2014ZAMBIASolicitationforDeputyPEPFARCountryCoordinator.pdf

SOLICITATION NO.: 611-14-0002

ISSUANCE DATE: 21 March 2014

CLOSING DATE: 14 May 2014

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION # 611-14-0002

U.S. PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTOR

PEPFAR DEPUTY COUNTRY COORDINATOR – ZAMBIA

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International

Development/Zambia (USAID/Zambia), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contractor (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submissions shall be in accordance with this solicitation and at the place and time specified. In order to be considered for the position a candidate must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the solicitation. The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator position will be located in

Lusaka, Zambia.

All applications should be submitted to: USAID/Executive Office, via email to: EXOZAMBIAHR@usaid.gov by close of business on TBD, 17:00 hours, Lusaka time. Email applications required. Title of the email MUST read (exactly): “Application:

USPSC Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator, 611-14-0002”. All applications must be in PDF format, sent as a single attachment.

Late applications will not be accepted and will be handled in accordance with Federal

Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 52.215.1.

USAID/Zambia anticipates awarding one (1) Personal Service Contract as a result of this solicitation. Please note that this does not constitute any guarantee that a PSC will be awarded as result of this solicitation nor does it constitute any authorization by USAID to reimburse costs incurred in the preparation of an application.

Sincerely, Shelby Patrick Hunt

Executive Officer mailto:EXOZAMBIAHR@usaid.gov

PEPFAR DEPUTY COUNTRY COORDINATOR POSITION

U.S. MISSION TO ZAMBIA

SUBJECT: PEPFAR Zambia Deputy Country Coordinator

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 611-14-0002

ISSUANCE DATE: 21 March 2014

CLOSING DATE/TIME: 14 May 2014

POSITION TITLE: Deputy PEPFAR Country Coordinator

MARKET VALUE: Equivalent to GS-13 salary. Final compensation based on individual’s salary history, work experience and educational background. Salaries above the GS-13 level will not be entertained or negotiated.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years.

DIRECT SUPERVISOR: U.S. PEPFAR Country Coordinator, Lusaka, Zambia

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Lusaka, Zambia

SECURITY ACCESS: Secret

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

I. LOCATION AND BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

The PEPFAR Deputy Country Coordinator, reporting to the PEPFAR Country Coordinator (PCC) in

Zambia, will support the full mandate of the PEPFAR Coordination Office (PCO). The Deputy Country

Coordinator will work closely with the PCC to ensure full communications between and among the various USG departments and agencies involved in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

(PEPFAR) in Zambia, communicating with the Office of the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), particularly the Zambia Country Support Team Lead and interagency core team, designated Embassy counterparts, and with representatives of the PEPFAR Zambia USG implementing agencies. The incumbent provides full support to the PCC and advice and counsel to other members of the PCO on all matters related to PEPFAR in Zambia.

II. STATEMENT OF WORK:

A. BACKGROUND ON U.S. GOVERNMENT’S HIV/AIDS PROGRAM

Launched in 2003 by President George W. Bush, PEPFAR holds a place in history as the largest effort by any nation to combat a single disease. In the first five years of the program, PEPFAR focused on establishing and scaling up prevention, care and treatment programs. It achieved success in expanding access to HIV prevention, care and treatment in low-resource settings. During its first phase, PEPFAR supported the provision of treatment to more than 2 million people, care to more than 10 million people, including more than 4 million orphans and vulnerable children, and prevention of mother-to-child treatment services during nearly 16 million pregnancies.

On July 30, 2008 the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against

HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008 (H.R. 5501) was signed into law authorizing up to $48 billion over 5 years to combat global HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. In the second phase of PEPFAR, a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach that expands access to prevention, care and treatment and builds greater country ownership continued to be pursued.

In December 2013, President Obama signed the ‘PEPFAR Stewardship and Oversight Act of 2013’ into law. The bill extends existing authorities for five years and strengthens oversight of PEPFAR. As

PEPFAR builds upon its successes, it will continue its focus on transitioning from an emergency response to promoting sustainable country programs. PEPFAR's goals under the Global Health

Initiative (GHI):

1. Transition from an emergency response to promotion of sustainable country programs.

2. Strengthen partner government capacity to lead the response to this epidemic and other health demands.

3. Expand prevention, care, and treatment in both concentrated and generalized epidemics.

4. Integrate and coordinate HIV/AIDS programs with broader global health and development programs to maximize impact on health systems.

