SOLICITATION__USAID_Ghana_PMI_Advisor_SOL_641-15-005.pdf

ISSUANCE DATE: May 27, 2015 CLOSING DATE: June 9, 2015 17:00 Hours. Ghana local time

SUBJECT: SOLICITATION No. 641-15-005: USAID PRESIDENT’S MALARIA INITIATIVE ADVISOR

U.S.PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR

Ladies/Gentlemen:

The United States Government, represented by the United States Agency for International Development/Ghana (USAID/Ghana), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contractor (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation.

Submission 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 President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Advisor position will be located in Accra, Ghana.

All applications packages are to be submitted to:

Via courier Regional Executive Office USAID/West Africa No. 24 Fourth Circular Rd. CT P.O. Box 1630 Accra, Ghana

Via email: accrapsc@usaid.gov. Please cite the solicitation number and position title within the subject line of your email application. Any attachments provided via email shall be in a format compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or PDF and not zipped. Note that attachments to email must not exceed 3MB. All applications and OF612/SF171 forms submitted must be signed.

Incomplete and Unsigned applications will not be considered.

Late applications will be not be accepted and will be handled in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) 52.215.1

USAID/Ghana 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.

Any questions on this solicitation should be sent to Vida Aggrey at vaggrey@usaid.gov or the undersigned at jascott@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, Janine Scott Executive Officer

U.S. Agency for International Development No. 24 Fourth Circular Rd.

P. O. Box 1630, Accra-Ghana

Tel: 233-21-741-200 Fax: 233-21-741-365 mailto:accrapsc@usaid.gov mailto:vaggrey@usaid.gov mailto:jascott@usaid.gov

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 641-15-005

ISSUANCE DATE: May 27, 2015

CLOSING DATE/TIME: June 9, 2015 AT 17:00 Hours Ghana local Time

POSITION TITLE: President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Advisor

MARKET VALUE: ($86,399.00 – $112,319.00) the market value for this position is equivalent to GS-14 level. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based upon the candidate’s past salary, work history and educational background.

Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to U.S. citizens

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years with an option to extend. Extensions will be contingent on satisfactory performance, continued need for the services, and availability of funds.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Accra, Ghana

SECURITY/MEDICAL CLEARANCES: Must obtain Secret level security clearance and medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

1.0 BACKGROUND

The health sector in Ghana faces many challenges including, high maternal and neonatal deaths, high HIV prevalence among most-at-risk groups, and lack of access to quality services. Malaria is hyper-endemic in Ghana, causes a significant burden of disease and is a key contributor to poverty. It accounts for over 37 percent of outpatient visits and an estimated 20,000 deaths in children under age five. Each year, more than 3 million suspected cases of malaria are seen in government health facilities with over 110,000 patients admitted.

The U.S. government greatly increased its support for malaria control in Ghana by launching the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) in December 2007. In 2014, PMI/Ghana programmed $28 million in malaria funds through a combination of bilateral and centrally managed programs. PMI works in collaboration with the Government of Ghana, the Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, the UK Department for International Development (DfID), NGOs, private companies, and other malaria partners. The initiative promotes four major malaria control interventions within the framework of Ghana’s national malaria control strategy. These are: (1) indoor residual spraying (IRS) in targeted districts; (2) regular and correct use of insecticide treated bed nets (ITNs); (3) effective malaria treatment using artemisinin- based combination therapy (ACTs) and improved diagnostics; and (4) provision of intermittent preventative treatment in pregnancy (IPTp).

The 2008 Demographic and Health Survey (malaria program baseline), the 2011 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and the Key Indicator Report of the DHS 2014 established that the GoG and USG malaria control program interventions are on the right track and making progress. The PMI target is to reduce the burden of malaria (mortality and morbidity) by one-third from 2015 levels in PMI countries by the end of FY 2020. This target is consistent with the GoG goal to reduce malaria-related morbidity and mortality by 75 percent by 2020.

