USAID Project Management Specialist (WASH)

Description

• USAID/Mozambique manages one of USAID's largest country programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Its employees are organized into offices implementing programs in health, democracy and governance, economic growth, and education. The Agriculture, Environment, and Business (AEB) Office within USAID/Mozambique manages activities related to improving the livelihoods of people producing and using local agricultural products, increasing the competitiveness of the Mozambican business environment, expanding access to water and sanitation, and supporting increased care for the nation's critical biodiversity resources
• The Project Management Specialist - Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) is responsible for program development and management, representation and technical leadership, and other duties for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programming managed within the AEB Office. The incumbent is a subject matter expert within the USAID Mission in the WASH sector, ensuring that USAID programming supports U.S. Government water policy objectives in Mozambique, focuses on the strategic priorities of host government partners, and layers with technical programs of other development partners. The incumbent reports to the Team Leader in AEB and works closely with staff in other teams, including USAID/Mozambique's Integrated Health Office
• The incumbent will contribute to the planning/design, management and evaluation of WASH activities including technical and financial reporting requirements. S/he will represent USAID interests while interacting with various stakeholders at the ministerial, technical and local levels. S/he will be responsible for working closely with a variety of institutions, including but not limited to the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Public Works, Housing and Water Resources (MOPHRH), the Asset Holding Fund (FIPAG), the National Directorate of Water Supply and Sanitation (DNAAS), the Water and Sanitation Infrastructure Administration (AIAS), the Water and Sanitation Regulatory Authority (AURA), and other national and sub-national counterparts on WASH activities. S/he shall ensure coordination with other bilateral and multilateral donors as well as other implementing partners working in the WASH sector in Mozambique
• The job holder will be expected to perform work-related travel
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – USAID Project Management Specialist (WASH), 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
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information
• Solicitation No. 72065620R100024 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 July 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: July 2020 – July 2021
• Option Period 1: +July 2021- November 15, 2022
• 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)
• 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.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:656-MOD-656-20- 0002-08 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-656-20-0002-08 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 Development and Management: 60%

• The Project Management Specialist-WASH will assist in the design, manage the implementation, and when necessary evaluate contracts, grants, and/or innovative financing instruments of WASH activities in the USAID/Mozambique WASH portfolio
• Following USAID training and certification as a Contract Officer's Representative (COR)/Agreement Officer's Representative (AOR)/Activity Manager, the Project Management Specialist discharges the full range of responsibilities for one or more USAID contracts, assistance agreements, and/or grants. The incumbent ensures high performance of all program management functions including planning, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and managing for results
• Drafts internal and external USG documents required for reporting the status and plans of activities. These include annual operational plans, annual resource plans, annual performance reports, Congressional Budget Justifications, Congressional Notifications, procurement documents, technical reports, briefing materials for high level U.S. and Mozambican Government officials, and other reporting as necessary
• Contributes to required monitoring and evaluation efforts, such as the development of monitoring, evaluation and learning plans, completion of data quality assessments, and completion of portfolio reviews
• Carries out ad hoc assignments as dictated by unforeseen operational requirements at the discretion of USAID Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, AEB Office Director, and Team Leader

Representation & Technical Leadership: 40%

• The Specialist will provide technical leadership to ensure that USAID/Mozambique WASH programming represents best practices in the field for promoting sustainable WASH services, including private sector engagement in the WASH sector and creating a stronger enabling environment for sustainable WASH services in Mozambique
• Serves as a technical expert, advising on the development and implementation of Mission WASH related strategies and activities
• Leads USAID program execution to strengthen and deepen engagement with Government of Mozambique agencies, utilities, regulators, and other national and regional organizations on issues of reliable access to water and sanitation services, including sustainable financing
• Responsible for effective outreach and coordination with key U.S. Government and host country stakeholders, including government, non-government and private sector parties
• Builds and maintains close relations with private industry, international and regional research institutions, centers of excellence, and a wide network of professional colleagues, to assess, analyze, and identify trends and policies related to WASH policy framework and critical issues in Mozambique
• Represents USAID/Mozambique at meetings, workshops, and conferences organized by various organizations, including other donors and international organizations
• The Specialist will respond flexibly to other work-related requirements, such as:
• Responding to Washington inquiries, including those for Congress
• Supporting VIP visits

