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[email protected] Dominican Republic, 10605 USAID.GOV | @USAID SOLICITATION NUMBER : 72053220B00001 ISSUANCE DATE : July 20th, 2020 CLOSING DATE AND TIME : August 20th, 2020 1630 ET SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) Dear Prospective Offerors: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), 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 of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned 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 offer. Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contact specified in the Attachment 1 . Sincerely, Samuel Carter Contracting Executive Officer I. GENERAL INFORMATION 1. SOLICITATION NO .: 72053220B00001 2. ISSUANCE DATE : July 20, 2020 3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS : August 20, 2020 1630 ET 4. POINT OF CONTACT : Farah Canaan / Soraya Morillo USAID/Dominican Republic Telephone Number: 809-368-7101 Cell Phone Number: 809-754-8570 E-mail:
[email protected] E-mail:
[email protected]. 5. POSITION TITLE : Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor 6. MARKET VALUE : $92,977.00 - $120,868.00 equivalent to GS-14 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value. 7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE : One year from the date of appointment with the possibility of a one-year extension pending need for the position, performance and funds availability. The position will be available in January/February 2021. 8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE : The position will be based in Kingston, Jamaica. 9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS : United States Citizens (USs), and U.S. permanent resident aliens 10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED : Secret security clearance. The selected applicant must be able to obtain and maintain an employment authorization security clearance as provided by USAID. 11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES : Introduction USAID/Jamaica seeks to fill a USPSC - Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor position. This role will provide technical and supervisory leadership to a health team that when fully staffed, will comprise four (4) FSNs who manage a regional portfolio of approximately US$4 million in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) funding across Barbados, Guyana and Jamaica and $700,000 in emergency resources to aid Jamaica’s in-country response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Background USAID remains at the forefront of the U.S. Government (USG) response in the fight against AIDS. USAID is a key partner in PEPFAR, the largest commitment ever by any nation for an international health initiative dedicated to a single disease. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago are the two new focus countries for the US Government's Caribbean Regional PEPFAR Program. Moving forward, USAID programming will focus on Jamaica, with limited regional resources devoted to extending lessons learned and enhancing knowledge sharing across the Caribbean region. USAID’s Caribbean Regional PEPFAR program is currently based in Jamaica, with Jamaica as the seat of regional program management covering PEPFAR activities in Barbados and Guyana in addition those in Jamaica. The mission collaborates with other U.S. Government agencies, including the State Department, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. The USPSC - Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will be closely involved in planning, collaborating, and negotiating with these agencies to manage the overall activities under the overall PEPFAR Caribbean Regional Program as defined in the yearly inter-agency Regional Operational Plan (ROP). Located approximately 500 miles from the United States (U.S.), Jamaica’s economy is largely focused on exports and activities tied to external markets, including that of the US. Jamaica enjoys a stable macroeconomy, reduced inflation, relatively high GDP per capita, and a high literacy rate. Jamaica demonstrates high levels of commitment and capacity for development compared to other low- and middle-income countries. Yet challenges persist. Jamaica continues to suffer high rates of crime and violence. As a small island developing state in a hurricane belt and earthquake zone, Jamaica remains particularly vulnerable to external shocks and natural disasters. The country is not on track to achieve 2020 targets for HIV epidemic control. Thus mission interventions support Jamaica to improve citizen security, enhance its resilience to natural and weather related shocks and control the country’s HIV epidemic. In Jamaica, the total UNAIDS estimated number of people who are living with HIV (PLHIV) has dropped to 32,617 with only 84% diagnosed, 44% on life saving ART, and 28% virally suppressed. PEPFAR remains committed to support the Government of Jamaica’s effort to reach the 90-90-90 targets and achieve epidemic control. The current program aims to increase case finding, treatment linkage and retention in Jamaica to support the Government of Jamaica’s National Strategic Plan for HIV Epidemic Control. Specific aims as articulated in the PEPFAR Caribbean Regional Program’s Strategic Direction Summary for FY21 include: 95% of diagnosed PLHIV are on treatment, and 85% of PLHIV on ART are virally suppressed by FY21. Although the cascade analysis shows that Jamaica is making gains in achieving the first 90, with 84% of the PLHIV already diagnosed, there are still significant gaps in finding key populations