2.CoverLetterSolicitationNamibiaSnrTechAdvisorPrevention.dot

ISSUANCE DATE: April 03 2008

CLOSING DATE: April 29, 2008

Ladies/Gentlemen:

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor – Senior Technical Advisor in HIV/AIDS Prevention Position at USAID/Windhoek, Namibia. Solicitation No. 674-08-0020 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: 674-08-0020.

ISSUANCE DATE: April 03, 2008.

CLOSING DATE AND TIME: April 29, 2008, 17:00 Local Time, Pretoria, South Africa.

POSITION TITLE: Senior Technical Advisor, HIV/AIDS Prevention

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 among pregnant women nationally and as high as 40 percent among some sub-populations and in some geographical areas. The country also has one of the highest TB case notification rates in the world with a 60 % co-infection rate. In addition to the dual TB/HIV epidemic, there are approximately 17,000 children under the age of 14 living with HIV with the majority having acquired the infection from mother-to-child transmission. In 2008 alone, there are almost 177,000 orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) in Namibia, and 75% have lost one or both parents due to HIV/AIDS. The GRN launched its National Strategic Plan on HIV/AIDS Medium Term Plan III (2004-2009) (MTP III) in April 2004, which outlines a comprehensive vision to combat the epidemic. On March 14, 2007, the National Policy on HIV/AIDS was approved by the GRN National Assembly.

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 several line ministries such as 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:

Initially, USAID's programs and activities focused in three technical areas (behavior change, capacity building for organizations working in prevention and care, and support to OVC), and were primarily implemented in three regions working with five major municipalities with the most vulnerable populations. The USAID/Namibia prevention program is currently in the process of scaling up HIV/AIDS and TB prevention programs and services. Targeted interventions are also planned for mobile and high-risk populations though mass media, interpersonal communications (IPC) and utilizing peer educators at a wide array of venues including cross-border sites and non-traditional outlets (e.g., shebeens), workplace and community focal points for mobile populations and the unemployed. Unfortunately, there are many gaps in understanding the drivers of Namibia's HIV epidemic.

The incumbent will be responsible for providing overall technical, activity and financial management of the prevention of sexual transmission component of USAID’s PEPFAR portfolio. The Senior Advisor will be responsible for providing technical expertise in cross-cutting approaches to HIV/AIDS prevention, including the involvement of youth, the uniformed services (national police and the military), religious leaders, civil society and communities. S/he will provide technical assistance, serve as project manager for a range of prevention activities/initiatives and serve as a resource and point person for the USG Namibia PEPFAR team. S/he will be responsible for coordinating prevention and policy issues with the GRN, the USG PEPFAR team, USAID other donors, and non-governmental organizations working in the area of HIV/AIDS.

C. Position Title of Direct Supervisor:

Deputy Director of the HIV/AIDS Team.

D. Supervisory Controls:

The USAID Namibia Deputy Director for the HIV/AIDS office will provide overall supervision to the Senior Technical Advisor in HIV/AIDS Prevention; 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. It is expected that relevant line Ministries will provide guidance and support to the Advisor for implementation of their programs. While the Senior Technical Advisor in HIV/AIDS Prevention 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 Prevention 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:

The Senior Technical Advisor in HIV/AIDS Prevention will provide technical leadership in the area of behavior change and prevention of sexual transmission of HIV, working in close collaboration with other PEPFAR team members including USAID’s Treatment Advisor and Manager of Clinical Services, USAID’s OVC advisor, USAID’s Education Advisor, USAID’s Care and Nutrition Advisor, and technical experts from the Centers for Disease Control as well as other USG agencies. S/he will be responsible for overseeing the overall strategic direction, relevance, coverage and quality of the portfolio for prevention of sexual transmission of HIV, and for the design, implementation and evaluation of related prevention activities implemented by USAID. S/he will also be responsible for ensuring the coherence and coordination of USAID’s prevention activities with interventions funded by other agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Defense, and the Peace Corps. Specific activities of the Senior Advisor include the following:

A. Serve as a lead technical expert in the area of behavior change and prevention of sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS (33%)

a) Provide technical leadership on HIV/AIDS sexual prevention issues to the USG and USAID mission.

b) Keep abreast of new survey and research findings on the HIV epidemic in Sub Saharan Africa and Namibia; synthesize findings and implications and disseminate these to other USAID and USG staff; advise on appropriate shifts in USG prevention strategy to respond to evolving epidemiological data.

c) Coordinate synergistic planning of USAID prevention portfolios with the USG and national government’s nascent prevention strategy, other donors, and NGO prevention partners in Namibia. Initiate strategies to strengthen coordination and harmonization of prevention approaches and messages across USG-funded prevention activities.