5. Invest in innovation and operations research to evaluate impact, improve service delivery and maximize outcomes.

B. SPECIFIC FOCUS AREAS IN ZAMBIA

The work in Zambia presents many challenges and requires dynamic and sustained leadership to attain the ambitious PEPFAR goals. The need to promote sustainability and country ownership are driving principles of the PEPFAR program in Zambia, as embodied in the Partnership Framework designed by the USG and the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ).

http://www.pepfar.gov/documents/organization/108294.pdf http://www.pepfar.gov/documents/organization/108294.pdf

On November 24, 2010, the USG and GRZ signed a Partnership Framework outlining the two nations' commitments from 2011-2015 for a collaborative response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in Zambia. The

Partnership Framework in Zambia is consistent with the core principles of PEPFAR’s third phase, focusing on building capacity for a country-led response, scaling up effective prevention interventions, and laying the foundation for sustainable country programs. The Partnership Framework is aligned with the GRZ’s National Health Strategic Plan (NHSP) 2011-2015 and the National AIDS Strategic

Framework (NASF) 2011-2015. In 2014, PEPFAR Zambia will focus on development of a

Sustainability Plan with the GRZ as a follow-on to the Partnership Framework.

The Partnership Framework establishes five objectives, with a subset of expected contributions associated with each objective, that provide a reference point for more detailed, iterative planning between the GRZ and USG through 2015. The five objectives are: Prevention, Treatment/Care and

Support, Mitigation of the Socio-economic Impact of HIV/AIDS, Systems Strengthening, and Capacity

Development.

The Partnership Framework Implementation Plan further articulates the objectives expressed in the

Partnership Framework document, further details strategies and expected achievements related to each objective, and outlines plans to monitor progress on agreed-upon targets. The Implementation Plan also provides a budget framework to guide the annual program planning for PEPFAR Zambia’s estimated

$300 million per year.

The USG program in Zambia combines the Departments of State and Defense, the Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and

Peace Corps to implement an integrated program covering prevention, care and treatment. These USG partners have come together to create an HIV/AIDS program that supports existing activities in Zambia, and have built national platforms for program scale-up, especially for clinic- and facility-based services, and OVC and community-based care. The PEPFAR Zambia interagency team is comprised of over 100 programmatic and technical staff and additional management and administrative support staff. The

PEPFAR Coordination Office has ten full-time staff, including the PEPFAR Country Coordinator.

PEPFAR Zambia is a collaborating partner with other in-country stakeholders including, first and foremost, the GRZ primarily through the National HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Council (NAC), the Ministry of

Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Community Development, Mother and Child Health, and with other donors or cooperating partners as the lead for the HIV and AIDS Troika in Zambia. The GRZ has received funding via Rounds 1, 4, 7, 8 and 10 from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and will apply for funding under the New Funding Model in 2014.

The response from the USG includes significant investment in prevention, treatment and care, as well as capacity building and health system strengthening activities. PEPFAR Zambia’s vision is that

HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support activities and programs are harmonized with GRZ priorities, and are more fully integrated into other primary health care services along a continuum of care.

C. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

a) Working under the direction of the PEPFAR Country Coordinator, provides day-to-day coordination in implementing the USG PEPFAR strategy as presented in the Partnership

Framework, the Partnership Framework Implementation Plan, and the developing Sustainability

Plan for Zambia. Supports the PCC as the focal point for all USG matters related to HIV and AIDS.

b) Participates in PEPFAR Zambia policy and technical discussions and strategic planning and negotiations with the GRZ, cooperating partners and the USG interagency team to implement

PEPFAR investment priorities.

c) Applies knowledge and expertise in HIV and AIDS, primary health care and health policy to situate effective HIV/AIDS strategies and programs within the broader health sector agenda.

d) Working closely with the PEPFAR Senior Program Specialist, coordinates the implementation and monitoring of the Partnership Framework and Partnership Framework

Implementation Plan and the Sustainability Plan for Zambia. Provides leadership for ensuring a shared vision and common goals. Leads the development of planning, budgeting, and reporting to

Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, and ensures appropriate documentation of programming and results achieved by programs implemented by all partners.

e) Interfaces among USG agencies to ensure full and effective implementation of all

PEPFAR programs and initiatives. Works with OGAC to ensure the full implementation of all

PEPFAR policies and directives from Washington; and the timely submission of all PEPFAR documents including the Country Operations Plan (COP), the Annual Performance Review (APR) and all other required documentation and reporting.

f) Manages professional staff in the PCO, including the Finance and Operations Manager and the Communications Specialist.

g) Serves as Acting PEPFAR Country Coordinator when the PCC is out of the office.

