USAID President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Deputy Country Coordinator

ISSUANCE DATE: July 10 , 2014 CLOSING DATE: August 09 , 2014 SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor –PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified United States (US) citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation for services in Harare, Zimbabwe. Interested applicants must submit: (1) An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume : Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation. (2) Form OF-612 : This form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612; and, (3) References : Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the Minimum Qualifications listed in the solicitation. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-a-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Please note that the U.S. mail system is not as reliable as other methods of submitting applications. Preferred methods include: courier, overnight mail service, hand delivery, fax (at the number below), or emailing scanned copies to [email protected] . Applications must be signed and dated. In addition, hard copies of certain documents may be requested. Applicants are responsible for submitting the OF-612, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation whether submitted by courier, overnight mail services, hand delivery, fax or e-mail. An application received after the closing date and time will be considered late, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.412. USAID/Zimbabwe reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Methods of Submission of an Application: 1. Hand Deliver and Courier To : USAID/Zimbabwe Office of Human Resources 1 Pascoe Avenue Belgravia Harare Zimbabwe 2. Via U.S. Mail : USAID/Zimbabwe Office of Human Resources 2180 Harare Place Washington D.C. 20521 – 2180 4. If sent via email: Human Resources Office E-mail address: [email protected] All questions in response to this solicitation must be directed to: Ms. Zandile Goromonzi Human Resources Specialist Telephone: +263 4 252401 Ext 235 Cell: +263-77-2-565964 E-mail address: [email protected] Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures accompanying their applications. Sincerely, Robert Appiah Supervisory Executive Officer 1. SOLICITATION NUMBER : SOL-613-14-000007 2. ISSUANCE DATE : July 10, 2014 3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME : Saturday, August 9, 2014, 17:00 Local Time, Harare, Zimbabwe 4. POSITION TITLE : PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator 5. MARKET VALUE OF POSITION : The position is the equivalent of a GS-13, ranging from $72,391 to $94,108 per annum. Final compensation will be based on individual’s salary and work history, experience and educational background, within the GS-13 range. 6. EVALUATION FACTORS: Evaluation will be based on a 100-point Scale: Education (10 Points); Work Experience (40 points); and Abilities and Skills (50 points). 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE : Two (2) years, with the possibility of extensions pending need, performance and funding, not to exceed a total of five (5) years. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : Harare, Zimbabwe 9. SECURITY ACCESS : Secret Clearance (USPSCs) 10. AREA OF CONSIDERATION : U.S. Citizens 11. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION : I. SCOPE OF WORK Introduction and Background : Launched in 2003, U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), holds a place in history as the largest effort by any nation to combat a single disease. PEPFAR-Zimbabwe currently manages a US$ 95 million dollar (FY2014) program to support HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention and care activities in Zimbabwe. It engages a number of partners in the public and private sectors, including government ministries and agencies, academic institutions, international and Zimbabwean non-governmental organizations, professional associations, faith based organizations, international organizations and other entities that provide HIV-related services. The program is implemented in Zimbabwe in cooperation and coordination with the Government of Zimbabwe (GoZ). The Zimbabwe PEPFAR program is guided by the global PEPFAR goals under the framework of the PEPFAR Blueprint: 1. Transition from an emergency response to promotion of sustainable country programs. 2. Strengthen partner government capacity to lead the response to this epidemic and other health demands. 3. Expand prevention, care and treatment in concentrated and generalized epidemics. 4. Integrate and coordinate HIV/AIDS programs with broader global health and development programs to maximize impact on health systems. 5. Invest in innovation and operations research to evaluate impact, improve service delivery and maximize outcomes. A PEPFAR Zimbabwe strategy is being finalized to further guide the country program towards specific objectives relevant to the Zimbabwe context to be achieved through PEPFAR investments through 2015. USG HIV/AIDS activities in Zimbabwe fall under the responsibility of the PEPFAR/Zimbabwe Team, under the leadership of the Ambassador, with principal membership being the US Agency for International Development (USAID/Zimbabwe), the US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (HHS/CDC/Zimbabwe), the US Embassy Public Affairs Section (PAS), and US Embassy Political and Economic Office of Self-Help Program. Issues addressed by the Team include PEPFAR program implementation (program planning, budgeting, oversight, and reporting), support and assistance to The Global Fund to Fight Against AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria activities and coordination with the GoZ and other health sector donors on HIV/AIDS and health-related assistance. II. Basic Functions : Reporting to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC) in Zimbabwe, the PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator will support the full mandate of the PEPFAR Zimbabwe Coordination Office. The Deputy Country Coordinator will work closely with the Country Coordinator to ensure full communications between and among the various U.S. government (USG) agencies involved in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Zimbabwe as well as communicating with the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), particularly the Zimbabwe Country Support Team Lead. The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator in Zimbabwe manages critical and time-sensitive communications and work products between and among the various US government (USG) agencies involved in the PEPFAR Zimbabwe Program. The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator liaises routinely with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator in Washington DC. In the absence of the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC), the PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordination acts as the PEPFAR Country Coordinator. III. Duties and Responsibilities : Principal Responsibilities include: a) Working under the direction of the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC), provides day-to-day coordination in implementing the USG PEPFAR program. Supports the PCC as the focal point for all USG matters related to HIV and AIDS. b) Participates in PEPFAR Zimbabwe policy and technical discussions and strategic