ISSUANCE DATE: April 4, 2008 CLOSING DATE: April 21, 2008 SUBJECT: Solicitation No. 517-08-005 (Personal Services Contract - USAID/Dominican Republic) Ladies and Gentlemen: The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens and Third Country Nationals (TCNs) to provide personal services as described in the attached solicitation. Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information at the place and time specified. Any questions on this solicitation may be directed to: Soraya Morillo USAID/Dominican Republic Telephone Number: 809-731-7042 Fax Number: 809-221-0023 E-mail address:
[email protected] Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosure which accompany their applications. All applications and the required documents should be submitted to: Nancy L. Hoffman/Soraya Morillo USAID/Dominican Republic Telephone Number: 809-731-7042 Fax Number: 809-221-0023 E-mail:
[email protected] Sincerely, Nancy L. Hoffman Executive Officer SOLICITATION NUMBER: 517-08-005 ISSUANCE DATE: April 4, 2008 CLOSING DATE: April 21, 2008 POSITION TITLE: Senior HIV/AIDS Technical/PEPFAR Program Advisor MARKET VALUE: GS-14 ($81,093-$105,420) PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years (renewable) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Dominican Republic AREA OF CONSIDERATION: US Citizens and Third Country Nationals Senior HIV/AIDS Technical/PEPFAR Program Advisor Position Description Background The US Agency for International Development (USAID) assistance strategy in the Dominican Republic (DR) supports the national security interests of the United States. The development landscape continues to pose a number of significant challenges in the region, with growing disparity between rich and poor. While having a development profile similar to other middle-income status countries in the world, the Dominican Republic, with an open border to Haiti, remains vulnerable, particularly in terms of health status and has health statistics that mirror some of the poorest countries in the world. The USG foreign assistance strategy in the Dominican Republic is $150 million, with an annual budget of approximately $32 million, of which the USAID/DR manages approximately $29 million. A USAID staff of 14 U.S. Direct Hire (USDH) employees, 2 U.S. Personal Services Contractors (USPSC), and 64 Foreign Service Nationals (FSN) manage a complex program (and selected regional support) with activities in economic growth, democracy and governance, health, and education. Strategically located in a hurricane zone, USAID/DR routinely provides humanitarian assistance after natural disasters, as well as provides surge capacity for other programs in the Caribbean region. USAID also supports the Government of the DR (GODR) with technical support assistance in responding to other outbreaks such as dengue and avian influenza. Under the USG foreign assistance strategy for the DR, USAID manages $10.5 million annually for the health sector, of which approximately 55% is for HIV/AIDS. The primary focus of USAID's health sector assistance is to improve access to and use of quality basic health services in the DR (including maternal and child health, antenatal care, HIV prevention and treatment, detection and treatment of tuberculosis, and health sector reform). USAID works alongside the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Defense (DoD), Peace Corps, and the Embassy to form the USG PEPFAR Working Group responsible for managing all USG HIV/AIDS-related activities. Summary of Position The position serves as the HIV/AIDS Technical/PEPFAR Program Advisor in the Health Office. The office is comprised of 1 US direct hire Foreign Service Officer and 5 FSN staff. The position reports directly to the Supervisory Health Officer (Office Director) or the Senior HIV Technical Advisor, depending on the tasks assigned. He/she assists in policy formulation, strategy development, program design, and program management for the Mission's health portfolio. The specific assigned tasks may vary pending on the program management needs of the strategy. Depending on the tasks assigned, there may be supervisory responsibilities. The hiring mechanism is a U.S. Personal Services Contract. Applicants must currently have U.S. citizenship. Third Country Nationals will also be considered for this position. Role and Responsibility of the Senior HIV/AIDS Technical Advisor The incumbent will serve as part of USAID's HIV/AIDS team, bringing his/her specialized training, skills, and experience to the successful implementation of the USG's primary HIV/AIDS program in a varied geographic region, characterized by complex institutional arrangements. The Technical Advisor (TA) will provide USAID/DR with expert-level input for implementing its HIV/AIDS PEPFAR strategy. The incumbent will work under the overall administrative supervision of the USDH Health Office Director, with the programmatic leadership of the HIV/AIDS team residing with the Foreign Service National Senior Health Specialist. The incumbent ensures scientifically sound analysis of the epidemic and assists in developing programs that are scientifically sound and incorporates US Government and specifically USAID policies and lessons learned. The incumbent serves in a senior policy and management level position in terms of liaising and linking USAID assistance with other US Government/PEPFAR agencies including the Centers for Disease Control, the Department of Defense, State, and Peace Corps, as well as to a limited extent to other USAID assistance in the region being implemented in Haiti, Jamaica, and Guyana. Working as part of the HIV/AIDS team, the incumbent also guides and further develops regional activities to address the most important epidemiological needs, focusing on the most at-risk populations and cross-border activities. He/she is responsible for liaising with all partner organizations including other bilateral and multilateral donors including the Global Fund and coordinating USAID programs