USAID Program Management Specialist (Education)

Description

• The USAID Project Management Specialist (Education) is a senior professional and subject-matter expert in strategic planning; program and activity design; and budgeting, implementation, and performance management of the full spectrum of USAID education interventions. The jobholder reports to the Director of the Education, Democracy, and Governance Office and provides senior technical leadership, management, and oversight for USAID Mozambique’s education portfolio. The portfolio consists of a full spectrum of interventions, including primary literacy and numeracy instruction, bilingual education, girls’ education, youth development, higher education, vocational education, education in crisis and conflict, and school infrastructure. The Project Management Specialist (Education) is responsible for the management of major, high-profile education activities and provides technical input into the design, implementation, management, performance monitoring, and evaluation of the education program
• The jobholder serves as the Mission’s senior technical advisor on strategic and policy issues related to primary literacy and numeracy instruction, bilingual education, system reforms, and donor coordination, and provides leadership to identify opportunities and sustain USG engagement in education programming. This senior position ensures that the Mission has the necessary strategic, technical, and management expertise to oversee and successfully implement core education programming. The jobholder serves as a subject-matter expert and senior technical representative; and engages and negotiates across senior levels of USAID, the interagency, host country government, international and bilateral organizations, and donor agencies to address technical issues and coordinate efforts to implement programming through the entire education system, to the classroom level
• Under the general guidance of the Education, Democracy, and Governance Office Director, the jobholder provides substantive guidance to formulate and administer broad-scale education projects. The jobholder analyzes and evaluates significant education sector developments; determines sector impacts on USAID activities; and recommends policy and programming to Mission management. The jobholder regularly evaluates the effects of U.S. and Mozambican legislation and policy on education sector support. S/he conceptualizes, designs, and implements complex technical programming and regularly briefs high-level officials on emerging developments, insights, and impacts on Mozambique’s education sector
• The jobholder supervises two Education Team professional staff, represents USAID in policy dialogue and donor coordination among the country’s most senior-level government officials, and communicates USAID’s investments in education to senior-most officials within the Embassy and in Washington. S/he serves as a Contracting Officer’s Representative/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) and/or Activity Manager for high-value bilateral activities and manages USAID’s annual contribution to the country’s education sector pool fund
• The job holder is required to perform work-related travel
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – USAID Program Management Specialist (Education), FSN 12
• 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 (one or more candidates may be selected under this solicitation) to provide personal services under contract as described in 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.: 72065623R10022 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• POINT OF CONTACT: Human Resources Section, email at Mission-Maputo-HR@usaid.gov
• MARKET VALUE: USD 77.642 – USD 108.684 per annum, equivalent to FSN12 (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 March 2024
• Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: March 2024 – March 2025
• Option Period 1: March 2025 – March 2029
• 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
• ECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Employment Certification (RSO Certification)
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One (1) year
• Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies
• PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• 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 https://www.acquisition.gov/aidar/aidar-appendix-j-direct-usaid-contractscooperating-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 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ CCNPSC USAID Project Management Specialist (Education) SOL#72065623R1 - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info:
• 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
• PSC Ombudsman
• 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 application