planning and negotiations with the GoZ, cooperating partners and the USG interagency team to implement PEPFAR investment priorities. c) Applies knowledge and expertise in HIV and AIDS, primary health care and health policy to situate effective HIV/AIDS strategies and programs within the broader health sector agenda. d) In conjunction with the PCC, supports the development of Annual Operational Plans and reporting to Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), and ensures appropriate documentation of programming and results achieved by programs implemented by all partners, including Semi-Annual and Annual Progress Reports. e) Interfaces within the USG agencies to ensure the full and effective implementation of all PEPFAR programs and initiatives. Works with OGAC to ensure the full implementation of all PEPFAR policies and directives from Washington; and the timely submission of all PEPFAR documents including the Country Operations Plan (COP), the Semi Annual Performance Review (SAPR), Annual Performance Review (APR), and all other required documentation and reporting. f) The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator will be expected to remain current at all times on national, development partner, and global coordination mechanisms related to HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, including the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism. g) Serves as Acting PEPFAR Country Coordinator when the PCC is out of the office. IV. Specific Duties shall include: a) HIV/AIDS Coordination and Planning with the Zimbabwe Interagency Collaborative Team and US Mission to Zimbabwe Manages all logistical and practical support for scheduled and ad hoc meetings of the PEPFAR Collaborative Team and Interagency Technical Teams, as well as meetings with partners in Zimbabwe Develops and manages compliance with annual calendars and work plans for production of the Country Operational Plan (COP) Provides oversight and technical guidance to the teams and personnel responsible for quality assurance and data entry for the Country Operational Plan (COP) Liaises with the PCC to manage communications with the US Embassy/Zimbabwe front office and public affairs section (PAS) Serves as co-convener (with the PCC) of regular meetings of PEPFAR agency liaisons from USAID, CDC, PAS, and Self-help Program for optimal coordination of programs b) HIV/AIDS Subject Matter Specialist Provides technical support for Strategic Information activities (SI) for HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment mitigation, particularly as the work relates to the production of the Annual Program Report; Semi-Annual Program Report; and Expenditure Analysis. Participates in National and USG Technical Working Groups (TWGs) as relevant (Strategic Information, Management, Health Systems Strengthening) Participates in inter-agency sites visits as relevant c) HIV/AIDS Coordination with the Office of the Global AIDS coordinator (OGAC) Participates in teleconferences with the Zimbabwe Core Team and OGAC Zimbabwe country lead Serves as first point of contact for ad hoc queries from OGAC regarding status of overall planning and reporting for PEPFAR in Zimbabwe Liaises with OGAC budget and appropriations staff and in-country participating agencies to ensure rapid and effective availability and use of funds With the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, manages iterative participation in headquarters interagency reviews of the annual Zimbabwe Country Operational Plans, , semi-annual and annual performance reporting, Expenditure Analysis, and other PEPFAR-wide review processes d) Promotes PEPFAR-related Public Affairs and Diplomacy initiatives. Assists the PEPFAR Zimbabwe team in planning and executing site visits and other events for visiting officials and dignitaries. Works with the PCC and the US Embassy Public Affairs Officer (PAO) to ensure timely and complete responses to media requests for information on PEPFAR in Zimbabwe. Works with the PCC to proactively identify and plan opportunities for Mission leadership (Ambassador; DCM; and CDC and USAID Country Directors) to highlight PEPFAR success stories. e) Budgeting, Personnel Management and Administrative Responsibilities With the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, tracks expenditures and pipelines, reprogramming, and FACTS Info data against annual operating budgets for the PEPFAR Country Coordination Office Provides technical and leadership support with special projects as requested f) Other Duties As Assigned V. Qualifications: To be considered, the applicant must have: MPH, MSH, or PhD in health, public health, epidemiology, sociology or related field. Minimum five years’ experience in public health/development programs in developing countries with demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in (a) program analysis and planning, and (b) planning and management of programs in developing countries. Minimum three years’ demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program management and implementation, especially within a developing country or resource-poor context. Knowledge of and experience with complex, web-based program planning and reporting databases. Ability to analyze and monitor complex health situations. High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy; to analyze, develop and present work; and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work constructively in diverse teams. Fluent English speaking, reading, and writing are required. Knowledge of the terms related to HIV and AIDS and health system issues related to service delivery is required. Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate implementation of detailed work plans/timelines for major time-sensitive and complex work projects that are dependent on contributions from multiple agencies and numerous individuals. Ability to work and reside in Zimbabwe. Familiarity with USG systems and implementation mechanisms. VI. Personal Attributes: The successful applicant will have: Highly effective interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in operating effectively in cross-cultural environments and working within interagency settings; Demonstrated teamwork skills; Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues, orally and in written format; Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with multiple partners; Demonstrated high degree of sound judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret technical and political opportunities and constraints; Demonstrated ability to keep track of a large amount of data and manage complex inter-agency planning and reporting processes; Demonstrated strong conceptual, analytical, and reasoning skills; Demonstrated ability to mediate inter-agency conflicts and facilitate consensus decisions on complex technical, programmatic, strategic, and financial issues; Strong capacity to multi-task; including managing, prioritizing, and fulfilling competing demands in real time. VII. Other considerations: Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of and experience with complex, web-based program planning and reporting databases. Ability to analyze and monitor complex health situations. High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy; to analyze, develop and present work; and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work constructively in diverse teams. Work