USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention) (m/f)

Description

• The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a leading development partner in Mozambique. USAID manages a comprehensive humanitarian and development assistance program totaling over $352 million in FY 2020 covering health, education, agriculture, economic growth, and democracy and governance sectors. Health is USAID’s largest and most expansive portfolio (over $250 million per year), which aims to improve health outcomes in country through support of the Government of Mozambique’s (GRM) Health Sector Strategic Plan
• USAID is a leading implementer of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in harmony with CDC, DOD, Peace Corps, and the PEPFAR Coordination Office. The goal of the United States Government (USG) for PEPFAR in Mozambique is to control the HIV epidemic via rapid adoption and application of evidence-based policies and interventions to drive progress and save lives, implemented through a partnership between the USG and the GRM that best supports host country leadership, ownership, and sustainability. PEPFAR achieves this goal by working with the National HIV Program, the National AIDS Council (Conselho Nacional de Combate ao HIV e SIDA, or CNCS), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNAIDS, civil society, and the private sector to target high impact interventions for populations at greatest risk in areas of greatest HIV prevalence
• The USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Advisor) will provide technical and professional leadership to plan, implement, monitor, and oversee program activities related to HIV testing services (HTS). The incumbent will serve as the main point of contact and reference for HTS on the Mission’s HIV Prevention Team within the AIDS-Free Generation Division of the Integrated Health Office (IHO). The Specialist will be responsible for the strategy, management, leadership, and technical direction on all aspects of HTS on both community- and facility-based HTS (index and self-testing) and linkage to treatment services. This includes, but is not limited to: (a) strengthen facility- and community-level activities to ensure effective case identification of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and linkage to care and treatment services; (b) ensure that partners follow Government of the Republic of Mozambique’s (GRM) HTS guidance; (c) monitor adherence to Mission and US Government (USG) guidance for HTS programming; and (d) support access to HTS facility- and community-level services across populations and age groups
• The USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Advisor) works closely with technical specialists across IHO and the Mission to ensure that AIDS-Free Generation Division activities are aligned with USAID, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), across USG agencies, and with the GRM health-sector priorities and strategies
• The specialist will play a key role in providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in policy development and strategic design of host country developed and managed programs/projects/activities, reflecting best practices in improving HTS and linkages to treatment services
• 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
• Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1. 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.: 72065622R10007-01 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 October 2022
• Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: October 2022 - October 2023
• Option Period 1: October 2023 – November 15, 2027
• The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a leading development partner in Mozambique. USAID manages a comprehensive humanitarian and development assistance program totaling over $352 million in FY 2020 covering health, education, agriculture, economic growth, and democracy and governance sectors. Health is USAID’s largest and most expansive portfolio (over $250 million per year), which aims to improve health outcomes in country through support of the Government of Mozambique’s (GRM) Health Sector Strategic Plan
• USAID is a leading implementer of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in harmony with CDC, DOD, Peace Corps, and the PEPFAR Coordination Office. The goal of the United States Government (USG) for PEPFAR in Mozambique is to control the HIV epidemic via rapid adoption and application of evidence-based policies and interventions to drive progress and save lives, implemented through a partnership between the USG and the GRM that best supports host country leadership, ownership, and sustainability. PEPFAR achieves this goal by working with the National HIV Program, the National AIDS Council (Conselho Nacional de Combate ao HIV e SIDA, or CNCS), the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, UNAIDS, civil society, and the private sector to target high impact interventions for populations at greatest risk in areas of greatest HIV prevalence
• The USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Advisor) will provide technical and professional leadership to plan, implement, monitor, and oversee program activities related to HIV testing services (HTS). The incumbent will serve as the main point of contact and reference for HTS on the Mission’s HIV Prevention Team within the AIDS-Free Generation Division of the Integrated Health Office (IHO). The Specialist will be responsible for the strategy, management, leadership, and technical direction on all aspects of HTS on both community- and facility-based HTS (index and self-testing) and linkage to treatment services. This includes, but is not limited to: (a) strengthen facility- and community-level activities to ensure effective case identification of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and linkage to care and treatment services; (b) ensure that partners follow Government of the Republic of Mozambique’s (GRM) HTS guidance; (c) monitor adherence to Mission and US Government (USG) guidance for HTS programming; and (d) support access to HTS facility- and community-level services across populations and age groups
• The USAID Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention Advisor) works closely with technical specialists across IHO and the Mission to ensure that AIDS-Free Generation Division activities are aligned with USAID, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), across USG agencies, and with the GRM health-sector priorities and strategies
• The specialist will play a key role in providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MoH) in policy development and strategic design of host country developed and managed programs/projects/activities, reflecting best practices in improving HTS and linkages to treatment services
• 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
• Benefits and Allowances:
• 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: 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 
• 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

