72062421R00001_Health Office Director_ USAID Cameroon.pdf

SOLICITATION NUMBER: 72062421R00001

ISSUANCE DATE: October 23, 2020

CLOSING DATE/TIME: November 22, 2020/17:00 GMT

SUBJECT: Solicitation for U.S. Personal Service Contractor (USPSC): Health Office Director, USAID Cameroon

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 any offer.

All offers must be submitted to the Point of Contact via email:

accrapsc@usaid.gov

Only shortlisted offerors will be contacted.

Any questions must be directed in writing to Patience Charway at pcharway@usaid.gov or Yusif Ibrahim at yibrahim@usaid.gov with a copy to Guadalupe Ramirez at gramirez@usaid.gov.

Sincerely, Guadalupe Ramirez Contracting Officer Regional Executive Office USAID/West Africa

ATTACHMENT 1 SOL # 72062421R00001.

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

1. SOLICITATION NO.: 72062421R00001

2. ISSUANCE DATE: October 23, 2020

3. CLOSING DATE AND TIME FOR RECEIPT OF OFFERS: November 22, 2020

17:00GMT

4. POINT OF CONTACT: USAID/West Africa, Accra; e-mail at accrapsc@usaid.gov

5. POSITION TITLE: Health Office Director, USAID Cameroon

6. MARKET VALUE: $109,366 - $142,180 equivalent to GS-15 Final compensation will be negotiated within the listed market value.

7. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: Two (2) years, estimated to start o/a 04/2021 with an option of three (3) one-year extensions for a maximum of five (5) years. Exercise of options will depend on continuing need of services, availability of funds, successful performance, and requisite approvals.

Based on Agency need, the Contracting Officer may exercise the additional option periods for up to three (3) years for the dates estimated as follows:

Base Period: o/a 04/2021 to 04/2023 Option Period 1: o/a 04/2023 to 04/2024 Option Period 2: o/a 04/2024 to 04/2025 Option Period 3: o/a 04/2025 to 04/2026

8. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: USAID/Cameroon, Yaoundé.

9. ELIGIBLE OFFERORS: Open to U.S. Citizens (including lawful Permanent legal residents)

10. SECURITY LEVEL REQUIRED: Secret

11. STATEMENT OF DUTIES

INTRODUCTION:

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) seeks to employ a U.S. Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) who will serve as the Cameroon Health Office Director. S/he will represent USAID to the U.S. Embassy, other USG Agencies, government counterparts and USG implementing partners. The Office Director will have direct oversight over PEPFAR, PMI, GHSA programs including strategy development, program planning and development, management of awards, as well as supervision of USAID staff. The incumbent is expected to work closely with the USAID/West Africa Regional Mission (USAID/WA) and will be directly supervised by the Cameroon Country Representative. USAID/West Africa Regional Health Office provides backstopping support as needed.

BACKGROUND:

USAID/Cameroon implements bilateral activities to address and promote a range of bilateral issues. USAID partners with the Government of Cameroon (GoC) on a host of issues including health, environment, economic growth and trade, countering violent extremism and humanitarian programming. In health, USAID partners with the GoC to improve health indices by strengthening health service delivery, combating HIV/AIDS, reducing the burden of malaria, and detecting and responding to infectious disease threats.

The GoC has made significant commitments to halting the spread of HIV and ensuring access to treatment. Through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR), USAID has partnered with the GoC to build partnerships to provide HIV prevention, care and treatment with a focus on key and vulnerable populations including orphans and vulnerable children, and adolescent girls and young women. In addition, activities support the entire cascade of activities ranging from prevention to care and access to life-saving treatment.

With a HIV prevalence of 3.4%, Cameroon has a generalized epidemic, with sexual transmission as the main vehicle of spread. Pockets of high prevalence exist in priority populations which include: military personnel (11.3%), men who have sex with men (20.7%), and female sex workers (24.3%). Women are twice as likely to be infected as men, while infection rates vary by age group and across the different regions of the country. Cameroon’s progress toward the UNAIDS 90-90-90 goal is 56% of all people living with HIV know their status, 93% of people diagnosed with HIV are on treatment, and 80% are virally suppressed (Cameroon Country Operational Plan 2020).

