USAID Project Management Specialist (Gender Advisor)

Description

• 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
• 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: 72065623R10013 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: USD59,111 – USD82,761 per annum, equivalent to FSN-11 (Step1-12). In accordance with AIDAR Appendix J and the Local Compensation Plan of USAID/Mozambique. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value
• PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about November 2023. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: November 2023 – November 2024
• Option Period 1: November 2024 – November 2028
• 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)
• Position Elements:
• Supervision Received: This position will be supervised by the Deputy Program Officer, or designee
• Supervision Exercised: The incumbent will supervise 1 or 2 CCN staff
• Available Guidelines: Available guidelines include USG program/project/activity guidance, rules, and requirements; USAID Mission Orders, Mission strategy, and other relevant reports; the Automated Directives System (ADS); USAID Mandatory and Standard Provisions, and the FAR and AIDAR
• Exercise of Judgment: The incumbent needs to exercise considerable judgment in providing advice compliant with Agency policies and procedures, and during interactions with host government officials, embassy counterparts, other international donors, implementing partners, consultants, TDYers, another USAID offices
• Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent is authorized to make commitments necessary with respect to scheduling and organizing activities within the statement of assigned responsibilities. The incumbent does not make monetary or contractual commitments. They may serve as Contracts Officer’s Representative (COR) for gender equality-related activities, for which they will have the authority to guide the implementer, under the oversight of the contracting office
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent deals with the working level and senior staff of implementing partners, as well as other international donors, local government, and embassy counterparts in order to plan and fulfill liaison, advising, and reporting duties. They must be able to obtain and assess a variety of information from such officials to review and analyze compliance status and recommend ways to improve. They work with all USAID/Mozambique offices, including technical teams, and support offices
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies
• The USAID Project Management Specialist (Gender Advisor) is a cross-cutting position located in the Program Office, under the supervision of the Deputy Program Officer, or designee. Their chief function is to advise and support the Mission on complying with the following policies and their successors: the Women’s Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act of 2018 (Section 3); U.S. Government and USAID gender equality- and equity-related policies and strategies such as, the USAID Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Policy and ADS 205, the U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace and Security, U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender Based Violence Globally, U.S. Global Women’s Economic Security Strategy, U.S. Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls, and the Nondiscrimination for Beneficiaries Policy; and any other relevant and/or related USAID or U.S. government policy or strategy. The incumbent will work across the Mission to advance these policies through all phases of the Program Cycle, including in strategic planning, activity design and implementation and monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Critically, the incumbent will strengthen the capacity of Mission staff and implementing partners to actualize these policies. The incumbent will work closely with the Mission’s CORs/AORs/Activity Managers, technical advisors, and other staff to 1. support, manage, facilitate, or conduct gender analyses and integration of results into the Mission’s work, including but not limited to, strategy development and program/activity solicitation and design; and 2. support implementation of gender analysis findings throughout the program cycle, including collection, analysis and reporting of disaggregated data and other gender-sensitive data to contribute to adaptive management, evidence-based decision making, and proper reporting. The Gender Advisor may serve as COR/AOR or Activity Manager for the Mission’s gender-focused awards. Using an intersectional approach, they will help promote equality and equity for women, men, and people of diverse gender identities in USAID’s programming. The Gender Advisor may supervise other FSN(s) with responsibilities relevant to this position description. The Gender Advisor may provide support to other missions which may require travel. The job holder may also be expected to provide field support and engage in other work-related travel
• 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
• 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
• 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 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-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:
• Item No (A)
• SERVICES (DESCRIPTION)(B)
• QUANTITY (C)
• UNIT (D)
• UNIT PRICE (E)
• AMOUNT(F)0001
• Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_ 1001 Option Period 1 – Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs) - Award Type: PSC - Product Service Code: R497 - Accounting Info: 1 LOT $ _TBD__ $_TBD at Award after negotiations with Contractor_Acquisition & Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins (AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs
• Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

Duties

• The Project Management Specialist (Gender Advisor) has the following duties:

Policy Advisor and Mission Representation (60%)

