2.CoverLetterSolicitationNamibiaCare Nutrition.dot

ISSUANCE DATE: April 22, 2008

CLOSING DATE: May 20, 2008

Ladies/Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor – Senior Technical Advisor, HIV/AIDS Care and Nutrition, at USAID/Windhoek, Namibia. Solicitation No.: 674-08-0019.

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 Windhoek, Namibia.

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: 674-08-0019.

ISSUANCE DATE: April 22, 2008.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: May 20, 2008, 17:00 Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa.

POSITION TITLE: Senior Technical Advisor, HIV/AIDS Care and Nutrition

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 or 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 TB/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 Gender Equality and Child Welfare (MGECW), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Safety and Security, the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Education, the Office of the Prime Minister, and many community-based and non-governmental organization partners to strengthen and scale up direct services.

B. Position Overview:

U.S. Government funding in Namibia for HIV/AIDS is under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This initiative is a five-year, $15 billion U.S. Government initiative that aims to provide treatment to at least two million HIV-infected individuals, prevent seven million new HIV infections, and provide care and support to 10 million people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, including orphans and vulnerable children. The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) will be responsible for technical leadership and assistance to implement palliative care approaches within USAID/Namibia’s portfolio, as well as technical and management support for USAID/Namibia on nutritional care for people living with HIV and AIDS and orphans and vulnerable children.

C. Position Title of Direct Supervisor:

Deputy Director, HIV/AIDS team, USAID/Namibia.

D. Supervisory Controls:

The USAID Namibia Deputy Director for the HIV/AIDS office will provide overall supervision to the Senior Technical Advisor for HIV/AIDS Care and Nutrition; 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 Senior Technical Advisor in HIV/AIDS Community Care 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 Mission’s Senior Technical Advisor in HIV/AIDS Community Care will work with the Deputy Director and in collaboration with the HIV/AIDS Director, 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:

Major Duties and Responsibilities

The Senior Technical Advisor to the U.S. Government’s HIV/AIDS for care and nutrition will reside within USAID and will provide consistent, high quality technical assistance to the USAID program, the broader USG program and the Government of Namibia. The STA will substantially increase the quality of USG programs as well as transfer skills and best practices to the Government of Namibia programs and institutions.

The Senior Technical Advisor will report to the USAID/Namibia Deputy Director of HIV/AIDS and be part of the HIV/AIDS team. The STA will interact with high level GRN officials. His/her principal responsibilities include:

1. Manage USAID/Namibia’s Care and Nutrition Program. (40% Level of Effort-LOE) The Senior Technical Advisor will manage the implementation of HIV-related palliative care in communities (facilities as appropriate) and through home-based care and nutrition activities which includes project development, implementation and evaluation. The Advisor will:

a). Meet regularly with implementing partners, and HIV/AIDS office staff and develop and put appropriate procedures in place for working with the USG team and partners.

b). Develop and monitor the implementation of HIV-related palliative care in communities care and nutrition grants and activities initiated under the USAID program. This includes appropriate planning to ensure that the program remains appropriate to Namibia and reflects the needs of Namibians.

c). Work with USAID partners and other USG partners to develop and finalize documentation required for USG/Namibia, including an annual Country Operational Plan (COP), an intensive USG process completed in partnership with all USG agencies, Government and partners.

d). Supervise the receipt, preparation, analysis and clearance, certification and approval process for program documents. This includes MAARDS, financial reports, requests for funding, semi-annual and annual reports and drafting of documents related to the Emergency Plan, etc. Document programmatic achievements for annual and semi-annual reports and prepare documentation for senior management on problems or on proposed changes in activity direction. On request, prepare analytical progress reports to USAID Senior Management.

e). Identify short and long term technical assistance required for successful implementation of activities to support the development of HIV/AIDS care and nutrition program strategies. Draft, review and edit scopes of work (SOW) and assist in the identification, planning and processing required to obtain the required assistance.

