SOL_72048219R00002__Solicitation_for_USPSC_HIV-AIDS_Program_Advisor_-_Final.pdf

SOLICITATION NO: 72048219R00002

ISSUANCE DATE: December 14, 2018 CLOSING DATE: January 14, 2019, 8:00 a.m. Burma Local Time

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. / TCN Personal Services Contractor (PSC) for the position of HIV/AID Program Advisor, USAID/Burma

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications (AID 309-2 and resume) from qualified U.S. citizens, U.S.

Resident Alien or Third Country Nationals interested in providing the PSC services described in this solicitation. The place of performance for this position will be in Rangoon, Burma.

Submissions to this solicitation shall be in accordance with the attached information, at the place and time specified. Incomplete, unsigned or late applications will not be considered. Applicants should retain for their records copies of all enclosures which accompany their applications.

Applicants are required to sign the certification at the end of the AID 309-2. Applications received after the closing date and time contained in this solicitation will be considered late and will not be considered. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

USAID/Burma will not consider an extension to the submission deadline for this procurement. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be in writing and directed to the undersigned at usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov.

Phone calls or e-mail to any address other than the one specified in this solicitation will not be accepted. This solicitation in no way obligates USAID to award a PSC contract, nor does it commit USAID to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of the application.

Sincerely, /s/

James E.H. Mayer Supervisory Executive Officer USAID/Burma

Solicitation No. 72048219R00002

Attachment I - 2

ATTACHMENT I

SOLICITATION FOR US / TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (PSC) FOR THE

POSITION OF HIV/AID PROGRAM ADVISOR, USAID/BURMA

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NUMBER: SOL – 72048219R00002

2. ISSUANCE DATE: December 14, 2018

3. CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS: January 14, 2019 at 8:00 a.m.

Burma Local Time

4. POSITION TITLE: HIV/AIDS Program Advisor

5. MARKET VALUE: Position is classified at GS-14 with annual salary range of $89,370 - $116,181 per annum. Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed range based on the candidates past salary history, and work history.

6. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two years, beginning o/a June 2019, with three one-year option years to extend.

7. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Burma, Rangoon, Burma (Myanmar)

8. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Facility Access

9. AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Nationals (USN). A U.S. National is defined as an individual who is a U.S. citizen or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. If there is no qualified and responsible USN applicant, Third Country Nationals (TCN) applicants will then be eligible for consideration.

10. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not involve undue physical demands.

11. SECURITY CLEARANCE: The apparently successful applicant shall be required to obtain a Facility Access level security clearance as a pre-condition for employment.

12. MEDICAL CLEARANCE: The apparently successful applicant must be able to obtain required medical clearance as a pre-condition for employment.

II. STATEMENT OF DUTIES / POSITION DESCRIPTION

A. INTRODUCTION

The HIV/AIDS Program Advisor will provide technical direction and strategic guidance to implementing partners of USAID’s HIV portfolio, which is funded under PEPFAR. S/he will also represent USAID to development partners, all levels of the Government of Burma, the private sector, and international and local non-governmental organizations. The HIV/AIDS Program Advisor will perform and/or direct a full range of consultative, advisory, program planning, financial management, reporting, monitoring and evaluation functions.

A major focus of this position to provide oversight and direction for the implementation of innovative activities that target Key Populations and that can be scaled up by others. S/he will be responsible for coordinating operational plans and for ensuring that the USAID/Burma HIV/AIDS program invests in the highest impact, most cost-effective interventions in order to achieve its development results in HIV/AIDS. Under the direct supervision of the Mission’s US direct-hire Director of the Office of

Attachment I - 3

Public Health (OPH) or his/her designee, the HIV/AIDS Program Advisor will coordinate and spearhead all HIV/AIDS prevention, care, support and treatment activities and all cross-cutting, multi-sectoral approaches. S/he will facilitate communication and maintain collaborative working relationships with mid- to senior-level government officials of the Burmese government, development partners, and NGOs working in HIV/AIDS. A key role will be dialogue with technical staff and policy makers in government and in donor organizations on innovative approaches that can be successful to reach Key Populations and be scaled-up in Burma.

B. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

The specific duties of the HIV/AIDS Program Advisor will include but are not limited to the following:

a. Technical (40%)

1. As a subject matter expert for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support, provide expert technical advice and leadership to the USAID Mission, the U.S. Embassy, the U.S. Government PEPFAR Team, USAID implementing partners and the host country.