Duties

Technical and Strategic Leadership - 50%

• Serve as the lead technical officer for the USAID/Mozambique education portfolio, including: primary literacy and numeracy instruction, bilingual education, girls’ education, youth development, higher education, vocational education, education in crisis and conflict, and school infrastructure portfolio; and provide senior technical advice in the design, implementation, and oversight of key early grade reading programming and interventions
• Serve as USAID’s senior technical advisor and lead on strategic partnerships, donor and civil society coordination, private sector engagement, and market-based approaches for education services, providing high-level technical guidance to the Mission, USG interagency team, Ministry of General Education, and key stakeholders
• Provide highly specialized -level guidance to senior-level Mission and host country officials, serve as a key advisor for all strategic and policy issues related to early grade reading, literacy, local language instruction, teacher training and supervision, and instructional materials
• Serve as a liaison with other USAID bureaus and offices and the interagency to ensure coordinated program and policy direction. Coordinate closely across the Education, Democracy, and Governance Office and the entire USAID Mission to optimize opportunities for cross-sectoral integration and leveraging of resources across multiple program components
• Maintain and communicate national and global developments in early grade reading, literacy, local language instruction, and instructional materials development; and advise accordingly to apply policies, strategies, and technical guidelines to enable the Mission to maintain fidelity of implementation and positive impacts among beneficiaries
• Identify opportunities to optimize integrated, cutting-edge, state-of-the-art approaches to deliver essential technical assistance. Provide senior level oversight and guidance to USAID staff and implementing partners on emerging and effective approaches to primary literacy and numeracy instruction, bilingual education, girls’ education, youth development, higher education, vocational education, education in crisis and conflict, and school infrastructure, as well as donor and private sector coordination in program planning and implementation
• Collaborate across the Education, Democracy, and Governance Office to advise on the development and use of tools to advance continuous learning and adapting, and to further improve and evolve the USAID knowledge base and data management capacity of primary literacy and numeracy instruction, bilingual education, girls’ education, youth development, higher education, vocational education, education in crisis and conflict, and school infrastructure; as well as integration with USG and Agency priorities related to democracy, transparency, anti-corruption, and locally-led development. Advise on targeted analyses of education sector performance data to inform and improve program planning and implementation
• Lead and model USG laws, policies, ethics, and values related to equal employment opportunity (EEO); promote a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access (DEIA) for all staff; and coach and mentor EDG staff to instill a culture of continuous learning, opportunity, and empowerment
• Supervise two Cooperating Country National (CCN) staff: two Project Management Specialists (Education)

Program/Project/Activity Planning and Management - 30%

• Provide strategic and technical leadership to prepare key annual and multi-year planning and reporting documents, including Operational Plans; Congressional Budget Justifications; Mission and sector strategies; technical notifications; and quarterly, semi-annual, and annual progress reports and portfolio reviews
• Analyze and assess the Education portfolio and the performance of partners relative to the available budget; and facilitate design of new projects and/or activities necessary to achieve USAID/Mozambique’s strategic objectives for the education sector
• Lead and participate in each stage of project design for new activities, including drafting and obtaining approval for concept papers, composing scopes of work, conducting financial analyses, completing pre-obligation requirements, evaluating technical and cost applications and proposals, and establishing new projects
• Manage a technical portfolio as Contracting Officer’s Representative/Agreement Officer’s Representative (COR/AOR) and/or Activity Manager, including the review and approval of workplans, budgets, and quarterly and annual reports; performance monitoring plans and monitoring; and financial reporting, as required
• Ensure compliance of implementing partners with the terms, scope, deliverables, and delivery schedule in accordance with their awards
• Ensure that implementing partners abide by USAID reporting requirements, including quarterly reports, trip reports, accruals, activity MEL plans, and annual reports; as well as other requirements such as USG Basic Education reporting or other requests
• Lead routine meetings with implementing partners to discuss technical and programmatic direction of USAID’s flagship technical education programs. Plan and lead field visits to USAID-supported schools and sites, and provide technical, programmatic, and administrative guidance as necessary
• Identify opportunities and strengthen existing opportunities for integration of education programming with health, economic growth, and governance activities, and other areas of the Mission as appropriate
• Advise and recommend technical assistance (STTA) from USAID/Washington central platforms and write the technical components of the scope of work for the consultants
• Oversee field monitoring to ensure programmatic oversight, lead course corrections, and ultimately improve the quality-of-service delivery

