for and identifies outside technical assistance to further enhance implementation of programs/projects/activities

Supervision and Management: (25%)

• The USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Team Lead) provides full supervisory oversight and management to four professional-level Specialists, who provide technical oversight and management to a diverse and complex HIV prevention portfolio with many competing priorities from the Mission, the GoRM, and PEPFAR
• The Specialist provides guidance to the staff on their overall responsibilities, and monitors and evaluates the work of his/her team to ensure that USAID investments are aligned with Mission and PEPFAR technical priorities and intended results; provides mentoring and coaching to the staff, in order to strengthen and develop their potential as technical leaders and subject matter experts; supports staff professional development, by identifying strengths and weaknesses and providing feedback, and designing training programs to address these needs; provides oversight and mentoring to other staff that may rotate through the Team from time to time and, as a senior Team Leader in the Division, may serve as acting Division Chief in the Chief’s absence or preoccupation

Monitoring and Evaluation of HIV Prevention Activities: (20%)

• The Specialist applies technical and clinical knowledge and experience to partner implementation strategies and works closely with the Strategic Information and Project Management Teams in the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) of HIV testing and prevention activities. The Specialist ensures monitoring and evaluation of outputs, and impacts of related activities, are analyzed by IPs and USAID staff, and that the data is used to support CORs/AORs and Activity Managers to guide improvements for partner performance
• The Specialist analyzes USAID/USG program results against targets, provides recommendations for corrective action if required, and assesses potential operational and systemic barriers to achievement of results; and, makes specific recommendations and plans for CORs/AORs and activity managers in order to develop program modifications to address problems
• The Specialist conducts regular field visits, in order to monitor IP activities and to assess progress, identify implementation problems, and work with CORs/AORs/Activity Managers to guide partners to make the most effective use of available program resources, and adhere to best practices in HIV testing and prevention programming
• The Specialist conducts regular field visits, in order to monitor IP activities and to assess progress, identify implementation problems, and work with CORs/AORs/Activity Managers to guide partners to make the most effective use of available program resources, and adhere to best practices in HIV testing and prevention programming
• The Specialist analyzes, synthesizes, and disseminates key "lessons learned and best practices" from partner activities; applies evaluation and research findings to future program and project design and strategy, informs project management teams, and prepare reports documenting findings, ensuring reports are effectively communicated and disseminated - often through peer-reviewed journals or technical conference abstracts
• Supervision Exercised: The Specialist exercises full supervision of four subordinate Specialist, one USPSC, HIV Prevention Advisor, GS13; one CNNPSC HIV Prevention Advisor, FSN 11; one CCNPSC Orphans and Vulnerable Children Advisor, FSN 11 and one CCNPSC HIV Prevention & Gender Advisor, FSN 10 as well as providing authoritative advice to Project Management Specialist and IPs. The Specialist directs the Team of technical specialist who provides technical oversight and management to a diverse and complex HIV prevention portfolio. As required, the Specialist serves as Acting Division Chief in that person’s absence or preoccupation

Area of Consideration

• 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. Applicants must submit a complete application as outlined in Section IV.  The selected applicant is required to undergo and successfully pass a medical and security clearance. This position is open to all Mission employees and  external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
• Point of Contact: Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov

Evaluation and Selection Factors

• Candidates will be evaluated based on relevant education, prior work experience knowledge, language, skills and abilities demonstrated in their applications, tests, and interviews. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan

Requisites

• Minimum qualifications required for this position: Completion of a Master’s Degree in public health, social or behavioral sciences or in a related field
• A minimum of five years of progressively responsible, professional–level experience in international development assistance, including project design, performance monitoring, and project management responsibilities. The work requires extensive experience which provided the opportunity for high-level strategic planning, project design, program planning, and/or implementation, in areas related to work that ideally involved capacity-building, public health programming (especially HIV & AIDS) or management of development programs
• Level IV (fluent) English language proficiency, speaking and writing, as well as Level IV, has written and spoken Portuguese proficiency, is required. (Language proficiency will be tested)
• Comprehensive knowledge of the Mozambican public health, social, cultural, economic, and political contexts, as well as in-depth knowledge of the health system in Mozambique, is required. The work requires close familiarity with GoRM systems for HIV prevention services delivery, for all target populations, with an emphasis on community-based care
• The Job Holder must have in-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to the assignment and to public health, civil society, and HIV/AIDS programs in Mozambique and the region. Knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Mozambique, and the economic development problems, resources, resource constraints, and development prospects and priorities of Mozambique and the region is required
• The Specialist must have a good knowledge, or the potential to quickly acquire a good 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
• A good knowledge and understanding of the organization and respective roles of the different branches of the GoRM are required, in order to enhance effective communication and to develop consensus on program/project/activity strategy and implementation plans. Advanced technical expertise in clinical and community prevention services delivery to targeted population groups is a must as it serves as the technical lead for the USAID PEPFAR program in these areas and works at the most senior levels in the GRM to negotiate policy and strategic application of a policy to best serve people living with HIV (PLHIV)
• The ability to plan, organize, manage, and evaluate program activities is required. Verbal communication skills, tact, and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relations and a high level of trust with senior- and middle-level GoRM officials, and with public and private organizations, such as primary USAID technical contacts in the development area. Verbal communication skills are also used to explain and interpret host-country attitudes, priorities, and concerns to USAID officials, and to negotiate plans and resolve issues with appropriate host-country organizations, technical advisors, IPs, counterparts, and peers. Writing skills are required in order to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, project documentation, and briefing papers
• Analytical ability is required to interpret public policies, and to assist in the development of revised policies, as required; and, to develop and monitor the performance of budgets, and the development of periodic work plans. Skill in project programming, policies, and plans, and in developing strategies for implementation, is desired
• The ability to work effectively in a team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy, project and administrative matters is required. Good computer skills are required to manage activity goals and achievements, both technical and financial

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application
• The U.S.  mission is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of HIV/AIDS status