to test, linking patients to care and starting ART, retention and adherence, and achieving viral -load suppression. A priority for PEPFAR in Jamaica is to ensure access to high quality, comprehensive HIV services for key populations (KP), defined by PEPFAR to include sex workers (SW), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM) and men who have sex with men and women (MSMW). Some of the important factors driving the HIV epidemic include multiple concurrent partners, including Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), who have sex with women and/or other MSMs, insufficient condom use, gender inequality, and stigma and discrimination. Similar to global trends, HIV prevalence among MSMs in the English speaking Caribbean remains much higher than that observed among the general population. Jamaica has been described as having the highest HIV prevalence rate in the Caribbean among the target population of MSMs KPs are disproportionately affected by HIV- with prevalence as high as 32% among MSM- because they engage in behaviors that significantly increase the risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV. Additionally, country laws and cultural norms criminalize and marginalize these behaviors resulting in these populations facing social stigmatization, and lack of an enabling environment creates barriers of access to HIV services for KPs. PEPFAR programming emphasizes the continuum of response across HIV prevention, care and treatment, and the links between community-based and clinical services. There is significant need for targeted, quality interventions tailored to KPs in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, the two new focus countries for the interagency PEPFAR Caribbean Regional Program. In Jamaica, the USAID PEPFAR program is in the process of shifting to community level interventions and approaches to meet the needs key and vulnerable populations with client centered services and differentiated care available in the NGO and private sectors. The USAID program intends to focus activities in Jamaica on a multi-stakeholder approach that strengthens linkages between the public facilities, the private sector and NGO’s, while transitioning activity to more local partners to assume responsibility for projects and enhance local ownership. USAID’s current partners are Jamaica Aids Support for Life (JASL), a local NGO, and FHI 360, which implements the global field support mechanism Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC). The USAID PEPFAR USPSC (Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor), will lead a four person team and USAID programming and interventions in community spaces, including with NGOs and the private sector, in close collaboration with the PEPFAR inter-agency USG team implementing partners and other development partners. The USPSC Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will complement, and collaborate closely with, existing key population experts within the interagency and OGAC. The USAID PEPFAR USPSC Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor position is located in the USAID/Jamaica Office of Environment and Health (OEH) at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. The incumbent serves as a key member of the interagency HIV/AIDS team at the Embassy and plays a leadership role in the PEPFAR Technical Working Groups (TWG). She/he will be a recognized HIV/AIDS subject matter expert and will perform the full range of consultative, advisory, program planning, financial management, reporting, and monitoring and evaluation duties. The incumbent will also directly supervise four (4) FSNs. Under the supervision and oversight of the Director of the Office of Environment and Health, USAID PEPFAR USPSC Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will be mainly responsible for HIV/AIDS issues for the Mission and will also lead the Mission’s short term response to COVID-19 pandemic, including activities to protect vulnerable populations including PLHIV. S/he will report to and support the Director of the Office of Environment and Health, a U.S. direct hire who will provide general supervision and oversight to the USAID PEPFAR team. The USPSC Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will contribute to the establishment of overall program priorities and work assignments, development of strategies, program and project designs, and scopes of work, as well as provide technical guidance and support to CORs and AORs in project implementation. S/he will have wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and will have formal decision-making authority in broad program areas consistent with USAID policies, goals, and strategies. S/he will interact with the highest level of the Jamaican government and represent USAID and the US Government in official settings. S/he must be able to think and operate strategically and programmatically, analyzing complex situations in order to assist in the development of USAID strategic plans and programs, and assesses the impact of host country policies and practices on USAID programs. The incumbent will advise, collaborate and work with office, mission, and interagency colleagues in the planning, formulating, implementing, and monitoring and evaluating of health activities and strategies. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION : The success of PEPFAR in achieving results, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, including reduced levels of transmission and increased adherence to treatment regimens, requires leadership from a seasoned Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor who possesses both extensive technical expertise in HIV programming and diplomatic tact to support and liaise with the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) and advise the U.S. Government interagency team in Jamaica to formulate and operationalize PEPFAR activities. This individual will be responsible for bringing in the latest developments and innovations from international HIV programming, determining their applicability to the Jamaican context, and working with USAID’s management team to identify the best methods for promoting their adoption. A primary focus will be the integration into HIV programming of specific challenges faced by the most at risk and hardest to reach populations--namely men who have sex with men (MSM). In particular, given the concentrated nature of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Jamaica, the successful candidate must have significant experience in and knowledge of the interventions required to address needs of these most-at-risk populations. She/he will also be responsible for coordinating with other USG agencies the development of specific components for Jamaica in the annual Caribbean Regional Operational Plan (ROP). As such, s/he must also have excellent interpersonal communication and coordination skills. The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor serves as a technical resource person, and mentor to the USAID Health Team staff, who are directly responsible for the management and leadership of the USAID PEPFAR and COVID related emergency response activities in Jamaica. As a technical advisor, the incumbent provides leadership to the USAID and USG teams on best practices and innovation, and leads the PEPFAR transition process for USAID-funded activities in Jamaica in line with new global PEPFAR mandates. The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor leads engagement with non governmental organization counterparts, including civil society and the private sector. S/he will spend a significant amount of his/her time ensuring skills transfer and mentoring USAID staff and civil society groups on effective methodologies and strengthening Jamaica’s overall HIV/AIDS systems. The incumbent is responsible for providing technical advice on an estimated $4 million overall portfolio of HIV/AIDS and health activities through USAID/Jamaica. Given the nature of Jamaica’s HIV epidemic, this portfolio will include treatment and care for key populations, ensuring adherence to treatment is monitored and adhered to, HIV counseling and testing services, the promotion of risk reduction behaviors; activities to address stigma and discrimination. S/he may serve as the alternate activity manager or Agreement/Contract Officer’s Representative (A/COR) for select HIV/AIDS activities, and is actively involved in the planning, design, monitoring, implementation and evaluation of those activities. The incumbent is a leader within the USG Mission’s interagency PEPFAR Working Group, which develops long-term and annual strategies for the country in consultation with regional USG partners. Serving in the role of Senior Advisor, the incumbent will represent USAID in promoting best practices and international standards of excellence within multiple internal USG and multi-stakeholder Government of Jamaica (GOJ) led technical working groups, and play a lead role in program coordination, analysis of progress and activity design for inclusion in the annual ROP. In partnership with the FSN team, the Senior Advisor facilitates communication and maintains collaborative working relationships with mid to senior level government officials in the GOJ, other development partners and USG agencies and non-governmental organizations on technical issues relates to best practices. The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor maintains highly collaborative interagency relationships, and is required to coordinate across technical areas to strengthen the continuum of response from HIV prevention to care and treatment. Specific Duties and Responsibilities The Senior Advisor provides expert technical advice in the design and implementation of USG PEPFAR HIV/AIDS activities in Jamaica. S/he monitors overall program progress and identifies achievements as well as problems in performance and advises on appropriate action with USAID FSNs and support staff, and the USAID OEH Director. The USAID PEPFAR USPSC Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will have the following major duties and responsibilities, including, but not limited to: Strategic and Technical Leadership (45%) Provide analysis, expert advice, and recommendations to Office Director and Senior management and staff regarding the formulation of Mission strategy for assistance in health and on the management and implementation of related activities in the Mission’s portfolio; identifies short and long-range achievable, sustainable strategies and participate, as required, in the development of Mission strategic plans, results analysis, resource requests, and other strategic planning and reporting documentation. Provide technical and operational guidance on the implementation of differentiated models of care and clinical service models to reach and retain PLHIV, including KPs across the continuum of care. Provide expert technical advice, leadership and strategic direction on HIV/AIDS on behalf of USAID in policy dialogue and planning undertaken in collaboration with Jamaican authorities and partners, other USG agencies, and development partners; represent USAID at meetings, seminars