Environment : Normal office environment with some travel required. Probationary Period : Within two months of entry into the position, the employee will demonstrate: · A good working knowledge of PEPFAR policy and overall objectives in Zimbabwe as well as a thorough understanding of the country program, its overall design, and structure. · An excellent working relationship with all USG personnel and local partner representatives engaged in PEPFAR implementation so that information can be gathered and shared openly and expeditiously. An excellent working relationship with the PEPFAR Strategic Information Team is essential. · Familiarity with the USG budgeting process, in particular the PEPFAR budgeting cycle that includes reprogramming and knowledge of accountability for USG spending. · Ease in interacting with a range of representatives from many levels, from high-level US and Zimbabwean colleagues to local implementing partners. VIII. Supervision: General direction and supervision provided by the PEPFAR Country Coordinator. Although the incumbent will be a senior member of a very dynamic team in a fast-paced environment, he/she must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. The incumbent is accountable for the effective performance of the PEPFAR Country Coordination Office and the ability for team members to work together to prioritize actions for effective implementation. IX. Evaluation of performance: In addition to the personnel evaluation procedures of the employing agency and its agent, the PEPFAR Country Coordinator may obtain a “360 degree” evaluation seeking the perspectives of at least one representative of each USG implementing agency, directly supervised staff involved in coordinating PEPFAR activities, and key host government interlocutors. The results of the 360 degree evaluation will be shared with DCM and the Ambassador. The review will serve as the basis for determining whether the Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator’s terms of employment is renewed. X. Selection Factors: Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. The following factors are listed in descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary. In order to be considered for this position, a candidate must meet the Required Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of Required Minimum Qualifications, Desired Qualifications and Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to a resume, OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors listed below: 1. Work Experience (40 points): Minimum five years’ experience in public health/development programs in developing countries with demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in (a) program analysis and planning, and (b) planning and management of programs in developing countries. Minimum three years’ demonstrated experience in strategic planning, program management and implementation, especially within a developing country or resource-poor context. 2. Education (10 points): MPH, MSH, or PhD in health, public health, epidemiology, sociology or related field. 3. Abilities and Skills (50 points): Knowledge of and experience with complex, web-based program planning and reporting databases. Ability to analyze and monitor complex health situations. High degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret strategy; to analyze, develop and present work; and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work constructively in diverse teams. XI. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS: A) APPLYING For applicants to be considered for this position the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position. i). Marking Applications : To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation. ii). CV/Resume : An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation. iii). Form OF-612 : The submitted form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612. Form 612 is available at the USAID web site, http:/www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov , or at USG offices. iv). References : Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter. The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. v). Required Forms for PSCs : The required shall be provided upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. vi). Late Submissions : Qualified individuals should note that applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, local time, on the date specified on the covering letter to this solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information. USAID/Zimbabwe reserves the right not to award any contract as a result of this solicitation. B) SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES i). Medical Clearance : Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual and eligible dependents will be required to obtain a medical clearance or waiver for the country of performance specified. Instructions for obtaining the medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded. ii). Security Clearance : Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a “secret clearance”. A temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded. C) REGULATIONS/BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES i). USAID Regulations : 1. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) : CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this web site – http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBs apply to this contract. 2. AIDAR : The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts with U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID. ii). Benefits, Allowances and U.S. Taxes : As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed): 1. Benefits : a) Employee’s FICA Contribution (applicable to USPSCs only) b) Annual Contribution towards Health and Life Insurance (applicable to US & TCNPSCs) c) Pay Comparability Adjustment - - Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (applicable to US & TCNPSCs) d) Worker’s Compensation (applicable to US & TCNPSCs) e) Vacation and Sick Leave (applicable to US & TCNPSCs) f) Access to Health Unit if employee and/or dependents are medically cleared to serve at post of assignment 2. Allowances * (If Applicable) : a) Post Differential (Section 500) b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) c) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) d) Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220) e) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) f) Payment During Evacuation (Section 600) g) Education Allowance (Section 270) h) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) i) Danger Pay (Section 650) j) Educational Travel (Section 280) * Dept of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) 3. In-Kind Allowances : The USG will provide the following in-kind allowances, on par with US Direct Hires at the same location, in lieu of some allowances in paragraph “2. Allowances* (If Applicable)” above: a) Housing b) Furniture c) Appliances d) Furnishings (drapes/blinds, rugs, lights, etc.) e) Utilities f) Guard Services for Residence 4. Federal and State Taxes : a. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes and will be withheld from compensation payments. b. State Taxes: USAID does not withhold state taxes from compensation payments. State taxes are solely between the employee and the employee’s state of official residence. END OF SOLICITATION