Solicitation_PEPFAR_Country_Coordinator.doc

PEPFAR Country Coordinator

Solicitation #72062018B00005

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062018B00005

ISSUANCE DATE: September 12, 2018 CLOSING DATE/TIME: October 11, 2018, 4:30pm

SUBJECT:

Solicitation for Off-shore U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) PEPFAR Country Coordinator, USAID/Nigeria Dear Prospective Offerors:

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking offers from qualified persons to provide personal services under contract as described in this solicitation.

Offers must be in accordance with Attachment 1, Sections I through V of this solicitation. Incomplete or unsigned offers will not be considered. Offerors should retain copies of all offer materials for their records.

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 offer.

Any questions must be directed in writing to the Point of Contract specified in the attached information.

Sincerely, Penelope A. Thomas

Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

72062018B00005 2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

September 12, 2018

3.

CLOSING DATE/TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: October 11, 2018, 4:30pm Local time in Abuja, Nigeria 4.

POSITION TITLE:

PEPFAR Country Coordinator 5.

MARKET VALUE:

$105,123 – $136,659 equivalent to GS-15

Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value based on the successful candidate’s salary history, work experience and educational background. Salaries over and above the top of the pay range will not be entertained or negotiated. The incumbent must be willing and available to fulfill the terms of this contract in Nigeria.

6.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Two (2) base years, with three (3) option year periods, for a total of five (5) years maximum period; based on satisfactory performance, continued relevance of the position and funds availability. Level of effort is full time (40 hours per week).

7.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria

8.

SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED:

Top Secret Clearance is required, currently valid USG security clearance is preferable.

9.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

BASIC FUNCTION OF THE POSITION:

The incumbent serves as a Senior Advisor to the Country Oversight and Operations (COO) unit of S/GAC. In this capacity, the incumbent serves as PEPFAR Country Coordinator. The PEPFAR Country Coordinator serves as the Embassy-based presence of S/GAC, fulfilling the mission through implementation of policy, program and strategy for PEPFAR as laid out by the Ambassador-at-Large and Coordinator of the U.S. government activities to combat HIV/AIDS globally.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE POSITION:

1.

Is responsible for managing and overseeing implementation of the breadth, depth, scope, and complexity of the PEPFAR program in the country including negotiating and navigating the challenging environment for rights of MSM; sex workers; other donor partners providing assistance to the country; improving country relationships with the Global Fund; and managing the relationship with government partners in numerous line ministries. In this country, the budget size and level of authority required demand heightened attention and interaction with the Chief of Mission, increased congressional and media scrutiny due to the scale of the U.S. taxpayer commitment, and are subject to more frequent audits including those of the Office of the Inspector General, due to the significant number of agencies, projects and implementing partners, including country government partners required to execute on the large budget. The level of responsibility requires that the incumbent have a high level of seniority and experience to manage these interactions successfully.

2.

Is responsible for leading the negotiations of effective and efficient financial and programmatic transitions that ensure epidemic control is on track and to ensure performance through analysis of impact, cost and quality data delivered with U.S. government resources is attained. In this country, the level of complexity in the financial and programmatic transitions of responsibilities for funding particularly core health systems work, and the technical resourcing related to managing the control of the HIV epidemic and achieving an AIDS-free generation require a very high level of diplomatic, technical and managerial knowledge. The process of negotiating and overseeing transitions, managing the transactional costs for efficiency and effectiveness, while sustaining the achievements to date and momentum against the epidemic requires a highly functional and skilled individual with experience. The Coordinator must function as a global health diplomat ensuring the geopolitical space is managed in the best interest of the U.S. government and U.S. taxpayer. This level of responsibility requires that the incumbent have a high level of seniority and relevant experience to manage these interactions successfully.

3.

Is accountable to ensure that the budget received by the country delivers on the approved country operational plan and complies with congressional earmarks. In this country, there are vast numbers of implementing mechanisms required to control the epidemic. The Coordinator is responsible for facilitating productive discussions with the interagency team regarding determinations of projects that are “core” and must be done; “near core” that should be done and “non-core” that while nice to do, can be done by others or are not central to epidemic control. This context of growing mechanisms, contracting the scope to core interventions to control the epidemic, the number of implementing partners including country government agencies the U.S. team must coordinate a response through, the level of staff supervision required, country engagement and managing the interoperability and interconnection of mechanisms to mission, requires the incumbent have a high level of managerial and technical expertise, and field experience. The incumbent is also a key determinant in ensuring that predictable indicative funding can be informed by cost analysis and epidemiological data, negotiated with Washington and provided to country governments as a key element in sustaining financial commitments by Ministries of Finance for the long term sustainability of the U.S. government investment through PEPFAR.

