Solicitation_Health_Development_Physician.doc

Solicitation 613-11-001 Health Development Physician

USAID/Harare, Zimbabwe

1. SOLICITATION No: 613-11-001.

2. ISSUANCE DATE: June 22, 2011.

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME SPECIFIED FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS:

5pm Harare, Zimbabwe Time; Friday, July 8, 2011.

4. POSITION TITLE: Health Development Physician.

5. MARKET VALUE: GS-15 ($99,628-$129,517); program funded.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 2-year contract base; with contract extension options.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Harare, Zimbabwe.

8. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS Incumbent is expected to act with a high degree of independence under minimal supervision.

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens, Green Card Holders, Third Country Nationals.

10. OTHER: Funding for this position is subject to availability of funds and continued need for the services.

A. BACKGOUND:

The Health, Population and Nutrition (HPN) team in USAID/Zimbabwe is comprised of a small multi-disciplinary team of 10 people working closely and collaboratively to help mitigate HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe and improve essential health services. USAID/Zimbabwe’s assistance approaches are slowly emerging from an emergency relief phase and returning to assistance that is more health sector development oriented. Additionally, the Mission is moving to diversify its health assistance, balancing a continuing flow of funding for HIV/AIDS with additional assistance to address other public health challenges, such as maternal and child health, tuberculosis and family planning/reproductive health.

Due the severity of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe, USAID’s overall health assistance strategy must include a robust and varied set of efforts designed to mitigate the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Zimbabwe. USAID is a vibrant member of the PEPFAR team in Zimbabwe (that also includes the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Embassy Public Affairs Section). HIV/AIDS mitigation assistance from USAID is part of the PEPFAR country strategy that complements Zimbabwe’s own National Plan.

Recently, the financial resources typically available to the USAID/Zimbabwe health program totaled around $50 million of assistance annually, with over $40 million of this coming from HIV/AIDS funding. There are seven main projects within the existing program, collectively covering: HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care, particularly with respect to prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, care of orphans and vulnerable children and private sector service delivery; TB; behavior change communications; product social marketing; logistics management and family planning services.

In 2009, the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MOHCW) initiated a pilot effort that offers male circumcision (MC) services in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is now scaling up MC services country-wide. With funding received in 2010, USAID is providing assistance to support the expansion of MC services across the country.

In 2010, USAID also began a new initiative to improve basic health services within the primary-secondary care dyad at the district hospital level and below. This program focuses on improving maternal and neonatal health (MNH) services in Zimbabwe. Specific areas of MNH intervention include: improving safe delivery and neonatal care at the primary level; strengthening emergency obstetric and neonatal care at the district hospital level; and, strengthening post-partum family planning services at both levels. Additional funding is expected this year for assistance in malaria control.

The HPN Team believes that it is imperative to implement a strategic and focused program that builds on USAID’s comparative advantages and utilizes opportunities to complement and build synergies with other national and donor-supported Health programs. To this end, USAID/Zimbabwe has adopted a new health sector assistance strategy in 2010 that is closely coordinated with other donor programs and fits into and forms an integral part of the Government of Zimbabwe’s (GOZ’s) national health strategy.

At the same time, USAID/Zimbabwe will learn and try new approaches. To this end, the Team believes that operations research, in conjunction with program implementation, monitoring and evaluation, is essential. The Team will use lessons learned to improve its program, will adopt innovations when there are clear indications that new approaches are needed, and will continue to be creative and may even take risks. Despite challenges, USAID programs are making a difference and a variety of indicators show that the implementation of projects is progressing.

B. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

The Health Development Physician will be one of USAID’s leading technical experts in the area of HIV/AIDS and will also focus on Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (MNCH). His/her primary tasks include the provision of state-of-the-art clinical, scientific and technical guidance in the design and implementation of key elements of the health portfolio. The Health Development Physician will be the technical lead for maternal, neonatal and child health (MNCH), family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH) initiatives. In addition, he/she will serve as a technical resource for bio-medical and clinical care components of USAID’s HIV/AIDS mitigation activities.