2. Lead efforts to design integrated, multi-sectoral approaches to address HIV among PWID in northern Myanmar, including in conflict-affected areas.

3. Communicate with diverse stakeholders to promote adoption of effective policy and program approaches for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support by sharing lessons learned, USAID program success stories, briefing papers, fact sheets, cables, and memos.

4. Liaise with middle/senior level officials of the Burmese government, development partners, NGOs, and other implementing agencies to advance USAID’s objectives in PEPFAR and to advocate for state-of–the-art policy, practices and approaches in HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support.

5. Coordinate with evaluation efforts to measure the effectiveness of USAID HIV activities including in the identification of service delivery models to be evaluated, design of the evaluation methodology and scope of work, and dissemination of evaluation results.

b. Program Management (35%)

1. Lead efforts on HIV programming within the interagency PEPFAR team, including management of operational and strategic planning processes for HIV prevention, treatment, care and support activities and evaluation of PEPFAR HIV service delivery models.

2. Serve as Activity Manager, Agreement Officer’s Representative (AOR), or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or alternate AOR/COR as needed for USAID HIV/AIDS related projects and activities. Provide technical input on annual work plans; provide day-to-day oversight of program activities. Conduct project site visits to review program implementation and meet with beneficiaries on a regular schedule in accordance with PEPFAR monitoring requirements; make recommendations for adjustments of program activities as appropriate based on site-level observations, and take responsibility for corrective actions that can be implemented by USAID or our partners. Review performance reports to ensure that USAID implementing partners are in compliance with the performance expectations outlined in their work plans and in their contract/agreement(s). Ensure compliance with PEPFAR and USAID regulations for USAID-supported grants, cooperative agreements and contracts.

3. Serve as the lead Mission coordinator for the Local Works program to support ancillary

Attachment I - 4 activities to address the PWID epidemic in northern Myanmar.

4. Write and/or lead the design of new USAID HIV/AIDS projects or programs in which

HIV prevention and control is a significant component. Write Statements of Work, Program Descriptions and Concept Notes for new agreements, contracts, amendments, program evaluation, and incremental funding that are relevant to HIV programs.

5. Communicate findings from site visits, assessment reports, performance statistics and other available data to provide programmatic recommendations to the USAID Mission, the U.S. Embassy, the broader U.S. Government PEPFAR Team, and USAID implementing partners and Burmese counterparts.

c. Monitoring and Reporting (15%)

1. Take overall responsibility for preparation and/or writing of key PEPFAR planning and budgeting documents, such as the country operational plans, operational plans, portfolio reviews, performance planning and reporting, and Congressional Notifications.

2. Assist USAID staff responsible for strategic information with updating the Performance Monitoring Plan and Annual Performance Report on a regular basis. Responsible for verifying the quality, tracking, and synthesis of HIV/AIDS performance indicators, in particular those provided through program activities. Ensure all routine and ad hoc reporting requirements reflect the entire Mission’s HIV/AIDS indicators and report on the identified targets.

3. 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.

4. Serve as a member of the USAID/Burma OPH management team, supporting and advising on management of health programming as needed.

d. Representational (10%)

1. Represent USAID in the area of HIV/AIDS programming to U.S. Government personnel and agencies, such as: (a) the U.S. Ambassador to Burma and the U.S.

Embassy country team, and (b) other U.S. Government agencies.

2. Represent U.S. Government interests and ensure coordination with the Burmese government on USAID/Burma’s strategic priorities and on-going planning, implementation, and policy issues related to HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support.

3. Represent USAID/Burma in the area of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support with multilateral, bilateral and multi-donor organizations and initiatives.

C. SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Incumbent will report to the Director of the Office of Public Health, USAID/Burma, or his/her designee, who advises on general responsibilities to meet Mission strategic objectives and goals.

D. SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Incumbent may have supervisory responsibilities for up to two Foreign Service National (FSN) technical staff supporting management of USAID/Burma health programs.

Attachment I - 5

E. AVAILABLE GUIDELINES:

The incumbent is required to quickly understand Mission-, Agency- and PEPFAR-specific policies and procedures which govern project design and activity management in addition to the USAID/Burma’s established administrative operating procedures, policies and formats. Guidance from the supervisor is primarily with regard to policy, priorities, results to be achieved, basic approaches to be followed, and the nature and basic content of reports. Guidance from the supervisor and specific detailed instructions will be given (when necessary) for carrying out unique assignments.

