Solicitation 687-11-001 for US-TCN PSC PMI Advisor GS-14 USAID Madagascar.doc

PRESIDENT’S MALARIA INITIATIVE (PMI) ADVISOR

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER

687-11-001

2. ISSUANCE DATE

January 28, 2011

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS

February 18, 2011 – 1:00 pm

(Madagascar time; GMT+3)

4. POSITION TITLE

President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE:

The position is the equivalent of a GS-14, ranging from $84,697to $110,104 per annum. Final compensation will be based on individual’s salary and work history, experience and educational background.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

Two (2) years from date of appointment with an option to renew for an additional two (2) years, subject to continued requirement of the position, satisfactory performance, and availability of funds. Hiring is subject to approval of the NSDD-38 for this position.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE

Antananarivo, Madagascar

8. AREA OF CONSIDERATION

US Citizens Third Country National (TCN: other than US and Malagasy Citizens)

9. EVALUATION FACTORS:

Evaluation will be done on a 100-point Scale: Education (10%); Work Experience (20%); Knowledge and Abilities (25%); Interpersonal Skills and Language Fluency (45%)

10. SECURITY CLEARANCE

USG Secret Level is preferred for US Citizen

11. STATEMENT OF WORK/POSITION DESCRIPTION

I. CONTEXT

Malaria prevention and control are major foreign assistance objectives of the U.S. Government (USG). The President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) was launched in June 2005 as a 5-year, $1.2 billion initiative to rapidly scale up malaria prevention and treatment interventions and reduce malaria-related mortality by 50% in 15 high-burden countries in sub-Saharan Africa. With passage of the 2008 Lantos-Hyde Act, funding for PMI has now been extended through FY2014.

In December 2006 Madagascar’s selection as a PMI country was announced, with full implementation beginning with FY 2008 funding. Malaria is a major health problem in Madagascar. The epidemiology of malaria varies considerably in different regions of the country. On the East Coast transmission is stable and perennial, and the West Coast has one long, rainy transmission season and a brief dry season. Almost one third of the Central Highlands is above 1,500 meters elevation, where malaria transmission rarely occurs. In the rest of the Central Highlands, however, transmission is seasonal and moderately unstable with occasional epidemics. The semi-desert South has highly seasonal transmission and is also vulnerable to epidemics. In the most recent large-scale epidemic in the late 1980s, an estimated 30,000 people died.

In recent years, Madagascar has been the recipient of several Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund) grants, including a National Strategy Application for 2010 to 2012. In addition, Madagascar was selected as a pilot country for the Global Fund-managed Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria (AMFm). The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) plays a major role in the prevention and treatment of malaria during pregnancy, the distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), and the implementation of integrated community case management of malaria, pneumonia and diarrheal diseases in children under five at the community level. The World Health Organization has provides long- and short-term technical assistance to the Programme National de Lutte Contre le Paludisme (National Malaria Control Program; NMCP).

II. OVERALL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor is USAID’s senior advisor on all issues involving malaria. The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor will provide leadership, guidance and overall direction on the development and execution of the PMI in collaboration with the CDC PMI Malaria Advisor. S/he will be responsible for implementing the PMI program by guiding, coordinating and managing the human and financial resources to achieve stated results. The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor supervises a team of one Foreign Service National (FSN) Senior Health Specialist and one FSN Program Assistance Specialist.

The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor fulfills a range of supervisory and oversight responsibilities including program management and implementation, analytical, evaluative and administrative duties of broad scope. S/he is responsible for the overall management of the PMI budget including annual budget planning and reporting and tracking mission and field support funds. Program management duties include technical leadership as well as effective and efficient oversight and monitoring to ensure that program performance, objectives and results are achieved in accordance to workplans and formal agreements.

The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor is responsible for fostering coordination and requires continuing/regular contact between Health, Population and Nutrition (HPN), and the USAID Food Security and Disaster Assistance unit, implementing partners (both contractors and grantees), Government of Madagascar (GOM) institutions and officials, civil society organizations, private and corporate sector partners and donors. The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor will play a lead role in technical discussions related to malaria with the GOM; Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs); the private sector; USG cooperating agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC); and USAID Washington and regional staff. S/he is expected to be entrepreneurial, resourceful, and innovative to attract promising initiatives and leverage donor funds to expand the portfolio and achieve positive people level health impacts.

The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor will have broad USAID experience and understanding of USAID/Madagascar’s development programs and thus will independently carry out the functions of this position, based on general procedural guidelines and policy direction from the supervisor. S/he will be under the supervision of and report to the USAID HPN Director or his/her designee.. The USAID PMI Malaria Advisor will work in collaboration with the PMI CDC Advisor and will liaise with backstops for the PMI in USAID/Washington, counterparts in CDC Atlanta, and USAID personnel working within and overseeing the Mission’s activities.