and approaches with those being pursued by other donors. He/she works with senior officials of health organizations, assisting them in the identification of specific development objectives, resource requirements, and assists them in securing technical assistance when needed. A key function of this Personal Services Contractor will be to draw upon his/her expertise in HIV/AIDS matters and broad knowledge of the USG and other international initiatives, resources and institutions to help USAID/DR and its national counterparts access the full range of technical advice and assistance. Major Duties and Responsibilities •· Provides overall programmatic leadership and guidance for the $32 million USD PEPFAR program. Advises Senior USG Mission Management including the Ambassador, Deputy Chief of Mission, USAID Mission Director, and Health Office Director regarding issues affecting programming, planning, development, budgeting, implementation, monitoring, PEPFAR, and managing for results. Provides formal and informal training to staff in these areas of expertise. •· Leads PEPFAR financial and programmatic reporting to Washington. The incumbent ensures that the entire USG PEPFAR team is following detailed programmatic and technical guidance from Washington. The incumbent works with the Health Team and Controller's Office to develop practical information tracking systems. Provides formal and informal training to staff in these areas of expertise •· Leads the oversight and monitoring of the USG PEPFAR portfolio including semi-annual PEPFAR Portfolio Reviews of activities consisting of central (i.e. USAID/W), regional (i.e., USAID/Caribbean region) and bilateral projects/activities and programs, multiple program elements and sub-elements through development, implementation and closeout. While advising others on specific projects/activities, the incumbent: •1. Contributes to the narrative design of activities (projects), amendments and related statements of work; •2. Reviews or arranges for the review of proposals for new activities as well as for commitments, obligation and deobligation actions; •3. Identifies results issues and makes significant contributions to the annual reporting processes in the Dominican Republic; •4. Reviews program, activity (project) proposals, and amendments to ensure adherence to approved USAID and Mission policy and directives in light of goals of the Agency and Bureau, and economic, technical and financial feasibility consideration. Makes recommendations for further actions; •5. Serves as team member for the design and development of proposals for programs, activities (projects), feasibility studies, evaluations, analyses and the like. Collaborates with the Health and other technical teams and other staff to identify and arrange for services of experts to assist with these efforts; •6. Convenes and leads meetings as needed to address activity (project) issues; prepares agendas and minutes as required; and •7. Participates in the preparation of closeout assessments, evaluations, and actions as needed for any activity phase-out for the Health team. •· Assures accurate, well-documented reporting on achieving the PEPFAR, health and Mission's overall program; assures that such reporting represents and justifies the Government of the Dominican Republic and USAID/DR's future program plans to USAID/Washington and Congress; assures that such reporting contributes to effective management of the health program. Knowledge required by the position •· Knowledge and demonstrated senior-level management experience in leading technical teams and overseeing office operations. •· Master's degree in development field, technical area, management, economics or business. •· A minimum of 10 years experience, with at least 8 years residential experience in developing countries managing large-scale public health or related development programs. •· Demonstrated ability in program design, policy decisions, and progressively responsible experience in program management, design, budgeting and policymaking. •· Ability to absorb large amounts of information and accurately report them; make contacts; work productively with teams; take initiative and action; and make on-the-spot decisions which are necessary to guide, support and complete development activities across a broad and complex range of technical specialties. •· Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated analytical skills. Oral and written proficiency at the professional level in Spanish is essential. The ability to create effective inter-personal and inter-institutional relationships is a vital attribute. Demonstrated ability to communicate and persuade across cultures on complex policy issues and technical matters is essential. •· Ability to work collaboratively in teams, build consensus, and effectively coordinate with external actors in a multi-cultural setting. •· Knowledge of basic development principles, program and project development, budgeting, analysis skills •· Knowledge of USAID policies, procedures and directives in relation to strategic development, project development, results review, performance monitoring, evaluation and activity desired. •· Knowledge of PEPFAR policies and procedures preferred. •· Ability to serve in the capacity of a professional coach and mentor, sharing technical and management skills with others. •· Ability to quickly spot new trends or problems concerning multilateral and bilateral foreign assistance, define their parameters, develop innovative conceptual approaches to consider them and make the necessary policy recommendations to deal with them. •· Excellent conceptual abilities and capability to define USAID priorities in the most complex environment. Outstanding leadership, managerial and organization skills are required which are sufficient to direct, manage and advance multifaceted, comprehensive policy issues, including institutional and organizational issues. Period of Performance This will be a two year assignment (renewable), starting