4.

Reports directly to the Ambassador and/or Deputy Chief of Mission receiving on-site line management and country-level policy direction; has an official reporting relationship to the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator or his/her Principal Deputy in Washington D.C. The incumbent is accountable to both U.S. government heads of missions and for delivering a “whole of government” program, involving multiple U.S. government agencies in a single, strategic coordinated response that ensures that the bilateral funds deployed by PEPFAR are wisely and effectively used to address the in-country HIV/AIDS epidemic.

5.

Is a crucial member of the Ambassador’s country team, participating in the Ambassador’s weekly Country Team meetings, and managing a significant proportion of the total U.S. government foreign assistance budget with the ultimate responsibility to successfully execute on a highly relevant tool for diplomacy for the U.S.

6.

Coordinates with the PEPFAR implementing agencies to ensure that funds are located strategically across agency and technical areas; are coordinated with inputs from the partner country government and other donors; are consistent with U.S. government laws and policies, especially legislation pertaining specifically to PEPFAR; and support the national goals and plans of the partner government or governments. Balancing these factors requires the incumbent be a highly skilled and experienced professional.

7.

With guidance from S/GAC’s Management and Budget division, the Country Coordinator works with implementing agency financial managers to coordinate reporting systems for tracking funds accurately so that resources are correctly directed and deployed rapidly. In this country, the responsibility is heightened because of the scope of the implementing mechanisms for which the Coordinator is held accountable.

8.

Collaborates with the U.S. Embassy, partner government, and S/GAC to ensure achievement, not only of the primary HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care goals of PEPFAR, but also the public health sustainability and health diplomacy goals of PEPFAR. In this country, the requirement to demonstrate impact, transparency and accountability compels the selection of an incumbent who is highly skilled at managing multiple interests in order to achieve the goal of the open government initiative for data sharing.

· Selection Criteria:

A candidate will be selected based on his/her qualifications, availability, results of reference checks and cross-agency interview. The selected individual must complete all medical examinations as well as undergo required security clearance.

POSITION ELEMENTS:

A. Supervisory Control Over Position: The PEPFAR Coordinator will play a key role within the inter-Agency PEPFAR team. Providing leadership and coordination for Agency Leads and Senior Staff, including: USAID Mission Director, CDC Country Director, WRAIR Country Director. The Coordinator will be expected to exercise initiative, resourcefulness and responsibility toward achievement of program objectives and higher level coordination of, by and for the PEPFAR program in Nigeria.

B. Guidelines Used and Judgment Required: Guidelines include USAID’s rules and regulations, Mission Orders, operating procedures and systems requirements, and PEPFAR guidance, rules and regulation.

C. Complexity: The PEPFAR Country Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the completion and submission of the annual Country Operating Plan (COP). The Coordinator represents PEPFAR and USG on the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism (CCM). The Coordinator insures USG participation and representation in the development of Nigeria Global Fund Submissions. Tasks involve strategic analysis, advisory services and refined negotiations and communications skills. The Coordinator is expected to apply a depth of awareness and sound judgment to advise on the full range of HIV/AIDS program management issues. S/he must continually apply innovative thinking and strategic and informed prioritization to coordinate and resolve program problems.

D. Authority to Make Commitment: The Coordinator is authorized to draft and transmit official communications for the PEPFAR team, but will not have authorization for financial or contractual commitments.

E. Supervision Exercised: The PEPFAR Country Coordinator supervises four full-time medium to senior level staff. The composition, roles and responsibilities and position grade of the office staff will vary depending on the country team approach. The Coordinator may also be required to provide administrative and technical guidance to a range of interagency staff for the accomplishment of program tasks and reports.

F. Personal Contacts: Personal contacts are with high level officials of USG, foreign government leaders and policy makers of international organizations. Develops personal and professional relationships with individuals in foreign governments, other donors and USG officials in USAID, WRAIR and CDC. These contacts will facilitate identification of issues, solutions, collection of data, analysis for solutions, and implementation of assistance, strengthening the commitment of the Nigerian government to achieve shared objectives.

