Solicitation_Senior_SI_Advisor_-_Final.doc

Senior Strategic Information Advisor

Solicitation #72062019B00002

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062019B00002

ISSUANCE DATE: March 21, 2019 CLOSING DATE/TIME: April 20, 2019 4:30pm (Nigeria/Local Time) SUBJECT: Solicitation for an Off-shore U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC) for Senior Strategic Information Advisor 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, Debbie Jackson Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.

SOLICITATION NUMBER:

72062019B00002 2.

ISSUANCE DATE:

March 21, 2019

3.

CLOSING DATE/TIME:

April 20, 2019 (4:30pm Nigeria/local time) 4.

POSITION TITLE:

Senior Strategic Information Advisor 5.

MARKET VALUE:

$89,370 to $116,181 equivalent to GS-14. The 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.

6.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Two (2) base years, with three (3) option year periods, pending approval, need, performance, and funding, not to exceed a total of five (5) years.

7.

PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria

8.

SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: The selected candidate must be able to obtain a security clearance at the “Secret” level and a medical clearance within a reasonable period of time. If such clearances are not obtained within a reasonable time or negative suitability issues are involved, any offer made may be rescinded.

9.

STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

1. General Statement of Purpose of the Contract:

The Office of HIV/AIDS & TB supports USAID/Nigeria’s Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), approved in August 2015, with the goal of: Reduced extreme poverty in a more stable, democratic Nigeria. This includes Development Objective 2: A healthier, more educated population in targeted states; and Development Objective 3: Strengthened good governance. The HIV/AIDS & TB portfolio particularly contributes to: IR 2.1by ensuring utilization of high quality health services in target areas and population groups; IR 2.2 by delivering educational support to specific high-risk sub-populations (children of FSW, adolescents, HIV positive children and children living with HIV positive adults); and IRs 3.2 and 3.3 by working with all levels of government to strengthen management and operational capacities; encourage reforms to better prioritize, allocate, and disburse budgets for services delivered to Nigeria’s most vulnerable citizens; and mobilizing civil society to advocate for an adequate supply of quality, affordable services. For FY19 the Office has a budget of around $209 million, with an approved staffing strength of 33.

The Senior Strategic Information (SI) Advisor leads the Strategic Information (SI) unit, directly supervising up to six professional-level staff specializing in data management. The Advisor has overall responsibility for the design and implementation of systems for data collection, management, analysis, reporting, informatics, and evaluation; and plays a lead role in developing annual operational plan targets which guide the PEPFAR and TB programs each year. S/he provides leadership to SI efforts for the inter-agency PEPFAR/Nigeria program, valued at $409 million annually, as a co-chair of the SI technical working group.

The SI Advisor ensures review of monthly performance data and presentation of performance data to the HIV/AIDS&TB team management, interagency leads, USAID and PEFAR headquarters offices and Government of Nigeria officials at federal and state levels. S/he plays a lead role in improving capacity of host government organizations to routinely collect, manage, analyze and report data in a timely, accurate and reliable manner. S/he coordinates with other donors including the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria; the Gates Foundation; the World Health Organization; UNAIDS; and others. The Advisor may also serve as COR/AOR for USAID activities engaged specifically in strategic information.

2. Statement of Duties to be Performed:

The Senior Strategic Information Advisor has advanced expertise in the areas of monitoring and evaluation, data collection, management, analysis, reporting, informatics. The Advisor has responsibility for independently planning and carrying out important programs/projects and activities; determining the approach to be taken and the methods to be used; resolving or referring conflicts and questions as needed; coordinating work with others; and interpreting policy in terms of established objectives. S/he keeps supervisors informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, and problems with far-reaching implications.

The Advisor has a leadership role in the HIV/AIDS & TB Office as the senior most technical expert in all aspects of monitoring and evaluating of HIV/AIDS programs and in surveillance. S/he works in close coordination with all HIV/AIDS team members, other Mission staff including the program office, key USG agencies and other stakeholders and be responsible for, or provide support for, a variety of institutional components in the area of strategic information.

The Advisor has the following specific responsibilities:

Strategic and Technical Leadership (45%)

The Advisor provides strategic technical leadership and expertise within the Office of HIV/AIDS & TB on program monitoring and evaluation; data use and analysis on large, complex data sources; surveillance and health informatics to the USAID Mission, the broader USG interagency and host country stakeholders. S/he is a key member of the Mission’s M&E Team coordinated by the Program Development Office; a reviewer of Mission evaluation designs and reports; and a participant on Mission evaluation teams. S/he guides USAID implementing partners (IPs) and collaborates with development partner stakeholders and host country counterparts on mutually identified critical operational research and/or targeted public health evaluation questions; provides assistance in development of strategies and protocols to address those questions; and helps disseminate findings to the broader community within USG, development partners and host country stakeholders. As a technical expert, the incumbent contributes technical and managerial expertise to strengthen SI technical expertise and leadership skills. S/he serves as a resource person and conducts trainings for Office of HIV/AIDS&TB staff on the importance, value and application of data for regular partner performance management and sector strategy development.

The Advisor provides technical input into the development of public health evaluations, operational research, program assessments, and national surveys as and when required. S/he maintains familiarity with current literature and best practices relevant to health systems strengthening and integrated service delivery for HIV/AIDS & TB programming in Nigeria.

Program/Project Management (35%)

In keeping with USAID/PEPFAR policies and programming guidelines, the SI Advisor conceptualizes programs and projects focusing on transition to local partners, sustainability and government ownership. S/he provides technical assistance to GON counterparts to build capacity for strategic information, monitoring and evaluation, and surveillance.

