USAID Project Management Specialist (Family Planning/Reproductive Health) (m/f)

Description

• The Project Management Specialist – Family Planning/Reproductive Health (FP/RH) facilitates communication and ensures collaborative working relationships with high-level decision makers, as well as technical staff, in the Ministry of Health (MOH), with USAID/Washington counterparts, with other government entities, and with other development partners, donors and non-governmental organizations working in the health sector. The Specialist delivers analytical and technical assistance services to other bilateral/multilateral agencies, Government of Republic of Mozambique and civil society in developing and implementing policies and programs based on best practices and innovations in voluntary family planning and reproductive health. Representing the U.S. Government (USG), the jobholder leads national technical working groups, builds alliances with development partners, and provides essential communication and liaison within USAID offices and with other USG agencies
• The jobholder serves as the team’s senior advisor on family planning and reproductive health and provides leadership in identifying opportunities for USG engagement in family planning and reproductive health programming in the cooperating country. The jobholder will have broad experience working with national stakeholders including government, professional associations, and faith-based organizations. This senior position ensures that the Mission has the necessary strategic, technical, and management expertise to handle and successfully implement voluntary family planning and reproductive health programs and activities in the Integrated Health Office portfolio. The jobholder serves as the in-house subject matter expert on family planning and reproductive health and the Mission’s senior representative in policy, strategic and technical engagements with the interagency, cooperating-country government, international and bilateral organizations, and donor agencies to address technical issues and coordinate efforts in implementation of family planning and reproductive health activities. The jobholder has an understanding of global health issues, as well as the entire USAID/USG health portfolio, and serves as an Agreement Officer’s Representative/Contracting Officer’s Representative (AOR/COR) or Activity Manager for selected programs/projects/activities. As an AOR/COR, the jobholder monitors program performance and progress, identifies implementation achievements as well as problems in performance, and initiates appropriate actions in consultation with other FP/RH Team and Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths (PCMD) Division staff, and/or the Deputy and Office Director, as appropriate. As the Team Lead for family planning and reproductive health, responsible for leading Mission compliance with USG statutory requirements and policies for family planning resources
• The Specialist is a key member of the Integrated Health Office, Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths (PCMD) Team. The jobholder reports to the Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths (PCMD) Division Chief and has supervisory responsibility for up to five team members, including AORs/CORs, and provides mentoring and coaching to the entire IHO Office in the area of family planning and reproductive health
• The job holder may be expected to perform work-related travel
• 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
• 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.pdfhttps://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
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – Project Management Specialist (Family Planning/Reproductive Health), FSN-12 Equivalent
• 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
• PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about January 2023
• Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: January 2023 - January 2024
• Option Period 1: January 2024 – November 15, 2027

Duties

Technical and Strategic Leadership

• Serve as USAID’s technical expert and lead on family planning and reproductive health, providing high level technical guidance to the Mission, Government of the Republic of Mozambique, and other development partners
• Provide overall strategic and technical guidance and direction on FP activities and ensure that activities are appropriately integrated with Integrated Health Office and larger Mission activities and that the entire USAID portfolio of FP/RH activities comply with USG statutory requirements and policies for family planning resources
• Work closely with leadership across the Integrated Health Office and USAID/Mozambique Mission to ensure the quality of programs implemented by implementing partners meets relevant standards of care and incorporates known high impact family planning and reproductive health interventions
• Through literature review, research, and regular communication with local and international stakeholders, keep abreast of emerging developments in voluntary family planning approaches. Advise accordingly on how these policies and strategies can most effectively be incorporated to enhance USAID’s approaches
• Identify opportunities for integrated “state of the art” approaches, providing technical assessment and recommended strategies to pilot innovative interventions. Provide expert oversight and guidance to USAID implementing partners on newly emerging and highly efficacious approaches to voluntary family planning and reproductive health program implementation
• Provide strategic leadership in the preparation of key annual and mid-term planning and reporting documents including the Operational Plan, Congressional Budget Justifications, Technical Notifications, Quarterly, Semi-Annual and Annual Progress Reports and other ad hoc requests for information
• Identify and arrange for procurement of short-term technical assistance (STTA) and ensure that objectives and outcomes of the STTA are consistent with and support the furtherance of the Mission FP/RH portfolio
• Organize site visits and prepare orientation materials for delegations from USAID Headquarters (HQ), Department of State, other agencies and Congress

Program/Project/Activity Management

• Lead the design of project mechanisms and activities for improved health service delivery for voluntary family planning and reproductive health
• Serve as AOR/COR or Activity Manager for the Mission’s family planning and reproductive health activities, and supervise and provide guidance to subordinate staff serving as AORs/CORs for additional projects, including: reviewing and approving implementing partners’ (IPs) work plans, facilitating IP relationships and coordinating with local stakeholders (other IPs, host government counterparts, other development partners/donors, etc.) maintaining a schedule for and conducting regular site visits to review program implementation, compliance with USG family planning statutory requirements and policies, 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 Integrated Health Office Director regularly informed of program implementation progress, results, and issues/problems on a timely basis
• 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
• Ensures the implementation and monitoring of evolving family planning and reproductive health specific rules and regulations on USAID activities

