Project Management Specialist (Nutrition)

Description

• The Project Management Specialist – Nutrition (the” Specialist”) will provide programmatic and technical guidance in nutrition. The jobholder will serve as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contract Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR), Alternate AOR/COR or Activity Manager and provide oversight and direction to programs conducted by Implementing Partners (IPs) under Contract, Cooperative Agreement, and/or Grant
• The jobholder will work collaboratively with other staff in the Health Office, other offices in the Mission, cooperating country officials in the Ministry of Health and/or other relevant Ministries, and other development partners and donor agencies to support a coordinated, strategic approach to nutrition programming
• The Specialist is a key member of the Health Office, Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths (PCMD)
• The jobholder reports to the Nutrition Advisor and has no formal supervisory responsibility
• 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. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact (sincerly, Alice Gillispie, Contracting Officer)
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – USAID Project Management Specialist (Nutrition), FSN-10 Equivalent
• SOLICITATION NO: 72065624R10008 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications.
• POINT OF CONTACT: email at  Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• POSITION TITLE: USAID Project Management Specialist (Nutrition)
• MARKET VALUE: USD 49,082 – USD 68,717 per annum, equivalent to FSN-10 (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 November 2024. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: November 2024 – November 2025
• Option Period 1: November 2025 – November 2029
• PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Maputo, Mozambique
• 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)
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

Duties

Technical Guidance and Program Planning

• Provide technical guidance on nutrition to the Mission, the cooperating country government, and other development partners
• Provide technical guidance in quality and performance improvement, working with key stakeholders to improve the quality of nutrition services, by applying evidence-based guidelines, approaches, and tools
• Through literature review, research and regular communication with local and international stakeholders, stay abreast of emerging developments in the national and global nutrition landscape, and advise accordingly on how policies, strategies, and technical guidelines can most effectively be incorporated to enable the Mission to maintain fidelity and relevance in its nutrition programs
• Provide technical guidance to technical counterparts in Ministry of Health, other relevant ministries, and to other national stakeholders to advance USAID and USG strategic objectives related to nutrition interventions, including implementation of the USAID Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy
• Provide on-going technical assistance to USAID local partners to ensure that activities are evidence-based and that services are transparent, equitable, of high quality and responsive to client needs; that partners practice sound management and robust accounting; and that local partners are prepared to assume and sustain leadership
• Work closely with other staff in the Health Office and across the Mission to optimize opportunities for cross-sectoral integration and leveraging of resources across the different program components.
• Effectively communicate and demonstrate technical expertise in interagency technical working groups to ensure USAID strategic priorities are represented, including participation in routine interagency technical discussions

Project Management

• Serve as Contracting or Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) or Activity Manager for the Mission’s nutrition activities, including: reviewing and approving annual implementing partners (IPs) work plans, facilitating IP relationships and coordinating with local stakeholders (e.g. other IPs, cooperating country-government counterparts, non-governmental organizations, other donors, etc.); maintaining a schedule for and conducting regular site visits to review program implementation and meet with beneficiaries, and based on the information collected during such visits, adjusting or recommending adjustments to programs/projects/activities as appropriate; overseeing IP compliance with bilateral government agreements, and with performance expectations; ensuring Ips are in compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures, communicating regularly with IPs regarding USAID rules and regulations as well as their obligations to USAID and, taking a lead role in the preparation of the strategic and operational planning processes such as the USAID Country Development Cooperation Strategy and USAID Operational Plan. Keep the Team Lead regularly informed of program implementation progress, results, and issues/problems on a timely basis
• Participate in the design of project mechanisms and activities for improved service delivery and enabling environment for nutrition, including drafting and obtaining approval for concept papers, scopes of work, evaluation of proposals/applications, and activity start-up
• Participate in and ensure the effectiveness of site and other field visits to ensure successful activity implementation and ensure that sub-partners (sub-awards and sub-contracts) are given appropriate monitoring and oversight

Project Monitoring and Evaluation

• In collaboration with Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning staff participate in the development of innovative monitoring and evaluation approaches and tools to support measuring the impact and outcomes of nutrition activities
• Contribute to data quality assessments to ensure the quality and reliability of program data
• Participate in site visits to USAID supported programs to assess the quality of services, provide guidance to implementing partners on newly emerging approaches to nutrition
• Monitor project activities and make recommendations to resolve implementation obstacles to ensure judicious use of USG funds and effective implementation of nutrition interventions
• Contribute to and participate in nutrition related program evaluations to document and scaling up proven best practices

Representation and reporting

• Contribute to key annual and mid-term planning and reporting documents including the Congressional Budget Justifications, Technical Notifications, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Progress Reports, among others
• Prepare reports and responses to a wide range of requirements including responding to requests for information from the Mission Director, the Embassy, USAID/Washington and Congress
• Ensure that USAID successes, best practices and approaches are shared widely with partner country officials, private sector, civil society and other donors
• Represent USAID as needed at designated national, regional and international meetings that relate to nutrition
• Prepare briefing papers, presentations and assist with site preparations for visits by delegations from USAID Headquarters (HQ), Department of State, other agencies and Congress