d) Develop and/or maintain linkages of preventions activities with other USAID-funded program areas, particularly cross-cutting programming opportunities.

e) Provide ongoing technical assistance, training and consultation on the development and implementation of HIV/AIDS sexual prevention activities to USAID activity managers and partners, including assistance in the application of new data and research findings to program activities.

f) Ensure that best-practice, evidence-based approaches are incorporated into all USG-funded programs. Working with other USG counterparts, organize learning events to update USG partners on and build their capacity in state-of-the-art approaches.

g) Ensure that prevention efforts are linked to a continuum of testing, care, and treatment programs.

h) Support and strengthen coordination and harmonization of prevention approaches and messages across USAID-funded activities

i) Work with designated members of the prevention interagency technical team (ITT) and technical advisory committee (TAC), supporting task forces with technical guidance.

j) Work with other USG counterparts to coordinate learning events and lessons learned dissemination forums involving all relevant HIV/AIDS partners and stakeholders.

k) Liaise with middle/senior level officials of the Government, NGOs, and other implementing agencies in the specialized areas for which the incumbent is responsible.

l) Prepare and/or write documents related to the assigned area of responsibility, including drafting briefing papers, COP entries, and reporting inputs.

B. Conduct Program Management, Coordination, and Design Functions related to Prevention Activities (33%)

a) Serve as Cognizant Technical Officer CTO, or Activity Manager, and conduct day-to-day management of designated prevention activities. Provide technical input on annual work plans for implementing partners and ensure these are consistent with current USG and GRN prevention priorities.

b) Review performance reports to ensure that partners are in compliance with bilateral government agreements and with the performance expectations outlined in approved work plan and contracts/ agreement(s) with USAID.

c) Ensure that implementing partners are in compliance with all relevant USAID regulations and procedures. Based on personal observations, assessment reports, performance statistics and other available data, make programmatic recommendations to the PEPFAR Team.

d) Assume a leadership role in the design of new and/or innovative prevention activities, and ensure these are consistent with current USG and GRN strategic directions/documents for prevention programming.

C. Supervision, Monitoring, and Reporting (23%)

a) Conduct regular site visits to review program implementation and meet with beneficiaries. Based on the information collected during field visits, communicate findings and recommendations to the HIV/AIDS Team, implementing partner and, as appropriate, GRN counterparts. Make recommendations for adjustments of program activities as appropriate.

b) Assist the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist with updating the Performance Monitoring Plan with regard to prevention indicators on an annual basis. Assume responsibility for verifying the data quality, tracking tools and data synthesis and use of HIV/AIDS performance indicators, in particular those provided through prevention activities. Ensure all routine and ad hoc reporting requirements reflect fully the entire Mission’s HIV/AIDS prevention indicators and reporting against targets.

c) Prepare relevant sections of the HIV/AIDS prevention sections of the Mission's semi-annual and annual report of program performance per OGAC requirements.

d) Work closely with USAID partners to ensure that program achievements and lessons learned are disseminated to sector representatives. Maintain an up-to-date summary of all program technical and geographic areas.

e) Monitor the appropriate use of PEPFAR funds.

f) Maintain detailed and updated project management files for each activity.

D. Project Financial Management (10%)

a) Assume responsibility for the financial management of assigned activities which includes ensuring that obligations, expenditures, and budget pipelines conform to annual work plans. Ensure appropriate and timely incremental funding of activities.

b) Ensure that program activities are in compliance with USAID financial regulations. Report any financial discrepancies to the Deputy Director, Chief Accountant, and Financial Analyst. Keep the Financial Analyst informed on the liquidation of advances. Review and provide administrative approval for assigned activities.

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 Master’s degree in public in health (MPH or equivalent).

2. Must have 7 years of relevant professional experience in program design and management, with a focus on prevention and behavioral change communications, especially experience working within HIV/AIDS settings in a developmental country context.

B. Desired Qualifications:

1. A PhD in Public Health or equivalent field.

2. 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.

3. Prior budget or financial management experience.

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

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

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

7. 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 (60 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, Embassy staff, other USG organizations, and the public and private sector.

3. Strong management and analytical skills are required to strategize, develop and implement effective HIV/AIDS programs; strong financial management and administrative skills used to track the performance of implementing partners.

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.

5. Demonstrated familiarity with PEPFAR programs, policies, and regulations.

6. Computer literacy.

B. Work Experience (25 points):

1. Minimum seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional-level experience in HIV/AIDS prevention, behavioral change communication and experience working with HIV/AIDS issues.

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

3. Program design, strategic planning, and program management and implementation experience in a developing country text in sub-Saharan Africa.

C. Education (15 points):

1. A PhD in Public Health or equivalent field.

…….. 9

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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