USAID Project Management Specialist (Health Commodity) (m/f)

Description

• USAID/Mozambique seeks a Project Management Specialist (Health Commodity) to provide technical, and coordination services to support USAID/Mozambique's Health System Strengthening Team
• Reporting to the Senior Health Commodities Advisor, the Project Management Specialist (Health Commodity) will be a member of USAID/Mozambique’s IHO and HSS supply chain team with primary responsibilities focusing on providing technical, program, and project management support, specifically related to health commodity security, supply chain management, logistics, and procurement. The Project Management Specialist will also support strategic planning, development, and implementation of new programs and projects, as well as monitoring and evaluation of existing activities, commodity and implementing partners. The Project Management Specialist will be required to serve as the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR) and/or Activity Manager providing program management and administrative oversight and s/he will act as the Liaison of National Directorate of Pharmacy (Pharmaceutical Services) and USAID health programs and leads PELF implementation
• The Project Management Specialist will work across the USG interagency team, IHO, and MoH departments, including CMAM, the Directorate of Planning and Cooperation - Direcção de Planificação e Cooperação (DPC), the National Directorate of Medical Assistance - Direcção Nacional de Assistência Médica (DNAM), and Provincial Directorates of Public Health - Direcção Provincial de Saúde (DPSs)
• 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
• 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 ttps://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 - 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
• 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
• SUBJECT: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service
• Contractor (CCNPSC- Local Compensation Plan) – Project Management
• Specialist (Health Commodity), FSN-10 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
• 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.: 72065622R10011 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: USD48,098 – USD65,588 per annum, equivalent to FSN-10 (Step1-11). 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 August 2022. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise an additional option period for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: August 2022 - August 2023
• Option Period 1: August 2023 - August 2026
• 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

Duties

Program/Project Management: 70%

• Serves as AOR/COR, Activity Manager, and GATR for the assigned projects and activities under USAID/Mozambique Acquisition & Assistance instruments. Performs all responsibilities outlined in the AOR/COR designation letter in accordance with the Automated Directive System (ADS) 300 Series (specifically ADS 302 & 303). Examples include providing activity management oversight, field monitoring, data quality assessments, review and approval of partner progress reports, analysis and approval of financial expenditure data and project budget tracking, preparing annual activity incremental funding actions and/or technical amendments as needed
• Effectively manages bilateral mechanisms as A/COR or direct agreements as GATR, ensuring appropriate oversight, financial management, including capacity building activities that aims to support the seamless transition to GRM entities
• Serves as the Activity Manager for field support mechanisms leading to a successful implementation of activities through the development of an approved work plan, securing funding during the planning processes, and resolving any roadblocks with MISAU hindering implementation
• Monitors and evaluates implementing partner performance including reviewing of reports, identifying areas and suggestions for targeted performance improvement, sharing partner performance in the pharmacy sector within USAID, and carrying out periodic, structured field visits

Program/Project/Activity Development 30%

• Contributes to the strengthening of the pharmaceutical systems sector to ensure sustainable access and appropriate use of safe, effective, quality-assured, affordable essential medicines and medicines-related pharmaceutical services through the following:
• Supports the finalization of the Mozambican Pharmaceutical Sector Legal Framework and support the operationalization of the transformation of DNF into the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (ANARME)
• Engages with the private sector to understand legal, structural, and political barriers impeding the development of the private pharmaceutical sector in Mozambique, - Supports the development of the future Mission supply chain strategy including the development and analysis of creative and innovative ideas and analyzing the impact of past strategies, roadblocks and successes and providing recommendations for the future strategy based on that analysis
• Supports the implementation of the Pharmaceutical Logistics Strategic Plan (PELF) particularly activities related to the autonomy of CMAM (Comando Unico) and the development and implementation of intermediate warehouses and Logistics Management Information Systems (LMIS)
• Collects, analyzes and interprets information and data from other sources (e.g., other implementing partners, donors, MOH) as needed to identify additional opportunities to strengthen commodity procurement and logistics at all levels of the public health system
• Supports other work relevant to the general area of the duties and responsibilities of this position, as requested by USAID and the position may require travel to other regions of the country