Program/Project/Activity Development and Management: 40%

• Provide the Division Chief and Prevention Team Lead advisory support on new program/project/activity management procedures related to HTS activities, innovations, and challenges
• Lead and/or advise HTS program/project/activity design based on the current country context and USG and GRM development priorities. Identify opportunities for USAID support, strategy formulation, and implementation of US foreign assistance priorities in accordance with foreign assistance initiatives and priorities
• Provide management and oversight support of IP-managed prevention projects and programs overall
• Serves as COR/AOR (and Activity Manager) for assigned projects in accordance with appropriate Designations and USAID regulations
• Oversee HTS activity implementation aspects of the IHO portfolio, including leading Mission-wide technical and management teams to ensure quality of implementation and alignment with national and USG guidelines for local solutions and organizational capacity building
• Support USAID-funded implemented partners to adhere to MoH guidelines and policies, while sharing lessons learned for improved implementation from inter-agency discussions
• Conduct frequent program analyses using age-disaggregated data to determine site-level issues requiring immediate action while supporting implementing partners to execute and track remediation plans. This includes monthly granular site-level analysis to identify programmatic gaps
• Organize periodic trainings of AIDS Free Generation’s IPs on HTS related matters to ensure implementation of PEPFAR best practices and recommendations in the field as needed
• Ensure proper and timely assistance to IPs, the Ministry of Health, and the National AIDS Council (CNCS) in support of their national action plans, policies, and priorities, or otherwise based on USAID/Washington or PEPFAR evidence-based guidance. Ensure that program/project 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
• Prepare oral and written briefings for the Mission Director, Embassy staff, and other external partners on request
• Develop timelines and master planning schedules for new programs/projects/activities, assessments, evaluations, research projects, and related project planning processes. Assure that there are no gaps in HIV/AIDS testing activities in cooperation with the Team Lead and other USG staff
• Participate actively in HIV testing-specific training, reporting, and communication channels

Technical Leadership & Interagency Coordination: 40%

• Serves as USAID’s HTS expert to the USAID headquarter team, USAID implementing partners, and MoH’s National HIV Program
• Provides technical leadership and direction to institutions at national, provincial and district levels to ensure that all implementing partners are well coordinated and that implementation of HTS and linkages to treatment services is successfully executed
• Provides technical assistance to USAID-funded implementing partners working on HTS and linkages to treatment services through regularly technical meetings, technical document review, and strategy and policy development
• Remains current on political and social trends in Mozambique, working hand-in-hand with IHO technical specialists to ensure that ongoing HTS activities are responsive to the country context and aligned to GRM priorities and PEPFAR program guidance and strategies. Coordinate with technical specialists to ensure that HTS programs/projects are aligned with national and PEPFAR technical priorities with HIV prevention, retention, and treatment
• Actively participates in GRM-led Technical Working Groups and national dialogue with other donors associated with HTS and linkages to treatment services as well as contributes to the development and review of existing guidelines and policies for related program areas
• Serves as USAID’s HTS expert to the USG PEPFAR inter-agency team and actively participate in inter-agency technical working groups
• Contributes and coordinates at inter-agency level to PEPFAR annual Country Operation Plan (COP) on areas related to the HIV Prevention portfolio
• Supports preparation of Quarterly and Annual Performance Reviews and Reports, including PEPFAR Oversight and Accountability Response Team calls reporting (POART calls), country Accountability and Support Team (CAST calls) meetings and other (ad-hoc) reporting processes
• Works closely with inter-agency technical teams to ensure information pertaining to HTS and related program areas are in accordance with guidance received from USAID/Washington and PEPFAR