The incumbent will be required to be proactive in keeping abreast of evolving guidelines and policies which affect overall health activities within the region, including but not limited to the Agency’s Automated Directives System (ADS), General Notices/Mission Orders/Mission Notices, U.S.

Procurement regulations, and USAID Program Strategy and Policy Documents and PEPFAR guidance.

F. EXERCISE OF JUDGMENT:

Excellent judgment must be exercised in setting priorities. The use of initiative, discretion and patience is expected from the incumbent in dealing with U.S. interagency team and USAID office personnel and with representatives from other donor organizations to resolve problems that arise during the course of work for which there is often no clear or immediate solution. Considerable judgment is required in working effectively with officials of the government and the private sector, in overseeing grantees/contractors activities and coordinating multi-sectoral efforts in support of USAID development objectives in Burma, and in collecting, analyzing and reporting on progress of activities and recommending project actions. The incumbent will also be required to follow and adhere to USAID's Code of Ethics and Conduct.

G. AUTHORITY TO MAKE COMMITMENTS:

None. The incumbent will have no independent authority to make resource commitments or commit the U.S. Government (the USAID/Burma Mission, or the USAID/Burma’s Program Office) funds on behalf of the U.S. Government or the USAID Mission. With concurrence from the Director of the Health Public Office, s/he will have authority to represent USAID in the articulation and negotiation of health program objectives.

H. NATURE, LEVEL AND PURPOSE OF CONTACTS:

To effectively function in this position, the incumbent will be required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all categories of USAID staff, U.S. Embassy colleagues, engage in U.S. Government inter-agency network in the field and in Washington; high level staff of United Nations agencies (e.g., WHO, FAO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, UNOPS), other international and donor organizations including the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria (GFATM); representatives of regional organizations such as ASEAN; international and local NGOs; civil society and faith-based organizations, private sector representatives and the general public. The incumbent will also be required to develop and maintain an extensive range of contacts with senior level government officials in the Ministries of Health and other relevant Ministries, senior level business and community leaders in the region with the purpose ranging from simple information gathering to obtaining or verifying information which is otherwise available as well as assisting in the development of complex programs. The incumbent will actively participate in substantive discussions and negotiations of design/implementation issues and matters of national health policy up to the senior levels of the Government of Burma. In the USAID Mission, s/he will actively participate in substantive discussions and recommend U.S. positions on policy issues up to the level

Attachment I - 6 of Office Director on a routine basis, and periodically up to the level of Mission Director and US Ambassador.

I. TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM A FULL RANGE OF DUTIES:

The first three months of employment will be considered a probationary period and the incumbent will be expected to perform the full range of duties before the end of this period.

J. MEDICAL AND SECURITY CLEARANCE

The selected candidate must obtain a U.S. Government Facility Access security clearance and medical clearance. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded. Details on how to obtain U.S. Government security and medical clearance will be provided once a job offer is made and accepted. The selected candidate must be available to start work as soon as valid medical and security clearances are obtained.

K. FINAL OUTBRIEF REPORT

1. Final Out-Brief Report. Incumbent will submit a final out brief report to the Supervisor prior to departure. The final out brief report will summarize the activities undertaken and the result during the performance of the contract.

2. If a Third Country National (TCN) is selected for award, during the period of this contract, the TCN contractor must provide at least five hours per week of training to a Cooperating Country National (CCN) designated by USAID/Burma. The PSC’s Supervisor will establish a training plan with benchmarks to measure the contractor's progress toward achieving this training deliverable.”

III. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR POSITION

In order to be considered for the position, a candidate shall be a U.S. citizen or US. Resident Alien or Third Country National and must meet the minimum qualifications listed below. The applicant must submit an application in accordance with the guidance below.

1. Education: Master’s Degree level (or higher) training in public health, epidemiology, demography, social or behavior science or related field from a college/university accredited in the United States or equivalent from another country.

2. Leadership Skills and Work Experience:

a. A minimum of five years of work experience in public health/development program planning and management, with at least two years in a cross-cultural developing country setting. Must have at least three years’ experience overseeing HIV/AIDS programming.