PEPFAR’s HIV activities in Cameroon currently target sexual prevention activities among priority populations in focus urban districts. Interventions include testing and HIV counseling, prevention methods and improved treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, distribution of condoms and lubricants. Creating linkages with clinical HIV-related care and ensuring compliance with treatment are also prioritized in order to achieve immuno-suppression.

Cameroon became a focus country for the USG’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) in 2017.

The FY19 budget for PMI was $22.5 million and USAID’s malaria control activities are aligned with the GoC’s national strategic planning. In partnership with the GoC, USAID’s activities relate to strengthening health facility service delivery, routine net distribution, training, and pharmaceutical and other supply chain management, as well as procurement of insecticide treated nets, rapid diagnostic tests, antimalarials, and preventive treatments. Entomological surveillance, indoor residual spraying and seasonal malaria chemoprevention are also supported activities and align with the GoC’s goal of covering 80% of children under the age of five in targeted regions.

In collaboration with the GoC, the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) program assists in preventing, detecting and responding to infectious disease threats and emerging pandemics. This includes addressing zoonotic diseases and improving animal health services using the One Health framework. The One Health approach integrates the efforts of the human health, animal health, and environmental sectors in order to identify and track disease threats to aid with timely responses.

USAID also provides support to the neglected tropical diseases (NTD) program to fight disease that can be cured or prevented by managing the distribution of drugs donated by the pharmaceutical industry. Other support to the GoC includes technical assistance for the sustainable health financing strategy aimed at reducing or eliminating user fees as a barrier to accessing health services. The GoC aims to achieve universal health coverage by 2030 as part of the sustainable development goals. USAID will provide technical assistance in the GoC’s phased implementation of its sustainable health financing strategy. Health systems strengthening, capacity building and social and behavioral change are cross-cutting parts of USAID’s health portfolio and support to the GoC.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Health Office Director is fully responsible for the USAID health program in Cameroon. The incumbent is expected to provide leadership, direction, management, and technical support to the entirety of USAID’s health investments in Cameroon. The incumbent is responsible for strategic planning, overseeing the development and implementation of annual PEPFAR Country Operational Plans (COPs) and Malaria Operational Plans (MOPs), as well as the GHSA National Action Plan for Health Security. S/he will also initiate new programs and activities in accordance with the Ministry of Health and in line with public health needs and priorities. This includes playing a lead role in providing strategic direction for the office and engaging in inter-agency coordination and representation. This entails establishing close working relationships with other USG Agencies in Cameroon, particularly with the Center for Disease Control, development partners, and representation with senior level GoC officials and the US Embassy.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Program Management (40%):

The incumbent is the Director of USAID/Cameroon’s health office and is a key member of the inter-agency PEPFAR and PMI/Cameroon management team. S/he will help shape major health policies, serve as the primary liaison and lead strategic discussions with the Cameroonian Government, senior counterparts in the Ministry of Public Health, other ministries and international development partners.

S/he is responsible for USAID’s contributions to the development and implementation of annual Country Operational Plans (COPs), ensuring that plans are designed according to USAID’s strategic advantage, and that sufficient funds are allocated to reach goals. S/he initiates new programs in accordance with the Ministry of Health policies, guidelines and protocols and USAID’s program goals, objectives, and policies. This includes playing a lead role in strategic planning and program development through the provision of direct technical assistance, and well-executed program planning with partners. The Office Director is fully responsible for ensuring all reporting requirements are met. S/he will lead project development including new awards and revisions of current awards to align them with new strategies and approaches. In accordance with the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator (OGAC), s/he will work to ensure that new approaches and trends in health conditions, status of key policies, and legal and regulatory changes that could affect the implementation of the PEPFAR program are considered in project implementation and development. The incumbent will also work with the GoC on sustainable health financing and advancing universal health coverage as the government has committed to achieving universal health coverage by 2030.

S/he will also work closely with the interagency PMI team to ensure programs reflect GoC’s priorities and are in line with PMI’s strategic approach and the USG’s vision of ending preventable child and maternal deaths by 2035, as malaria continues to be a leading cause of child mortality. Malaria related work will reflect PMI’s objective of reducing malaria mortality by one-third from 2015 levels, reducing malaria morbidity by 40% from 2015 levels and will be aligned with the GoC’s efforts towards elimination.

