Description
The position has been classified at a GS-13 equivalency with a salary range of $61,251 to $79,629 plus overseas allowances. The period of performance will be one year with possibility of a six-month or one year extension provided that there is a continuing need for the services, funds are available and satisfactory or better performance by the Contractor. This position is open to qualified U.S. citizens. I. Organizational Location of Position: Lusaka, Zambia II. Position Title of Direct Supervisor: The Population, Health and Nutrition (PHN) Deputy Team Leader will be supervised by and report to the Director of the PHN office, who is also the PHN Team Leader. The Deputy Team Leader shall work closely with other members of the USG Country Team. III. Supervisory Controls: The incumbent will have a broad development background and USAID experience, and will carry out the functions of this position, based on general procedural guidelines and strategic/policy direction from the PHN Team Leader. IV. Background: USAID/Zambia seeks an experienced PHN professional, who will undertake the duties of Strategic Objective (SO) Deputy Team Leader for the Population, Health and Nutrition Strategic Objective (SO3/SO7), under the supervision of the PHN Team Leader. USAID/Zambia Program: The Population, Health and Nutrition program is the largest in USAID/Zambia’s portfolio. The final FY 03 budget is anticipated to be approximately $38 million--76% of the Mission’s annual program resources and one of the largest in Africa. The current Strategic Objective (SO3), “Increased Use of Integrated Child and Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS Interventions” includes activities in HIV/AIDS, family planning/reproductive health, child health, vitamin A, malaria, and health system strengthening. These are being implemented through 5 bilateral agreements, over 20 USAID Washington central activities (several of whom have an in-country presence), several USAID Washington PVO grantees, regional projects, and USAID’s only active non-project assistance agreement in the health sector. USAID/Zambia’s health program works within the framework of the Government of Zambia’s (GRZ) National Health Strategic Plan and collaborates closely with the GRZ and other donors to provide assistance in support of this plan. The SO works with the public, private and NGO sectors and undertakes activities at the national, provincial, district and community levels. USAID/Zambia has been designated as a Plus-Up country for malaria work, a Rapid Scale-Up country for HIV/AIDS, a recipient of funds under the President’s Prevention of Maternal to Child Transmission of HIV Initiative, and a target country for an overall increase in HIV/AIDS funding under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. The PHN team currently has 9 staff members, including 2 USAID direct hires, 3 TAACS/Fellows, 3 professional Foreign Service National (FSN) staff and one FSN admistrative staffperson. USAID/Zambia is in the process of developing a new Mission Strategy. The current Strategy ends September 30, 2003. Current SO3 activities have been extended through September 30, 2004 in order to provide a reasonable period for transition to activities under the new Strategy. The PHN portfolio will fall under SO7, “Improved Health Status of Zambians.” The PHN Deputy Team Leader will work closely with the Team Leader and the SO3/SO7 Team to manage ongoing and new activities and to facilitate the transition from the current Strategy to the new one. Country Context Zambia has seen some positive health trends in recent years but the picture is very mixed. HIV/AIDS is an overwhelming development challenge, with 16% percent of Zambian adults infected. In addition to the burden on families, communities and health systems of caring for the ill, there are a growing number of orphans in the society. New HIV infections appear to be declining as high-risk sexual behaviors become less common, although mortality is likely to continue climbing for at least a few more years. USAID is actively involved in the following areas: communication for behavior change, social marketing, advocacy (including through faith based organizations and traditional leaders), Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission, voluntary counseling and testing, care and support of orphans and vulnerable children, clinical treatment of HIV-related illnesses, workplace HIV programs, policy, and support to the health system. Between 1996 and 2001/2, under-five mortality dropped 15% from 197 to 168/1000. Malaria and HIV/AIDS have been the two principal causes of death in this age group. Malaria incidence has increased at least three-fold over the past two decades and is currently the leading cause of death among children. USAID is involved in both increasing the availability and use of insecticide-treated bednets and in improving case detection and management, both of which are expected to show important impact in the next few years. Vitamin A deficiency, which had made a substantial contribution to under-5 mortality in the past, is declining due to high supplement coverage achieved in recent years. USAID continues to support this effort. Malnutrition has worsened in Zambia and presents a major challenge for USAID’s next Strategy period. Stunting has increased and now affects about half of children under-5s (47%, up from 40% in 1992). Maternal mortality also increased: from 649/100,000 live births in 1996 to 729 in 2001/2. The vast majority of Zambian women receive some antenatal care. However, most deliveries are not attended by a health professional. Furthermore, antenatal care frequently does not include key interventions, with only 20% of women receiving at least 90 days of iron/folate supplementation. USAID continues to focus on activities to make safe motherhood a priority and to improve antenatal, delivery and postnatal services. Family planning use has become much more widespread. The contraceptive prevalence rate is now 39% in urban areas. However, rural residents lag far behind (14%). USAID works in family planning social marketing, IEC, training, advocacy, and policy. Zambia is implementing a system of health reforms. Current challenges include shortage of health workers, inadequate transport, and problems in regularly accessing drugs and medical supplies. USAID provides support in HMIS, planning, policy, drug management, logistics, and health care financing. USAID is the largest donor in the health sector and participates in the active ongoing coordination and collaboration between the GRZ and sector donors. Life In Zambia Zambia is a wonderful country to live and work in. It has historically been a calm, peaceful nation. Ongoing economic difficulties and the heavy impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in all sectors provide ample professional challenges. However, the Zambians the Mission works with are excellent colleagues--hard working and extremely dedicated to improving the health status of people throughout the country. The capital, Lusaka, offers a comfortable living environment with a mild climate, an excellent American school (as well as several other international schools), a large variety of goods easily available from major shops, good electricity and phone service. The country abounds with opportunities for game viewing, bird watching, camping, canoeing/rafting, walking and other outdoor activities. The game parks are some of the best in the region. Victoria Falls is an easy half-day drive from Lusaka. V. Major Duties and Repsonsibilities: A. Population, Health and Nutrition Deputy