Project Monitoring and Evaluation: 20%

• Develop strong IP monitoring performance management plans, with inputs from Division technical specialists and the Strategic Information team, to ensure that relevant PEPFAR and custom HTS indicators are incorporated into performance monitoring plans
• Perform routine site visits to support quality implementation of best practices and to rapidly identify and support resolution for on-going site-level performance challenges
• Monitor progress of HTS towards achieving key targets and benchmarks
• Work with IPs to accurately report HTS data for national, USAID, and PEPFAR quarterly and high frequency reporting
• Guide HTS projects to support national-level data collection efforts to ensure USG contributions are captured by the national health information system
• Analyzes, synthesizes, and interprets program data and promotes data-driven best practices related to HTS
• Support the conceptualizations of potential HTS research and, ensure that assessments, mid-term, and final evaluations, and learning activities inform current HTS activity implementation and potentially inform future activity designs. Share findings with relevant national and external counterparts
• Travel: The job holder will be expected to perform work-related travel

Position Elements

• Supervision Received: The Project Management Specialist (HIV Prevention) works under the *very general supervision of the IHO Chief and the AIDS-Free Generation Division Chief, as well as the closer but general supervision of the HIV Prevention Team Leader, and or their designee(s). Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of activity and project status
• Supervision Exercised: Serves as COR/AOR for assigned projects. The Specialist provides authoritative advice to IPs and technical specialists, including AORs/CORs/AMs, on management of complex program and financial performance data for the demanding PEPFAR resource planning and reporting requirements. As necessary, may serve as Acting HIV Prevention Team Lead in that person’s absence or preoccupation
• Available Guidelines: 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, GRM policies and guidance, PEPFAR Guidance and policies, and other relevant guidance, regulations, and US statues
• Exercise of Judgment: Available administrative guidelines establish a broad pattern of operation that requires a frequent need to exercise judgment and interpretation and provides an opportunity for initiative and innovation. The Specialist exercises substantial independent judgment in planning, managing, monitoring, and evaluating assigned programs/projects/activities in reporting results, and in other important aspects of the job. The work involves many different, complex, and inter-related processes. The incumbent must be able 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 CORs/AORs and activity managers and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy; acts and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the incumbent may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that s/he 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: Establishes and maintains a full range of contacts within the Mission and across the interagency within the Embassy, at all levels up to senior staff, and with implementing partners in the sector. Host-government, local, and other contacts vary widely with the type of activity being implemented, and may be at any level – including Ministerial, Deputy Minister, etc. Frequent and substantive personal contacts with senior-level officials of the host government and with the private sector are for the purpose of explaining and defending PEPFAR and USAID policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret host-government and private-sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials. Contacts with other Civil Society organizations are common and required for fulfilment of program/project/activity roles and for participant training activities. 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 local and international organizations. Must be able to develop and maintain a range of working-level and management-level contacts on HIV/AIDS and TB- related topics, in government and non-governmental circles