Experience working with the U.S. Government’s PEPFAR program is strongly desired

b. Recognized expertise in HIV/AIDS with knowledge of effective prevention interventions in concentrated epidemics and those that target KPs, including Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM), Female Sex Workers and People Who Inject Drugs (PWID).

c. Ability to conceptualize, develop and implement new strategies/initiatives in HIV prevention

Attachment I - 7 and control.

d. Ability to manage and direct other professional and technical staff.

e. Ability to provide leadership and make HIV program recommendations and decisions for

USAID/Burma programs based on professional, technical, administrative and fiscal considerations.

f. Ability to analyze problems/situations and adapt to programming and technological changes as a basis for establishing health programs.

g. Ability to apply policy directives to activity design, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation.

h. Ability to exercise independent judgment regarding HIV/AIDS programming across multiple U.S. Government agencies.

i. Technical leadership at conferences, meetings and through presentations to communicate best practices, new evidence, and innovations.

3. Knowledge Level:

a. Comprehensive understanding of HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, care and support, including program design, implementation, and evaluation;

b. Experience in behavior change methodologies and their application to HIV/AIDS prevention among most at risk populations; experience with PWID desired;

c. Strong working competency in computer applications to carry out management functions and statistical analysis.

4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills:

a. Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with senior government officials, international organizations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, implementing partner Chiefs of Party, and with local civil society;

b. Proven ability to work independently and problem solve across disciplines without recourse to immediate guidance;

c. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within an interagency U.S. Government team and within the larger U.S. Embassy community in order to effectively advocate for state of the art programming and influence the positive performance of USAID HIV programs;

d. Excellent facilitation, and teambuilding skills;

e. Excellent written and oral communication skills.

f. Demonstrated professionalism to effectively manage more than one activity at a time by working calmly, tactfully and effectively under pressure; and

g. Demonstrated ability to mentor other staff.

IV. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS:

Consideration and selection will be based on a panel evaluation of applications against the selection criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored.

Please note that only shortlisted/finalist applicants will be interviewed or contacted. USAID does not pay for any expenses associated with the interviews unless expenses are pre-authorized. Reference checks will be conducted on those candidates selected for an interview. The applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about his/her past performance and abilities. If an applicant does not wish USAID to contact a current employer for a reference check, this should be stated in the applicant’s cover letter, and USAID will delay such reference check pending communication with the applicant. The final selected candidate must obtain security and medical clearances within a reasonable period of time

Attachment I - 8

(USAID will provide details regarding these clearances to the selected candidate). A substantial delay in obtaining either required clearance will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

Applicants will be tested, evaluated, and ranked based on the following selection criteria with a maximum of 100 points:

a. Education 20 points

b. Leadership skills and experience 30 points

c. Knowledge Level 20 points

d. Interpersonal and Communications Skills 30 points

Maximum Points Available: 100 points

The applicant must also be able to successfully pass a reference background check.

Other Requirements:

In addition, the incumbent must also be:

a. Available and willing to commit to the Contract Performance Period of 24 months;

b. Able to obtain US Government medical clearance and security clearance at a facilities access level;

c. Available and willing to work outside the regular 40-hour workweek when required or necessary;

d. Willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

V. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

Applications should include the following:

A. Eligible offerors are required to complete and submit the offer form AID 309-2, “Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals,” available at http://www.usaid.gov/forms.

B. Applicants must also include the following in their application package:

1. A cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidate’s qualifications meet the work requirements and addresses the Evaluation/Selection Criteria in this solicitation. Your availability must be indicated in your cover letter.

2. A curriculum vitae which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience and career achievements;

3. References of three individuals who have direct knowledge of your work and ability to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation. Please provide the names and current contact information (e-mail and phone);

4. Information on current or prior U.S. Government security clearance and current or prior U.S. Government/employment medical clearances, if any.

All of the above information must be included in the application package in order for the package to be considered complete.

Attachment I - 9

IV. MAILING ADDRESS

Application packages must be submitted electronically to usaidburmapsc@usaid.gov no later than January 14, 2019, 8:00 AM Burma time. Subject line of email must be as follows: “SOL #

72048219R00002 US / TCN PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTOR (PSC) FOR THE

POSITION OF HIV/AID PROGRAM ADVISOR, USAID/BURMA”. (Be certain to sign form AID 309-2). Unsigned or incomplete applications will not be considered. Uploaded file may not exceed 25 MG. USAID will only confirm receipt and print out the electronic submission. USAID will not ensure quality or completeness of electronic files attached to e-mails. The applicant assumes all risk related to an electronic submission.