Team Leader Duties: The PHN Deputy Director will be responsible for working with the PHN Team Leader in implementing the Mission’s PHN portfolio under the current Strategic Objective No. 3, “Increased Use of Integrated Child and Reproductive Health and HIV/AIDS Interventions” and the forthcoming Strategic Objective No. 7, “Improved Health of Zambians”. The PHN Deputy Director’s duties shall include, but not be limited to: Technical Duties: 1. Provide technical advice to USAID/Zambia and GRZ personnel on PHN issues, including reproductive health, child health, malaria, HIV/AIDS, training, service delivery, health systems development, research, monitoring and evaluation and/or other relevant areas within respective expertise; 2. Provide technical information and advice to USAID Washington, other donors and implementing partner colleagues on PHN issues in Zambia; 3. Act as Cognizant Technical Officer for part of the SO portfolio, manage institutional contracts and cooperative agreements/grants and oversee the work of contractors and grantees; act as Activity Manager for selected centrally and regionally projects; 4. Manage the SO Team’s health sector non-project assistance activity with GRZ; 5. Prepare reports/documents for input into Mission annual reports and other Mission and USAID Washington reporting requirements; respond to other information requests from Mission/USAID Washington; 6. Identify and propose solutions to problems pertaining to implementation, monitoring and evaluation, as they arise, and alert the SO Team Leader to problems in a timely manner. B. Deputy Team Leader Duties: In addition to specific technical duties, the PHN Deputy Team Leader shall be responsible for administration of the Strategic Objective. The Deputy Team Leader shall be accountable to the Team Leader. Specifically, the Deputy Team Leader will: 1. Manage the procurement process for new activities under SO7, working closely with the Program Office and the Regional Contracting Office; 2. Develop and implement a plan for an orderly closeout of SO3 implementing instruments; 3. Coordinate preparation of the SO contribution to the Annual Report, Congressional Budget Presentation, Mission portfolio and program reviews; 4. Coordinate the preparation of the FY 04 budget for the SO in conjunction with the Program Specialist and other Team Members; work with the Team Leader, the SO3/SO7 Team CTOs and Activity Managers, the Controller and Program Office on overall budget issues and information requests; 5. Represent USAID/Zambia on the Ministry of Health’s Resource Allocation SubCommitee and other regular sector coordination meetings; 6. Supervise 3 SO staff: one Fellow and two professional Foreign Service Nationals. 7. Serve as principal SO liaison with the Program Office, the Regional Contracting Office and the Regional Legal Advisor for all program implementation and contracting issues; 8. Serve as Acting Team Leader when required; 9. Perform other duties as assigned by Team Leader or Mission Senior Management. C. Reports and Work Plans With supervisor’s input and approval, within 1 month of reporting to post the PHN Deputy Team Leader will prepare specific work objectives, which will be used for mid-year and final reviews. VI. Logistical Arrangements The logistical support provided by USAID/Zambia includes office space and equipment, housing (including rent, utilities, household furniture, appliances and residential security), transportation in cooperating country for official field work as well as travel arrangements and tickets for work related business, transportation to/from country, and secretarial support. Access to Commissary permitted under AMCA policy. Contractor is entitled to six months duty-free entry on personally-owned effects. Access to Health room authorized for personnel/eligible dependents, provided that medical exam and appropriate clearance files have been provided by the contractor to the Mission. VII. Qualifications: A. Education: Minimum of a Masters degree in public health or a related area or a medical or nursing degree. B. Work Experience: A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in managing USAID-funded health programs is required. Preference will be given to prior experience working in a USAID Mission or USAID Washington. C. Language and Communication Skills: Must be fluent in English and possess demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a multi-cultural environment, supported by strong interpersonal and cross-cultural social skills. Past experience in supervising personnel required. D. Knowledge: Professional knowledge and skills to generate and apply new concepts in planning, implementing and evaluating PHN activities. E. Abilities: Analytical skills to review and evaluate regulations, reporting, and other relevant material as a basis for implementing agency and office guidelines and/or procedures. Demonstrated analytical skills and understanding of pertinent statistical, accounting, and budget principles in order to review and analyze financial information and budgets. Ability to understand and interpret health development issues to correctly advise USAID, US Department of State and other interest groups. F. Demonstrated skills in the use of computer software applications such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel, Internet proficiency and other applications. VIII. Selection Criteria: Professional Experience – 40 Points USAID Program Management – 35 Points Educational Qualifications – 10 Points Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills – 15 Points IX. Applying: Applications should include the following documentation: (1) A curriculum vitae which demonstrates how the candidate's qualifications meet the work requirements; (2) A completed and signed SF-171 or OF-612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices); (3) A relevant writing sample of not more than 5 pages; (4) Names, contact numbers, and addresses of three professional references; (5) A written statement certifying the date and length of time for which the candidate is available for the position. (6) A letter of application highlighting your reasons for applying for the position and key qualifications for the position. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Late applications will not be accepted unless there was mishandling once received at USAID/Zambia. To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview. X. List of Required Forms for PSCs The forms outlined below can found at http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ 1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612. 2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). ** 3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (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. XI. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBS) Pertaining to PSCs: CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website: http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBS apply to this contract. XII. As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC may be authorized the following benefits and allowances: (NOTE: An individual defined as a Resident Hire employee may only be eligible for those benefits listed under item A below.) A. Benefits: Employee’s FICA Contribution Contributions towards Health and Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Annual Increase Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation Annual and Sick Leave B. 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) (J) Danger Pay (section 650) From the Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).