He/she is generally responsible for ensuring the clinical and technical appropriateness of interventions, along with managing and assisting in various capacities in the successful implementation of MNCH, FP/RH and HIV/AIDS mitigation activities. The Health Development Physician's primary responsibilities for these activities will include: 1) providing state of the art technical inputs into ongoing program planning and implementation; 2) ensuring effective clinical, technical, financial management and administration, 3) monitoring, evaluating and documenting successful program implementation and achievement

Under the direction of the Team Leader, the Health Development Physician will collaboratively develop and augment the design, management, implementation, technical soundness, general effectiveness and clinical adequacy of assigned components of the HIV/AIDS program as well as many of the MNCH activities within the overall HPN program. He/she will share responsibility with the HPN Team for successful achievement of USAID/Zimbabwe’s strategic health objectives. The Health Development Physician's major responsibilities will involve working closely with the Team Leader (TL), other team members and mission office staff, the selected SO contractor(s) and/or Cooperating Agencies, and other program partners and customers in facilitating and monitoring the design and effective implementation of program activities. Specific tasks in this area will be defined following collaborative consultation amongst the HPN Team.

The Health Development Physician serves as a member of the USAID staff and the HPN Team. As a member of the USAID staff, the incumbent is expected to know/learn and understand USAID Mission strategy, policy, and procedures. The incumbent is expected to know/learn and demonstrate commitment to USAID and Mission values.

As a member of USAID staff and the HPN Team, the Health Development Physician will contribute as needed to other USAID and Health Team general management and administrative duties, such as: contributing to the U.S. Government Global Health Initiative (GHI) Strategy for Zimbabwe, technical design, management, and monitoring and evaluation; technical management and administrative oversight; promotion of collaboration and coordination among/with partners of USAID Zimbabwe (including the MOH, National Aids Council (NAC), United Nations (UN) agencies, other bilateral agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Foundations, Community-Based Organizations, etc.)

Other health sector technical activities:

The Health Development Physician will work under the guidance of the HPN Team Leader and will represent the United States Government (USG) and/or USAID in Government-Donor-NGO collaborative meetings as required. The incumbent is also responsible for maintaining effective relations with designated program partners, as well as key stakeholders involved in health sector activities in Zimbabwe. In addition, the incumbent monitors and reports on the status of designated Health sector activities nationwide. Field visits, attending/representing USG/USAID interests at workshops, conferences and meetings, and appropriate reporting feedback, will be required.

Travel:

In fulfilling position monitoring requirements, the incumbent conducts field visits as needed throughout Zimbabwe to assess the status of ongoing program implementation and/or general country trends within the several components of the HPN Office’s focus. This will be conducted on an as needed basis and is estimated to take about 10 percent of the incumbent’s time. He/she may be required to attend regional or international conferences.

C. SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In addition to the more general duties described above, the Health Development Physician will perform the following specific tasks:

i.

remain thoroughly informed about program activities – e.g. program goals, purposes, objectives and expected results; technical design, structure and organization; program target areas, beneficiary groups and implementing partner organizations; as well as operational plans, and performance targets and indicators;

ii.

lead, manage, and administer clinical and other components of program activities, including monitoring and evaluating the achievement of program objectives and intermediate results by means of empirically verifiable performance indicators;

iii.

define program technical assistance needs for clinical and other implementation requirements, including commodity and personnel requirements, and help manage and monitor implementation of agreed upon procurements and activities;

iv.

coordinate implementation activities between/among program partners and with other Mission offices/teams, as appropriate, by maintaining/facilitating communication, conducting regular site/office visits, and identifying/trouble-shooting problems related to program administration and implementation, and recommending appropriate solutions;

v.

prepare USAID technical, analytical and annual reporting documents and any other technical/program-related submissions that may be required;

vi.

identify the need for and prepare modifications to program strategic and implementation documentation;

vii.

advise partner implementing organizations about clinical standards and USAID regulations covering the administration of USAID funds, commodities and program resources;

viii. prepare program implementation documents as required;

xi.