and conferences on health and HIV/AIDS. Coordinate with the Office Director to determine the additional analyses, assessments, or reviews required for sound strategies and activities; designs and oversees the implementation of such analyses or assessments; and follows up as designated. Serve as a technical advisor for selected PEPFAR activities supported through direct awards and USAID centrally-funded mechanisms, including overseeing the transition to more direct local awards and more intensive site level program management. This includes providing technical input to CSO and PS partners working on PEPFAR programming and working with USAID/Washington program managers to ensure that locally and centrally-funded USAID PEPFAR activities are technically sound and sufficiently budgeted and managed. Provide input on strategic designs for HIV/AIDS programs and ensure timely review and approval of PEPFAR implementation partner annual work plans and budgets as well as compliance with approved work plans and budgets. Oversee the review and documentation of PEPFAR implementing partner performance through regular site visits, routine reports, assessments and evaluations; participate in technical working groups and other forums to monitor activities and verify asset use; ensure that issues are identified in a timely manner and that recommended follow-up actions are carried out. Collaborate closely with other USG entities, particularly CDC, HRSA, and other donors, PEPFAR implementing partners and civil society, in the design and implementation of the PEPFAR Caribbean Regional program. Must be conversant with and able to explain USAID and PEPFAR guidelines to host country counterparts and implementers. Write and review narratives for specific sections of the ROP, PEPFAR semi-annual and annual reports, and other PEPFAR documents. Prepare briefing papers, materials, speeches, and informational and/or analytical reports as required by the US Embassy, USAID/Washington or other stakeholders. Key to complete PEPFAR Regional Operational Plan in cooperation with the Caribbean Regional PEPFAR Coordinator, semi-annual and annual progress reports, Congressional Notifications and the Operational Plan, will be expected. Carry out such other tasks related to USAID/Jamaica mission health activities as might be assigned. Management and Supervision (45%): Serve as Team Lead for the PEPFAR portfolio and supervise and mentor PEPFAR staff, guiding team to achieve professional development, technical expertise, leadership and programmatic goals. Facilitate hiring and staff onboarding, training and performance evaluation for technical positions on the OEH team. This includes setting staff annual work objectives; conducting staff performance evaluations; review and revise position descriptions; manage staffing issues and determine staff assignments; approve requests for leave and travel; develop and manage staff training plans; and determine the need for TDY assistance. Take the lead role in formulating the USAID/Jamaica PEPFAR annual budget request. This includes ensuring that the budget tracking system for USAID PEPFAR activities is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. Oversee obligations and sub-obligations for all USAID PEPFAR activities in Jamaica. This includes ensuring that obligations tracking systems are accurate, effective, and utilized. Be closely involved in planning, collaborating, and negotiating with the partner PEPFAR agencies to manage the overall activities under this joint program as defined by the overall yearly Regional Operational Plan (ROP). Represent USAID in meetings with USG and host country government officials at all levels. Lead USAID’s PEPFAR team’s reporting processes. Contribute to and oversee, USAID’ preparation and contributions to the PEPFAR Regional Operational Plan (ROP) and quarterly and annual PEPFAR reports; USAID’s PPR; ad hoc technical reports as needs arise (i.e., report on funding gaps; analysis and interpretation of project data from USAID implementing partners; identification of program gaps, implementation problems; propose strategies, actions to address problems). Supervise, coach and mentor USAID PEPFAR staff working on the budget, reporting and monitoring processes. Assist, coach and mentor USAID PEPFAR program management staff and technical advisors in start-up and implementation requirements of newly awarded USAID grants/contracts. Representation/Coordination (10%) Work with the USAID FSN team, as well as the regional Caribbean PEPFAR team, to strengthen coordination within the interagency, and with the GOJ, other development partners, development partners, UN agencies and NGOs involved in the HIV/AIDS response. Provide leadership to bring in international best practices and technical advances while coordinating and collaborating with the GOJ, other development partners, UN agencies and other key stakeholders on planning, implementation and policy issues related to HIV prevention. Work closely with the GOJ, bilateral and multilateral agencies and other key stakeholders to strengthen collaboration of HIV/AIDS activities at the national and sub-national levels to ensure greater country ownership and technical capacity. Guide collaboration and coordination efforts with the local implementing partners, development partners, the GOJ and other concerned stakeholders on HIV/AIDS prevention to ensure technical and programmatic synergy. National travel of up to 30%, as assigned and required to attend professional and implementing partner meetings and provide programmatic oversight. Other Significant Factors