USAIDBENIN Solicitation PSC 680-09-006 FHT Leader Position.doc

Ladies and Gentlemen:

SUBJECT:

USAID/Benin: Solicitation for a Personal Services Contractor (PSC) –

Family Health Team (FHT) Leader Position, Solicitation No.:

PSC 680-09-006

Issuance Date:

July 16, 2009 Closing Date:

August 19, 2009

Closing Time:

12:00 (noon) Local Benin Time

USAID/BENIN is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Persons with disabilities will be assisted and receive reasonable accommodation.

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Benin is seeking applications from qualified U.S. Citizens, U.S. Resident Aliens, and Third Country Nationals (TCNs). USAID/Benin anticipates awarding one contract as a result of this solicitation, subject to availability of funds. Interested applicants must submit:

(i) his/her most current curriculum vitae or resume;

(ii) signed form SF 171 or OF 612; and

(iii) three (3) to five(5) references, who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts. The 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. The Applicant's references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. USAID/Benin reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

Form SF 171 or OF 612, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

Electronic submission is authorized. All application packages are to be submitted by email to: oaadocs@usaid.gov. Please quote the number and position title of this solicitation on the subject line of your e-mail application. For those who wish to send hard copies of their application by mail:

To:

Francine Agblo

USAID/Benin, Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA)

Rue Caporal Anani Bernard

American Embassy

01 BP 2012

Cotonou, Republic of Benin

Point of Contact: Any questions concerning this Solicitation Notice may be directed to Cosmas Apedo, USAID/Benin, capedo@usaid.gov or Ms. Francine Agblo at fagblo@usaid.gov, phone (+229) 21-300-500, with copy to oaadocs@usaid.gov.

USAID/Benin reserves the right not to award a contract as a result of this solicitation. This solicitation does not represent a commitment on behalf of USAID. The US Government is not obligated to make an award or to pay any costs associated with the preparation and submission of an application in response to this solicitation.

Sincerely, Aissatou Kane

Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist

USAID/Benin

SOLICITATION INFORMATION

1.

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

PSC 680-09-006

2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

July 16, 2009

3.

CLOSING DATE:

August 19, 2009 12:00 noon Local Benin Time 4.

POSITION TITLE:

Family Health Team Leader 5.

MARKET VALUE:

GS-14/GS-15 ( Compensation will be within the market value based upon the candidate's past salary, work history and educational background

GS-l4 (US $83,445 to US $108,483)

GS-15 (US $98,156 to US $127,604)

6.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Two years, with option. The options to extend will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and satisfactory or better performance.

7.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Cotonou, Republic of Benin.

8.

SUPERVISION:

USAID/Benin Mission Director.

9.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

U.S. Citizens, U.S. Resident Alien, and Third

Country Nationals (TCNs).

I.

BACKGROUND AND INTRODUCTION

Benin is a low income country with a population of 8.9 million, most of which (60%) is below the age of 45. According to the last Demographic and Health Survey (DHS-2006), the country is making slow progress towards reducing child and maternal morality. With 125 deaths for 1,000 births among children under five of age and 397 deaths for 100,000 live births, the country is still among those with the highest child and maternal mortality rate (CMMR). In addition with the low Contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) of 7 percent for modern methods, this makes Benin a country that is facing important challenges in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015.

USAID/Benin Mission supports the Government of Benin in providing quality health care to the people of Benin. During the past ten years, the Mission has consistently provided support to the Ministry of Health to improve the health conditions of the population and create better conditions for improved and sustainable social and economic development. Under the US Government goal of “Investing in People,” USAID/Benin has provided consistent long-term support to the national family planning program for over more than ten years, and has made significant contributions to the national AIDS control effort for the past ten years. In addition, the Mission supports a wide range of reproductive health activities (distribution of contraceptives through social marketing strategies, HIV prevention through behavior change communication, condom distribution and prevention of mother-to-child transmission, etc). Also, USAID/Benin provides significant support to maternal and child survival through prevention and treatment of diarrhea diseases and prevention of post-partum hemorrhage.

USAID's program aims to make significant contributions to reducing maternal and child mortality through revitalizing family planning, malaria control, HIV/AIDS prevention, and child survival. In addition, the program focuses on health system strengthening, policy development, and strengthening the capacity of the private sector to deliver quality health services.

