2.CoverLetter SolicitationNamibiaTreatmentAdvisor.dot

ISSUANCE DATE: March 20, 2008

CLOSING DATE: April 14, 2008

Ladies/Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor – HIV/AIDS Treatment Advisor and Manager of Clinical Services, Position at USAID/Windhoek, Namibia. Solicitation No. 674-08-0018 The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens interested in providing Personal Services Contract (PSC) services as described in the attached solicitation for services in Pretoria, South Africa, with regional travel.

Interested applicants must submit:

(1) An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

(2) Form OF-612: This form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612; and,

(3) References: Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation of the application.

Submittals shall be in accordance with the attached information 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. Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of the applications vis-a-vis the Evaluation Criteria. Applicants should note that the salary history for the purposes of the OF-612 is the base salary paid, excluding benefits and allowances such as housing, travel, educational support, vehicle use, etc. Applicants are reminded and required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612.

Please note that the U.S. mail system is not as reliable as other methods of submitting applications. Preferred methods include: courier, overnight mail service, hand delivery, fax (at the number below), or emailing scanned copies to ewilliams@usaid.gov. Applications must be signed. In addition, hard copies of certain documents may be requested. Applicants are responsible for submitting the OF-612, so as to reach the Government office designated in the solicitation by the closing date and time specified in the solicitation whether submitted by courier, overnight mail services, hand delivery, fax or e-mail. An application received after the closing date and time will be considered late, unless there is acceptable evidence to establish that it was received by the Government installation prior to the time and date specified in the solicitation and in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 15.412.

Other Methods of Submission of an Application:

1. Hand Deliver To:

USAID/Southern Africa

Regional Executive Office/HR

100 Totius Street

Groenkloof, 0027, Pretoria, South Africa

2. Via U.S. Mail:

USAID/Southern Africa

Regional Executive Office/HR

9300 Pretoria Place

Washington D.C. 20521 – 9300

3. If sent via Courier, International or Local (South African) Mail use:

USAID/Southern Africa

Regional Executive Office/HR

100 Totius Street

PO Box 43

Groenkloof, 0027, Pretoria, South Africa

Any questions as well as submission of proposals in response to this solicitation must be directed to:

Mr. Ernest Williams

Human Resources Assistant

Telephone: +27 12 452 2158

Fax: +27 12 460 3177 e-mail:ewilliams@usaid.gov

Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures accompanying their applications.

Sincerely, Edith Humphreys

Contracting Officer

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 674-08-0018.

ISSUANCE DATE: March 20, 2008.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 14, 2008, 17:00 Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa.

POSITION TITLE: HIV/AIDS Treatment Advisor and Manager of Clinical Services.

MARKET VALUE OF POSITION: The position is the equivalent of a GS-14, ranging from $81,093 to $105,420 per annum. Final compensation will be based on individual’s salary and work history, experience and educational background.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Windhoek, Namibia.

SECURITY ACCESS: None.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: U.S. Citizens and Third Country Nationals.

I. SCOPE OF WORK

A. Introduction:

Namibia faces a generalized HIV/AIDS epidemic, with an HIV prevalence rate of approximately 20 percent nationally and as high as 40 percent among some sub-populations and in some geographical areas. The government of Namibia and its partners implement a range of HIV prevention, treatment, and care services through health centers, clinics and community and home-based programs. The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is supporting the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS), the Ministry of Defense (MOD), the Ministry of Safety and Security (MOSS), the Ministry of Education (MOE), and many nongovernmental organization (NGO) partners to strengthen and scale up prevention, care, and treatment services. Although more than 55,000 people are receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), it is predicted that there will be an increasing need for quality clinical services until the rate of new HIV infections decreases. There are an estimated 17,000 children currently under the age of 14 with HIV, and children comprise 13% of the total number of patients on ART.