prepare official correspondence, and reports covering site visits, meetings or other significant program events, as required;

x.

collect, collate and analyze program-relevant data and prepare, oversee and/or assist in the preparation by others (e.g., program partners, other mission teams, etc.) of any reports required for program management and administration, and performance monitoring and evaluation;

xi.

manage/administer program-funded grants, cooperative agreements and contracts: 1) provide technical information/advice regarding planning and implementation; 2) review/clear specific (sub-) grants and (sub-)contracts, and modifications thereto; 3) review/approve budget submissions and payment vouchers; 4) review progress reports and implementation plans; 5) monitor contractor performance; 6) troubleshoot implementation issues/problems, and otherwise facilitating successful contract/grant execution; 7) prepare annual contractor performance evaluation reports; and, 8) prepare contract close-out documentation (all as required);

xii.

manage program-funded strategic assessments, audits and evaluations; review findings with mission management and team members and concerned program partners, and implement corrective actions, and ensure that audit recommendations are finalized/implemented;

xiii.

liaise with other donor organizations supporting related program activities to ensure effective sector and technical-specific coordination; and, xiv.

perform any other office duties as may be assigned by the HPN Team Leader.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIP:

1.

Supervision Received: The HPN Team Leader (TL) supervises the incumbent. While this is the primary direct reporting relationship for this position, the incumbent will interact and coordinate his/her activities with, and receive various types of guidance and supervisory input from, mission management and a variety of other mission staff (i.e., other TLs, Controller, Executive Officer (EXO), etc.) as well, through his/her work on different Mission/Technical teams and in the cross-cutting environmental compliance and disaster areas. Within the limitations imposed by USG policy (see above Note on IGFs), the incumbent will have appropriate latitude to represent USG and USAID interests and to make judgments, decisions and conduct counterpart negotiations regarding technical planning, resource management and results achievement.

2.

Available Guidelines: Reference sources available to provide guidance in fulfilling the responsibilities for this mission position are available through World Health Organization recommended clinical protocols, USAID's Automated Directive System (ADS), Agency General Notices, Mission-specific Orders, and a variety of available training/guidance literature (e.g., course books, etc.) on various aspects of the position work requirements.

3.

Exercise of Judgment: In the course of fulfilling his/her duties, the incumbent exercises considerable judgment, both internally, in representing technical- and office-specific interests with mission management and other mission teams/offices, and externally, in representing USAID interests (including potentially sensitive elements in the HIVAIDS portfolio) at technical-specific management meetings, as well as in technical-related or sector-specific regional and country-specific meetings, workshops, conferences and other venues with a variety of senior and/or technical level, government, non-governmental and other donor partners and stakeholders. Incumbent will be required to work independently, as a senior member of the USAID mission and HPN Team.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS:

1.

Authority to Make Commitments: The incumbent's authority to make commitments is limited by the statutory limitations imposed by USG policy, salient USG and USAID ethics and procurement regulations on this subject, and the mission-specific agreements included within the various Team Charters which apply to the incumbent's scope of work. Within these limitations, the incumbent has authority to recommend the commitment of USAID technical funds and otherwise represent USG and USAID interests, as required, to further the achievement of technical objectives within his/her areas of operations. Creativity/Innovation is a critical element of this position.

2. Nature, Level and Purposes of Contacts: In the performance of his/her normal duties within the technical and sector areas described above, the incumbent interacts with a wide variety of governmental, non-governmental and donor partners, stakeholders and customers, from all levels of conventional and traditional Zimbabwean society, as well as religious leaders, on both technical- and sector-specific affairs. The incumbent's contacts and interactions will be designated by USAID and are likely to include:

· National government officials up to and including the ministerial level, and technical staff ,

· Representatives and technical of various government departments, agencies and other governmental/parastatal structures (e.g., councils, authorities, commissions/committees, task forces, etc.) at the central, provincial, district and local governmental levels,

· Representatives and technical staff of various international, regional and domestic private voluntary organizations, NGOs, associations and private sector firms, as needed,

· Representatives and technical staff of international/multilateral, regional, and bilateral missions and/or donor organizations.