Representation and Reporting

• Represent USAID at designated national, regional and international meetings that relate to family planning and reproductive health, including regular participation and leadership in national level technical working groups, professional associations, and related committees
• As requested by the Mission Director, Integrated Health Office Director and/or Unit Leader, represent USAID at meetings outside of the FP/RH field when needed
• As a member of the IHO Health Team, respond flexibly and capably to a wide range of work-related requirements including responding to requests for information from USAID/Washington and Congress
• Establish strategic working relationships with senior MOH and other relevant Ministry officials at the national and district level, development partners, civil society organizations, faith-based organizations, private sector health counterparts, and professional associations to enhance regular and timely sharing of information on issues related to family planning and reproductive health, including changes in key policies, and legal and regulatory environments that could affect the implementation of USAID programs

Supervision, Coaching/Mentoring and Staff Support

• Supervise cooperating-country nationals, which includes developing annual work objectives, mentoring and coaching, and facilitation of professional development. Conduct regular performance reviews and address any performance challenges that may arise
• Work with direct reports to determine training needs, help identify appropriate training opportunities and ensures fair participation in training
• Provide expert advice and guidance to direct reports on matters relating to family planning and reproductive health and how best the other program components could contribute to ensure an effective service cascade
• Supervision Received: The Supervisory USAID Project Management Specialist (Family Planning/Reproductive Health) will report to the Preventing Child and Maternal Deaths (PCMD) Division Chief, Integrated Health Office Director, Deputy Director, or his/her designee. Most assignments are self-generated and occur in the normal course of work and the jobholder exercises independence in most phases of his/her job responsibilities but determines those situations that must be coordinated with the supervisor or other team members. Completed work is accepted as technically correct and the overall work is reviewed in terms of results achieved
• Supervision Exercised: The Specialist will supervise up to five professional staff
• Available Guidelines: Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); AID Acquisitions Regulations (AIDAR); AID Automated Directives System (ADS Series); Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs); Office of Procurement Acquisition Memorandum (OPAMS); U.S. Department of State Standardized 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 family planning and reproductive health programming
• Exercise of Judgment: The jobholder will exercise a high degree of 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 guidance (for management/administrative issues) and evidence-based strategies (for technical issues) to advance the Mission’s objectives. 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: When fully designated as AOR/COR s/he will have full authority and responsibility as delegated by ADS, Mission, and USAID guidelines. 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 and important position in the Mission. S/he represents USAID in engagements with high levels of a variety of MoH officials at the district, provincial and national levels, donors, private and non-governmental organizations, and provides policy recommendations as well as strategic and programmatic advice to senior USAID and USG officials, other donors, and implementing partners. S/he is required to establish and maintain an extensive range of professional contacts/relationships with senior officials, heads of Agencies, and leaders of private and non-governmental sector institutions that partner on family planning and reproductive health activities. The purpose of the contacts is to seek and leverage funding, obtain and interpret information relevant to program activities, develop, influence and/or clarify strategy, and to transmit and interpret cooperating-country government attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials. Internally, the jobholder has routine and frequent contact with senior officials of the other members of the USAID/Mozambique Mission, personnel at the U.S. Embassy, USAID/Washington and other USG agencies such as the CDC, partnering organizations, institutional contractors, and consultants

Requisites

• Minimum qualifications required for this position:
• Education: Master’s degree or local equivalent from an accredited program in Public Health, International Development, Health, Social or Behavioral Sciences, Organizational Development, Epidemiology, Biology, Infectious Disease, Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing, or Nutrition is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in family planning. Prior experience working with or for bilateral or multilateral donors/stakeholders such as the World Bank, the Global Fund, UN agencies, or national-level public or private sector projects and ensuring compliance with U.S. Government rules and regulations
• Post Entry Training: On-the-job training will be provided relating to USG-specific procedures, regulations, and methods. 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 4 (fluent proficiency) English and Portuguese language proficiency, both oral and written, is required
• Job Knowledge: Expert-level knowledge and understanding of voluntary family planning and reproductive health approaches and interventions. Demonstrated senior-level knowledge of the overall health sector context as well as the key aspects of USG foreign assistance to the country. Working knowledge of USG and USAID’s strategic direction, its chief accomplishments and its challenges
• Skills and Abilities: The jobholder must possess strong technical and analytical skills in family planning and reproductive health. The jobholder must possess strong skills in communication, advocacy and networking. S/he must have strong conceptual and analytical skills to be able to quickly grasp and translate new concepts into operational plans and results
• This position requires an outstanding ability to exercise flexibility to be able to accept and react to evolving planning and implementation contexts. The jobholder must demonstrate excellent computer skills including skills with Microsoft Office, web-based databases, and electronic filing. S/he exercises individual judgment in his/her roles. S/he takes initiative and offers leadership in reviewing the progress of programs and projects under his/her personal and team’s responsibility, including performance reports, pipeline management, program implementation reviews, as well as fulfilling other USAID and USG reporting requirements. S/he demonstrates timely decision-making ability and extensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, using diplomacy and tact

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