f). Ensure that adequate site visits and effective monitoring of partners on a quarterly basis is accomplished and prevents duplication of policy and program efforts.

g). Coordinate the preparation and submission of partner budgets and works closely with the Controller and Financial Analyst to ensure transparency and accountability.

h). Exercise financial stewardship for the HIV/AIDS care program and on a quarterly basis estimate accruals to ensure that funds are obligated on time, programmed and spent in a timely fashion.

i). Establish and maintain strong linkages and cross-sectoral work with other teams in the design and oversight of programs which have synergistic elements j). In partnership with the USG, facilitate an internal USG review of the current USG HIV/AIDS care and nutrition program and further develop and monitor the implementation of a program that would include support to the National Program, USG partners and to the private sector.

2. Provide Technical Assistance in HIV-Related Care and Nutrition (40% LOE) The Senior Technical Advisor will provide technical assistance to the USG and USG partners in the areas of HIV-related palliative care, community and home based care and nutrition for all USG partner activities and in partnership with USG Activity Managers. The Senior Technical Advisor would particularly work to:

a). Strengthen the development and implementation of a palliative care approach to HIV/AIDS community care in programs and policies which address the care of adults, adolescents, children and infants infected and affected by HIV and AIDS and orphans and vulnerable children. This includes ensuring that HIV/AIDS programs are holistic and comprehensive, addressing clinical, psychological, spiritual, preventive and social care needs and which optimize quality of life and reduce suffering, symptoms and pain for those with chronic and terminal illness, OVCs and their families.

b). Develop the vital role of community and home-based care as the link between prevention, testing and counseling, treatment and care services and which extend from the health facility to the client’s home through family participation and community involvement using available resources and in collaboration with health care workers.

c). Create community and home-based approaches to basic clinical care services in partnership with PLHA, families, health care workers, volunteers and other caregivers. d). Scale-up services designed to prevent transmission of HIV, TB, malaria and other infection diseases to others in communities and homes.

e). Develop community and home-based emotional, psychological and spiritual care including reduction of stress and anxiety for both chronically and terminally ill clients and families, especially children; bereavement and end of life care.

f). Strengthen social, economic and legal support for affected families.

g). Support caring for caregivers, in order to minimize the physical and spiritual exhaustion that can come with the prolonged care of OVCs and chronic and terminally ill clients.

h). Strengthen nutritional care for people living with HIV and AIDS and orphans and vulnerable children.

i). Work to reduce stigma and discrimination of people living with HIV and AIDS and other illnesses and disabilities.

j). Ensure efficient referrals from health institutions into the community and from the community to appropriate health and social facilities for community care clients and their families.

k). Strengthen synergies between the ART, TB, nutrition, child survival, counseling and testing, prevention, OVC, oncology, palliative care and strategic information programs.

l). Address human resource, training and technical assistance gaps in HIV/AIDS care and nutrition.

m). Coordinate with the USG Strategic Information team on performance monitoring and evaluation for program activities, including the review and approval of survey methodologies and instruments.

n). Provide data collection, analysis, and interpretation, advocacy, or other technical support as needed.

3. Supervise USAID/Namibia’s OVC Specialist and Provide Technical and Management Support to the OVC Program. (10% Level of Effort-LOE) The STA will work in partnership with the USAID/Namibia OVC Specialist to ensure complementary community-based approaches and expansion of quality OVC services in Namibia. The STA will also supervise the Specialist and provide management support to the OVC program in partnership with the USAID Deputy Director. The Advisor will:

a). Meet regularly with the OVC Specialist and monitor the Specialist’s implementation of OVC grants and activities initiated in the USAID program in partnership with the Deputy Director. This includes ensuring that adequate site visits and effective monitoring of partners is accomplished and coordinating the preparation and submission of partner budgets.

b). Supervise the preparation, review and approval of USG program documents in partnership with the OVC Specialist and Deputy Director, including the annual Country Operational Plan (COP), semi- and annual reports and other program documents.