III. STATEMENT OF WORK

Strategic Orientation and Coordination (40%)

· Serves as a program manager, responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating the PMI program in partnership with the CDC PMI Malaria Advisor, including developing the annual Malaria Operation Plan (MOP). Formulates and evaluates program strategies and activities. Develops program priorities (funding needs, targets, and personnel) to respond to national directives and senior management's emphasis (both USAID/Madagascar and PMI/Washington). Prepares or directs broad programs to meet national goals. Prepares and develops short and long-term objectives, plans and systems; establishes priorities; and, coordinates, correlates and integrates PMI activities with those of other resources and activities.

· Serves as an expert advisor in malaria. Coordinates the implementation of national and regional PMI initiatives. Ensures that all activities are consistent with the national strategy and internationally accepted best practices. Coordinates activities of the implementing partners to ensure the PMI program is coherent, properly integrated with USAID, national and other donor programs and that USAID interests are safeguarded.

· Represents Mission management at inter- or intra-agency committees, task forces, or working groups that require expert knowledge of agency policies, practices and interests regarding PMI and malaria related issues. Supports USAID/Madagascar communication/coordination with GOM, Ministry of Public Health (MOH), multi-lateral, bilateral and private donor programs as they relate to the PMI program.

· Designs, plans, and participates in workshops, seminars, and conferences of cooperating agencies, donors, academics, and representatives of other development organizations. Disseminates results of evaluations and studies of sectoral programs.

· Maintains productive collaborative relationships with a wide range of partners and stakeholders, the MOH, regional and local authorities, World Bank, Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GFATM), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s’ Fund (UNICEF), other donors, and NGOs dealing with issues focusing on health and malaria. Participates and contributes to technical and coordination meetings hosted by MOH and other partners.

· Analyzes data and information to provide up-to-date information for decision-making regarding impact, effectiveness, and necessary inputs and outputs needed for PMI programs. Collects and disseminates information, and drafts regular progress and status reports.

· Communicates regularly and works jointly with other members of the USAID/Madagascar Mission, USAID/Washington Global Health Bureau, USAID contractors and grantees, CDC in Madagascar and CDC Atlanta.

Activity Development and Design (25%)

· Plans, develops, and implements project development activities in malaria. Participates in geographic and central Bureau review of proposed projects and programs, policy, and technical input.

· Provides project development support on the design and implementation of Mission portfolio. Leads the design and development of malaria projects, including initial conceptualization of projects; preparation of scopes of work for feasibility studies; selection of study contractors; and review and approval of completed feasibility studies.

· Reviews project proposals for economic, financial, technical, social, and environmental soundness; and recommends or takes appropriate actions. Reviews or oversees the review of PMI contractor and grantee selection and approval, including related documents such as invitations for bid, plans, and specifications for professional services. Initiates or coordinates evaluation of PMI projects during or following project completion, to ascertain project and cost effectiveness, including implications for future financing.

Program Management and Implementation Oversight (35%)

· Provides technical and managerial assistance to the Malaria teams, MOH, and Madagascar public, nonprofit and private sector institutions in the design, management and implementation of the Mission’s PMI portfolio.

· Responsible for developing and approving PMI budget updates and programming. Assists in developing methods to track program implementation, performance, and results. Monitors financial, logistical and informational aspects of USAID-supported programs; assuring compliance with USAID legal and reporting requirements. Assists MOH and implementing partners set up reporting and tracking systems to provide correct, complete information in a timely manner.

· Oversees the management of projects being implemented under PMI. Manages and oversees services and deliverables provided by contractors and grantees, in accordance with USAID program management regulations and procedures, and practices. Conducts monitoring and reports the results of PMI activities.

Fulfills a range of supervisory, administrative, and oversight responsibilities in collaboration with the CDC PMI Malaria Advisor. Articulates and communicates to the team the assignment, problems to be solved, actionable events, milestones, and/or program issues under review, and deadlines and time frames for completion. Informs the supervisor of performance management issues/problems and recommends/requests related actions.

12. POSITION INFORMATION

Organization Location of Position USAID/Madagascar, Health Population and Nutrition (HPN) Office

U.S. Embassy Antananarivo, Madagascar.

Supervision Received

Reports to the HPN Director or his/her designee. Work assignments are in the broadest terms and performance is evaluated in terms of accomplishments and compliance with laws and regulations.

Supervision Exercised

Supervises and reviews work of a staff of three Foreign Service Nationals.

Medical and Security Clearance The selected individual will be required to obtain a medical clearance from State M/MED prior to service overseas. Also, a security clearance or facility/computer access must be initiated prior to travel to post of duty.