In December 2006, Benin was selected as one of fifteen countries to benefit from the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI). The goal of this program is to reduce mortality and morbidity due to malaria by 50 percent by 2010. PMI complements other malaria prevention activities implemented in collaboration with the National Malaria Control Program with the support of donors such as the World Bank, The Global Fund for AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), UNICEF and WHO. PMI is currently in the second year of implementation, with a total budget of approximately $49 million. PMI is one of the largest portion of the program budget and is implemented through several mechanisms, some of which are Washington-based.

The Mission’s health program is currently managed by the Family Health Team (FHT) comprising of 6 members. In addition to the Team Leader, the FHT is comprised of a Deputy Team Leader, a Logistics Specialist, a Program Assistant, a PMI Advisor, and a CDC Advisor for PMI.

The health program currently represents over 70 percent of the entire Benin’s Mission program. The Mission also includes a Basic Education program. The education program includes activities under the African Education Initiative to promote girls primary school enrollment and completion, and improve management of the basic education system. Finally, USAID/Benin also manages a Women's Justice and Empowerment Initiative program to combat gender-based violence and promote the rights of women.

II.

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION

The objective of the contract is to obtain the services of a Senior Health Manager - Family Health Team Leader, who will provide leadership and advisory services on the full range of family planning/reproductive health, and maternal and child health activities, including strategic planning, implemented within the integrated health strategy. As a USAID contract employee, the incumbent has the responsibility of understanding and incorporating the Agency’s five core values in all aspects of his/her work. These core values are:

(1) Customer focus: Identifies and communicates with USAID customers regularly (ideally, in their preferred language); surveys their interests, needs and recommendations; follows up on communications and information received from and about the customers. Ensures that customers' needs and thinking are included in all activities undertaken and that, where possible, customers are involved in key decisions. Surveys customer satisfaction periodically and serves as a knowledgeable advocate for customer service with other USAID employees and partners.

(2) Managing for results: Reviews baseline information against which to plan actions and identify targets and milestones. Defines specific operational and program results needed for his area of responsibility. Puts strategic plan in place and uses it as a framework for decisions. Reviews progress against targets and milestones regularly; takes needed action to modify plans when necessary and to maintain actions to accomplish the desired results within the time frame planned when possible. Serves as a knowledgeable advocate for the results orientation with other USAID employees and partners.

(3) Empowerment and accountability: Emphasizes results rather than oversight, and service outreach rather than internal control, in carrying out his responsibilities. Is clear about his own performance standards. Participates in defining objectives, reviewing performance, and upholding accountability for the accomplishment of the objectives.

(4) Teamwork and participation: Contributes to strategic planning, performance monitoring, and major program decisions of the SO and RP Teams. Demonstrates ownership of the teams' plans, performance, and decisions. Proactively participates in team processes and activities. Includes other team members, customers and partners and assists in their understanding and participation in teamwork and the team's goals, performance, and decisions. Assumes responsibility for specific results assigned by the team.

(5) Valuing diversity: Understands and respects the various work groups and team members without stereotyping. Understands and respects the role of customers and partners. Realizes the synergy and benefits of differing backgrounds and skills to accomplish our strategic goals. Uses the synergy of core and extended teams to plan and works together to achieve results while accepting accountability for his own actions.

The incumbent will work at a senior level in the framework of USG foreign assistance program that requires knowledge, experience, maturity, and an ability to function independently under a complex, highly demanding, frequently changing policy environment. The position is located in the USAID/Benin’s Family Health Team (FHT). The Family Health Team Leader will work for the USAID/Benin mission’s health program, based in USAID/Benin. The incumbent will be responsible for the implementation of the family health portfolio and will be expected to work independently, take initiative, and manage a multi-cultural team. S/he will advise USAID/Benin on all aspects of reproductive health (RH), especially family planning (FP), and maternal and child health (MCH). The incumbent will represent USAID at high level government and donor meetings. s/he will not be authorized to sign obligations that require a warrant. The incumbent will supervise approximately six staff members, including three senior technical FSN positions and two Third Country Nationals (TCN) or USPSCs.

The Family Health Team Leader will be the main senior health technical advisor in the American mission and s/he will provide high level and first hand analysis on host government health policy and strategies and guidance for the Mission Director and possibly the US Ambassador for decision making. S/he will report to the Mission Director and provide overall operational oversight and supervision on the Mission health program.