With the support of the GHSA team, the Office Director will ensure management, coordination, and monitoring of activities responding to infectious disease outbreaks as these relate to human and animal health and the environment. The incumbent supervises the work of the GHSA team to execute planning, response, and reporting on GHSA, in accordance with Agency and Congressional directives. This includes oversight over the implementation of the GHSA National Action Plan for Health Security with GoC officials.

The Office Director may serve as the Agreement or Contracting Officer’s Representative (A/COR) or Activity Manager for specific awards and contracts. S/he drafts technical requirements for program announcements for grants, contracts and/or cooperative agreements.

Once agreements or contracts are in place, s/he coaches implementing partners in work plan development, and approves annual implementation activities. S/he provides regular direction to partners and technical advice to counterparts, reviews progress, and identifies and corrects potential issues before they become problems. The job holder reviews contractual requirements of the grant, contract or cooperative agreement including periodic program reports, financial reports, audits, expenditure and voucher reviews, concurrence requests and contract modifications. The Office Director works closely with the team to prepare all budget information and monitors obligations, expenditures, pipeline and mortgages, making sure that appropriate levels of funding are available.

B. Interagency Coordination and Representation (25%)

The incumbent is also expected to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with senior-level host government officials, technical level health professionals, the Embassy and other USG Agencies, as well as health program counterparts in non-governmental organizations, private sector, and international organizations. Through these contacts, the Office Director stays informed and up-to-date on health issues in Cameroon. The job holder condenses the information gathered, analyzes needs and opportunities against program strategic objectives and advises on how USAID can best deliver programs that reflect international standards, host country policies, program guidelines, and USG regulations.

The Office Director represents USAID at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with collaborators and donor agencies. S/he is a key member of the PEPFAR and PMI Senior Management Teams, ensuring coordination of work plan development, implementation strategies, and evaluation plans for all USG agency activities in Cameroon. In coordination with the PEPFAR, PMI, and GHSA teams, s/he keeps the Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission up to date on the status of programs through regular briefings and written communication. S/he serves as the first point of contact to the U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon for all HIV, malaria and other health-related USAID issues, partners and programs. S/he contributes PEPFAR, PMI and other health-specific information to cables, speeches, editorials and other written materials produced by the U.S. Embassy as needed, in consultation with the USAID Country Representative.

The Office Director communicates to USAID supervisors and colleagues, both orally and in writing as needed. S/he may share responsibilities with the USAID Country Representative participating for USAID in official activities and representing USAID on Embassy committees, e.g., ICASS, housing, space and office construction, donor working groups, etc. The incumbent also represents USAID in PEPFAR, PMI, GHSA and other health programming at official functions, at host country government functions, and activities organized by civil society.

C. Administrative Leadership (35%)

The Health Office Director is responsible for the day-to-day management of the work of the health office and is expected to supervise the twelve person USAID/Cameroon health team. The team is composed of 4 USPSCs, 1 TCN, and 7 FSN staff members. This includes direct supervision, ensuring assignments and tasks are based on program priorities and reviewing final deliverables. The incumbent orients new employees and supports employees to develop annual training plans, provides coaching as needed, monitors progress, and formally evaluates the performance of employees. S/he manages staff workloads to meet peak demand in order to ensure that program goals and objectives are met. The incumbent prepares technical assistance requests, develops scopes of work and oversees the performance of external technical assistance service providers as required.

S/he performs under general administrative discretion with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment. The work entails great difficulty, sensitivities, and responsibility. S/he will interact with the highest level of government and represent USAID and the US Government in official settings. The incumbent is part of the Mission’s senior management team and will have decision-making authority in broad health program areas consistent with USAID policies, goals, and strategies. S/he will serve as an advisor on health matters- frequently engaging the host country government, key donors, development partners, and the Embassy in policy dialogue, conceptualization, design and execution of health programs.