• Serve as the Mission’s Point of Contact for gender equality and provide highly qualified policy and technical advice to technical teams on compliance with USAID’s gender equality-related and other policies and legal requirements. Advise the Program Office, technical teams and Mission gender points of contact throughout all aspects of the Program Cycle to ensure that these policies and legal requirements are carried out in the implementation of USAID’s activities. Participate in the activity design process, as appropriate, to ensure that gender equality-related policies are integrated into sector specific activities using transformative, intersectional approaches. Provide updates on progress, challenges, and opportunities and seek input from Mission leadership, as appropriate. Lead or co-lead an internal interoffice gender working group with technical staff, other gender advisors, and Mission gender points of contact. Provide regular direct support to gender working groups among USAID implementing partners
• Provide leadership, promote coordination, and represent USAID, by providing input and participating in activities that contribute to Agency-wide gender-related efforts such as development of guidance or policy documents and participation in interagency collaboration and bilateral and multilateral meetings and events. Provide recommendations on how projects may be better designed to ensure that women, men, and people of diverse gender identities all benefit equitably from USAID investments. Serve as the Mission Liaison to relevant in-country collaborations including with the embassy, interagency gender working groups, gender donor coordination group, local government efforts, and related communities of practices, such as on GBV or inclusive development. Cultivate and maintain close relationships with stakeholders working on efforts that further USAID gender equality and women’s empowerment policy objectives. Routinely collaborate with others working on gender and inclusive development, such as Mission Inclusive Development or Youth Advisors, to advance these efforts. Routinely collaborate with others working on gender and inclusive development, such as Mission Inclusive Development or Youth Advisors, to advance these efforts. Work with the Development Outreach and Communications (DOC) team to coordinate USAID's participation and involvement in key global gender equality-related campaigns, such as International Women's Day, International Day of the Girl Child, 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, etc.
• Arrange for training and other capacity building activities for the Mission and the Mission’s implementing partners to help ensure compliance with gender-related policies
• Potentially supervise other FSN(s) with responsibilities relevant to this position description. The Gender Advisor may provide support to other Missions, Mission Gender Advisors, and Points of Contact, which may require travel

Documentation, Reporting and Training (20%)

• Manage, review, and/or draft Mission responses to reporting related to gender equality, including but not limited to narratives for the annual Performance Plan and Report and Operational Plan. Work with the Program Office Budget Specialist and Activity Managers to appropriately identify budget attributions for activities that support these policies, and to meet gender equality-related earmarks. Provide input to the DOC team on achievements of Mission Activities related to gender equality. Contribute as needed to other Mission reporting requirements. Participate in regular training to ensure up-to-date technical excellence, including USAID’s gender equality, gender-based violence, Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), and other gender equality or inclusive development related and AOR/COR professional development training

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (20%)

• Advise on Mission Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) efforts to support implementation of gender equality-related policies. Work with technical teams to review project and activity MEL plans and advise on how to ensure requirements such as data-disaggregation, standard F gender and custom gender indicators, and gender-based learning objectives are in place to comply with the relevant policies, including the Foundations for Evidence Based Policy Act, and to measure meaningful results. Review field reporting to ensure gender equality factors are assessed. Participate in field monitoring visits as appropriate to promote integration of and empowerment of women and men, girls and boys and people of diverse gender identities. Review all Portfolio Review submissions to help teams highlight gender-related achievements and advise them where programming could be strengthened through stronger gender integration. Review evaluation scopes of work and advise on compliance with gender-related policies

Requisites

• Minimum qualifications required for this position:
• Education: A minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Social Science, Law, Public Health or other relevant discipline is required
• Prior Work Experience: Minimum five (5) years of progressive increase in responsibilities in gender equality integration work including gender analysis, and gender integration to project design, implementation, and reporting. Experience must include design and implementation of gender equality and equity related projects, and conducting or drawing on gender analysis, monitoring and evaluation and/or international development research
• Post Entry Training: Relevant USAID training regarding U.S. Government and USAID policies and strategies detailing commitment to gender and inclusive development including, but not limited to, Gender 101 e-course, Achieving Development Objectives through Gender Integration course, the Preventing and Responding to Gender-based Violence course; Program Cycle; and Program Management. AOR/COR certification training will be provided as needed
• Language Proficiency: Level 4 (fluent) English and Level 4 (fluent) local language proficiency (Portuguese), both oral and written, is required
• Job Knowledge: The incumbent will be required to have a detailed knowledge of U.S. government, international donor, or other commonly utilized program and project management procedures and guidelines, particularly gender integration challenges, approaches, and best practices. A sound knowledge of the concepts, principles, techniques, and practices of development assistance is required. A sound knowledge of host-country economic, social, cultural, and political characteristics is required, particularly the challenges and impediments that the local context presents for women, youth, and other disadvantaged groups. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving gender equality guidelines and policies which affect overall program activities within the Mission such as the Automated Directives System (ADS), Agency Policies, Mission Orders, Mission Notices, and USAID Strategy and Policy Documents
• Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated ability to advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment within organizations and with external partners. The incumbent must have the ability to quickly develop a thorough understanding of USAID’s gender equality-related policies and put them into action. Excellent organizational skills are required. Demonstrated ability to work independently and in collaboration with other team members and units is required. The ability to establish and maintain contacts with implementing partners is required. The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, is necessary. The incumbent must be able to draft clear reports, analyses, and briefing documents in English, in a timely manner. The incumbent must also have excellent interpersonal and communication skills in order to: 1) facilitate productive professional relationships within USAID's culturally diverse team environment; 2) work calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure; 3) demonstrate extraordinary flexibility; 4) effectively manage multiple tasks at the same time, and 5) liaise effectively with embassy, host country officials, and other international donors. Gender-related training and/or certificate

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

• 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