G. Purpose of Contacts: The Coordinator will serve as the representative and spokesperson for the PEPFAR team and as such will have regular high-level contacts with the Embassy Front Office, Heads of Agencies, and Host Country Government Institutions.

10.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to US Citizens only.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is generally sedentary and does not pose undue physical demands. During occasional field visits or program sites, there may be some additional physical exertion including long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain. The selected candidate must obtain medical clearance from State/MED in order to deploy to post.

12.

POINT OF CONTACT: Clementina Edereka, at cedereka@usaid.gov with a copy to Abujahr@usaid.gov.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUUUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

Education (10 points):

To be considered, the applicant should have a minimum of an advanced degree (Masters or higher) in a relevant professional discipline such as Public Policy, Public Heath, Administration, or other applicable degrees.

Prior Work Experience (30 points):

· At least seven years of progressively more senior experience managing HIV/AIDS, health or other development programs, preferably in a developing country context.

· Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate implementation of detailed work plans/timelines for major time-sensitive and complex work projects that are dependent on contributions from multiple US government agencies and dozens of individuals.

· Significant experience working directly for one or more of the United States government agencies responsible for implementing PEPFAR is preferable.

· Demonstrated ability to mediate interagency conflicts and facilitate consensus decisions on complex technical, programmatic, strategic, and financial issues.

· Strong capacity to multi-task; including managing, prioritizing, and fulfilling competing demands in real time.

· Excellent written and oral English communication skills.

Knowledge (30 points):

· Knowledge of other relevant programs in sub-Saharan Africa, and programmatic knowledge of different methods, models and approaches.

· Knowledge of other relevant programs in sub-Saharan Africa, and programmatic knowledge of different methods, models and approaches Abilities and Skills (30 points):

· Demonstrated ability to develop and coordinate implementation of detailed work plans/timelines for major time-sensitive and complex work projects that are dependent on contributions from multiple US government agencies and dozens of individuals.

· Highly effective interpersonal skills.

· Demonstrated ability to mediate interagency conflicts and facilitate consensus decisions on complex technical, programmatic, strategic, and financial issues.

· Strong capacity to multi-task; including managing, prioritizing, and fulfilling competing demands in real time.

· The interagency PEPFAR team includes the Ambassador, Heads of Agency, HIV technical team leaders, Nigerian HIV/AIDS Specialists, Government of Nigeria Counterparts, Development Partner Representatives, Implementing Partner Chiefs of Party and an extended team within US Government HQ agencies, including OGAC, Centers for Disease Control, USAID, and the Department of Defense.

· Some key personal skills essential for an effective coordinator include:

· Communication skills: adeptness at conveying information to the COM, to agencies, local and international partners, and to OGAC;

· Organizational skills: ability to keep track of a large amount of data and manage complex interagency planning and reporting processes;

· Interpersonal skills: strong negotiation and facilitation skills with the ability to get along well with a variety of people; and,

· Leadership skills: ability to empower PEPFAR team members to apply available resources and expertise to addressing the local epidemic.

III.

EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Applications will be required to have the minimum qualifications expressed in Section II.A. Qualified applicants possessing skills above the minimum requirements will be assessed based on the following factors:

1. Education (10 points)

2. Work Experience (30 points)

3. Knowledge (30 points)

4. Abilities and Skills (30 points)

Total Possible Points: 100 points

Per this scoring rubric, Knowledge and Abilities is the most important factor. Applications will initially be screened for conformity with minimum requirements and a short list of applicants developed.

USAID reserves the right to interview only the highest ranked applicants in person or by phone OR not to interview any candidate.

After the closing date for receipt of applications, a committee will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation criteria. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required selection criteria will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

As part of the selection process, finalist candidates may be interviewed either in person or by telephone at USAID’s discretion. Reference checks will be made only for applicants considered as finalists. 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. Only finalists will be contacted by USAID with respect to their applications. The final selected candidate must obtain a top security clearance access background check and Class 1 or Nigeria Post-specific medical clearance within a reasonable period of time (USAID will provide details regarding these requirements to the selected candidates). A substantial delay in obtaining either the medical clearance or background check will make the applicant ineligible for selection.

IV.