Representation and Reporting - 20%

• Represent USAID at national, regional, and international meetings and fora that relate to primary literacy and numeracy instruction, bilingual education, instructional materials development, girls’ education, youth development, higher education, vocational education, education in crisis and conflict, and school infrastructure; including regular participation in national-level education technical working groups and related committees
• Represent USAID within USG inter-agency technical teams on issues pertaining to multisectoral education approaches and interventions and their relationships with Agency and USG priorities, and other development sectors
• Represent USAID at meetings outside of the education field as needed, as requested by the Ambassador, Mission Director, Deputy Mission Director, and/or Education, Democracy, and Governance Office Director
• Serve as the alter ego for the Education, Democracy, and Governance Office Director in Mission Senior Management Team meetings
• Represent the Mission on all fora related to national, regional, and international meetings and fora that relate to primary literacy and numeracy instruction, bilingual education, instructional materials development, girls’ education, youth development, higher education, vocational education, education in crisis and conflict, and school infrastructure
• Manage and establish strategic working relationships with senior national and local government officials, donor agencies, civil society organizations, private sector partners, and education associations to enhance information on education policies and interventions that affect implementation of USAID programs
• Coordinate reports and responses to information requests from USAID Headquarters, Department of State, and U.S. Congress. Ensure the EDG Office responds flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements
• Organize technical and strategic site visits and prepare orientation materials for delegations from USAID Headquarters, State Department, and other agencies

Position Elements

• Supervision Received: The USAID Project Management Specialist (Education) reports to the Education, Democracy, and Governance Office Director or his/her designee
• Supervision Exercised: The Project Management Specialist (Education) supervises two Cooperating Country National (CCN) Project Management Specialists, both FSN-10. S/he provides mentoring and coaching to the Education Team in all technical areas, systems reforms, and capacity building across the entire Education portfolio; and leads implementation and oversight of education programming, interventions, and best practices that ultimately result in sustainable delivery of quality education services. Provides technical guidance in office planning, organization, work assignments, and resource allocation
• Available Guidelines: General guidance for program initiatives can be found in the U.S. Foreign Assistance guidance and directives; the USG Strategy on International Basic Education Strategy; the USAID Education Policy and Implementation Guidelines; Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); USAID Policy (the Automated Directives System); U.S. Department of State Standardized Regulations; Federal Travel Regulations; Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circulars; USAID Education Cost Reporting Guidelines; USAID Mission Strategy, Mission Orders, and other documents available, including USAID policies and procedures, technical documents, and project/policy papers
• Exercise of Judgment: The jobholder works with emergent institutions in areas of political and social sensitivity. The incumbent must have a clear understanding of American and Mozambican values concerning the implementation of education sector priorities. The success of the education program depends on an understanding of these sensitivities and the development of a flexible approach to dealing with potential implementation problems. Therefore, the jobholder will exercise a high degree of independent judgment to represent USAID and provide guidance to Mission, government, donor, private sector, and implementing partner staff. As a recognized expert, the jobholder is expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative to plan, prioritize, and conduct the activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The jobholder will be expected to analyze and address problems by applying relevant and evidence-based guidance to advance the Mission’s objectives. In the absence of formal guidance, the jobholder will use her/his own independent judgment, and seek input as appropriate, to make defensible decisions. In addition, good judgement will be necessary in assessing progress in meeting performance criteria, directing technical assistance to address complex situations, and making appropriate recommendations to facilitate progress towards program goals
• Authority to Make Commitments: When fully designated as COR/AOR, the jobholder will have full authority and responsibility as delegated by ADS, other Mission, and USAID guidelines. While the Project Management Specialist (Education) cannot make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. government, s/he can, however, make commitments to follow through or review a certain action. However, because of the jobholder’s expertise and professional standing in his/her field, substantial weight will be given to his/her recommendations while commitments are made by those with the authority to do so
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The jobholder occupies a high-profile position in the USAID Mission. S/he represents USAID in engagements with high levels of a variety of host government officials at national and sub-national levels; and with donors, private, and non-governmental organizations, in a wide variety of public events. Therefore, s/he maintains a lead role in public outreach and communications on behalf of the USAID education program. The jobholder is required to establish and maintain strong working relationships and transfer complex ideas with officials at both national and local government levels, representatives of bilateral and multilateral donors, private sector, and civil society organizations. S/he provides policy recommendations as well as strategic and programmatic advice to senior USAID and USG officials, donors, and implementing partners. The purpose of the contacts is to coordinate and harmonize interventions for catalytic, maximum effect. The jobholder has routine and frequent contact with senior officials across the USAID Mission and U.S. Embassy, USAID Headquarters, other USG agencies, partnering organizations, institutional contractors, and consultants. S/he represents the education team to USAID stakeholders and external development partners in a wide variety of events, including conferences, workshops and other relevant forums on education