D. SPECIFIC TASKS TO BE ACCOMPLISHED

Program Development and Implementation (40% time)

Provides leadership for the implementation and management of a cohesive PEPFAR program for

Zambia that makes the best use of the comparative advantages and competencies of participating USG agencies, achieves maximum results related to PEPFAR targets and GRZ objectives for HIV and AIDS, and is optimally responsive to the needs of Zambian citizens at risk for, infected by, or affected by

AIDS. Ensures that PEPFAR activities are aligned with GRZ priorities and leads the development and monitoring of the Sustainability Plan. Provides leadership to the PEPFAR Zambia interagency team, PCO professional staff, GRZ counterparts and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate existing strategies and portfolio composition and makes necessary adjustments.

In close collaboration with the PEPFAR Senior Program Specialist, leads the preparation of the annual

Country Operational Plan (COP), COP semi-annual and annual results reports, and responds to requests for data and information from OGAC. Ensures that documentation of policy and programming decisions by OGAC are conveyed to the interagency team. Prepares and disseminates periodic internal and external updates and status reports on PEPFAR in Zambia, including budget information and results data. Internal audiences shall be limited to USG participants, including OGAC. External audiences shall include GRZ partners, cooperating partners, non-governmental implementing partners, and periodically (in coordination with the U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer) the Zambian media, and the general public.

Staff Management and Mentorship (40%)

Works with the PEPFAR Country Coordinator to establish an effective office structure that enhances work flow and builds on the talents and expertise of the USG interagency core team. Manages select professional staff on the PEPFAR Zambia team and ensures that their performance meets or exceeds established performance standards. Ensures team members are fulfilling roles and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner. Provides leadership and mentoring to professional staff to build and enhance their skills. Conducts mid-term and annual performance reviews of professional staff and provides feedback on their performance in a timely manner.

Works with team members to establish timelines for the completion of tasks and works with the

PEPFAR interagency team to ensure that USG agencies are fully aware of tasks and timelines for the submission of documents both internally and externally. Promotes professionalism in all PEPFAR related work, documents and communications, both internally and externally.

Works with U.S. Mission management to identify hiring mechanisms for PEPFAR staff to ensure that the PCO is fully staffed and able to meet interagency expectations and requirements.

Special Initiatives and Other Requests (20%)

Supports the PEPFAR Country Coordinator to respond to requests from the U.S. Embassy Front Office, OGAC, the GRZ and cooperating partners regarding special initiatives, regional meetings and conferences and other PEPFAR and/or HIV/AIDS-related activities. Works with the USG interagency team to ensure that PEPFAR Zambia is adequately represented in meetings and conferences and responds to initiatives and special assignments, as appropriate.

Facilitates the development of PEPFAR Zambia materials that are disseminated internally and externally including informational materials, press releases, speeches, strategy documents, etc. Ensure that all materials emanating from the PEPFAR Zambia office are of the highest professional quality.

E. SUPERVISION/OVERSIGHT

General direction and supervision provided by the PEPFAR Country Coordinator. Although the incumbent will be a senior member of a very dynamic team in a fast-paced environment, he/she must be able to work independently with minimal supervision. The incumbent is accountable for the effective performance of the PEPFAR Country Office and the ability for team members to work together to prioritize actions for effective implementation.

F. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Applicants for this position are expected to hold at least a Master’s Degree in public health or a related subject that affords an understanding of managing HIV and AIDS and public health initiatives.

Experience: Eight to ten years of progressive, professional-level experience at the program management level with some background in HIV and AIDS is required. The incumbent should have a proven track record managing large teams and complex processes as well as experience living and working in developing countries. Because this position is a high level advisory position supporting the efforts of the PEPFAR Country Coordinator and the PEPFAR Country Office, it demands an incumbent with credentials and credibility. Ability to perform at a senior level must be demonstrable, and experience applying effective communication and leadership skills is essential. Experience with health, preferably HIV and AIDS, programs in the Africa region is desirable.

Language: Fluent English speaking, reading and writing are required. The position has demanding writing responsibilities. Knowledge of the terms related to HIV and AIDS and health system issues related to service delivery is required.

Skills and abilities: Ability to use software programs for internal management and presentations outside the Mission is required. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work constructively in a team structure. Must have demonstrated experience adapting to and working effectively in different cultures. Ideal candidate will have facilitation and conflict negotiation and resolution skills. Must have prior experience supervising professional staff.

G. PERIOD OF CONTRACT/DETAIL

Two years with optional two year extension upon agreement of incumbent, the PEPFAR Country

Coordinator and the USAID/Zambia Mission Director.

H. OTHER REQUIREMENTS

The selected applicant must be able to obtain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance and medical clearance.

III. SELECTION CRITERIA:

A. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

The minimum qualification listed in section 4 above determines basic eligibility for the position.