Applications must be received no later than the due date and time of this solicitation. Late applications or delayed electronic submissions will not be accepted.

Scanned copies are accepted by e-mail. Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures which accompany their application.

[END OF ATTACHMENT I]

Attachment II ‐ 1

ATTACHMENT II

I. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS

Once the CO informs the successful applicant about being selected for a contract award, the CO will provide the successful applicant instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms.

1. Medical History and Examination (DS-1843).

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

3. Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85).

4. Finger Print Card (FD-258). (NOTE: Form is available from the requirements office.)

II. ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an individual meeting the requirements of an offshore hire PSC is normally authorized the following benefits.

In accordance with AIDAR Appendix D, Sec. 4(d), individual US Nationals meeting the definition of "Resident Hire USPSC" will only receive the standard compensation package that includes a contribution for life and health insurance and a contribution to FICA.

If a TCN is selected for award, prior approval by the Mission Director will be required to authorize receipt of applicable benefits and allowances outside the local compensation plan..

A. Benefits

1. Employee's FICA Contribution

2. Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

3. Pay Comparability Adjustment

4. Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

5. Vacation & Sick Leave

B. Allowances* (If Applicable):

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, an offshore USPSC is normally authorized the following allowances:

1. Post Differential (Section 500)

2. Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

3. Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

4. Post Allowance (COLA)(Section 220)

5. Supplemental Post Allowance (Section 230)

6. Payments During Evacuation (Section 600)

7. Education Allowance (Section 270)

8. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

Attachment II ‐ 2

9. Danger Pay (Section 650)

10. Educational Travel (Section 280)

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

III. TAXES:

USPSCs are required to pay Federal income taxes, FICA, Medicare and applicable State Income taxes.

IV. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT CLAUSES

PERTAINING TO PSCs

USAID regulations and policies governing USPSC awards are available at these sources:

1. USAID Acquisition Regulation (AIDAR), Appendix D, “Direct USAID Contracts with a U.S. Citizen or a U.S. Resident Alien for Personal Services Abroad,” including contract clause “General Provisions,” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf and Appendix J, “Direct USAID Contracts With a Cooperating Country National and With a Third Country National for Personal Services Abroad” available at https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1868/aidar_0.pdf,

2. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms

3. Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives/Contract Information Bulletins

(AAPDs/CIBs) for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals available at http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs

AAPD/CIB

No. Title/Issued Date

AAPD 18-02

CHANGES TO THE MEDEVAC POLICY FOR USPSCS AND

TCNPSCS

–MAY 23, 2018

AAPD 16-03

REVISED AIDAR DEVIATION FROM APPENDIX D AND J

FOR THE CONTINUATION OF EXPANDED INCENTIVE

AWARDS FOR PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS WITH

INDIVIDUALS

AAPD 15-02

AAPD 15-02 REVISED - THIS AAPD 15-02 REVISED

EXTENDS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE USAID POLICY

FOR LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS, INCLUDING FAMILY AND

MEDICAL LEAVE, FOR U.S. PERSONAL SERVICES

CONTRACTORS (USPSCS) BY DEVIATION FROM AIDAR

APPENDIX D, § 12, CLAUSE (GP) #5. THIS POLICY IS

EFFECTIVE AS INDICATED ON PAGE 2, SECTION II, OF

THE AAPD.

Attachment II ‐ 3

AAPD/CIB

No. Title/Issued Date

AAPD 10-03

Amendment 1

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: IMPLEMENTING BENEFITS FOR

SAME-SEX DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF USPSCs – 08/22/11

AAPD 10-03

AIDAR, APPENDIX D: IMPLEMENTING BENEFITS FOR

SAME-SEX DOMESTIC PARTNERS OF USPSCs – 04/12/10

AAPD 10-01

PERSONAL SERVICES CONTRACTS -- CHANGES IN USG

REIMBURSEMENT AMOUNTS FOR HEALTH INSURANCE

AND PHYSICAL EXAMINATION COSTS – 01/08/10

AAPD 06-10

PSC MEDICAL EXPENSE PAYMENT RESPONSIBILITY –

OCTOBER 30, 2006

4. Ethical Conduct. By the acceptance of a USAID personal services contract as an individual, the contractor will be acknowledging receipt of the “Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch,” available from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics, in accordance with General Provision 2 and 5 CFR 2635. See https://www.oge.gov/web/oge.nsf/OGE%20Regulations

[END OF ATTACHMENT II]