13. SKILLS QUALIFICATIONS/EVALUATION CRITERIA

In order to be considered for the position, applicants must submit an application in accordance with the guidance provided in the “Instructions to Applicants” section and must meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

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

Education (10 points)

A Master’s Degree in public health, international health, public administration, management or related advanced development degree from a recognized institution, and/or clinical qualifications.

Experience (20 points)

The Candidate will have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in designing, implementing and managing health programs in developing countries, with a preference given to candidates with African experience. Demonstrated technical leadership, program management, strategic planning, policy experience and problem solving skills working on complex projects in a highly sensitive environment are required. Preference will be given to those candidates with a minimum of 5 years experience with USAID programs and demonstrating proven knowledge and experience with USAID procedures and systems for program design, procurement, implementation, management and monitoring. Experience in Madagascar is desirable.

Knowledge and Abilities (25 points)

The Candidate must demonstrate technical knowledge of public health, infectious diseases and malaria prevention and control. S/he must demonstrate experience in working with governmental and/or non-governmental organizations in the health or related sector. Knowledge of USAID requirements and procedures is highly desirable.

The Candidate must also demonstrate the following:

A thorough knowledge of US government legislation relating to development assistance, USAID programming policies, regulations, procedures, and documentation requirements for strategy and project design, implementation, management, and evaluation; and, of the objectives, methodology, and status of the programs to which assigned.

Ability to interpret public policies and assist in the development of revised policies as required. Management skills required to develop and implement effective malaria prevention and treatment program activities involving financial and human resources.

Skill in conceptualizing programs, policies, and plans and developing strategies for their management and implementation. Ability to integrate short and long-range objectives of the PMI program within the cultural/organizational needs of the government.

Strong program management and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.

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

Knowledge and skills in quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods; experience in designing and evaluating malaria activities in Africa.

Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook, Access, SPSS and other statistical and other relevant software) are required for effectively operating in this position.

Interpersonal skills and teamwork (15 points)

Excellent leadership, communications and interpersonal skills are critical to this position. The Candidate must have the following:

Proven skills in capacity building and mentoring local staff in a developing country. Skills in working effectively with health personnel of diverse cultural backgrounds, negotiating agreements on matters of program strategy and performance, writing, administration, and management. Ability to navigate and manage politically sensitive issues.

Ability to work effectively with a broad range of USG personnel and partners. Skills in donor coordination and collaboration. Ability to collaborate with host-country officials in program implementation and interact with governments, partners, contractors and other stakeholders at the highest levels such as Ministerial, Chief Executive Officer, Chief of Party or equivalent.

Ability to communicate highly technical health information to both health and non-health audiences, and achieve consensus on policy, project, research, and administrative matters. Excellent written communication skills in English to prepare regular and ad hoc reports, activity documentation and briefing papers.

Language Fluency (English 20 points; French 10 points)

Must have proven ability to communicate quickly, clearly and concisely—both orally and in writing—in English and French.

Fluency in English at the native proficiency level is required (FSI 5/5 equivalent):

Speaking proficiency is functionally equivalent to that of a highly articulate, well-educated native speaker and reflects the cultural standards of a country where the language is natively spoken.

Reading and writing proficiency is functionally equivalent to that of the well-educated native reader.

Fluency in French at the general professional proficiency is required (FSI 3/3 equivalent):

Able to speak the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate effectively in most formal and informal conversations on practical, social, and professional topics.

Able to read at a normal speed and with almost complete comprehension of a variety of authentic prose material on unfamiliar subjects.

14- ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICAL SUPPORT:

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a PSC recruited off-shore is normally authorized the following benefits and allowances:

A. BENEFITS

Employer's FICA and Medicare Contribution*

Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

Pay Comparability Adjustment

Annual Salary Increase

Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

Annual & Sick Leave

Shipment and Storage of Household Effects

Shipment of POV (Privately Own Vehicle)

Access to Embassy Medical Facilities, and Pouch Mail Service (in accordance with post policy)

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

B. 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) Educational Allowance (Section 270)

(7) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(8) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

(9) Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600)

(10) Danger Pay (Section 650)

(11) Consumables Allowance

C. FEDERAL TAXES

USPSCs are not exempt from payment of any Federal Income taxes under the foreign earned income exclusion.

D. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR USPSCs

1. Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612). Applicants shall sign the application form. Unsigned OF-612 forms shall not be accepted and therefore applicants shall not be considered for the advertised position.

2. Contractor and dependents Physical Examination (DS-6561) **

3. Questionnaire for National Security Positions (SF-86) **, or

4. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85) **

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258) (available from the requirement office) **

Note:

** Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the position. Forms 1 through 4 can found at:

http://www.fedforms.gov/bgfPortal/docSearch.do E. ACQUISITION & ASSISTANCE POLICY DIRECTIVES (AAPDs) & CONTRACT

INFORMATION BULLETINS (CIBs) PERTAINING TO PSCs

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/psc_solicit/ to determine which CIBs apply to this contract.