B. Position Overview:

This position is funded under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and located in the Office of HIV/AIDS, USAID/Namibia, Windhoek. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the HIV/AIDS Treatment Advisor and Manager of Clinical Services, which comprises the technical areas of Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV/AIDS (PMTCT), Pediatric Care/Treatment; Antiretroviral Therapy (ART); Pharmaceutical and Supply Chain Management; Counseling and Testing (CT), Tuberculosis (TB), and Clinical Care Services. The Advisor provides guidance and direction for the implementation of technical aspects of the USAID/Namibia’s HIV/AIDS portfolio as assigned, and specifically monitors the PMTCT, ART, Pharmaceutical and Supply Chain Management, TB/HIV, and Counseling and Testing activities. The Advisor also strengthens HIV-related clinical palliative care in partnership with the Senior Technical Advisor on Care and Nutrition and other USG personnel who are dedicated to the broader palliative care portfolio. The STA works in close collaboration with other U.S. Government (USG) agencies to identify crosscutting themes, liaise with development partners and stakeholders, and serve as a key contact with the Ministry of Health and Social Services (MoHSS). The Advisor keeps the HIV/AIDS Team Leader and Mission management, as appropriate, apprised of technical issues, actions and results related to the implementation of all programs which entail clinical services and serves as a critical link to keep the MoHSS engaged and aware of USAID-supported programs and activities.

C. Position Title of Direct Supervisor:

Director, HIV/AIDS Team, USAID/Namibia

D. Supervisory Controls:

The USAID Namibia Director for the HIV/AIDS team will provide overall supervision to the HIV/AIDS Treatment Advisor and Manager of Clinical Services; however he/she exercises the maximum degree of independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, resolving problems and conflicts, and taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. While the incumbent will work with maximum independence in completing agreed-upon work objectives and carrying-out his/her responsibilities, s/he will immediately inform his/her supervisor of problems and/or issues that arise that may affect the successful implementation of the USAID HIV/AIDS program in Namibia. At least once during each twelve month cycle for the duration of the contract the HIV/AIDS Treatment Advisor and Manager of Clinical Services will work with the HIV/AIDS Director in close collaboration with the Deputy Director to establish standards and performance measures upon which the performance will be based. Once agreed upon, these work objectives and performance measures will be reviewed at least semi-annually and more often as necessary, and revised to reflect changing circumstances. An evaluation of the incumbent will be completed annually and will serve as the basis of any personnel actions as appropriate.

E. Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manage USAID/Namibia’s current Treatment and Clinical Care Services Program (40% Level of Effort-LOE)

a) Serve as the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) or activity manager of treatment, supply chain management, and clinical service strengthening activities, namely – Capacity Project (IntraHealth), Strengthening Pharmaceutical Services (SPS), Supply Chain Management Systems (SCMS), and University Research Services (URC).

b) Supervise and Mentor the Technical Advisors for TB/HIV, and Counseling and Testing

c) Work closely with the Systems Strengthening and Capacity Development Advisor on Human Resource Planning, information system strengthening, and longer term GRN ARV systems strengthening efforts.

d) Provide technical support to the clinical aspects of the palliative care program managed by the Senior Technical Advisor in Care and Nutrition

e) Develop and monitor the implementation of HIV-related treatment and clinical service programs initiated in the USAID/Namibia program. This includes critical planning to ensure that the program remains appropriate to Namibia and reflects the needs of Namibians.

f) Oversee the management of the clinical services programs and implementing partners, including ensuring that activity reports are timely submitted to the mission, and identifying the necessity for realignment or course correction of program activities; exercising oversight on how clinical services program budgets are being allocated and spent and ensuring that quarterly financial reports are timely submitted to mission.

g) Work with designated members of mission Strategic Objective teams to supports multi-sectoral programming and technical accuracy, in particular as it relates to treatment and clinical service activities developed to achieve PEPFAR and other Presidential Initiative goals and objectives.

h) Prepares technical and program assistance documentation and program Statements for acquisition and assistance actions, including new agreements, amendments, and incremental funding; drafts statements of work and illustrative budgets; and, prepares quarterly accrual estimates and tracks funds for activities implemented by partner organizations related to assigned area of responsibility.

i) Maintains responsibility for financial management of assigned activities, which includes ensuring that obligations, expenditures, and budget pipelines conform to work plans; ensures appropriate and timely incremental funding of activities.

2. Provide Technical Assistance in HIV-Related Treatment and Clinical Care Service Programs (40% LOE)

a) Serve as a technical advisor to the USG PEPFAR Program on HIV/AIDS clinical services and related pharmaceuticals and supplies.

b) Provide technical and programmatic leadership on PMTCT, treatment, and clinical services to the Government of Namibia, USG PEPFAR Team, USAID/Namibia, and HIV/AIDS partner organizations.

c) Serve as a key USAID treatment advisor with the Ministry of Health and Social Services, and other partner ministries as appropriate; officials at the national, regional and district levels; with other development partners and private organizations supporting HIV/AIDS Treatment and clinical service delivery in Namibia

d) Coordinate and adapt lessons learned for treatment and clinical services to further strengthen and expand interventions to achieve PEPFAR and GRN goals.

j) Participate in the Interagency Technical Team (ITT) and Technical Advisory Committees (TAC) for Treatment and Clinical Services

k) Work with the USG Systems Strengthening Interagency Technical Team to move ARV procurement programs and activities into more sustainable partnerships.

e) Support the analysis of the quantifications and forecasts predicted to meet national treatment service delivery targets, determine current funding sources, and support recommendations for strategies for longer-term financing of the national ARV program.

