386-13-101-Solicitation-_USPSC_PEPFAR_Coordinator.pdf

U.S. Agency for International Development American Embassy Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110 021

Tel: 91-11-24198000 Fax: 91-11-24198612 / 8454 www.usaid.gov/in

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 386-13-101

ISSUANCE DATE: April 9, 2013

CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED

FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: April 30, 2013 (5 p.m. Delhi Time)

POSITION TITLE: USPSC PEPFAR Coordinator

MARKET VALUE: $84,697 - $110,104 per annum (GS-14 equivalent)

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, (extensions optional subject to the availability of funds and Mission requirements)

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/India, New Delhi

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens Only

A) BACKGROUND

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) – the U.S. Government initiative to help save the lives for those impacted by HIV/AIDS around the world – is the largest commitment by any nation in history to combat a single disease internationally. PEPFAR investments also help alleviate suffering from other diseases across the global health spectrum.

It forms the cornerstone of President Obama’s Global Health Initiative, and provides a platform for integrating and leveraging non-HIV/AIDS health services.

PEPFAR is driven by a shared responsibility among donor and partner nations and others to make smart investments to save lives. Thanks in large part to U.S. leadership, tremendous progress has been made in the fight against global AIDS. The U.S. directly supported life-saving antiretroviral treatment for more than 5.1 million men, women, and children worldwide as of September 30, 2012. PEPFAR directly supported more than 15 million people with care and support, including more than 6 million orphans and vulnerable children, in fiscal year 2012 alone. PEPFAR directly supported HIV testing and counseling for more than 46.5 million people in fiscal year 2012, providing a critical entry point to prevention, treatment, and care. PEPFAR supported antiretroviral drug prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission among 750,000 pregnant HIV-infected women, allowing approximately 230,000 infants to be born HIV-free.

Within the Department, the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (S/GAC) is responsible for implementing PEPFAR. Additional information about S/GAC and PEPFAR is available at www.pepfar.gov.

The PEPFAR/India program began in 2005, bringing together the HIV-related efforts of the U.S.

Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Office of Defense Cooperation, and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Since 2005, PEPFAR has invested over $260 million in programs that support planning and implementation of the Government of India’s National AIDS Control Program (NACP).

PEPFAR/India investments are designed to provide high-level, targeted technical support and collaboration in areas prioritized in consultation with the National AIDS Control Organization (NACO). PEPFAR-funded projects focus on enhancing quality and sustainability of programs implemented by the public sector, the private sector and by civil society -- by demonstrating effective models of service delivery and by strengthening capacity in technical areas related to HIV prevention and care, strategic information, laboratory quality, and training for health care workers.

B) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following describes the major duties and responsibilities of the PEPFAR Coordinator position in India:

1) Interagency, Host County, and Other Donor Coordination (40%)

The Country Coordinator collaborates with the U.S. Embassy, partner government, development partners, and the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator to ensure achievement, not only of the primary HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care goals of PEPFAR, but also the public health sustainability and health diplomacy goals of PEPFAR.

Responsibilities include:

Liaise with named representatives of the USG PEPFAR agencies in India (currently USAID, CDC, HRSA and DOL) to ensure critical communication between and among agencies, including in response to action requests and policy guidance from OGAC;

Liaise with specific and agreed-upon host government ministries/offices to promote maximum collaboration between the host government HIV/AIDS programs and those being planned and implemented by USG agencies and their partners;

Liaise with development partners active in HIV/AIDS, and specifically with the Country Coordination Mechanism (CCM) and the Geneva-based India Fund Portfolio Manager of the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), to ensure optimal integration of USG efforts with those of others;

Liaise with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) through the India Country

Support Team Lead and team members named by OGAC, and serve as a key point of contact between OGAC and the PEPFAR/India Team;

Liaise with interested/affected units at the Embassy to ensure that the Ambassador and others are apprised of key PEPFAR accomplishments, challenges, and timelines, and to foster USG interagency collaboration and cooperation around HIV/AIDS activities;

Attend all relevant meetings concerning PEPFAR and frequently convene and chair meetings that are required to execute assigned responsibilities.