Position Elements

• Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Nutrition Advisor. Assignments are made orally and in writing, with a discussion of overall objectives and expected results to be achieved. The supervisor assigns specific tasks, provides suggested approaches to consider and reviews completed reports and assignments. Achievements are regularly reviewed, and feedback provided
• Supervision Exercised: Continuing supervision of other Health Office and/or Mission staff is not contemplated
• Available Guidelines: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR); AID Acquisitions Regulations (AIDAR); AID Automated Directives System (ADS Series); Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs); Office of Procurement Acquisition Memoranda (OPAMS); U.S. Department of State Standard Regulations; Federal Travel Regulations; Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Circulars and Controller General Decisions, USAID Mission Orders, Project Papers, Mission Strategy, and other documents available, USAID policies and procedures, Technical Documents and Policy Papers
• The jobholder is required to understand Mission and Agency-specific policies and procedures that govern project activity management in addition to administrative operating procedures, policies and formats established by the Department of State. The jobholder will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect nutrition programming
• Exercise of Judgment: Professional-level judgement in planning and executing work. Substantial reliance will be placed on the jobholder to independently plan, prioritize and carry out the duties and responsibilities of the position. The jobholder will be expected to analyze and address problems by applying relevant guidance (for management/administrative issues) and evidence-based strategies (for technical issues) to advance the Mission’s objectives. The use of initiative, discretion, cultural sensitivity, collaboration and teamwork is expected of the jobholder to resolve challenges for which there are no clear or immediate solutions. In the event that no formal guidance exists, the jobholder will use her/his own personal, well-informed judgment, making independent decisions that can be defended as necessary and seeking input when appropriate
• Authority to Make Commitments: The jobholder exercises the authority given to AOR/CORs and may make administrative arrangements consistent with USAID Automated Directive System (ADS) guidance and Mission policy. The jobholder takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. use of initiative, discretion, cultural sensitivity, collaboration and teamwork is expected of the jobholder to resolve challenges for which there are no clear or immediate solutions. In the event that no formal guidance exists, the jobholder will use her/his own personal, well-informed judgment, making independent decisions that can be defended as necessary and seeking input when appropriate. The jobholder may negotiate ad referendum for the immediate supervisor
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The jobholder shall be able to develop and maintain contact with all levels of staff in the Mission. cooperating country government, local, and other, contacts vary widely with the type of activity being implemented and may be at any level. Frequent and substantive personal contacts with officials of the host government, and with the private sector, are for the purpose of explaining and defending Health Office and USAID policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret host-government and private-sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: 12 months
• Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies
• Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided related to USG, USAID and PEPFAR specific procedures, regulations, and methods. Formal AOR/COR training may be required for successful performance in the position and will be provided. Appropriate training courses will be offered, subject to course offerings and the availability of funds

Requisites

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Medicine, Public Health, Health, Nutrition, Social Work, International Development, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Epidemiology, Pharmacy, Biology, Infectious Diseases, or related field
• Prior Work Experience:At least three (3) years of progressively responsible, professional experience in nutrition. Of that experience, at least one (1) year with the USG, other multi-lateral or bi-lateral organizations, and/or NGOs
• Increasingly responsible experience in the design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of nutrition initiatives in developing countries and/or in generalized epidemics
• Experience in analyzing nutrition data and translating data into practice
• Language Proficiency: Level IV fluency in English and in the appropriate host-country business language, both written and spoken, is required. Language competence may be tested
• Job Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of state-of-the-art nutrition interventions and the current priorities at national and global level
• Demonstrated knowledge of the country's development and nutrition program dynamics, particularly the social, economic and cultural determinants and implications of the nutrition interventions in the cooperating country
• Demonstrated knowledge of US regulations related to nutrition programming
• Skills and Abilities: Ability to present information, analyses, and recommendations in clear written and oral formats
• Ability to independently conceive, plan, organize, manage, and evaluate important, diverse and complex work projects, to drive high-level performance and outcomes of USAID nutrition programs
• Demonstrated ability to apply policy directives to activity design, implementation and monitoring and evaluation
• Excellent analytical, technical and project management skills to review and provide substantive feedback on concept papers, proposals, program descriptions/scopes of work, performance reports, and other technical and programmatic documents
• Ability to respond professionally and adjust in fluid situations in order to meet deadlines in the face of competing priorities and time pressures
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including diplomacy and tact, to work effectively with people at all levels, from senior officials to support staff, in a culturally diverse environment, accepting divergent points of view and help find consensus to achieve team goals
• Excellent computer skills including in Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing, including the ability to help others and to learn new programs quickly
• Ability to travel to regions and districts within the host country, up to 20% of the time

Evaluation and selections 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:     25 points
• Job Knowledge                  30 points
• Skills and Abilities:             30 points
• Language Proficiency:         5 points
• Maximum Points:                100 points
• Per this scoring Job Knowledge and Skills and Abilities are the most important factors, followed by Prior Work Experience, Education and Language Proficiency

Notes

• Eligible Offerors are required to submit electronically a cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English as well as academic transcripts/diplomas
• Offeror submissions must clearly prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Solicitation number: 72065624R10008
• 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
• Only interviewed candidates will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• 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
• 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
• 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: 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 and 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:
• LINE ITEMS 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
• The PSC Ombudsman serves as a resource for any Personal Services Contractor who has entered into a contract with the United States Agency for International Development and is available to provide clarity on their specific contract with the Agency. Please visit our page for additional information: https://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/personal-service-contracts-ombudsman The PSC Ombudsman may be contacted via: PSCOmbudsman@usaid.gov
• Please note that USAID and the U.S. Government NEVER require payment of any money in connection with a job applications
• Eeo/Aa: The U.S. Mission Is An Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer And Does Not Discriminate On The Basis Of Hiv/Aids Status