APPLYING

1. A cover letter that demonstrates how prior experience and/or training has prepared you to meet the specific challenges of the duties and responsibilities described above.

2. 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.

3. Offers must be received by the closing date and time specified in Section I, item 3, and submitted to the Point of Contact in Section I, item 11.

4. To ensure consideration of offers for the intended position, Offerors must prominently reference the Solicitation number in the offer submission.

5. Past Performance / Professional Reference Checks: Applicants must provide at least three references with current contact information, preferably both an e-mail address and a telephone number. The references will be asked to provide a general assessment of the applicant's suitability for the position. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure submitted references are available to provide a written or verbal reference in a timely manner.

In addition to comments from references, the Selection Committee will take into account awards or other evidence of outstanding performance in any areas related to the above selection criteria. USAID/Nigeria reserves the right to obtain from previous employers relevant information concerning the applicant's past performance and may consider such information in its evaluation.

6. Security and Medical Clearance Requirements: The applicant selected to fill this position must be able to receive a security clearance that involves applicant's comprehensive background investigation performed by a U.S. Government Agency.

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

V.

LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS FOR PSC HIRES

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

(1) Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17)

(2) Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions (SF-85)*

(3) Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions (SF-86)*

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

(5) Foreign Residence Data (AID 6-85)*

(6) Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, As Amended*

(7) Notice Required by The Privacy Act of 1974*

(8) Fingerprint Cards (FD-258)*

(9) Medical History and Examination Form (Department of State Forms)*

*The above listed forms (2 through 8) shall only be completed upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI.

BENEFITS/ALLOWANCES

As a matter of policy, and as appropriate, a USPSC is normally authorized to receive the following benefits and allowances:

1.

BENEFITS

1. Employer's FICA contribution*

2. Contribution toward Health and Life Insurance

3. Pay Comparability Adjustment

4. Annual Salary Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

5. Annual and Sick Leave

6. Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

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

Note: In addition to benefits, off-shore hire US PSC will receive the following Allowances as applicable.

2.

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. Cost of Living Allowance (Section 210)

4. Post Allowance (Section 220)

5. Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

6. Education Allowance (Section 270)

7. Educational Travel (Section 280)

8. Post Differential (Chapter 500)

9. Payments during Evacuation/Authorized Departure (Section 600), and

10. Danger Pay (Section 650)

Note: As of November 27, 2016, Nigeria became a 35% Post Differential, 25% Cost of Living Allowance, 0% Danger Pay post.

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. 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 (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 [The CO must check http://www.usaid.gov/work-usaid/aapds-cibs to determine which AAPDs/CIBs apply and insert the relevant text as required.] (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

IX. INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS

A.

Qualified applicants are requested to submit a one page cover letter and a recent CV or resume containing the following information. The CV or resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the application in accordance with the stated selection criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria.

B.

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to address each of the evaluation criteria above on a separate sheet describing specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards they have received that are relevant to the criterion. Failure to address the minimum selection and/or evaluation factors may result in the applicant not receiving credit for the pertinent experience, education, training, and awards.

(1) Personal Information: Full name, mailing address (with zip code), email address, day and evening phone numbers, social security number, 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.

(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: EXO Warrant, foreign language proficiency, FAC-C Level I, 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) Important: By submitting your application materials, you certify that all of the information on and attached to the application is true, correct, complete, and made in good faith. You agree to allow all information on and attached to the application to be investigated. False or fraudulent information on or attached to your application may result in you being eliminated from consideration for this position, or being terminated after award, and may be punishable by fine or imprisonment.

C.

Applicants are required to provide three (3) references with complete contact information including email address and telephone numbers. The Applicant’s references must be able to provide substantive information about the applicant’s past performance and abilities.

D.

Interested applicants must submit all the materials required by the solicitation such as (but not limited to):

(1) Most current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume;

(2) Contractor Employee Biographical Data Sheet (AID 1420-17); and

(3) Three (3) references who are not family members or relatives, with telephone and email contacts.

(4) Written cover letter of not more than one page

E.

Form AID 1420-17 must be signed and those submitted unsigned will be rejected.

F.

Applicants should retain for their record copies of all enclosures that accompany their submissions.

G.

Please reference the number of this solicitation when sending your application.

H.

Any attachments provided via email must be in or compatible with Microsoft Word 2003 or Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) and not “Zipped”.