Requisites

• Minimum qualifications required for this position:
• Education: A minimum of a Master’s degree in education, health/behavioral/social sciences, international development, economics, public policy, or related field is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in education systems strengthening, international development, and project management. Must demonstrate prior experience working with bilateral and multilateral stakeholders, national-level public sector investments, and experience managing donor-funded programming and ensuring compliance with donor rules and regulations. Experience must include management of language and/or literacy education programming, capacity building and systems strengthening in education and/or public sectors, education policy and planning, educator training and professional development, quality curriculum and instruction, monitoring and evaluation, as well as strategic planning and analysis relative to the country context. The position requires a highly specialized combination of strategic, technical, and analytical abilities, combined with experience with the Mozambican education system, as well as experience in managing resources and/or project implementation
• Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided relating to USG-specific procedures, regulations, and methods, to include: USAID project and financial management systems, application of USAID regulations, monitoring and evaluation, as well as periodic state-of-the-art training to maintain professional competency. Formal COR/AOR training is 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
• Language Proficiency: Level IV (fluent) in oral, reading and written English; Level IV (fluent) in oral, reading and written Portuguese; and limited oral proficiency in one or more Mozambican languages of instruction
• Job Knowledge: Highly specialized knowledge of international best practice in instruction and multi-sectoral education approaches and interventions; as well as the host country context, including priorities and challenges, funding sources, and key stakeholders engaged in the response to the global education crisis
• Thorough knowledge of the host country’s economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics and the history of development assistance; in particular, the response to the demands of the education sector, including current policy trends and directions. Specifically, the incumbent must have a thorough knowledge of the Mozambican Government's National Education Strategy, particularly in relation to gender, cultural, language of instruction policy, and child-youth issues as well as key sector priorities and policies, the Mozambican education system, in-country donor coordination and other donor programs. The jobholder is expected to have an in-depth understanding of USG foreign assistance policy with the host country. Working knowledge of USG strategic direction, chief accomplishments, and challenges. Experience must include education program management, design, and evaluation, as well as strategic planning and analysis relative to the country context. S/he must have thorough knowledge of education program design, implementation, and evaluation; and must have strong working knowledge of computer applications to carry out management and statistical analysis
• Skills and Abilities: The jobholder must possess strong strategic, technical, and analytical skills to improve educational quality and system performance. The position requires excellent organizational skills; professional judgement; and interpersonal skills in multi-cultural settings. The incumbent must be capable of producing high-quality work, often under time pressure and in complex situations. S/he must possess strong conceptual skills to be able to quickly grasp and translate new concepts, policies, and regulations into strategic planning and implementation. The jobholder must possess the ability to interact effectively with mid- and senior-level officials; and the ability to maintain collaborative working relationships within a team structure. The jobholder must possess strong oral and written communication, advocacy, and networking skills to lead and participate in discussions and meetings effectively. S/he demonstrates timely decision-making in planning and carrying out tasks related to progress of programs and projects under his/her responsibility. The jobholder must have the ability to identify significant economic, political, and social trends in the host country and assess their importance and impact on USAID development assistance objectives and programs, using diplomacy and tact
• The jobholder must demonstrate excellent computer skills, including advanced proficiency with the Microsoft and Google Office suites, web-based databases, and electronic filing

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
• Job Knowledge 25 points
• Skills and Abilities: 30 points
• Language Proficiency: 5 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• 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
• Eligible Offerors are required to submit electronically to the following email address a cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English as well as academic transcripts/diplomas: www.emprego.co.mz
• Offers must be received by the closing date specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the following email address www.emprego.co.mz
• Offeror submissions must clearly prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• 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