2) Program Management and Evaluation (40%)

The Country Coordinator is responsible for leading the development and monitoring of a cohesive interagency program. Responsibilities include:

Facilitate the development and implementation of a unified PEPFAR program, which includes the planning and production of the annual Country Operational Plan (COP), that capitalizes on the comparative advantages and competencies of participating USG agencies, achieves maximum results related to PEPFAR priorities and the host Government’s national HIV/AIDS strategy, and is optimally responsive to the needs of the respective host country’s citizens infected and/or affected by HIV.

Facilitate and ensure timely financial and programmatic reporting by all participating USG agencies and their implementing partners, and disseminate periodic internal and external updates/status reports on PEPFAR activities;

Collect inputs and prepare all required reports/documents to Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), including the COP, the Annual Performance Report, and the Joint Portfolio Reviews with partners;

Organize the work of the PEPFAR/India Team; call for meetings, prepare agendas, prepare and distribute minutes of PEPFAR Team meetings; maintain a calendar of important benchmarks to ensure the program is on schedule; maintain comprehensive electronic and hard copy files including minutes of PEPFAR meetings.

Translate OGAC policies, directives, and guidance into clear and concise directions for U.S.

and local implementing partners;

Monitor, analyze and report on trends and policy developments related to India’s HIV/AIDS epidemic as context to better understand and respond to the operational environment of PEPFAR/India activities;

Oversee day-to-day performance of three Foreign Service National (FSN) staff working in the PEPFAR Unit seconded from USG agencies.

3) Strategic Planning and Technical Leadership (10%)

As the S/GAC representative in India, the Country Coordinator is charged with ensuring that the bilateral funds deployed by PEPFAR are wisely and effectively used to address the in-country HIV/AIDS epidemic. Responsibilities include:

Manage strategic planning and budget processes to ensure development of an effective

PEPFAR program and mediate interagency conflicts that may occur in the planning process;

Ensure that funds are allocated strategically across agency and technical areas, are coordinated with inputs from the partner country government and other donors, are consistent with U.S. Government laws and policies, especially legislation pertaining to PEPFAR, and support the national goals and plans of the partner government.

With guidance from S/GAC’s Management and Budget division, establish fiscal controls and reporting systems to track funds accurately so that resources are correctly directed and deployed rapidly.

Serve as a technical lead on HIV/AIDS and provide strategic leadership on all HIV/AIDS issues and programs in the U.S. Mission in India;

Support efforts by USG agencies to recruit, qualify, and successfully engage new, especially indigenous partners in PEPFAR activities.

4) Communication, Outreach, and Logistical Support (10%)

The Country Coordinator plans and directs the identification, development, implementation and monitoring of outreach and/or liaison activities and initiatives with USG representatives, including Congressional staff, the partner government, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and regional donors to foster greater leadership, commitment and resources on their part in the global fight against the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Develop presentation and distribution materials regarding PEPFAR, globally and in India, for diverse audiences for all PEPFAR Team members to use;

Prepare speeches for delivery by the Ambassador and other relevant Mission staff, and provide requested background materials for public as well as sensitive diplomatic events;

Assist in coordinating visits of U.S. government officials involved in HIV/AIDS issues, and support HIV-related consultations, site visits and other activities developed and managed by the PEPFAR Team.

C) POSITION ELEMENTS

1. Supervision Received: This position reports to the Deputy Chief of Mission. In addition, the incumbent is required to report to two interagency steering groups, one at a working level and one at a strategic level. In collaboration with the incumbent, the immediate supervisor will: 1) establish annual work objectives and performance measures; 2) review work outputs and accomplishments to ensure compliance with Agency policies and implementation of best practices; 3) provide regular feedback to incumbent throughout the performance evaluation period; 4) prepare the annual personnel evaluation report as/when required; and 5) obtain input for the evaluation from the appropriate peers, counterparts and team members toward the annual evaluation. The incumbent is expected to establish priorities, adhere to and meet established deadlines, and perform responsibilities and duties with minimal guidance. The incumbent must be proactive as well as self-motivated and self-directed.