· Representatives and technical staff of other USG agencies resident in or visiting Zimbabwe, or the Southern Africa Region (i.e., the Country Team, CDC, Temporary Duty (TDY) visitors), Southern Africa Regional AIDS Initiative, Regional Center for Southern Africa (RCSA), etc.

· Participation in periodic visits by U.S. Congressional representatives and staffers and senior-level representatives of other USG agencies (as required).

· In the traditional and spiritual arenas, contacts may include a wide variety of chiefs and other traditional community leaders, as well as religious leaders, throughout Zimbabwe.

Within the above limitations, the incumbent works with these various individuals and groups to represent USG and USAID interests related to his/her areas of technical expertise and/or technical responsibility noted above.

3.

Supervision Exercised: As directed, the incumbent will supervise contractors and consultants and will coordinate and oversee the work of grantees.

D. REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1.

Education: A minimum of a Medical Doctor, MBBS or other relevant medical degree.

2.

Prior Work Experience: The position calls for a highly experienced, senior health development physician with previous work experience in HIV/AIDS, FP/RH and Maternal Neonatal Child Health in Africa. A thorough knowledge of current World Health Organization recommended clinical protocols for essential HIV/AIDS, FP/RH and Maternal Neonatal Child Health services is required. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in international development is required. Experience related to the design, management, monitoring and evaluation of HIV and AIDS particularly comprehensive experience in MNCH programs is required. Prior work with international, bilateral or local private voluntary, non-governmental and/or donor organizations will be given preference. Work with USAID will also be given preference.

3.

Post-Entry Training: The incumbent will be required to participate in extensive on-the-job and formal coursework training to master USAID organization, policies, rules and procedures, and operations. Depending on the incumbent's background and experience, additional training opportunities will be sought in the several areas of technical focus of this position noted above.

4.

Language Proficiency: Fluent level oral and written proficiency in the English language is required.

5.

Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS, FP/RH and Maternal-Child Health issues and related disciplines, from a clinical, public health, or programmatic perspective, is required. Thorough knowledge of health issues and practices in Zimbabwe is required. . Demonstrated knowledge of donor-funded project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is required. Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and procedures is preferred.

6.

Skills and Abilities: Strong oral and written English language communication and presentation skills are essential for this position. Demonstrated proficiency with computer word processing and financial and/or data analysis software applications is also essential. Proficiency in Microsoft computer applications is required. Strong interpersonal skills are required, including the ability to work in a team setting and to maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of governmental and non-governmental professionals at all levels of Zimbabwean society. This position requires a high level of socio-cultural sensitivity in dealing effectively with HIV/AIDS, FP/RH and MNCH services as they affect all segments of Zimbabwean society.

E. EVALUATION CRITERIA AND OTHER INFORMATION:

Candidates will be evaluated and ranked based on the following selection criteria:

Education: A minimum of a Medical Doctor, MBBS or other relevant medical degree. 25 points Prior Work Experience: The position calls for a highly experienced, senior health development physician with previous work experience in HIV/AIDS, FP/RH and Maternal, Neonatal Child Health in Africa. A minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in international development is required. Experience related to the design, management, monitoring and evaluation of clinical aspects of HIV/AIDS, FP/RH and MNCH service delivery is required. Prior work with international, bilateral or local private voluntary, non-governmental and/or donor organizations will be given preference. Previous work with USAID will also be given preference. 30 points Knowledge: Extensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS and Maternal-Child Health issues and related disciplines, from a clinical, public health, or programmatic perspective, is required. A thorough knowledge of current World Health Organization recommended clinical protocols for essential HIV/AIDS, FP/RH and Maternal Neonatal Child Health services is required. Kknowledge of health issues and practices in Zimbabwe also is required. Demonstrated knowledge of donor-funded project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation is required. Knowledge of USAID rules, regulations and procedures is preferred. 30 points Skills and Abilities: Strong oral and written English language communication and presentation skills are essential for this position. Fluent level oral and written proficiency in the English language is required. Demonstrated proficiency with computer word processing and financial and/or data analysis software applications is also essential. Proficiency in Microsoft computer applications is required. Strong interpersonal skills are required, including the ability to work in a team setting and to maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of governmental and non-governmental professional at all levels of Zimbabwean society. This position requires a high level of socio-cultural sensitivity in dealing effectively with HIV and AIDS, FP/RH and MNCH services as they affect all segments of Zimbabwean society. 15 points