3. Communications, Program Development, and Reporting Responsibilities (20% LOE)

a) Establishes and maintains contact with senior officials of the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), USAID Washington Office of HIV/AIDS (OHA) and Africa Bureau, and Government of the Republic of Namibia, local and international organizations, and other USG Agencies involved implementing the PEPFAR program in Namibia.

b) Keeps currently informed on political, social and economic developments in Namibia and the region including lessons learned from HIV/AIDS clinical initiatives in other African countries and the southern Africa region in particular.

c) Provides strategic technical advice for, and prepares relevant sections of key PEPFAR planning and budget documents, such as the Country Operational Plan (COP), semi-annual and annual progress reports, and Congressional Notifications; and, participates in the Inter-agency Working Group for the PEPFAR Plan in Namibia.

d) Coordinates with other development partners who are funding clinical services and commodities/drugs in the country; works to ensure efforts complement rather than duplicate each other; meets with groups of development partners as well as individually to discuss and develop strategy on matters of common and mutual interest.

e) Seeks opportunities to explore new Mission-supported options such as the development of public/private partnerships with insurance companies to improve access to quality treatment services in the private sector.

f) Prepares correspondence and cables related to implementation, management, and evaluation of treatment and clinical services.

II. QUALIFICATIONS:

In order to be considered for this position a candidate must meet the Required Minimum Qualifications listed below. Consideration and selection will be based on panel evaluation of Required Minimum Qualifications, Desired Qualifications and Evaluation Factors. Additionally, interviews and writing samples may be requested. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to a resume, OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the Minimum Qualifications and Evaluation Factors listed below:

A. Required Minimum Qualifications:

1. The minimum educational requirement is medical degree (MD), with at least 10 years of international experience and knowledge of public health and HIV/AIDS clinical services in Africa.

2. Minimum five years of relevant professional experience in program design, management, and technical oversight with treatment and clinical services, especially experience working within HIV/AIDS settings in a development country context.

B. Desired Qualifications:

1. A thorough working knowledge of U.S. government operations, rules, regulations, procedures, policies, and programs and previous relevant working experience with the USG, particularly USAID.

2. Prior budget or financial management experience.

3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with USAID procurement, performance monitoring and other systems.

4. Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to proactively build consensus.

5. Excellent interpersonal, oral\written communication and computer skills.

6. Ability in dealing effectively and diplomatically with multiple U.S. and host country government agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.

III. EVALUATION FACTORS:

The following factors are listed in descending order of importance and will be the basis for the evaluation of applications meeting the required minimum qualifications. All applications will be evaluated based on the documentation submitted with the application. USAID reserves the right to contact your previous employers for relevant information concerning your performance and may consider such information in its evaluation. The highest ranking applicants may be selected for an interview, but an interview is not always necessary.

A. Abilities and Skills (65 points):

1. Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication and computer skills.

2. Demonstrated ability in dealing effectively and diplomatically with customers from a variety of organizations, e.g. FSNs, USDH, USDH dependents, Embassy offices, other USG organizations, and the private sector.

3. Working knowledge of sound administrative policies and programming is essential. Demonstrated ability to develop innovative solutions to provision of administrative and logistical support services. Proven proficiency in apply policy and regulations and developing budgets.

4. Demonstrated ability to work within a team framework and positive interpersonal skills as well as an ability to work independently with minimal supervision is required. Cultural sensitivity, previous management, supervisory and staff development skills are required.

B. Work Experience (25 points):

1. Minimum five (5) years of overseas experience in providing similar services to a large USG or international organization.

2. Additional years of progressively greater responsibility and authority as demonstrated through previous work experience beyond the minimum five years of overseas experience.

3. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with USAID procurement, financial, and other systems.

C. Education (10 points):

1. Medical degree (MD) with clinical experience in Africa, and public health expertise.

IV. APPLYING

For applicants to be considered for this position, the following guidelines will be adhered to and forms completed, signed and submitted, to allow the evaluation committee to thoroughly and objectively review your application vis-a-vis the requirements of the position.