The Family Health Team Leader will provide managerial oversight and technical advice to support the implementation of the USAID/Benin’s health program through a combination of bilateral agreements and buy-ins to USAID/Washington cooperating agencies. These activities range from integrated reproductive health and maternal and child health (MCH) service delivery, to national level technical assistance. As the Mission Director’s designee, s/he will oversee the implementation of PMI and supervise the CDC Advisor and the PMI Advisor in the implementation of the Malaria Operational Plan (MOP). The total budget of the health Mission program for FY 2009 is approximately $23 million.

The incumbent will also work with the Basic Education Team to ensure that all opportunities for synergy are taken into consideration while designing the Mission’s health and education interventions. S/he will deal with policy reform (including systems strengthening, health sector reform, and technical assistance), malaria, and HIV/AIDS (including policy, prevention, treatment, and care and support activities). Because of the integrated nature of the program and despite the importance of malaria and maternal, child and newborn health, the Family Health Team Leader shall ensure synergy and complementarity between family planning, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, hygiene and sanitation activities.

III.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As the Family Health Team Leader: the incumbent will:

(1) Serve as the principal health advisor to USAID/Benin. S/he will keep abreast of current and new health issues, interpret and advise the Mission on technical and policy implications and implementation options.

(2) Represent USAID/Benin at meetings with implementing partners, donors, government, USG agencies, and international and local partners.

(3) Carry out a full range of consultative, advisory, strategic, and planning responsibilities.

(4) Provide advice to Mission management and the Family Health Team on developments in the health sector and provide recommendations on options on shaping USAID health program. More specifically, the incumbent will perform the following tasks:

A.

Technical leadership and oversight (50%): the incumbent will supervise all FHT projects to ensure the successful achievement of the Mission's health objectives. S/he will oversee administrative and staff development responsibilities, including supervision. The incumbent will serve as technical advisor to the health team and have specific technical oversight responsibilities. Given the nature of the health sector in Benin, the incumbent is expected to exercise strong leadership through open communication and diplomacy in carrying out its day-to-day work. Also, the incumbent shall participate in health donors’ coordination and advise the Mission Director on how the Mission will best contribute to donors’ group to maximize the impact of its program.

The incumbent will assure that the following activities are designed, implemented, evaluated, and documented in an appropriate manner:

(1) Integrated family health/maternal health and child survival service delivery, emphasizing the development of quality services in targeted geographic areas, and provision of national level technical assistance in policy development, training and supervision.

(2) Integrated project to support family health and prevent HIV: ensure contraceptive security, including working with implementing partners, the Directorate of Family Health of the Ministry of Health (DSF/MoH), the private sector and other key development partners supporting assistance to commodity logistics of family planning methods.

(3) Expanded social marketing of reproductive health and child survival services, including behavior change communication, availability and development of new family health products (Oral rehydration salt, water treatment product, etc), and expansion of condom sales for HIV/AIDS control;

(4) President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI): In collaboration with the CDC Advisor, the PMI Advisor and other appropriate staff members, make sure all activities planned in the MOP are implemented as planned and anticipate or report any dysfunction to the Mission Director.

C.

Project Development, Implementation and Management (40%): The incumbent will have overall responsibility for all USAID-funded reproductive health (RH), MCH, malaria and HIV/AIDs prevention activities in Benin, including but not limited to:

(1) Strategic planning and program design: Develop strategies and detailed implementation plans for an expanded program of health activities under USAID/Benin's Operational Plan.

(2) Technical: Maintain a working knowledge of RH epidemiology (including HIV/AIDS) and MCH including nutrition, immunization, hygiene, sanitation and following-up on RH and MCH trends and needs.

(3) Monitoring, implementation and evaluation: Assure the Mission’s family health activities are monitored as appropriate. This includes updating the Mission’s Performance Management Plan (PMP). Ensure that activities are implemented in a timely and quality manner; and ensure the development of evaluation plans and utilization of evaluation findings; and coordinate the preparation of the health section of the Mission's annual report.

(4) Meet regularly with the Mission Director and other key officials to coordinate, consult and identify major issues including those which have arisen in implementing the strategy. When appropriate, develop decision papers on these for the Mission Director, the Family Health Team and others;

(5) Coordinate with other donors who are funding health projects in the country. The incumbent shall work to ensure that efforts complement each other than duplicate each other. S/he shall participate in donors’ group meetings as well as meeting them individually to discuss and develop strategy on matters of common and mutual interest:

(6) Reporting: Have primary responsibility for the family health program on reporting requirements, including supervising the Contracting Officer’s Technical Representative (COTR) or the Assistance Officer’s Technical Representative (AOTR) in making sure that quarterly and annual reports are submitted on a timely manner as mandated by various implementing mechanisms.