GUIDELINES Incumbent will follow and apply U.S. Embassy Kingston, PEPFAR, and Agency-specific guidelines, policies, rules and regulations, using good judgment and ingenuity to interpret their intent and apply them within the context of the health and PEPFAR program led by USAID Jamaica. The incumbent will need to stay abreast of guidance issued by the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) and the Caribbean Regional PEPFAR Coordinator. S/he will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect all USAID activities, including but not limited to the Automated Directives System (ADS), Mission Orders, Mission Notices, USG Procurement regulations, and USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents. COMPLEXITY Incumbent carries out a wide range of responsibilities that require an equally wide range of skills and analytical processes. Decision-making requires the capacity to quickly analyze, understand, synthesize and formulate appropriate and effective responses within a context of very short deadlines, multiple stakeholders with constant and ever-changing requirements, and continuous changes in technical program standards. The successful candidate will be required to exercise independent judgment and ingenuity to interpret and develop applications and guidelines in devising innovative approaches to resolving technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems and for setting priorities. The job requires a self-starter with initiative to stay abreast of technical developments and inventiveness to devise ways to apply new techniques and methodologies to the local environment to achieve maximum benefits. Requires the ability to lead and act as an effective supervisor/mentor within a multi-cultural team environment. The incumbent will be required to exercise considerable and balanced judgement to work effectively with civil society partners, officials of the GOJ and the private sector in support of USAID/Jamaica’s multisectoral PEPFAR strategy and other health development objectives, and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions. S/he will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct. SCOPE AND EFFECT Incumbent is considered to be an expert in the management of HIV/AIDS, public health or similar social sector programs, imminently qualified to advise and guide USG colleagues, host country government counterparts, U.S. cooperating agencies and local implementing partners on all matters related to USAID awards, policies, global goals and objectives. The incumbent’s work directly informs the development and major aspects of both administrative and professional employees’ own work, both within USAID/Jamaica’s Health team and with the PEPFAR CRP Interagency and with external partners. Incumbent’s work involves formal responsibility for leading technical and program management activities, and guiding and coordinating the work of the USAID/Jamaica Health team’s technical and administrative staff. PERSONAL CONTACTS Under the guidance and direction of the OEH Office Director, the incumbent will have contacts with counterpart officials at all levels, from high-ranking Government leaders and Ministers to the heads of technical directorates and units, to project directors and focal points. S/he will also have contacts with high-level officials and technical advisors from other donors and international organizations. Contacts take place in both structured and unstructured settings. LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS Incumbent is expected to influence, motivate, and direct people or groups and s/he must be resourceful in identifying the appropriate approach for negotiating and persuading others, and in establishing rapport in order to gain and relay information, including decision makers within the host government and on the USG colleagues in Washington DC, who might have different agendas and priorities than the USG PEPFAR team. The successful candidate will provide technical inputs to USAID/OEH negotiations with multiple ministries within the Government of Jamaica, other development partners, UN agencies, NGOs and other key stakeholders. S/he will represent the USG on relevant GOJ and various ministry working groups and technical discussions on issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention activities. The Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will collaborate and coordinate efforts with the GOJ, other development partners, UN agencies and other relevant partners on HIV/AIDS prevention to encourage innovation and best practices being introduced to Jamaica and to ensure technical and programmatic synergy. The candidate will be required to maintain effective working relationships with USAID colleagues and members of other US government agencies. In addition, the Senior HIV/AIDS Advisor will dialogue and collaborate with mid to high level members of the host government, multi- and bi-lateral organizations, private sector entities, representatives of non-governmental organization, and other local and international groups to advocate for best practices and technical approaches as assigned by the USAID OEH Office Director. The successful candidate will have no independent authority to commit U.S. Government (USAID/Jamaica) funds on behalf of the U.S. Government. 12. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The USAID/Jamaica CRP PEPFAR Office is located in Kingston, Jamaica. On a regular basis, incumbent must be able to travel within Jamaica to visit and assess progress at USAID/Jamaica PEPFAR and health implementing partners’ activity sites. The work requested does not involve undue physical demands. II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION 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. EDUCATION (10%) An advanced degree (minimum master’s level) in public health, i.e., health management/business, health policy, health education, epidemiology, or development studies or another field with links to the health sector. TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE (35%) Must have demonstrable knowledge of public health and socio-economic development issues, and strong familiarity with HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment approaches, issues and challenges in developing countries in the Caribbean and/or similar to Jamaica, including state-of-the-art strategies, activities and programs for addressing the AIDS epidemic. Superior familiarity with international development theory, programming policies and practices, including multi-sector linkages and synergies. Demonstrated Experience working with Key Populations programs in international or resource-limited settings is required, particular experience the Caribbean is strongly preferred. Excellent project management skills are required, including skills in data analysis, program design, strategic planning, monitoring systems, and program coordination and implementation within a developing country context. Demonstrated experience in technical skills transfer or mentoring is required, including any demonstrated ability to provide capacity building for local organizations. Understanding and knowledge of U.S. Government regulations and procedures to include knowledge or experience working with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is required. Working knowledge of USAID programming, processes, documentation and business practices is desired. WORK EXPERIENCE (30%) Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience as a program manager for complex HIV and health development assistance programs, including direct experience managing PEPFAR activities with a minimum Seven (7) years’ experience in senior-level program management/leadership position based in a developing country, preferably in the Caribbean Region. Appropriate experience working in international health, including work in multi-year programs and projects (includes experience with project design and implementation; project trouble-shooting; data analysis and evaluation; report-writing; interacting with and advising a multitude of host country counterparts and implementing partners, etc.) Prior project management work within an international development organization, foreign assistance programs, or large implementing agencies (from private or nonprofit sector, or multilateral or other large donor agency). Strong financial management and administrative skills to track the performance of implementing partners is required. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in teams and collaborate in a multi-agency setting, often under pressure of short deadlines and multiple demands is required. Demonstrated leadership ability and interpersonal skills including flexibility, patience, facilitation, team building and conflict/problem solving skills required in a cross-cultural environment are required. Prior supervisory and mentoring experience. Familiarity with GOJ HIV/AIDS, health and social sector programs, priorities and policies is desirable. D. COMMUNICATION AND LANGUAGE SKILLS (25%) Must have strong project management and supervisory skills; able to work within a large bicultural team, and collaborate with a large number of senior level GOJ and private sector officials, partners, local leaders, and representatives of civil society. Excellent tact and diplomacy as required to establish and maintain a wide range of senior-level and working-level contacts with health programs in governmental, non-governmental, and private-sector circles. Demonstrated excellence in writing and speaking/presentation skills, and in preparing analytic briefings for key USG and other leaders/decision makers is required. The candidate’s strong analytical and writing skills should be evidenced by previous experience and a writing sample. Computer literacy, including ease and skill in using word processing programs, email, spreadsheet applications, and presentation software; and familiarity with the worldwide web is required. Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and Google Docs. FSI Level S4/R4 in English is required. III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS Offerors will be evaluated and ranked on the extent and quality of their education, professional work experience, technical knowledge, and professional presentation as they relate to this position against the following criteria: 1. Relevant Work Experience: 30 points Relevant International Work Experience: 15 points Project Management Experience: 15 points 2. Education: 10 points 3. Communication and Language skills: 25 points 4. Technical knowledge: 35 points. Maximum Points Available: 100 Relevant Work Experience: 30 points Education: 10 points Communication and Language skills: 20 points Technical Knowledge: 30 points Total: 100 points After the closing date for receipt of offers, a committee will be convened to review offers and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Offers which do not meet the required qualifications will not be scored. Only shortlisted offerors will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful offerors. As part of the selection process, finalist offerors may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID's discretion. Reference checks will be made only for offerors considered as finalists. If an offeror does not wish USAID to contact the current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the offer's cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the offeror. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their offers. IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER Applicants must possess the minimum qualifications for the position (see criteria above: Education, Technical Knowledge, Work Experience, Communication and Other Skills). Additional factors to be taken into consideration include: 1. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2 , “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms. (Note: All applicants must submit complete dates [months/years] and hours per week for all positions listed on the AID 309-2 to allow for adequate evaluation of your related and direct experience. Experience that cannot be quantified will not count towards meeting the experience requirements.). 2. Offers must be received by the closing date and time Section I, item 3 , and submitted to the Point of Contact specified in Section I . 3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the number of this Solicitation to ensure the offer is for the position of this Solicitation. 4. An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume . 5. Cover letter: Applicants are required to provide a cover letter and supporting documentation specifically addressing the minimum requirements for the position. Applicants must explain in their cover letter how they meet the requirements of the position. 6. Writing sample: Applicants must submit a writing sample of a work document or publication, written by the applicant, covering a technical area relevant for the position applied for (include writing sample as an attachment to cover letter). All applications will be evaluated and scored based on the required qualifications and documentation submitted with the application. Those applicants who are short-listed (determined to be competitively ranked) may also be evaluated on interview performance and satisfactory professional reference checks. Failure to address the selection criteria may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training and/or awards. USAID may contact the applicant’s professional references and verify academic credentials. Applicants may also be evaluated based on the performance in an interview. Applicants who do not meet all of the selection criteria or do not provide the required documentation are considered NOT qualified for the position. Language and Communication Skills: Must be fluent in English and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports. Incumbent must have demonstrated ability for analysis to produce quality documents. Teamwork/Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional teamwork and interpersonal skills are critical. In addition, the incumbent must be able and desire to interact effectively with Mission staff outside of the Health Team, other USG Agencies, and implementing partners. S/he must be able to function collaboratively and productively as a member of a multidisciplinary and multifunctional team and must have the ability to work effectively in a team environment to achieve consensus on policies, activities and administrative matters. Knowledge and Other Skills: Thorough knowledge of public health development principles, program and project development, budgeting (preferred), and analytical skills required. Strong spreadsheet, word processing, and internet skills are needed. V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award. Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ 1. Form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” 2. Medical History and Examination Form (DS-1843) ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (SF-86) ** or 4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) ** 5. Finger Print Card (FD-258) ** ** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed ONLY upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job. VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: 1. BENEFITS: (a) Employer's FICA Contribution (b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance (c) Pay Comparability Adjustment (d) Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) (e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation (f) Annual and Sick Leave 2. ALLOWANCES: Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) Temporary lodging allowance ( Section 120 ), ³ Living quarters allowance ( Section 130 ), ³ Post allowance ( Section 220 ), ³ Supplemental post allowance (Section 230), ³ Separate maintenance allowance ( Section 260 ),4 Education allowance ( Section 270 ),4 Educational travel ( Section 280 ),4 Post differential ( Section 500 ), Payments during evacuation/authorized departure ( Section 600 ), and Danger pay ( Section 650 ). ³Mission Directors may authorize per diem in lieu of these allowances. 4These allowances are not authorized for short tours (i.e., less than a year). VII. TAXES USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State income taxes. VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES PERTAINING TO PSCs USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources: USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/s ites/de fault/files/do c uments/1868/aidar_0.pdf . Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/form s Acquisition and 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 END OF SOLICITATION