USAID Project Management Specialist (Infrastructure)

Description

• The USAID Project Management Specialist (Infrastructure) provides management, oversight, and supervision of all comprehensive, strategic, technical and managerial services in support of the Mission’s technical offices, including facility construction and renovation activities. S/he is the Mission’s expert technical infrastructure advisor to the interagency, host country counterparts within the government Ministries, water authorities, and public works entities in the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of Mission’s infrastructure activities, including non-USG funded works. The Specialist serves in the USAID/Mozambique Program Office
• The Specialist exercises extensive judgement in strategic infrastructure program planning, appropriate implementing mechanism development, carrying out implementation tasks, resolving problems and conflicts, and in taking necessary steps to meet deadlines, where delays may impact objectives and results of the Government of the Republic of Mozambique (GoRM), United States Government (USG), and Mission activities where sustainable infrastructure is required for success. The Specialist ensures value engineering, best construction practices, and building local capacity for operation and maintenance are a part of activity design and implementation. The Specialist is the sole Mission technical infrastructure Specialist and advisor to the interagency, host-country counterparts, and public works entities in the planning, development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of infrastructure activities, including non-USG funded works
• The job holder may be expected to perform work-related travel
• Subject: Solicitation for a Cooperating Country National Personal Service Contractor (CCNPSC) – USAID Project Management Specialist (Infrastructure), FSN-11 Equivalent
• Dear Prospective Offerors:
• The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in Mozambique is seeking applications 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
• Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the attached information
• Solicitation No. 72065620R100034 opened to all Mission current employees and external candidates who meet the stated qualifications
• Market Value: USD54,568– USD76,403 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 market value
• Period of Performance: The base period will be one year, estimated to start on or about November 2020. Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise additional option periods for the dates estimated as follows:
• Base Period: November 2020 – November 2021
• Option Period 1: +November 2021-November 15, 2022
• 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)
• Benefits and Allowances:
• This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• USAID Regulations, Policies and Contract Clauses pertaining to PSCs:
• USAID regulations and policies governing CCN/TCN PSC awards are available at these sources:
• USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and with a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf
• 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 USAID Project Management Specialist (Infrastructure) performs program management duties for all Mission infrastructure activities, including facility construction and rehabilitation, and oversight services for site works of multiple concurrent activities. The work includes providing technical guidance to other activity managers and Contracting/Agreement Officer Representatives (CORs/AORs) managing programs/projects/activities with infrastructure components. In the planning, design, and implementation of the infrastructure portfolio, the Specialist coordinates with GoRM counterparts and officials, USAID and other USG colleagues, construction and oversight contractors, and activity stakeholders. Major duties and responsibilities are highlighted in the following functional categories:

Program Management (45%)

• Provides engineering and other technical assistance advice and guidance in infrastructure planning, design, implementation, and evaluation, including conceptualization, analysis, technical and public policy reviews, scopes of work, cost estimates, and approval documentation
• As infrastructure lead, participates in USG country operational planning and interagency working groups that involve infrastructure design, construction, and renovation activities, identifying and resolving cross-cutting issues
• Leads and/or participates in the acquisition and assistance processes, e.g., as chair or as a member of Technical Evaluation Committees for USAID construction and renovation activities
• Coordinates and reviews all infrastructure planning and review activities, including PEPFAR Country Operational Plan (COP), Operational Plan (OP), Health Implementation Plan (HIP), Malaria Operational Plan (MOP), Portfolio and Financial Reviews (PFRs), and Quarterly Monitoring reviews
• Provides technical advice for, and prepares key strategic, planning, performance, and budget documents, such products as action memorandums, the COP, semi-annual and annual progress reports, and congressional notifications
• Fulfill all monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and reporting requirements in accordance with, USG, and USAID requirements
• Manages strategic multi-year infrastructure program roadmaps, that include all present and planned activities, including key elements such as location, characteristics, budget, and status
• Ensures efficient infrastructure program, project, and activity resource allocation
• Ensures infrastructure design compliance with GoRM, USG, USAID, and Mission codes, conditions, and requirements, including adherence to environmental and safety regulations; and Serves as the Shelter Officer on the Mission Disaster Response Team

Partner Management (45%)

• Manages contracts, ensuring compliance with stated objectives and targets in the contract and exercising all tasks within COR/AOR guidelines, including change orders and claims
• Maintains up-to-date, effective mechanisms for periodically reviewing the status of the infrastructure activity implementation plans for each implementing partner (IP)
• Conducts regular scheduled site visits to monitor and verify construction and renovation activities, and to the extent feasible these site visits involve appropriate GoRM and other counterparts, at the provincial and district levels
• Ensures IP compliance with GoRM, USG, USAID, and Mission codes, conditions, and requirements, including adherence to environmental and safety regulations
• Maintains an environmental monitoring and reporting system among all IPs carrying out infrastructure activities, reviews their periodic reports, and reports to the Mission’s Environmental Officer (MEO); and Works closely with all IPs (separately and collectively, as needed) to identify lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from the infrastructure program

Host-Government Engagement (10%)