Supervisory Relationship

• The incumbent will report directly to the WASH Team Leader or to the AEB Office Director as appropriate on special assignments. The incumbent will be expected to perform the following key responsibilities independently- project activity review, analysis, approval or authorization, and monitoring
• Supervisory Exercised: None
• Available Guidelines: The incumbent will be expected to follow regulations detailed in the ADS and FAA, Familiarization training in USAID-specific procedures, regulations, and methods, and orientation to working from a donor-Agency perspective, etc., will be provided. Participation in the formal Programing Foreign Assistance course (PFA), the Project Design and Management course (PDM), and other related courses offered for professional USAID staff, as appropriate; training in auditing and financial management; and, courses, seminars, conferences, and other activities in fields related to the function, and needed to maintain and update professional qualifications as they become available, subject to availability of funds
• Exercise of Judgment: In making decisions, the incumbent will need to consider and be sensitive to the merits of proposals, financial soundness and accountability, their feasibility given local and regional conditions and a variety of technical and political factors. The incumbent must exercise considerable judgment in carrying out all the responsibilities outlined above. The incumbent may represent the Mission and AEB Office, as appropriate, on program matters within U.S. Government circles and to external audiences in Mozambique and across the Southern Africa region. Incumbent will analyze complex technical information and data to produce informed, sound advice for senior USG officials
• Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent and his/her team leader will directly manage USG resources of approximately $18 million annually. S/He will be responsible for independently planning, managing and when necessary evaluating/learning from WASH activities. The incumbent will be expected to serve as a COR, AOR, or activity manager, as well as assist and/or lead the development of new projects and activities
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts will be at high and working levels with senior government officials, with USAID Mission (USDH, CCNPSC, and contract staff), with USAID-funded Personal Service Contract (PSC) and institutional contractor staff, with highest and working levels of private voluntary and non-governmental organizations, with the private sector, with other bilateral and multilateral donor organizations, and with the general public. The incumbent must be able to develop and maintain these contacts. Contacts will be of a continuous nature through day-to- day meetings and periodic review sessions. Many of these contacts will be for the purpose of obtaining or providing information on program/project implementation issues
• Incumbent will represent AEB Office in WASH matters at meetings within the Mission and with implementing partners and other stakeholders
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Post Entry Training: Training to the incumbent on USAID policies and procedures, including COR/AOR certification, will be provided CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

Requisites

• Education: A Bachelor's degree is required in a relevant field - public health, water management and sanitation, environmental management, behavioral or social science field, social science, engineering or related field
• Prior Work Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in implementing WASH, managing donor programs in and/or working in the public and private sector in WASH-related position. The candidate should also have prior work experience with host-government organizations, private sector institutions, or bilateral or multilateral development agencies on WASH sector development. Prior experience working in or with USAID activities is required
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent), both oral and written English and Portuguese is required. Language will be tested
• Job Knowledge: Knowledge or ability to acquire knowledge of USG legislation, policies, and regulations related to development assistance. Demonstrated knowledge of the different branches of the Mozambican Government, in particular the Ministry of Public Housing and Water Resources, relevant technical, financial, and policy issues and strategies in the area of the WASH policy framework and access to WASH in Mozambique is required. A thorough understanding of the technical and administrative elements of the program design implementation, and monitoring processes is required. Broad knowledge of financial management and internal control processes is required. Knowledge of USAID development assistance program processes and practices is required
• Skills and Abilities: A strong grasp of computer applications (Microsoft Office, Spreadsheets, E-mail) is required. The incumbent must be capable of working independently on a number of tasks simultaneously with minimal supervision. Project implementation work involves the analysis of financial, administrative, economic, social, and technical factors, as well as management of complex obligation, contracting, and implementation actions and procedures. S/He must be able to obtain, analyze, and evaluate complex data and to prepare precise and accurate reports to various audiences. The incumbent must be able to communicate complex technical issues to diverse audiences
• Monitoring and coordination responsibilities involve the creation of, application of, and training on reporting and management control systems, as well as analysis/interpretation of problems and advice to high-level mission management, including the Mission Director or their designate. All of these responsibilities require the incumbent to plan ahead and develop, check, analyze, interpret, and evaluate facts before work can progress. The incumbent must be able to analyze complex and technical information to make independent recommendations WASH for USG programming and management. The incumbent will also encourage innovation in the management and use of Mission programs and resources
• The incumbent must be able to identify, mobilize, and draw effectively upon the expertise of technical and managerial personnel in the Mission. S/He must be able to work in teams and lead teams set up for both broad and specific events and projects. In addition, the incumbent will be expected to participate actively in meetings as appropriate with the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington representatives, other donors, counterpart government officials, partners and technical experts. The incumbent must demonstrate capability for perceptive analysis and the ability to write and speak effectively in these contexts are required skills. Ability to develop and maintain a network of technical experts and partners in WASH is also necessary

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 - 30 points
• Language Proficiency - 10 points
• Job Knowledge - 30 points
• Skills and Abilities - 20 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• 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
• Per this scoring, Prior Work Experience and Job Knowledge are the most important factors, followed by Skills and Ability, 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
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job application