The Office Director is fully responsible for the entire USAID health program. The incumbent contributes to the establishment of overall program priorities and work assignments in the health office. S/he will provide management support and technical leadership of the USAID/Cameroon health portfolio including technical input and support in the management of PEPFAR, PMI, GHSA, NTD and other health programming. The Office Director oversees the planning and monitoring of the overall USAID health budget which includes special initiative funds. S/he ensures funds are allocated according to approved plans, tracks obligations, outlays and pipelines across all implementing mechanisms, and prioritizes funding actions based on need. The incumbent coordinates annual and ad hoc reprogramming exercises.

The incumbent provides recommendations to the USAID Country Representative on broader development programs and objectives and liaises with non-health offices within USAID as needed. The incumbent recommends and organizes site visits for high level visitors such as U.S.

Government executive and legislative branch officials, interested donors and business leaders to showcase projects. The Office Director liaises with other offices of the Mission, the U.S.

Embassy, and with counterparts in order to ensure the greatest impact from such visits.

SUPERVISION

The incumbent provides general supervision of the overall health team. The team is composed of twelve members: 4 USPSCs, 1 TCN, and 7 FSNs. In addition to general team supervision, the incumbent will also directly supervise the GHSA, PEPFAR and PMI programs.

The USAID/Cameroon Country Representative will provide overall supervision to the Health Office Director; however, the Office Director exercises the maximum degree of independent judgment in planning and carrying out tasks, resolving problems and conflicts, and taking steps necessary to meet deadlines. USAID/West Africa Regional Health Office provides backstopping support as needed. The supervisor (USAID Country Representative) makes assignments in terms of broadly defined missions or functions, and provides administrative and policy direction. The supervisor will be available to consult on management and administrative issues.

The Office Director will develop and obtain the USAID Country Representative’s agreement with an annual performance-based work plan that lays out specific work objectives. While the incumbent will work with the maximum independence in completing agreed-upon work objectives and carrying-out his/her responsibilities, s/he will immediately inform his/her supervisor of problems and/or issues that arise that may affect the successful implementation of USAID health programs.

REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE

Secret.

II. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION

A. EDUCATION

An advanced degree (minimum Master’s level) in public health, international development, social sciences or other relevant field is required.

B. WORK EXPERIENCE

▪ Minimum seven years of progressively responsible experience as a program manager for complex development assistance programs, including minimum five years’ experience in senior-level program management/leadership positions based in a developing country, preferably in francophone Africa.

C. COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

▪ Fluency in English and French (equivalent to Advanced / Upper Intermediate) are required; in both oral and written communication in professional, technical, and policy communication with host country government representatives and partners across sectors. USAID reserves the right to administer a language test to verify language proficiency.

III. SELECTION CRITERIA

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

Work Experience (40%)

▪ Minimum seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience as a program manager for complex development assistance programs, including minimum five years’ experience in senior-level program management/leadership positions based in a developing country, preferably in francophone Africa.

▪ Proven ability to lead teams, work collaboratively in a team environment and to proactively build consensus.

▪ Relevant experience working in international health and/or other social sectors with links to health, including work in multi-year programs and projects (includes experience with project design and implementation, project trouble-shooting, data analysis and evaluation, report-writing, interacting with and advising a multitude of host country counterparts and implementing partners, etc.)

▪ Demonstrated ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with multiple U.S. and host-country government agencies, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations, and the private sector.

▪ Prior supervisory and mentoring experience of similar scope/size is required.

▪ Prior experience with USG or international development organization is desirable.

Technical Knowledge (30%)

▪ Must have demonstrable knowledge of public health and socio-economic development issues, and familiarity with HIV/AIDS, malaria issues and challenges in developing countries similar to Cameroon.

▪ Familiarity with international development theory, programming policies and practices, including multi-sector linkages and synergies.

▪ Demonstrated high degree of judgment, maturity, ingenuity, and originality to interpret strategy, to analyze, develop, and present work results and to monitor and evaluate implementation of programs.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills (30%)

▪ Must possess supervisory (“people”) skills and strong project management skills.

▪ Demonstrated experience working successfully and effectively in a multi‐cultural team environment on complex issues or programs. Must also possess the ability to lead such teams and to collaborate effectively with a large number of senior level GoC officials, development partners, local leaders, and representatives of civil society.