Requisites

• Education: Master’s degree from an accredited university or institution in public health, health policy, public administration, or a related social science or a US-equivalent of Medical University Degree (Medical Doctor) is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of six years of progressively responsible, professional–level experience in international development assistance, which provided the opportunity for strategic planning, project design, program planning, and/or implementation - in areas related to prevention, care, and treatment service delivery, public health programming (especially HIV/AIDS), or management of development programs. At least five years of this experience should be with related private sector entities and/or research entities, international development organizations, other funding organizations, the Government of Mozambique, USG, other donor agencies, host-country organizations, non-government organizations, or private-sector institutions which included program/project design, performance monitoring, and/or the analysis and interpretation of large amounts of data. Demonstrated experience leading and working collaboratively with a diverse team. Demonstrated commitment to a Do No Harm approach, gender quality, and inclusion
• Post Entry Training: Post entry training will, therefore, be focused primarily on the Agency-specific established policies, procedures, and regulations. Courses include: Introduction to the Program Cycle, Contract/Agreement Officer Representative (COR/AOR), implementation, auditing, and financial management procedures, and courses as required by USAID and IHO; mandatory annual ethics trainings conducted at the Mission by the Regional Legal Officer. Other courses, seminars, and conferences in fields related to the position’s function are subject to availability of funds
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (spoken, written and oral) English and Portuguese to communicate with all levels of personnel in the Mission, implementing partners, shareholders and host country officials of all levels, and prepare well-written reports; and ability to translate relevant Portuguese documents into English and vice-versa
• Job Knowledge: The incumbent must have a highly refined professional knowledge and understanding of USAID and PEPFAR and its operating principles and policies; USAID’s role and methods in providing public health development assistance; thorough knowledge and understanding of USAID and the US Government regulations, policies, strategic planning and procedures that guide development and program activities. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of Mozambique, including how they relate to and impact HIV and TB prevention, care, and treatment, including a profound understanding of resource constraints and overall development prospects and priorities for Mozambique, as well as an understanding of how other major donors and the Government of Mozambique budgets, plans for and provides public healthcare to its population; expert knowledge of Mozambique’s institutions, policies and programs as well as the nature of Mozambique’s development needs and the socio-cultural contexts in which the development needs can be addressed. Exceptional expert scientific and programmatic specialist knowledge of related technical areas and current developments and standards in HIV Prevention, including a) care, and treatment of infectious diseases; b) quality improvement and diagnostic services; c) Government of Mozambique rules, practices, and procedures related to HIV testing services; d) Strong understanding of the Mozambican national health system with demonstrated ability to influence program policy and operational decisions; e) Knowledge of the voluntary sector, including private sector and civil society and faith-based organizations, and their role in the provision of HIV Prevention Services, specifically on HIV testing services; f) Knowledge of and familiarity with HIV epidemiology in Mozambique and throughout the Southern and Eastern Africa region; f) Knowledge and skills in program management; g) In-depth professional-level knowledge of development principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to HIV and TB prevention, care, and treatment; must have detailed knowledge of, qualitative monitoring methods, and reporting information systems
• Skills and Abilities: Strong numerical skill to work with multimillion budgets; strong analytical skills to analyze large quantities of data and ability to prepare comprehensive financial and activity reports using standard statistical analysis methodologies, to evaluate, and interpret policy directives and regulations. Strong verbal and writing skills, ability to produce concise, clear reports. Advanced proficiency in using professional software: data platforms, computer applications including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Google search, and ability to quickly learn USAID-specific and industry applications including Abacus, GLAAS, Phoenix, ASIST, MyServices, Google Mail, and MyUSAID; typing proficiency. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural team environment and coordinate well with others large and complex integrated interventions to manage; and to achieve consensus on policy, project, and administrative matters. Demonstrated ability to work effectively across organizations and/or agencies; with a range of interlocutors, such as host government officials up to senior-ranking, U.S. Ambassadors and others, excellent ability to listen to, interact with, and communicate clearly with people from diverse nationalities and backgrounds, as well as with senior level internal and external stakeholders - all with a high degree of professionalism; consistently model behaviors that demonstrate a commitment to fostering a non-hostile work environment free of discrimination, bias, unfairness, exclusion, offensive behaviors and harassment of any kind. Tact and diplomacy - to establish and maintain effective working relationships within USAID and with the public and private sectors. 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 work effectively independently without significant oversight and supervision; take initiative, and function in a complex, highly demanding, and frequently changing environment. Ability to interpret complex programmatic data and translate learnings into programmatic improvements for the assigned activities. Presentation skills to effectively communicate and to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to internal and external stakeholders

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: 30 points
• Job Knowledge 30 points
• Skills and Abilities: 25 points
• Language Proficiency: 10 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
• 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