(7) The incumbent shall be responsible for producing necessary documents as required, including working documents, position papers, concept papers, etc.

D.

Policy development and policy dialogue (10%): Coordinate activities to assist the GoB and Benin’s private sector to develop adequate health policies, norms and standards of services and ensure they meet international requirements. Assess current and future health and socio-economic impact of policies and facilitate the use of information on the impact to shape policy and influence resource allocation decisions.

IV.

POSITION ELEMENTS

Supervision Received: The Mission Director is the immediate supervisor. Assignments are in broad terms, primarily on overall objectives to achieved and suggested approaches to consider. Performance is evaluated primarily in terms of results achieved and compliance with policy.

B.

Supervision Exercised: The incumbent shall exercise a full range of normal supervision over at least two FSN health specialists, one program assistant, one local USPSC and two Third Country Nationals (TCNs), providing overall policy guidance and coordinating the work of these employees to achieve program objectives.

Exercise of Judgment: A high degree of judgment will be required to provide guidance and assistance to a wide variety of high-level professionals in the Benin Mission. As a recognized expert and highly qualified professional, substantial reliance will be placed on the incumbent to independently plan, prioritize, and carry out the specific activities entailed in fulfilling major duties and responsibilities. The incumbent will be expected to resolve problems that arise by determining the approaches to be taken and methodologies to be used, making independent judgments that can be defended as necessary.

D.

Authority to Make Commitments: Because the position will be procured through a personal services contract, the incumbent cannot make financial commitments on behalf of the U.S. Government (USG). However, because of the incumbent’s expertise and standing as a highly qualified professional in his/her field, weight will be given to his/her conclusions and recommendations when commitments are made by those with the authority to do so.

E.

Nature, Level, and Purpose of Contacts: The incumbent will maintain contacts and work with USAID staff in USAID/Benin, with considerable interaction with USAID/Washington Global Health and Africa Bureau staff, to provide policy and procedural guidance and to obtain information relative to programs and activities. Official contacts will be the USAID Mission Director, USAID/Washington staff and other high-ranking USG representatives.

V.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

· A graduate degree in a relevant discipline such as public health, social science or other field related to international development and/or public health.

· Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience working for a USG agency and/or a development organization, at least five of which were spent in a developing country context supporting development programs and in a leadership position.

· Experience with successfully leading large international health programs and working closely with high-level officials. Applicants’ management skills will be given particular weight.

· Fluency in English and French (FSI S-4/R-4 or higher) is required. The incumbent must possess a high degree of professional proficiency in both written and spoken English and French.

VI.

EVALUATION CRITERIA:

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

Education (5 points):

S/he must possess an advanced degree in public health, social sciences or other fields related to international development.

B.

Management Experience and Technical Leadership (55 points):

(1) Ten years of professional experience managing and implementing public health programs in developing countries is required. Extensive experience in reproductive health/family planning, MCH, HIV/AIDS and/or child survival is desired. Technical knowledge of family planning, MCH and public health service delivery programs and systems in developing countries (Africa-specific preferred, but not required). (20%)

(2) Direct work experience with an international organization and/or donor agency. (10%)

(3) Demonstrated experience working with developing country program managers, policy-makers and a broad array of health service providers and community leaders. (15%)

(4) Demonstrated experience working with international donors and other programs in developing countries which support reproductive health, HIV/AIDS, and related programs. Extensive familiarity with USG policies would be preferred, but not required. (10%)

Interpersonal Skills (25 points):

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multi-cultural setting is required. Experience supervising or leading teams of professionals (team leader) required. The incumbent must be able to work effectively on her/his own and as a member of the Strategic Objective Team or office management team and as a mentor to junior staff. The incumbent must have strong team work skills, understanding how to participate in large teams, work to motivate team members, and work towards positive overall performance.

D.

Communications Skills (10 points):

Strong verbal and writing skills required. Must be fluent in English and French (FSI S-4/R-4) and have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly, and concisely in both speech and writing. Must be able to facilitate meetings and make oral presentations logically and persuasively to senior officials and partners in a multi-cultural context. Must be able to produce concise and clear reports.

E.

Computer skills (5): Must be able to utilize word processing, spreadsheet and database programs as well as presentation software such as PowerPoint. Be able to utilize any other software made available in USAID work environment.