Position Elements

• Supervision Received: The jobholder is expected to demonstrate a high level of independence, professionalism, judgment and responsibility. S/he will be given general oversight and direction by the Senior Health Commodities Advisor
• Supervision Exercised: The jobholder serves as COR/AOR, Activity Manager and GATR for the assigned activities. Provides guidance and mentoring to other members on IHO Team. No supervision of other staff
• Available Guidelines: 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; and, Emergency Plan guidelines, Country Operational Plans, the Mozambique Country Development Cooperating (CDCS) Five-Year Strategic Plan, and other published and unpublished guidelines. Guidelines are often general in nature and not specific to the situation at hand, requiring considerable interpretation
• Exercise of Judgment: Substantial judgment (discretion) is used daily in providing technical opinion and guidance to USG, USAID, and GRM colleagues, to IPs, and in representing USAID in stakeholder forums. Management decisions over certain IPs are at the discretion of the Specialist. Independent judgment is required for developing, implementing, and managing assigned programs/projects/activities, for reporting, and for other assignments. Substantial judgment is required in analyzing and determining whether or not to recommend approval of proposed programs/projects/activities, in choosing among alternative proposals, and in evaluating data for reliability
• Authority to Make Commitments: The job holder has no authority to commit funds on behalf of the USG; s/he has the authority and responsibility to make technical recommendations to senior management. The Specialist exercises the authority given to activity managers and CORs/AORs, and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission and IHO policy. The Specialist takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and superiors informed of activity and project status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the Specialist may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific activity, issue, or problem
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The Specialist has a full range of contacts within the Mission, at all levels, and maintains contact with Ips implementing USAID-funded programs/projects/activities in the sector. Within the Embassy, contacts are with counterpart staffs, and with senior staff as needed Host-government, local, and other, contacts vary widely with the type of activity being implemented, and may be at any level – including Ministerial, Deputy Minister, etc. Frequent and substantive personal contacts with senior-level officials of the GRM, MOH, WHO and UNICEF, mid-level leadership, provincial directorates and with the private sector, are for the purpose of explaining and defending USAID policies, objectives, and procedures, and to transmit and interpret GRM and private sector attitudes and concerns to senior USAID officials. In addition, the Specialist provides technical assistance and guidance on maternal, neonatal, reproductive health, and family planning best practices to USG staff, and GRM and NGO partners
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year
• Support Items: The incumbent will be provided with office space, equipment, and supplies
• Post Entry Training:
• Appropriate training on USAID-specific procedures, regulations, methods and other training courses offered for professional USAID staff to maintain professional capability in the field will be offered, subject to course offerings and the availability of funds. These include: Formal AOR/COR Certification training courses – Programming Foreign Assistance, Project Design and Management, GLAAS Requestor Training, Accruals Management Training as well as Leadership training and other professional relevant courses in-person/online/on-the-job training as necessary subject to availability of funding
• Physical Demands: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands

Requisites

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, Pharmacy, Project Management, Public Health, Industrial Engineering, or other related area, is required
• Prior Work Experience: Minimum of 5 (five) years of professional-level experience in supply chain and logistics preferably with a focus on health programs in developing countries and in an international or resource challenged setting with at least 4 (four) years of experience in contracted services management with increased emphasis on capacity building in contracted 3PL and 4PL management; Experience working with Ministries of Health or local government in a developing country. Familiarity with USAID and other major donors, such as the World Bank and Global Fund, funded supply-chain programs/projects/activities
• Language Proficiency: English (level IV written and oral) Portuguese (level IV written and oral) to communicate with all levels of personnel in the Mission, implementing partners, shareholders and host country officials of all levels, and prepare well-written reports. (Language proficiency will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: In-depth professional-level knowledge of supply chain management, logistics, and commodity security principles, concepts, and practices, especially as they relate to activities in developing countries, resource challenged settings, and/or complex environments. Knowledge and understanding of supply chain sector development problems, including contract management, resources and constraints. Detailed understanding of national supply chain management systems and Health and HIV/AIDS service delivery in the host country, including but not limited to procurement, warehousing and distribution, receipt and ordering of commodities, supply planning, quantification, and/or use of supply chain management information and management systems. In depth knowledge and understanding of the economic, political, social, and cultural characteristics of the host country; development problems in the health sector - the resources, resource constraints, and overall development prospects and priorities of the host country and the region. Knowledge of Mozambican, and other major donor legislation, policies, regulations, and practices. Strong knowledge and understanding, or the potential to quickly acquire, of USAID and USG project development, management, performance monitoring and reporting, procurement policies and procedures and knowledge of USAID’s Automated Directives Systems that guide development assistance activities. Professional knowledge of USAID’s role and methods in providing public health development assistance
• Skills and Abilities: Strong writing, communication, organizational, and IT (proficiency in office programs and data base managers – e.g. Microsoft Office) skills are required. Proven ability to communicate quickly, succinctly, and tactfully in both speech and writing; ability to facilitate meetings and to make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural context, along with the ability to produce concise, clear reports skills. Project management skills, focusing on financial and contract management, reporting and monitoring, evaluation and learning, in order to improve the implementation of HSS activities in the country. This will support PEPFAR, Family Planning, MCH and GRM in achieving their HSS goals and objectives. Interpersonal skills to be a more effective member of the Supply Chain team and the Integrated Health Team, in general; Private sector engagement (PSE) skills through familiarity with the agency and Mission approach to PSE and implementation approaches and strategy

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