The Advisor helps to ensure that HIV/TB programs are in line with the latest Office of Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC) guidelines and are well coordinated with, and integrated in to, GON frameworks. S/he develops the capacity of staff in the Office of HIV/AIDS & TB to effectively manage program/projects, providing guidance on project management approaches, resources and tools. The Advisor assists CORs/AORs by interfacing directly with implementing partners on data reported to USAID or to the GON; addresses program-related vulnerabilities; and shares pertinent information on other development partner programs. The incumbent conducts regular site visits to review program implementation and meet with beneficiaries. S/he provides technical support to specific program/project activities to improve integrated service delivery of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis programs. This includes conducting site visits to help ensure progress toward agreed-upon goals, targets, and objectives; as well as review of project/program work plans, budgets, performance monitoring plans, quarterly and annual reports, and other key documents as needed to ensure effective and efficient health systems strengthening and integrated service delivery.

Representation and Public Speaking (10%)

The SI Advisor participates in, and contributes leadership to, committees and work groups with other USG agencies, the GON, and other key stakeholders involved in strategic information, monitoring and evaluation, and surveillance for HIV/TB. S/he adapts global evidence to the Nigerian context with the aim to implement more effective strategies through programs/projects in Nigeria, thereby increasing the impact of USAID/PEPFAR investments in Nigeria. The incumbent develops and presents research publications and abstracts at international conferences and symposiums on a regular basis. S/he also presents USAID program performance results, research results and M&E plans to USAID/Washington, USAID/Nigeria and USG interagency stakeholders as well as external audiences that consist of other development partners, GON, USG counterparts from other countries, USAID IPs and other stakeholders.

3. Supervisory Relationship:

The SI Advisor will directly supervise 4-6 CCNPSC staff, including providing overall policy guidance and coordinating the work of the staff to achieve program objectives. The Advisor will provide technical support to the work of HIV/AIDS & TB sub-units and individuals in order to help achieve Office and Mission objectives.

4. Supervision Controls:

The Advisor will be supervised by the HIV/AIDS & TB Office Director or his/her designee. The supervisor will provide guidance and specific assignment when required. Performance will be evaluated annually based on accomplishments against planned work objectives. The Advisor will provide written and oral reports as requested.

5. Other important information:

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.

10.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:

To meet basic eligibility requirements, the offeror must:

· Be a U.S. Citizen;

· Submit a complete offer as outlined in the solicitation section titled APPLYING;

· Be able to attain security clearance at the “Secret” level;

· Be able to obtain a Department of State medical clearance;

· Be willing to travel to work sites and other offices as/when requested.

11. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work requested does not pose undue physical demands.

12.

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

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

· Education: The minimum education requirement for this position is a Master’s Degree in public health, international public health, statistics or other related degree.

· Work Experience: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in strategic information, monitoring and evaluation or related work experience is required. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience working with an international or development partner organization, or equivalent work with a private or host-government entity is required. Experience must include the management and manipulation of data for end users, experience working with, manipulating, and conducting analysis from large, complex data sources, specifically routine health information. Experience working in the field of development is required. Experience managing HIV/AIDS and/or other health related programs, particularly in a decentralized context in low or middle income countries, is preferred. Experience working with the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief is preferred.

· Abilities and Skills:

Technical Skills: Must be able to develop a working knowledge of USG and USAID regulations, an understanding of USAID and USG monitoring and evaluations indicators, and advanced ability to use IT/software specific to health programs. Knowledge of and experience using a statistical package (R, SAS, STATA) or scripting language (Python, SQL) for the management and manipulation of data for end users and experience working with, manipulating, and conducting analysis from large, complex data sources, specifically routine health information is required. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of best practices in program monitoring and evaluation; data use and analysis; and surveillance.

Interpersonal Skills: The ability to plan, organize, manage and evaluate HIV/AIDS and TB activities is required. Verbal communication skills must be sufficient to explain complex data analyses and interpret PEPFAR attitudes, priorities, and concerns. Writing skills must be sufficient to prepare and edit regular and ad hoc reports with minimal editorial changes.

Language/computer Skills: Demonstrated competency in information management systems Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word. Must have the ability to work effectively in a Team environment, and to achieve consensus on policy, project, and administrative matters.

III. EVALUATION AND SELECTION FACTORS

Qualified offerors meeting the required minimum qualifications will be assessed based on the following selection/evaluation factors:

1. Education (10 points)

2. Experience (35 points)

3. Skills: Technical (40 points)

4. Skills: Interpersonal (5 points)

5. Skills: Language/computer (10 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 Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) will be convened to review applications and evaluate them in accordance with the evaluation factors. Applications from candidates which do not meet the required evaluation factors will not be scored. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. No response will be sent to unsuccessful applicants.

IV.

APPLYING

For your application to be considered, the following documents must be submitted:

1. A signed cover letter of no more than 3 pages that demonstrates how the candidate’s qualifications meet the work requirements.

2. Curriculum Vitae which, at a minimum, describes education, latest experience and career achievements.

3. 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.

4. 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 12.

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

6. Name, current and accurate phone numbers, and email addresses of three professional references that have knowledge of the applicant’s abilities to perform the duties set forth in the solicitation. USAID reserves the right to contact all references.

7. Application packages must be submitted electronically to cedereka@usaid.gov with a copy to Abujahr@usaid.gov no later than 4:30pm on April 20, 2019 (Nigeria’s local time).

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 PSC is normally authorized to receive the following benefits and allowances:

1.

BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

(d) Annual Salary Increase (pending a satisfactory performance evaluation)

(e) Eligibility for Worker’s Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

2. ALLOWANCES (If applicable)

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilian Foreign Areas):

(a) Temporary Lodging Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost of Living Allowance (Section 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Educational Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(j) 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 (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 SOLICITATION