c). Follow up on short and long term technical assistance which may be required for successful implementation of OVC activities. This includes coordination with technical assistance provided by the USAID Regional HIV/AIDS Program in Southern Africa.

d). Establish and maintain strong linkages and cross-sectoral work with other teams in the design and oversight of programs which have synergistic elements

4. Provide Technical Assistance to the Government of Namibia in HIV/AIDS Care and Nutrition (10 % LOE)

The Senior Technical Advisor will coordinate with other USG agencies, the Government of Namibia (GRN) and partners to ensure the delivery of systematic and consistent technical assistance to the GRN. This will be directed towards directorates responsible for HIV-related palliative care (MoHSS Directorate of Special Programs), TB care (MoHSS National TB Control Program), community and home-based care (MoHSS Directorate of Primary Health Care), nutritional care (MoHSS Directorate of Primary Health Care) and OVC care (Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare). Special attention would be given to accelerating the GRN’s program priorities.

The Advisor specifically will:

a). Maintain a good working relationship with GRN counterparts, donor representatives and other partners and customers.

b). Serve as a liaison with the Ministry of Health and Social Services and Ministry of Gender Equality representatives, other partner ministries as appropriate, officials at the national, regional and district levels, and other donors and organizations supporting HIV/AIDS care in Namibia.

c). Hold regular policy dialogue and coordinates with Government counterparts and officials.

d). Provide technical expertise, serves as a consultative resource and makes technical presentations for the GRN upon request and as available.

e). Work to ensure USG efforts complement GRN activities and do not duplicate other activities of the GRN or other donors.

f). Advise the USG team on GRN policies and programs related to palliative care, community and home-based care, OVC care and nutritional care.

One of the highest priorities for the Emergency Plan is to coordinate with other development partners such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria (GFATM) and UNICEF. The Senior Technical Advisor would work in partnership with the Global Fund and its funding recipients, as well as other development partners who are focused on HIV/AIDS care and nutrition, to ensure synergies across efforts.

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:

a) Must possess a Masters degree in international development, social sciences, Public Health or other related field;

b) Must either be a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, registered dietician and/or social worker and possess a similar degree;

c) Must have 7 years of relevant professional experience in program design and management, with a focus on HIV/AIDS care and nutrition programming;

B. Desired Qualifications:

a) PhD in Public health or equivalent field would be desirable.

b) Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in program design, implementation, management, and evaluation, with five of those years in international work environment.

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

d) Research experience.

e) General knowledge of African health conditions and systems, with particular work experience in Namibia

f) Prior budget or financial management experience.

g) Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with procurement, performance monitoring and other systems.

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

i) Excellent interpersonal, oral\written communication and computer skills.

j) 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.

k) Experience developing, promoting and overseeing high-visibility programs and addressing political sensitivities under potentially difficult local conditions.

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 (60 points):

1. Demonstrated knowledge of the main technical and substantive issues related to HIV/AIDS care and nutrition, program/project development and public health, especially within HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment settings in sub-Saharan Africa.

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Ability to draft speeches, press releases and success stories for the Ambassador and other high ranking officials and for OGAC, Congress, and other stakeholders.

6. 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

7. Demonstrated strong financial management and administrative skills to track the performance of implementing partners.

B. Work Experience (25 points):

1. Recognized professional with a proven track record in international health, specializing in HIV/AIDS care and nutrition, with a minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in program design, implementation, management, and evaluation.

2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with USG procedures and systematic processed (procurement, financial and programmatic management, performance monitoring and evaluation of impact).

3. Previous experience working in HIV/AIDS settings in Sub-Saharan Africa, Namibia, or within an international context

C. Education (15 points):

1. A Masters degree in international development, social sciences, Public Health or other related field, with Clinical experience in Africa.

2. A nurse practitioner, registered nurse, registered dietician and/or social worker and possess a similar degree.

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 (Cabs): Cabs 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 Cabs 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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