AAPD 06-11

Home Leave and Revised General Provision 5, Leave and Holidays

AAPD 06-10

PSC Medical expense payment responsibility

AAPD 06-07

AIDAR, Appendix D: Contract budget, salary determination and salary increase

AAPD 06-01

Medical evacuation insurance

CIB 01-10

Revision of medical clearance process – PSC with U.S. Citizens

CIB 01-07

Clarification of the extension/renewal policy regarding PSCs

CIB 01-05

Clarification of the Rest and Recuperation (R&R) policy regarding Third Country Nationals (TCNs)

CIB 00-08

Revision of Competitive Process – PSCs with U.S. Citizens

CIB 00-03

FICA & Medicare Tax Rates for Personal Services Contracts

CIB 99-22

PSC Policy

CIB 98-23

Guidance regarding Classified Contract Security and Contractor Personnel Security Requirements

CIB 98-16

Annual Salary Increase for USPSCs

CIB 98-14

Change in Required Application Form for USPSCs

CIB 98-11

Determining a Market Value for Personal Services Contractors Hired under Appendix D.

CIB 97-17

PSC’s with U.S. Citizens or U.S. resident aliens

CIB 97-16

Class Justification for use of Other Than Full and Open Competition for Personal Services Contracts with U.S. Citizens Contracted with Locally, with CCNs and TCNs Subject to the Local Compensation Plan, and for Overseas Contracts of $250,000 or less

CIB 96-23

Unauthorized Provision in Personal Services Contracts

CIB 94-09

Sunday Pay for U.S. Personal Services Contractors

CIB 93-17

Financial Disclosure requirements under a Personal Services Contract

CIB 89-29

Use of Government Bill of Lading for Transportation of Personal Service Contractor (PSC) Household Effects, Unaccompanied Baggage and Privately Owned Vehicles

Various Contract Information Bulletins (CIBs) and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives (AAPDs) pertain to Personal Services Contracts can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/procurement_bus_opp/procurement/cib/subject.html#psc

Additionally, AIDAR Appendixes D or J also applies to PSCs can be found at:

http://www.usaid.gov/policy/ads/300/aidar.pdf

15 - INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Qualified applicants are requested to submit complete and hand-signed Optional Application for Federal Employment (OF-612) available at the USAID website, on www.usaid.gov/forms. Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the OF-612. Applications that are received without a signature will not be considered for the position. Applicants that submit their application by e-mail without an electronic signature must send a fax or scanned copy of the signature page in order for their application to be considered for this position. Applicants shall submit resume/curriculum vitae and write a brief appendix to the OF-612 to demonstrate how prior experience and/or education and training address the Evaluative Factors listed above: applicants must address each of the evaluation criteria separately, describing specifically and accurately their relevant education/training and experience to demonstrate how it addresses both the selective and evaluative factors listed above. In addition, applicants should highlight or make special note of relevant significant awards and achievements. Failure to address the evaluation factors may result in the applicant not receiving credit for all pertinent education, training, and experience.

The resume will contain the following information:

1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, country of citizenship, highest federal civilian grade held (also give job series and dates held);

2) Education: high school, name, city and state, date of diploma or GED; colleges and universities, name, city and state, majors, type and year of any degrees received (if no degree, show total credits earned and indicate whether semester or quarter hours);

3) Work Experience: provide the following information for your paid and non-paid work experience related to the job for which you are applying (do not send job descriptions); job title (include series and grade if federal job), duties and accomplishments, employer’s name and address, supervisor’s name and phone number, starting and ending dates (month and year), hours per week, salary. Indicate if we may contact your current supervisor;

4) Other Qualifications: Other pertinent information related to the qualifications required for the position, as noted above including job-related training courses (title and year), job-related skills; for example, other languages, computer software/hardware, tools, machinery, typing speed, job-related certificates and licenses (current only), job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments, for example, publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership, activities, public speaking and performance awards (give dates but do not send documents unless requested).

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

Interested candidates should send the above via the fax, or email at the addresses indicated below. Please note that attachments to e-mail applications in zip format can not be received to this mailbox. To ensure that the application is considered for the intended position, please reference the solicitation number and title of position on your application and in the subject line of any cover letter.

Applications must be received by fax, or E-mail by closing date and time specified in the cover letter of this solicitation and should be submitted to Ms. Dany Randrianatoavina on E-mail: drandrianatoavina@usaid.gov, or via fax at 261-20-23-480-44 EEO/AA: USAID IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER AND PROVIDES EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND FAIR AND EQUITABLE TREATMENT IN EMPLOYMENT TO ALL PEOPLE WITHOUT REGARD TO RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION.

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Solicitation # 687-11-001, PMI Advisor – USAID/Madagascar