To date PMI has contributed significantly toward malaria control targets in Ghana. The USG has procured and distributed over ten million ITNs and over 13 million malaria treatments since the launch of PMI in Ghana to help Ghana achieve universal coverage targets. In FY 2014, PMI supported IRS operations in nine high-burden districts in Northern Ghana. Teams sprayed 205,230 households, protecting over 570,572 people.

2.0 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

The USAID PMI Advisor in collaboration with the PMI CDC Technical Advisor shall provide leadership, guidance and overall direction on the development and execution of PMI in Ghana. The USAID PMI Advisor in collaboration with the PMI CDC Technical Advisor shall provide managerial and technical support to Ghana’s National Malaria Control Program

(NMCP).

Specific Responsibilities are:

I. Collaborate with senior staff of the NMCP, the Ghana Health Services (GHS) at central and local level, and other partners, such as the Global Fund (GF), WHO, UNICEF, the UK Department for International Development and the private sector to design, plan and implement malaria prevention and control activities consistent with the malaria control coverage needs identified by the strategy and plans of the NMCP and PMI;

II. Ensure that all activities are consistent with internationally accepted best practices and relevant to the specific malaria epidemiology of Ghana;

III. Coordinate with all partners on efforts to build technical and managerial capacity within the GHS at the national, district and lower levels;

IV. Provide technical support to all partners and managerial support as needed during the designing and implementation phases of the project to ensure the quality of interventions supported and that programmatic targets are met;

V. Work with NMCP and other partners to identify gaps in national malaria commodities that would be appropriate for PMI to fill, and implementers to ensure that programmatic commodities are purchased in a timely and cost effective manner.

Also, ensure that the absorptive capacity exists in implementation sites to receive, manage and distribute these items effectively.

2 SOL_641-15-005_USAID PMI ADVISOR

VI. Ensure that malaria activities are integrated into overall USAID-supported health activities and coordinated with the NMCP and MOH to avoid duplication of effort and programming gaps;

VII. Work with the NMCP and other partners to develop and execute a monitoring and evaluation plan to be implemented through existing MOH/GHS systems and existing USG supported mechanisms. Carry out monitoring and evaluation visits to implementation sites to ascertain all quantitative and qualitative data is collected properly and ensure programmatic quality and value for money are maintained;

VIII. Lead the process for collaborative interagency development of the annual Malaria Operational Plan;

IX. Assist PMI administrative manager to ensure that financial and technical reports on PMI in Ghana are prepared and submitted as required;

X. Serve as COR/AOR/ Activity Manager for PMI activities, providing technical guidance, administrative and financial oversight, and planning direction to implementing partners;

XI. Supervise USAID technical and administrative staff supporting PMI efforts;

XII. Support and actively participate in MOH and GHS policy development related to malaria;

XIII. Serve on the Global Fund CCM Malaria Oversight Committees as needed;

XIV. Represent USAID and PMI as needed at local, national, and international events.

A. Activity Development and Design (25%) The incumbent, working in collaboration with the NMCP, the PMI Teams in Ghana and the US, and USAID/Ghana staff as appropriate will be responsible for developing the annual Malaria Operational Plan, designing new projects as necessary, and working with implementing partners to approve their annual work plans in line with PMI objectives and goals

B. Management of Activity Implementation (30%) The incumbent, in collaboration with the PMI Team, the NMCP, and other stakeholders will be responsible for overseeing the management of projects being implemented under PMI. This includes but is not limited to malaria prevention and control activities such as behavior change and communication activities, bed net purchase and distribution, anti-malarial drug purchase and distribution through the existing health services, IPT coverage and the diagnosis and treatment of acute malaria, and the indoor residual spraying conducted under the initiative. The incumbent, in collaboration with the PMI Team, will also be responsible for monitoring and reporting the results of all PMI activities. The USAID PMI Advisor shall manage and oversee services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations and procedures, and practices.