Maximum Points Available: 100

NOTICE TO APPLICANTS: USAID reserves the right to conduct in-person or telephonic interviews with the most highly ranked applicants and make the interview a deciding factor in selection and/or to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant’s past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

VII.

BASIS OF RATING

Applicants will be evaluated based on the criteria listed above. Applicants are strongly encouraged to address each of the criteria on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards you have received that are relevant to each. Be sure to include your name, social security number (if applicable), and the announcement number at the top of each additional page. Failure to address the minimum selective and/or quality ranking factors may result in your not receiving credit for all of your pertinent experience, education, training, and awards.

VIII.

SUPERVISION:

Supervision Received: The Family Health Team Leader will work under the direction of the Mission Director.

Supervision Exercised: Family Health Team staff.

IX.

LOGISTIC SUPPORT:

The logistic support provided by USAID/Benin includes office space and equipment, transportation in country for official meetings, work related travel arrangements/tickets and secretarial and translation services.

X.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

A term of two years with option to extend. Exercising the options will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, and outstanding performance.

XI.

APPLYING

Applicants are encouraged to write a brief appendix to a resume, OF-612 or SF-171 to demonstrate how their previous experience and skills are suited for this position. Applicants must provide names and contact information for at least three to five references. Applicants must submit:

A U.S. Government Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612 (available at the USAID website, http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/forms or internet http://fillform.gsa.gov, or at Federal offices);

All applicants must submit a cover letter (3 pages maximum) addressing how they meet the required qualifications for this position (see Qualification section of this Solicitation). Each of the expected qualifications should be addressed in the cover letter.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time at the address specified in the cover letter. Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are requested to provide their full mailing address and contact information (including fax, telephone and/or e-mail where available).

To ensure consideration of applications for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number PSC 680-09-006" on your application, and as the subject line in any cover letter. Only the highest ranking applicants will be interviewed in person or by phone. Note: No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants who have not reached the interview stage.

XII.

SECURITY AND MEDICAL CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. The applicant selected to fill the position must be able to receive a no access or limited security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a US Government Agency.

2. The applicant selected to fill the position must receive medical clearance to work in USAID/Benin, Cotonou. Details of how to obtain such clearance will be provided after selection and acceptance of the job offer.

XIII.

COMPENSATION

The position has been classified at a GS-15 level for U.S citizens and Off Shore hire TCNs. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value of GS-14/GS-15 for U.S. Citizens and Off-shore hire TCNs, based on the candidates past salary, work history, experience and educational background. For candidates selected at the GS 14 level, a change in grade to the GS-15 level may be considered after a performance period of one year, subject to the written approval by the Mission Director, following successful performance, supported by an outstanding performance evaluation rating. Salaries over and above the market value within the selected grade level will not be entertained or negotiated.

NB: Local hire USPSC will be eligible to benefits 1 to 7.

*Note: If a US citizen or Resident Alien, the contractor’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

AS A MATTER OF POLICY, AND AS APPROPRIATE, A PSC IS NORMALLY AUTHORIZED THE FOLLOWING:

Benefits:

1. Employee's FICA contribution*

2. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

3. Pay Comparability Adjustment

4. Annual Salary Increase (if applicable)

5. Annual and Sick Leave

6. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

7. Medevac insurance

8. Access to Embassy medical facilities, and pouch mail service for USPSC (Department of State approval required)

Allowances: (If applicable, as found in the Standardized Regulations Government Civilian Foreign Areas) Sections cited below)

1. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

3. Post Allowance (Section 220)

4. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

6. Education Allowance (Section 270)

7. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

8. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

9. Danger Pay (Section 650)

10. Educational Travel

XIV.

CONTRACT INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) OR ACQUISITION AND ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) PERTAINING TO PSCs.

AAPDs/CIBs contain changes to USAID policy and General Provisions in USAID regulations and contracts. Please refer to this website http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply to this contract.

XV.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSCs:

1. Standard Form 171 or Optional Form 612

2. Contractor Physical Examination For children 11 years and under (DS-1622)**

3. Contractor Physical Examination For children 12 years and over (DS-1843)**

4. Request for Security Action (AID-6-1) (05/2009)

5. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-85P)**

6. Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)**.

7. Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)**

8. Authority for Release of Information (AID 610-14)**

9. Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended**

10. Notice Required by the Privacy Act of 1974 **

** The forms listed 2 through 10 shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position.