• Provides technical assistance and collaboration with the GoRM in the strategic planning, procurement, and implementation of infrastructure programs/projects/activities at the central, provincial, and district levels of the MOH, water authorities, and public works entities
• Assures Program Office portfolio alignment with interagency, GoRM, and other donor supporting activities; and Collates the infrastructure programs of other sector donors into a shared database for joint planning purposes
• Supervisory Relationship: The USAID Project Management Specialist (Infrastructure) works under the very general supervision of the Deputy Program Office Chief., and/or his/her designee, and the closer but general supervision of the Supervisory Infrastructure Program. Assignments are made orally and in writing. Most assignments occur in the normal course of the work, but the Specialist is required to determine those that must be coordinated with the supervisor. The supervisor provides a review of the assignment, the goals and objectives to be achieved, and the results expected. The Specialist will seek advice and assistance as required. Work is reviewed in terms of results achieved
• Supervisory Exercised: None
• Available Guidelines: General guidance for program initiatives can be found in the Country Development Cooperation Strategy, Country Operational Plans, and GoRM strategic planning documents. For individual activity information, guidelines can be found in the contracts, annual work plans and budgets, quarterly reports, and formal evaluations
• Exercise of Judgment: Relying on professional training and experience, the facts of the current situation, and relevant sources of guidance, the exercise of well-developed professional judgment in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs/projects/activities is an important component of the position, which involves working with institutions in areas of political and social sensitivity. The Specialist exercises significant independent judgment, under the guidance of the Division Chief and the Program Office senior management team. The Specialist applies a clear understanding of international values concerning USAID programs, and his/her role in supporting services. Success relies heavily on understanding these sensitivities, and the development of a flexible approach to dealing with potential implementation problems. In addition, good judgment is necessary in assessing progress in meeting performance criteria, technical assistance finding solutions to complex situations, and making appropriate recommendations to facilitate progress towards program goals
• Authority to Make Commitments: The Specialist exercises the authority given to program/project/activity managers, and may make administrative arrangements consistent with ADS guidance and Mission policy. The Specialist takes action and establishes priorities based on available guidelines and professional judgment. Guidance is sought when needed, and the supervisor informed of program/project/activity status. Within the scope of the authority delegated, the incumbent may indicate to ranking counterpart and IP officials that they will make a recommendation to USAID on a specific program/project/activity issue or problem. The incumbent may negotiate ad referendum for the immediate supervisor
• Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The Specialist must interact with tact and good judgment with superiors, colleagues, and partners, both inside and outside the USG team, including the GoRM, for purposes of strategic planning, providing technical assistance, effectively managing programs, collecting needed information, and communicating about project activities
• Post Entry Training: USAID Project and Financial Management systems; United States foreign assistance laws, regulations, and policies; USAID business processes and procedures; acquisition and assistance (COR/AOR) certification, monitoring and evaluation training, as well as periodic state-of-the-art training to maintain professional competency and licenses will be provided based on course relevance, offerings, and availability of funds. This may include appropriate on-the-job training and other opportunities CCN PSCs may participate in temporary duty (TDY) travel to USAID/Washington and other Missions in order to participate in the Foreign Service National Fellowship Program described in ADS 495maa
• Time Expected to Reach Full Performance Level: One year

Requisites

• Minimum Qualifications Required for this Position:
• Education: A US-equivalent University Degree in civil engineering, architecture, architectural engineering, city planning, construction management, or other relevant field is required
• Prior Work Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible, professional-level experience in the planning, engineering, and construction of infrastructure projects, including experience in water system implementation, with at least three years of this experience in a developing country, preferably in Mozambique or the Southern Africa region. Demonstrated experience supporting national and regional stakeholders in planning and implementing construction programs/projects/activities is required
• Language Proficiency: Level IV English and Portuguese (fluency proficiency), both oral and written is required. (This will be tested)
• Job Knowledge: Familiarity with construction and renovation programs and interventions, as well as health services in context of public health programs is required. Practical knowledge of the methods and techniques used to convey engineering and architectural ideas and information, on drawings and final construction drawings, is required. Substantive knowledge of sound construction practices and the range of suitable construction materials generally available in developing countries are necessary for success in the position. Also a substantive knowledge of the design of relatively simple structures and knowledge of international donor operations and procedures is required
• Skills and Abilities: Strong organization and management skills, analytical and research skills, social and professional judgment, excellent interpersonal skills in cross-cultural and multi-level settings, and an ability to interact effectively with mid- and senior-level government officials, and to maintain collaborative working relationships within a team structure are required. The work requires the ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate information regarding infrastructure facilities and services; project management techniques, including using consultants and contractors to complete the work; the ability to develop and maintain effective working-level and management-level contacts, in the context of development activities with government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector; the ability to work effectively within team and interagency environments, and to coordinate well with others; and, the ability to interpret regulatory directives and related guidance. The Specialist must have well-developed computer skills, in order to implement, analyze, monitor, and manage activity goals, inputs, outcomes, and achievements, both program and impact, including Word, Excel, AutoCad, and database software. Financial management and administrative skills are required to track the performance of IPs and programs/projects/activities. And, the work requires the ability to present information analyses and recommendations in clear written and oral formats. The Specialist must be capable of producing high quality work, often under severe time pressures and in complex work and physical situations; be able to communicate effectively in English, in writing and verbally, and lead and participate in discussions and meetings effectively; and, be able to rapidly analyze information, evaluate data, and prepare reports and related documents in English

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 - 20 points
• Prior Work Experience - 25 points
• Language Proficiency - 10 points
• Job Knowledge - 20 points
• Skills and Abilities - 25 points
• Maximum Points: 100 points

Notes

• Submit a cover letter in English with CV/Applicant Resume in English
• 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
• To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission
• Only candidates selected for interviews will be informed in writing of the Selection Committee’s final decision
• Any application received in Portuguese will not be considered. Only English applications will be considered
• 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. Only the short listed candidates will be invited for a language test
• Candidates successfully passing the language exam will be invited for an oral interview Final selection will be based on the application package, language abilities, and oral interview. This is a local position and compensation will be in accordance with the Local Compensation Plan
• 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
• Per this scoring, Prior Work Experience and Skills and Abilities are the most important factors, followed by Education, Job Knowledge and Language Proficiency. 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 an oral interview. Candidates successfully passing the oral interview will be invited for a language exam 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, reference checks and written test. 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