on or about July 2008. Guidelines The incumbent will exercise a high level of responsibility, judgment and initiative. The incumbent will draw upon written agency policies and established USG policies concerning bilateral and multilateral institutions. However, the incumbent will routinely be called upon to utilize independent judgment to formulate policy recommendations for the Mission and Washington in areas lacking clear policy guidelines or where policies are outdated or no longer relevant. Complexity Policy questions and operational issues to be considered by the incumbent are diverse, complex and multifaceted. For the incumbent to succeed, s/he will need to be effective in operating in an environment that is extremely complex, uncertain, politically charged, and in flux. Often the incumbent will serve under extreme time constraints and pressure. Only a highly experienced, senior professional will have the ability to thrive in such an environment. Personal Contacts The incumbent will interact routinely with officials in USAID and the Department of State, as will as other USG officials (such as the Departments of Defense, Peace Corps, CDC), Ministerial-level officials, and donor representatives. Many/most of the incumbent's contacts with senior officials outside of USAID will be for the purpose of advancing Agency and U.S. policy positions. Interactions with senior officials of other donor organizations and counterpart institutions, including ministers, will be routinely required. The incumbent is expected to defend the Agency's views with such officials in both private conversations and meetings. The incumbent is also expected to possess strong negotiating skills and powers of persuasion, as well as the ability to facilitate agreement among parties and promote the resolution of issues prohibiting achievement of USAID's objectives for the Dominican Republic. HIV/AIDS Technical/PEPFAR Program Advisor Evaluation Criteria (100 pts total)/ Education and Other Academic Training: 20 pts A graduate degree in social science or public health and demonstrated broad technical knowledge and experience in health analysis and planning, and in the planning and management of programs in developing countries. An equivalent of 8-10 years of professional experience in the field of public health is acceptable as an alternative to a graduate degree. Prior Work Experience: 30 pts A minimum of 10 years experience, with at least 8 years residential experience in developing countries managing large-scale public health or related development programs. This should include a solid record of performance in increasingly responsible positions in reputable organizations, and experience managing or implementing public health activities with NGOs, CBOs or FBOs. Prior work experience in the management of HIV/AIDS programs and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDS) is preferred; Demonstrated health technical leadership, strategic planning, analytical, programmatic and fiscal managerial skills within the context of developing countries; Strong working knowledge of USAID programming, process, documentation and business practices as well as USG legislation and policy relating to development assistance. Considerable experience and knowledge of other donor programs and donor coordination processes in HIV/AIDS, such as the Global Fund process; Technical Skills: 25 pts Technical k nowledge of current theory and practice of at least one of the following areas related to HIV/AIDS is required: (1) behavior change communications, (2) clinical care and treatment, and (3) monitoring and evaluation; Demonstrated effective ability to analyze health policies, epidemiological trends, and health service statistics and to apply those findings to the strategic planning, management, and implementation processes for cost-effective sustainability. Interpersonal Skills / Computer Skills: 25 pts Demonstrated ability to take initiative, work independently, supervise and mentor diverse teams and staff, and manage contractors and grantees. Demonstrated outstanding communication (verbal, written, presentation) and interpersonal skills (including conflict resolution skills). Demonstrated success in managing complex interagency operations/programs. Applying Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Qualified individuals are required to submit: - A complete U.S. Government Optional Form 612 with hand-written signature (downloadable forms are available on the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms . 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 application. List of Required Forms for PSCs Forms outlined below can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ •1. Optional Form 612 •2. Medical Histoy 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. Benefits/Allowances As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances: BENEFITS: Employer's FICA Contribution Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual and Sick Leave ALLOWANCES (if Applicable): * •(A) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120) •(B) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130) •(C) Post Allowance (Section 220) •(D) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230) •(E) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260) •(F) Education Allowance (Section 270) •(G) Education Travel (Section 280) •(H) Post Differential (Chapter 500) •(I) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600) and •(J) Danger Pay (Section 650) * Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas) FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are required to pay Federal Income Taxes, FICA and Medicare. ALL QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED REGARDLESS OF AGE, RACE, COLOR, SEX, CREED, NATIONAL ORIGIN, LAWFUL POLITICAL AFFILIATION, NON-DISQUALIFYING HANDICAP, MARITAL STATUS, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AFFILIATION WITH AN EMPLOYEE ORGANIZATION OR OTHER NON-MERIT FACTOR.