▪ Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely on highly technical areas, including the ability to articulate clearly and concisely to high level decision‐makers on topics outside of his/her area of expertise.

▪ Fluency in English and French (equivalent to Advanced / Upper Intermediate) are required; in both oral and written communication in professional, technical, and policy communication with host country government representatives and partners across sectors. USAID reserves the right to administer a language test to verify language proficiency.

Maximum Score Possible: 100%

IV. SUBMITTING AN OFFER

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. Offeror submissions must clearly reference the Solicitation number on all offeror submitted documents.

4. A Cover Letter of not more than three (3) pages describing how the incumbent’s skills and experience fit the requirements of the position.

5. A current CV/resume. The CV/resume must contain sufficient relevant information to evaluate the Offers in accordance with the stated evaluation criteria. Broad general statements that are vague or lacking specificity will not be considered as effectively addressing particular selection criteria. Complete dates (month/year) are also required on CV.

6. Applicants also must address the above Section III: Evaluation and Selection Factors, in a Summary Statement to be included in the Offers. This Summary Statement, limited to two (2) pages, must describe specifically and accurately what experience, training, education, and/or awards the applicant has received that are relevant to each selection factor above. The Summary Statement must include the name of the applicant and the announcement number at the top of each page.

7. Applicants must provide a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) references within the last five years from the applicant’s professional life, namely individuals who are not family members or relatives. Three references must be from direct supervisors who can provide information regarding the applicant’s work knowledge and professional experience. Applicants must provide e-mail addresses and/or working telephone numbers for all references.

8. Hard copies of diplomas, certificates or relevant degrees may be included to corroborate the CV/resume.

9. Applicants must provide their full mailing address with telephone, facsimile numbers (if available) and email address and should retain for their records copies of all enclosures that accompany their submission.

V. LIST OF REQUIRED FORMS PRIOR TO AWARD

The CO will provide instructions about how to complete and submit the following forms after an offeror is selected for the contract award:

Forms outlined below can found at: http://www.usaid.gov/forms/

1. Offeror Information for Personal Services Contracts with Individuals (AID 309-2);

2. Contractor Physical Examination (AID Form 1420-62); *

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

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

5. Finger Print Card (FD-258). *

* Forms 2 through 5 shall be completed only upon the advice of the Contracting Officer that an applicant is the successful candidate for the job.

VI. BENEFITS AND ALLOWANCES

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

1. BENEFITS:

(a) Employer's FICA Contribution

(b) Contribution toward Health & Life Insurance

(c) Pay Comparability Adjustment

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

(e) Eligibility for Worker's Compensation

(f) Annual and Sick Leave

*Note: A US citizen’s salary will be subject to employee’s FICA and Medicare contribution.

2. ALLOWANCES:

Section numbers refer to rules from the Department of State Standardized Regulations (Government Civilians Foreign Areas), available at https://aoprals.state.gov/content.asp?content_id=282&menu_id=101

(a) Temporary Quarter Subsistence Allowance (Section 120)

(b) Living Quarters Allowance (Section 130)

(c) Cost-of-Living Allowance (Chapter 210)

(d) Post Allowance (Section 220)

(e) Separate Maintenance Allowance (Section 260)

(f) Education Allowance (Section 270)

(g) Education Travel (Section 280)

(h) Post Differential (Chapter 500)

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

(j) Danger Pay Allowance (Section 650)]

VII. TAXES

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

VIII. USAID REGULATIONS, POLICIES AND CONTRACT

CLAUSES

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

a. 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.

b. Contract Cover Page form AID 309-1 available at https://www.usaid.gov/forms. Pricing by line item is to be determined upon contract award as described below:

ITEM NO SUPPLIES/SERVICES (DESCRIPTION) QTY

UNIT UNIT

PRICE

AMOUNT (F)

0001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

2 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

1001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

c. 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.

d. 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]

2001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

- Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations

3001 Base Period - Compensation, Fringe Benefits and Other Direct Costs (ODCs)

- Award Type: PSC

- Product Service Code: R497

Accounting Info: TBD

1 LOT $ TBD $TBD at Award after negotiations