F. TERMS OF PERFORMANCE, COMPENSATION AND LIVING CONDITIONS:

The Health Development Physician shall perform the preceding services for a period of two years, based in Harare Zimbabwe (followed by possible one-year extensions). Within 2 weeks after written notice from the Contracting Officer that all clearances have been received; the incumbent will be expected to proceed to Zimbabwe to commence services. The position described has been classified at a U.S. Government GS-15. The actual salary of the successful candidate will be negotiated within that pay band, depending on qualifications and previous salary history. However, an individual may be offered the position at a salary below the GS-15 pay band. In addition to the basic salary, differentials and other benefits in effect at the time and which are applicable and subject to change will be added.

G. Medical and Security Clearance:

If a USPSC is selected, s/he must be able to obtain a USG Secret level security clearance and a Department of State medical clearance.

Green card holders and Third Country Nationals must be able to obtain a Security certification for employment and a medical clearance.

H. Benefits:

A PSC may be authorized certain benefits and allowances in accordance with regulations. [NOTE: A contractor meeting the definition of a U.S. Resident Hire PSC, shall be subject to U.S. Federal Income Tax, but shall not be eligible for any fringe benefits (except contributions for FICA, health insurance, and life insurance), including differentials and allowances.]

1.

Benefits

(1) Employee's FICA Contribution

(2) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance --50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium (not to exceed $20,339 for a family and $7,266 for employees without dependents) --50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium with no maximum limit;

(3) Pay Comparability Adjustment--Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs (if granted)

(4) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(5) Vacation & Sick Leave

2. Allowances* (If Applicable): In accordance with Department of State Office of Allowance.

3.

Other Benefits: Applicable in accordance with the AIDAR, Federal Travel Regulations and Standardized Regulations.

I. FEDERAL TAXES:

Personal Service Contractors and US Residents (Green Card holders) are required to pay Federal Income taxes.

J. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS:

1.

For initial consideration, please submit an OF-612 or SF-171

Upon advice by the Contracting Officer that the applicant is the successful candidate:

2. Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

3. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62).

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

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). **(Available from the law enforcement offices or in USAID/Washington).

The list of required forms above can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

K. APPLICATION PROCESS:

Qualified individuals are requested to submit a U.S government OF-612 which is available at the USAID website http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/forms.asp , or at Federal Offices. Alternatively, the old SF-171 may be submitted in lieu of the OF-612.

Applicant’s detailed CV and a cover letter of application should also be included.

All applications should be submitted electronically to the Attention of the Human Resources Office, and be emailed to Zimrecruit@usaid.gov To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application and as the subject line of cover letter. The highest ranking applications may be selected for interview. Applications must be received before the closing time and date in item number three of this solicitation. Applications received after that date and/or time may not be considered.

Please note: Only the shortlisted candidates that are interviewed will be notified regarding the final selection. If you are not contacted by August 31, 2011, you were therefore not shortlisted for the position.

ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PERSONAL SERVICE CONTRACT (PSC): AAPDs contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance. A number of AAPDs pertain to Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to locate relevant AAPDs. Additionally, AIDAR Appendix D or J also applies to PSCs and can be found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf L. Points of Contact

1. Ashleigh Appel, Human Resources Specialist, USAID/Zimbabwe, Ph: 263-4-252401 Ext 235, email: aappel@usaid.gov

2. Tendai Sirewu, HR Assistant, USAID/Zimbabwe, Ph: 263-4-252401 Ext 256, email: tsirewu@usaid.gov

3. Bothwell Majasi, Acting Executive Officer, Ph: 263 4 252401 Ext 280 – email: bmajasi@usaid.gov

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