2. Supervision exercised: The incumbent is expected to supervise a staff of three Foreign Service Nationals in implementing the PEPFAR program.

3. Exercise of Judgment: In instances not clearly covered by written guidelines, the incumbent will consult with his/her direct supervisor. Excellent (balanced) judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with personnel from various USG agencies, Government of India counterparts, as well as representatives from other donor organizations, to resolve technical, administrative, managerial and/or policy problems that arise during the course of work, for which there is often no clear or immediate solution and/or precedence. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to the U.S. Embassy’s Code of Ethics and Conduct.

4. Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: To effectively function in this position, the incumbent will be required to establish and maintain solid working relationships with all categories and levels of internal and external staff, including all USG agencies in the U.S. Embassy; external implementing partners; Government of India officials; staff of United Nations agencies (e.g., WHO, UNAIDS), other international and donor organizations; representatives of regional organizations; international and local NGOs; private sector representatives; and the general public.

5. Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent will have no independent authority to make resource commitments or commit the U.S. Government.

6. Evaluation of Performance: In addition to the standard personnel evaluation procedures of USAID/India, the employing agency, will obtain “360 degree” feedback on the Coordinator’s performance, seeking the perspectives of: representatives of each USG implementing agency;

staff involved in coordinating the PEPFAR activities; and key host government interlocutors, at least annually.

D) REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. General: The selected candidate must be capable of securing a U.S. Government “Employment Authorization” security clearance; a U.S. Government “SECRET” security clearance is preferred. Must be able to secure a U.S. State Department medical clearance to serve in India.

2. Professional Experience: The incumbent is required to have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in working with health and/or HIV/AIDS issues and programs.

3. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Demonstrated coordination, management, and organizational skills within multi-cultural work environments, ideally in an international development assistance setting. Ability to complete multiple tasks simultaneously and to work effectively under pressure. A successful candidate will have exceptional conceptual, analytical, and reasoning skills, as well as ability to analyze disparate information and compile it into information messages targeting a variety of audiences. The candidate must have experience performing at the highest levels, with minimal supervision and daily direction, and a strong sense of initiative. He/she also must have the ability to address conflict in a constructive, non-threatening manner, including the ability to build consensus among differing groups. The candidate should have demonstrated leadership and teamwork skills, plus solid, proven interpersonal abilities.

4. Language Proficiency: Strong written and oral proficiency in English is required (Level 5).

5. Education: A minimum of a master’s degree in the fields of public health, the social sciences, or other related health care development field is required.

6. Communication: The successful candidate will have exceptional communication skills, including the ability to verbalize organizational priorities in interagency settings and the ability to write clearly and succinctly. The incumbent will be expected to have excellent computer skills and the ability to work in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint applications.

7. Post-Entry Training: The incumbent will be expected to possess the necessary technical training and skills required to perform the duties/responsibilities required of the position. Post-entry training will be focused primarily on the Agency's established policies, procedures and regulations. In addition, the incumbent will be required to work within the existing USAID team management office structure. Organized/formal training (both internal and external) may be provided from time to time depending on the availability of program funds, if and as the training is determined to be in direct support of USAID/India activities.

8. Physical Condition: The successful candidate will be required to pass a physical certification exam, paid for by the U.S. Government. USAID prohibits discrimination in hiring and employment on the basis of physical or mental impairment. USAID promotes, with reasonable accommodation, the full realization of equal employment opportunities for the disabled in recruitment, promotion, assignment, and training.

9. Available Guidelines: The incumbent is required to quickly understand Mission and Agency-specific policies and procedures which govern project design and activity management, in addition to USAID/India’s established administrative operating procedures, policies, and formats. When provided, guidance from the supervisor is primarily with regard to policy, priorities, results to be achieved, basic approaches to be followed and, in the case of assembling reports, providing the nature and basic content of the reports. Oral guidance from the immediate supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out unique assignments. The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect overall implementation of activities within the region, including, but not limited to, the Agency’s Automated Directives System (ADS), General Notices/Mission Orders/Mission Notices, USG Procurement regulations, USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents, OGAC Programmatic and Technical Considerations, and other OGAC guidance.