Applicants are required to address each KSA below describing specific and actual experience, education and training relevant to each factor. Each section is limited to 1,000 characters only, 12 point font, 1” margins, double spaced.

1. Provide examples that demonstrate your experience in operating effectively in cross-cultural environments and working within interagency settings. Highlight leadership, management and teamwork skills.

2. Describe your knowledge of and experience working with or supporting PEPFAR programming. Highlight your ability to develop and coordinate design and management of multi-partner work plans for major time-sensitive and complex projects; and discuss your ability to facilitate large, multi-agency teams towards deliverables within established time frames.

3. Provide specific examples of your oral communication skills and style; and describe your experience facilitating meetings, and group decision-making processes.

4. Describe your experience managing professional staff and establishing an effective office structure where employees meet deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

B. SELECTION FACTORS:

ABILITIES AND SKILLS (50 points)

● Excellent management, coordination, interpersonal and teamwork skills.

● Demonstrated judgment, maturity, ingenuity and originality to interpret technical and political opportunities and constraints.

● Strong quantitative and analytical skills, verbal skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical colleagues.

● Strong public speaking skills.

● Familiarity with USG systems and implementation mechanisms.

● Experience in operating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and working within an interagency setting.

WORK EXPERIENCE (30 points)

Eight to ten years of progressive, professional-level experience at the program management level with some background in HIV/AIDS required.

EDUCATION (20 points)

Applicants for this position are expected to hold at least a Master’s Degree in public health, public administration, health policy or a related subject that affords an understanding of managing HIV/AIDS and other public health initiatives.

C. 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 from candidates which do not meet the minimum educational and work experience requirements will not be scored. As part of the selection process, final candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at the committee’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. If an applicant does not wish for the current employer to be contacted as a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter. The interviewing committee will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. Only finalists will be contacted by the interview committee with respect to their applications. The final selected candidate must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate).

IV. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS:

All applications should be submitted to: USAID/Executive Office, via email to: EXOZAMBIAHR@usaid.gov by close of business on 14 May 2014, 17:00 hours, Lusaka time. Email applications required. Subject of the email MUST read (exactly): “Application: USPSC

Deputy PEPFAR Coordinator, 611-14-0002”. All applications must be in PDF format, sent as a single attachment. Applications must include the following:

(i) A formal cover letter;

(ii) A copy of the most current CV or resume, including:

(a) Paid and non-paid experience, job title, location(s), dates held (month/year), and hours worked per week for each position. Dates (month/year) and locations for all overseas field experience must also be detailed. Any experience that does not include dates (month/year), locations, and hours per week will not be counted towards meeting the mailto:EXOZAMBIAHR@usaid.gov solicitation requirements.

(b) Specific duties performed that fully detail the level and complexity of the work.

(c) Names and contact information (phone and email) of your current and/or previous supervisor(s).

(d) Education and any other qualifications including job-related training courses, job-related skills, or job-related honors, awards or accomplishments.

(e) U.S. Citizenship.

(iii) Photocopies of all professional certifications and degrees;

(iv) A fully complete OF-612

(v) Three professional references, with email and phone contact information;

(vi) Fully completed KSAs, per section III.A of this solicitation.

The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Only the highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACTS:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms

1. Form-612

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62). *

3. Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (for National Security) (SF-86)*

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258). *

* Forms 2 through 4 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDS) AND CONTRACT

INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBS) RELATING TO U.S. PERSONAL SERVICE

CONTRACTS:

AAPDS/CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website: http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

DATA UNIVERSAL NUMBERING SYSTEM (DUNS) NUMBERS:

http://www.usaid.gov/forms http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

All individuals contracted as US PSCs are required to have a DUNS Number. USAID will provide a generic DUNS Number and PSCs are not required to register with CCR. For general information about

DUNS Numbers, please refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Clause 52.204-6, Data Universal

Numbering System (DUNS) Number (10/2003) https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html

V. BENEFITS & ALLOWANCES

The position is typically authorized the following compensation amenities:

A. BENEFITS

(1) Employee's FICA contribution

(2) Contribution towards health and life insurance

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(4) Annual pay increase

(5) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(6) Annual and Sick Leave

(7) Access to the U.S. Embassy medical facilities, pouch/DPO mail service

B. ALLOWANCES (if applicable)

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowances (Section 120)

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

(5) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(6) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(7) Education Travel (Section 280)

(8) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(9) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(10) Danger Pay (Section 650)

C. FEDERAL INCOME TAX

This position is not exempt from payment of U.S. Federal Income Tax under the foreign earned income exclusion.

https://acquisition.gov/far/current/html/52_200_206.html