3 SOL_641-15-005_USAID PMI ADVISOR

C. Partner Relationships (25%) Successful performance in this position depends upon establishing and maintaining productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, the MOH, provincial governments, DFID, Global Fund, WHO, UNICEF, other donors, NGOs, and private sector partners dealing with issues focusing on malaria. It is expected that the USAID PMI Advisor will spend a significant portion of their time providing technical assistance to the NMCP and working with PMI Implementing Partners. The incumbent shall therefore develop and maintain relationships with these partners and stakeholders in order to effectively assure that all of USG PMI’s activities are complementary and enhance other malaria activities being implemented in Ghana. The incumbent will participate in meetings hosted by the GOG and other partners on malaria.

D. Coordination with Other PMI Personnel (10%) The incumbent will be required to communicate regularly and work jointly with other members of the USAID/Ghana Health team, USAID/Washington Global Health Bureau and CDC Atlanta.

E. Monitoring and Evaluation (10%) Monitoring and evaluation is a key component of PMI. The USAID PMI Advisor shall be responsible for working with the PMI Team to develop the PMI monitoring and evaluation plan in line with the PMI targets, and to ensure that PMI partners develop project monitoring plans that are consistent with PMI and USAID priorities. The incumbent will ensure that implementing partners submit complete progress and financial reports in a timely manner. It is also expected that the USAID PMI Advisor shall provide expert advice and assistance to help the MOH, GHS, the NMCP and other partners monitor inputs and outcomes, monitor progress towards RBM goals, and implement evidence-based decision making.

3.0 REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/EVALUATION CRITERIA

Applicants meeting the required qualifications for the position will be evaluated based on information presented in the application and obtained through reference checks. USAID reserves the right to conduct telephone interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection.

Education (20%) Minimum of a Master’s Degree in public health, international health, or social sciences from a recognized institution and/or clinical qualifications. Specialized experience in malaria is required in areas including but not limited to vector control, entomology, clinical case management of malaria, and epidemic surveillance and forecasting.

Experience (45%) The incumbent will have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing and managing malaria and other health programs in developing countries, with a preference given to candidates with African experience. Demonstrated technical

4 SOL_641-15-005_USAID PMI ADVISOR

leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required.

Preference will be given to those candidates with proven knowledge and experience with USAID programs, procedures and systems for program design, procurement, implementation, management and monitoring.

Teamwork and Interpersonal Skills (20%) Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position. The incumbent must have the following:

Ability to work effectively with a broad range of USG personnel and partners, and have demonstrated skills in donor coordination and collaboration. Ability to work both independently and in a team environment to achieve consensus on policy, program and administrative matters is a must.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate highly technical health information to both health and non-health audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters.

Language, Communication, and Computer Skills (15%)

Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely both orally and in writing in English. Must have demonstrated ability to make sensitive oral presentations, logically and persuasively, to senior USG and Government of Ghana officials and other donors.

Excellent verbal communication skills, tact and diplomacy are required to establish and develop sustainable working relationships at the highest level and a high level of trust with public/private organizations. Verbal communication skills are also used to negotiate activity plans and resolve activity implementation issues with counterparts, partners and team members. Ability to communicate technical information to health and non-health audiences. Excellent written communication skills are required to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.

Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook, Access, SPSS and other statistical and other relevant software) are required for effectively operating in this position. Good computer skills are required to implement, analyze, and monitor, and manage activity goals, inputs, outcomes, and achievements, both program and impact.

The incumbent will also have the following:

Analytical ability to interpret public policies and assist in the development of revised policies as required improving the policy environment related to malaria in Ghana.

Management skills required to develop and implement effective malaria prevention

5 SOL_641-15-005_USAID PMI ADVISOR

and treatment program activities involving financial and human resources.

Administrative skills are required to assist in the oversight of cooperating agency technical advisors and institutional contractors.

Skill in conceptualizing programs, policies, and plans and developing strategies for their management and implementation. The candidate must be able to integrate short and long range objectives of the USAID Health officer and the PMI with the cultural/organizational needs of the government.

Knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods; experience in designing and evaluating malaria activities in Africa. The incumbent must have proven skills in capacity building and mentoring local staff in a developing country.

Demonstrable skills are required in working effectively with health personnel of diverse cultural backgrounds, negotiating agreements on matters of program strategy and performance, writing, administration, and management. Ability to navigate and manage politically sensitive issues related to malaria control.

4.0 OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTORS

Supervisory Controls: All PMI staff members will be part of a single inter-agency team led by the USAID/Ghana Health, Population and Nutrition Office (HPNO) Director, who is the PMI designee of the USAID Mission Director. The USAID PMI Advisor is directly supervised by the HPNO Director and performs under general instructions from his/her supervisor, with programmatic guidance from the PMI Division in the Global Health Office of USAID/Washington. The USAID PMI Advisor is expected to work with a minimum of supervision and in a collaborative fashion with the PMI CDC Technical Advisor; other professional staff inside and outside the Mission; other senior health advisors from other donor partners and the Ministry of Health. The USAID PMI Advisor is required to exercise comprehensive judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, including the specific approach to be taken, the resolution of problems and conflicts, and the meeting of deadlines. He/she will keep supervisors apprised of progress in assigned activities.

Supervision Exercised: The PMI Advisor will be responsible for the direct supervision of a PMI Program Specialist and a Program Management Assistant.

Nature, Level and Purpose of Contacts: Contacts will be USG staff at post, Government of Ghana Ministry of Health colleagues, international development partners, international and local NGO partners and civil society leaders, and PMI headquarters staff. Incumbent will report to the Health office on program progress, obstacles and opportunities for improvement

- particularly on any budgetary or contractual obstacles or delays. The USAID PMI Advisor shall work with the PMI CDC Technical Advisor as a team, within the USAID/Ghana Health, Population and Nutrition Office that oversees the USAID health activities; liaising with backstops for the PMI in USAID/ Washington and counterparts in CDC Atlanta; and

6 SOL_641-15-005_USAID PMI ADVISOR

representing the USG in interactions with Ghana’s National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) Director and staff. In addition, the USAID PMI Advisor shall represent USAID and the USG on various national and international technical and policy forums.

5.0 INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Interested applicants must submit: (i) his/her most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

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

Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions. Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter.

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. Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted.

All applications and OF612/SF171 forms submitted must be signed. Incomplete and Unsigned applications will not be considered.

6.0 LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCS: Forms outlined below can found at;

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

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. Foreign Activity Data (AID 6-85). *

5. Finger Print Cards (SF-87). *

6. E-QIPS Signature Forms.*

7. Notice Required By Privacy Act (AID 500-5).*

8. Fair Credit Reporting Act (AID 500-4).*

* Forms 2 through 8 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

7.0 ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) contain information or changes pertaining to USAID policy, regulation and procedures concerning acquisition and assistance including Personal Service Contracts. Please refer to the USAID website http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html#psc to locate relevant AAPDs.

7 SOL_641-15-005_USAID PMI ADVISOR

http://www.usaid.gov/forms/ http://transition.usaid.gov/business/business_opportunities/cib/subject.html%23psc

8.0 BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances as applicable:

BENEFITS:

Employee's FICA and Medicare Contribution Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance Pay Comparability Adjustment Eligibility for Worker's Compensation Annual & Sick Leave Access to Embassy medical facilities, commissary and pouch mail service

ALLOWANCES (If Applicable):

(1) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)*

(2) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)*

(3) Post Allowance (Section 220)*

(4) Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)*

(5) Post Differential (Chapter 500)*

(6) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)* and

(7) Danger Pay (Section 650)*

(8) Educational Allowance (Section 270)*

(9) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)*

(10) Educational Travel (Section 280)*

* Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas).

FEDERAL TAXES: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal and State Income Taxes.

END OF SOLICITATION

8 SOL_641-15-005_USAID PMI ADVISOR