10. Time required to satisfactorily perform full range of duties after entry into the position: One year.

E) SELECTION

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. Following are the evaluation criteria for this position:

1. Professional Experience (40 points):

The incumbent is required to have a minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in working with health and/or HIV/AIDS issues and programs.

2. Skills and Abilities (40 points):

Proven, demonstrated ability to work independently within agreed upon parameters, with minimal supervision or guidance and while exercising sound judgment is required. The position requires an entrepreneurial, results-oriented approach to assistance, and the ability to diplomatically and tactfully confront and resolve institutional and interagency bureaucratic challenges while maintaining collaborative relations. The incumbent will also require excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, and the ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with a broad range of internal and external colleagues and stakeholders. S/he must be able to demonstrate an ability to work effectively, both independently and as a member of a team, with a wide variety of individuals, groups, institutions, and technical organizations and be a proven self-starter who is highly motivated, able to work with minimum supervision, and committed to addressing HIV/AIDSAIDS issues. S/he must also demonstrate flexibility;

effectively manage multiple activities simultaneously; and work calmly and effectively under pressure. Finally, the incumbent must have excellent writing, editing and computer skills and the ability to prepare and present professional quality reports and presentations for both technical and general audiences.

3. Education (20 points):

A minimum of a Master’s degree in the field of public health, the social sciences, or other health care development field is required.

4. Selection Process:

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications that do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion.

Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such a reference checks pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications.

The final selected candidate(s) must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time. USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate(s). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

F) APPLYING

Qualified individuals are requested to submit an Optional Application for Federal Employment OF-612 including experience, salary history, curriculum vitae (resume), list of references, and recent sample of his/her written work (maximum 1-3 pages, i.e. policy memo) no later than COB (5 p.m. New Delhi time) April 30, 2013. The OF-612 form is available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ or Internet http://www.gsa.gov/portal/forms/type/TOP, or at Federal offices. Applications, recent supervisor reference and three (3) personal references, and writing sample (1-3 pages) may be submitted by e-mail, fax, DHL or FedEx air courier by the closing date, above, to:

Executive Officer USAID/India American Embassy Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi, India Email: indiaper@usaid.gov Fax: 91-11-2419-8612

Email or faxed documentation is preferred as mail delivery may be untimely. 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.

USAID/India expects to award a personal services contract for an off-shore US Citizen for a two-year period commencing as early as practically possible subject to security and medical clearances and funds availability. The duty post for this contract is New Delhi, India.

Benefits include post differential, housing, and other benefits per USAID regulations. Basic household furnishings will be available in quarters to be provided by USAID.

For more information about USAID/India see Mission’s website http://www.usaid.gov/india

ATTACHMENT 2 TO SOLICITATION NO. 386-13-101

PSC Contractor Benefits (As allowable under applicable regulations)

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, AN INDIVIDUAL MEETING THE

REQUIREMENTS OF AN OFFSHORE HIRE USPSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE

FOLLOWING BENEFITS:

NOTE: ELIGIBLE FAMILY MEMBERS OR U.S. RESIDENT-HIRE PSCs ARE NOT

ELIGIBLE FORANY FRINGE BENEFITS (EXCEPT CONTRIBUTIONS FOR FICA,

HEALTH INSURANCE , AND LIFE INSURANCE).

Benefits

1. Employee’s F.I.C.A and MEDICARE contributions

2. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

3. Shipment and Storage of Household Effects

4. Shipment of POV (Privately Owned Vehicle)

5. Pay Comparability Adjustment

6. Annual Step Increase except if at the top step of the grade

7. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

8. Annual and Sick Leave

Allowances

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)

Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not/not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes.

List of REQUIRED Forms for USPSCs

a. Optional Form 612 (is available at the USAID web site, http://transition.usaid.gov/forms/OF612.pdf

Forms (b) through (e) shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.

b. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843).

c. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86), or

d. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

e. Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs.) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) Pertaining to PSCs

CIBs and AAPDs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website to determine which CIBS and AAPDs apply to this contract:

http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/