A. Marking Applications: To ensure consideration of applicants for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter, as well as using the address/delivery point specified in this solicitation.

B. CV: An up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV) or resume. Your CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to demonstrate how prior experience and/or training addresses the minimum qualifications and evaluation criteria set forth in the solicitation.

C. Form OF-612: The submitted form must be signed and completed as much as possible and may reference the CV/resume for a greater detailed explanation of work experience rather than repeat it in the OF-612. Form 612 is available at the USAID web site, http:/www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at USG offices. ; and, D. References: Three (3) to five (5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with working telephone and e-mail contacts. The references must be able to provide substantive information about your past performance and abilities. 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.

E. Required Forms for PSCs: The following forms and others shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. Additional forms may be required at the time the selection process is completed.

Medical History and Examination (DS-1843)

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

Questionnaire for Non-sensitive Positions (SF-85)

Fingerprint card

F. Late Submissions: Qualified individuals should note that applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter or they will not be considered eligible for evaluation or award, unless Contracting Officer determines that the documents were mishandled by the receiving agency. The closing time for the receipt of applications is 5:00 pm, local time, on the date specified on the covering letter to this solicitation. You are directed to Federal Acquisitions Regulation, Part 15.208 “Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals” for further information.

V. SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCES

A. Medical Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual and eligible dependents will be required to obtain a medical clearance or waiver, through the Dept. of State, Office of Medical Clearances, for the country of performance specified. Instructions for obtaining the medical clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

B. Security Clearance: Prior to signing a contract, the selected individual will be required to obtain a security clearance through the USAID Office of Security. A temporary security clearance will be requested while a personal background investigation is conducted for the required level of clearance. Instructions for obtaining the security clearance will be forwarded to the selected individual once negotiations have been concluded.

VI. REGULATIONS/BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

A. USAID Regulations:

1. Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs): CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this web site – http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.

2. AIDAR: The Agency for International Development Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR) Appendix D - Direct USAID Contracts With U.S. Citizens or U.S. Residents for Personal Services Abroad found at: http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf is the primary regulation governing USPSCs for USAID.

B. Benefits, Allowances and U.S. Taxes: As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances (however, as conditions at post change, benefits and allowances may also be changed):

1. Benefits:

a. Employee’s FICA Contribution

b. Annual Contribution towards Health and Life Insurance

i. 50% of Health Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $7,750 for a family and $3,410 for an employee without dependents

ii. 50% of Life Insurance Annual Premium, not to exceed $500

c. Pay Comparability Adjustment - - Annual across the board salary increase for USG employees and USPSCs

d. Worker’s Compensation

e. Vacation and Sick Leave

i. Vacation Leave is based on years as a USPSC with USAID and

USG Employment including the US Military:

0 – 3 Years = 4 hours every two weeks

3 – 15 Years = 6 hours every two weeks

15+ Years = 8 hours every two weeks

ii. Sick leave is 4 hours every two weeks

f. Access to Health Unit if employee and/or dependents are medically cleared to serve at post of assignment

2. Allowances * (If Applicable):

a. Post Differential (Section 500)

b. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

c. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

d. Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220)

e. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

f. Payment During Evacuation (Section 600)

g. Education Allowance (Section 270)

h. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

i. Danger Pay (Section 650)

j. Educational Travel (Section 280)

* Dept of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) (Government Civilians Foreign Areas)

3. In-Kind Allowances:

The USG will provide the following in-kind allowances, on par with US Direct Hires at the same location, in lieu of some allowances in paragraph “2. Allowances* (If Applicable)” above:

a. Housing

b. Furniture

c. Appliances

d. Furnishings (drapes/blinds, rugs, lights, etc.)

e. Utilities

f. Guard Services for Residence

4. Federal and State Taxes:

a. Federal Taxes: USPSCs are not exempt from payment of Federal Income taxes and will be withheld from compensation payments.

b. State Taxes: USAID does not withhold state taxes from compensation payments. State taxes are solely between the employee and the employee’s state of official residence.

END OF SOLICITATION

P O Box 43, Groenkloof, 0027 Tel: (012) 452-2000 Fax: (012) 460-3177 http://SouthAfrica.usaid.gov

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P O Box 43, Groenkloof, 0027 Tel: (012) 452-2000 Fax: (012) 460-3177 http://SouthAfrica.usaid.gov

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